Surah MaryamMorals and Lessons

The 19th in order in the Quran

Like most Surahs of the Quran, Surah Maryam tackles a variety of themes, yet the Oneness of Allah remains its central subject matter, presented differently through a number of topics and parables involving a variety of figures, including the noble Prophets such as; Zachariah, John, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Ishmael, Idris, Adam, Noah and Jesus.

And this is perhaps one element that makes it rich in lessons and morals that compel us to reflect and contemplate their meanings.

The Surah furthermore portrays scenes from the Day of Judgment, which also corresponds to the central theme that is stressing the Oneness of Allah, the Almighty.

Another element that adds more value to this meritorious Surah is the vivid description of human emotions and spiritual interaction with events unfolding and the power of Allah manifesting in His exemplary creation. The Surah speaks of the the ebb and flow of human emotions represented by Lady Maryam or Mary in handling, in fear, yet devotion, the major event of the Surah; that is the miraculous birth of Prophet Jesus.

Manners

The Story is rich in morality and fine manners represented in the figures of the many Prophets mentioned in it. It sketches the manners of Prophet Jesus and how he was kind and dutiful to his mother:“He has made me kind to my mother, not haughty or bereft of grace.” - (Verse 32)

The Surah also touches on the notion of devotion and submission to Allah represented in the figure of Prophet Zachariah, a devouted servant of Allah who implored Him and supplicated to Him relentlessly, humbly, and submissively in hope of having a son. And Prophet John, who was obedient to his parents of a kind and gentle nature:

”And affection from Us and purity, and he was fearing of Allah. And dutiful to his parents, and he was not a disobedient tyrant.”- (Verses 13 and 14)

Over and above, words such as tenderness, compassion, devotion and their derivatives are mentioned repetitively and variously throughout the noble Surah, which invites us to stop and contemplate their connotations, being primary qualities shaping the Muslim character.

Manners

Allah’s Attributes

Besides the Oneness of Allah, that is the central theme of the Surah in hand, His Supreme Attributes, ranging from Mercy, Domineering Will, Power, Supreme Lordship, Absolute Wisdom and Justice in compensating His obedient servants and punishing those who’ve gone astray, are clearly stressed and portrayed through the noble verses of Surah Maryam.

Allah’s Attributes

Examples from the Surah:

- “ It is not [befitting] for Allah to take a son; exalted is He! When He decrees an affair, He only says to it, "Be," and it is.”- (Verse 35)

-“[This is] a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His servant Zechariah.” – (Verse 2)

-“He is the Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them.”- (Verse 65)

- [An angel] said, "Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, 'It is easy for Me, for I created you before, while you were nothing.' ” (Verse 19)

-“Indeed, it is We who will inherit the earth and whoever is on it, and to Us they will be returned.”- (Verse 40 )

Allah’s Attributes- continued

The Will of Allah

Only Allah can suspend and change the universal law of procreation

The Surah involves TWO primary events involving the intervention of Allah’s will and Supreme Power to suspend the law of procreation, an outright miracle challenging the Human capacity and mind capabilities alike.

The two incidents or rather miracles in the Surah are: FIRST the miraculous birth of Prophet Jesus who was born to a virgin mother; the virtuous Lady Maryam.

The SECOND is the birth of John who was born to an aged father who was desperate to have a son, even if he had reached such old age.

All natural laws and order submit before the Will and Power of Almighty Allah.

Miracles

Last but not least, the Surah challenges claims and heresy attributed to Almighty Allah, on top of which is the claim that He, Exalted be He, has a son.

Surah Maryam is one of the Surahs of the Quran that rejuvenates one’s faith and certainty of the Supremacy and Lordship of Allah- The One and only Creator of the Universe who has no father or son.

Wassalaam.

Maha Youssuf