The Best of Women (Pious Women) ~ Sayyidah Maryam [‘alaihas salaam] – Part One

Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) was a woman who was honoured by Allah Ta‘ala in a unique manner – an entire surah of the Quraan Majeed is named after her, and she is the only woman whose name is mentioned, not once, but repeatedly in the Quraan Majeed.

In Surah Aal ‘Imraan (v42), Allah Ta‘ala mentions how He instructed the angles to announce to Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam), “O Maryam (‘alaihas salaam)! Indeed Allah Ta‘ala has selected you, purified you and chosen you above all women.”

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) similarly attested to the great virtue of Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned, “Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) is superior in virtue to all the women of my Ummah, just as Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) was superior in virtue to all the women of the other eras.” (Tabraani and Bazzaar - Majma‘uz Zawaaid #15260)​

The life of Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam) was entirely unique and has many important and beneficial lessons to teach us. By studying her life, we will identify the qualities and attributes which Allah Ta‘ala had blessed her with, for which He and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) praised her in these glowing words. After identifying these qualities, we will strive to inculcate them so that we too may gain the acceptance of Allah Ta‘ala ~ Aameen

In the parts to follow, we will insha Allah discuss the life of Sayyidah Maryam (‘alaihas salaam).