As a Muslim woman, I learned many lessons from Maryam’s life. Frequently mentioned in the Qur’an, her life story inspired me as a young girl growing up in a non-Muslim country. Years later, she still inspires me.
First Impression of Mother Maryam
I was around 6 years old when my youngest sister was born. My late father picked me up from school to take me to meet the family’s newest addition at Brisbane Mater Hospital.
As we walked in, I remember being awestruck by a beautiful painting of a veiled woman who met us in the hospital entrance. As I waited for the elevator doors to open, I kept looking at the beautiful painting making a mental note to ask my father who she was.
That night, when I asked him, my father told me it was Maryam, or Mary, the mother of Jesus. He said that Maryam the Qur’an described her as the best woman that will ever exist; a role model for all Muslim women of all ages.
My father then told me that I too should make her my role model, along with all the mothers of the believers.
He also explained why I should imitate her impeccable manners, genuine devotion to and trust in Allah, which reflected Maryam’s perfect worship and behavior.
Perfect Role Model for All Muslim Women
Here I am, many years later, facing another challenge in life and I still remember my father’s words.
My thoughts again return to Maryam, who was a model believer. She is also a perfect example of someone who overcame intense physical pain and, as I am now, emotional turmoil.
There are so many beautiful lessons in Surah Maryam, the only Quranic Chapter named after a woman. Its verses offer many opportunities for reflection on how Allah made the family.
Although both my parents are gone, I can still do a lot for them. I remember my father telling me that there are verses in the Qur’an telling us of our bond with our parents and how they are a gift in the world.
I found a deep significance in the lessons of Maryam’s story. It inspires me to think about the strength women and men need in order to raise righteous children.
Strength Like No Other
Maryam’s strength was exemplified when she became pregnant by Allah’s decree and was to deliver her child all alone.
Although people accused her of the worst of sins, Maryam ignored the pessimism and displayed enormous willpower, resolve, and faith in Allah. She placed her fullest trust in His plan and was therefore unaffected by their accusations.
This can be seen in Maryam’s response to the news that she was expecting a child: she has never been impure so how could this be?
Allah had sent an angel, just as He did with Zakaria, in order to tell her that for Allah, anything is easy.
{And [mention] when the angels said, “O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds. O Mary, be devoutly obedient to your Lord and prostrate and bow with those who bow [in prayer].” (Aal `Imran 3:42-43)
Regardless of how difficult and hopeless things may seem, we should not worry for everything is easy for Allah.
Overcoming Faith Challenges
These days it can be easy for our faith in Allah to go through ups and downs. There may be times where we even surrender to sadness. Yet, we can learn through Maryam that patience and faith are rewarded.
Maryam received glad tidings that she would be gifted with a righteous son; who we know, was to be the Prophet Jesus.
{He said, “Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.’} (Maryam 19:21)
By persevering in trusting Allah, the highest levels of productivity can be achieved. Through continued supplication and prayers, we will be rewarded.
Prayer As The Ultimate Worship
As Muslims, prayers are the most important method of worship in our lives. It is the first thing that we will be questioned about on the Day of Judgement.
Prayer was the last thing that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered before he passed away and prayer is cited over 600 times in the Qur’an.
Maryam’s devotion is also mentioned in the Qur’an. Allah praises Maryam in the Qur’an and declares her as being obedient to Allah.
{And [mention] when the angels said, “O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds. O Mary, be devoutly obedient to your Lord and prostrate and bow with those who bow [in prayer].} (Aal `Imran 3:42-43)
How Much Control Do We Really Have?
From Maryam, I have learned patience and humility. While some of us get egotistical in this world, Allah reminds us in surah Maryam that we have no control over when or where we are born. We will also go through life wondering when and how we will leave this world.
Fact is, the ultimate knowledge is with Allah. So who are we to be arrogant?
The Many Lessons of Maryam’s Life
There are many lessons we all can take from Maryam, including myself on a personal level, but learning to have few worldly expectations may have been the most significant.
I realized also, that as a parent, I should put more focus on raising my children to aim for success. By success, I am not suggesting the highest of positions or income, but rather to work and invest for the afterlife. That is what counts in the end.
Just as Zakariah raised Maryam and just as she raised the Prophet Jesus, I have learned to ask Allah for my children to be raised with one expectation in mind: I pray to Allah to make them good Muslims and devoted servants of Him.
Maryam’s inspirations are endless and there is nothing more in our hands than to supplicate that we have the strength and courage of Maryam to be patient through our hardships.
Her life has taught me to be in a consistent state of working for the betterment of both myself and my family. For in front of Allah and on the Day of Judgement, we will all be held accountable.