Maryam | One of the Four Greatest Women in Islam

Maryam, may Allah be pleased with her, is named as one of the four greatest women according to Islam. 

Anas, (May Allah be pleased with him) reports that the messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said: From among the women of the world who have reached perfection and who are worthy of following are Maryam, daughter of Imran, Khadijah daughter of Khuwaylid, Fatima daughter of Muhammad and Asiya, wife of Fir'aun." (Tirmidhi)

Hearing this makes you want to know what about Maryam a.s. was so amazing that Muhammad saws says she had reached perfection and is worthy of following. I like to think of Maryam's story in two parts; before the birth of Isa a.s. and after his birth. 

Maryam bint Imran is mentioned in the Quran | Abstract Islamic Art by Basira Robinson

Greatness before the birth of Isa a.s. | Devout to Allah

From the story of Maryam, we learn many lessons but what stands out the most to me is that she had perfected her worship of Allah and she had complete trust in Allah. Before Maryam a.s. had the miraculous birth of Jesus/Isa a.s., she was known to be extremely devout to her Lord, worshipping Him alone, day and night, living in a prayer chamber. 

Even if we tried, we can't imagine coming near to her devotion. It is literally all she wanted to do. I doubt if we tried, we could think of a single woman we know today whose only aspirations are to sit in a prayer chamber worshipping Allah day and night. Even nuns have aspirations outside of the prayer hall. Allah mentions in the Quran what the angels said to Maryam. The fact that angels even spoke to her indicates how special and devout she was to Allah. 

In surah Imran, 3:42 - 3:43

And as the angels said, "Oh Maryam, surely Allah has chosen you and purified you and has chosen you over the women of the worlds. Oh Maryam, Be devout to your Lord, and prostrate yourself and bow down with the ones who bow down."

For all women, it is so important to pause and note that even a woman as pious and devout as Maryam a.s. had her faith tried with a very hard test. She was ferociously and wrongly accused of the sin of zina when she became pregnant with no husband. 

The angels spoke to Maryam as mentioned in the Quran | Islamic Art by Basira Robinson

Greatness after the birth of Isa a.s. | Trust in Allah

After the miraculous birth of her son, when Maryam a.s. was tested by being accused by her people of committing fornication, she remained steadfast and trusted in Allah. She gave us an excellent example of what it looks like to have tawakul in Allah. Truly putting our trust in Allah sounds easier than it is. It's easy to be distracted with thoughts of what we can do to fix things with our own efforts. Imagine being wrongfully accused and not saying anything to defend yourself? Imagine being quiet and not knowing how this will be resolved. Honestly, I can't say what I would have done but that is why she is our example. 

Tawakaltu Ala Allah | Put Your Trust on Allah |Artwork by Basira Robinson

The beauty of the story of Maryam a.s. in the Quran is so close to my heart. Her story has inspired me to make art expressing that. When I imagine a soul as sweet as hers, being tried the way she was with that horrible accusation, I'm moved to create art honoring the beautiful story of her complete faith. 

Maryam bint Imran is mentioned in the Quran | Abstract Islamic Art by Basira Robinson

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