Revealed during the middle Makkan period, just prior to the first Muslim migration to Abyssinia (Ethiopia), Surah Maryam (Mary) is a profoundly emotional chapter that focuses heavily on the infinite mercy and compassion of God. It played a pivotal historical role when recited by the persecuted Muslims seeking asylum before the Christian King Negus, moving him to tears and highlighting the deep reverence Islam holds for the foundational figures of Christianity. Named after the Virgin Mary—making her the only woman mentioned by name in the entire Quran—the Surah beautifully details her intense physical and psychological trials during the miraculous virgin birth of Prophet Jesus (Isa), culminating in her ultimate vindication when the infant speaks from the cradle to defend her absolute purity and declare his own prophethood. The chapter also chronicles the touching, private prayer of the elderly Prophet Zechariah pleading for an heir, resulting in the miraculous birth of John (Yahya), serving as a powerful reminder that earthly impossibilities are effortless for the Creator. Throughout the Surah, the divine name *Ar-Rahman* (The Entirely Merciful) is repeated extensively as it narrates the gentle, loving interactions between various Prophets—such as Abraham's tender preaching to his idolatrous father—while firmly dismantling the theological concept of God taking a son, ultimately emphasizing that all majestic messengers were simply devoted, mortal servants bound by deep humility, tearful prostration, and awe of their Merciful Lord.
Transliteration
KafhayaAAaynsad
Translation
Kaf, Ha, Ya, Ayn, Saad
These five disjointed letters ('Kaf-Ha-Ya-'Ayn-Sad') are Huruf Muqatta'at, whose true wisdom rests with Allah. Surah Maryam holds immense historical significance: Ja'far ibn Abi Talib recited these opening verses before the Christian King of Abyssinia (the Negus), moving the monarch to tears and securing royal asylum for early Muslim refugees fleeing Meccan torture.
Transliteration
Thikru rahmati rabbika AAabdahu zakariyya
Translation
A mention of the mercy of your Lord towards His servant Zechariah
Transliteration
Ith nada rabbahu nidaan khafiyyan
Translation
When he called on his Lord, a call in seclusion
Prophet Zechariah (Zakariyya) prayed secretly in a hushed whisper out of sincere humility, shielding his longing for an heir from public criticism given his extreme old age and his wife's barrenness.
Transliteration
Qala rabbi innee wahana alAAathmu minnee waishtaAAala alrrasu shayban walam akun biduAAaika rabbi shaqiyyan
Translation
He said, “My Lord, my bones have become feeble, and my hair is aflame with gray, and never, Lord, have I been disappointed in my prayer to you
Transliteration
Wainnee khiftu almawaliya min waraee wakanati imraatee AAaqiran fahab lee min ladunka waliyyan
Translation
“And I fear for my dependents after me, and my wife is barren. So grant me, from Yourself, an heir
Transliteration
Yarithunee wayarithu min ali yaAAqooba waijAAalhu rabbi radiyyan
Translation
To inherit me, and inherit from the House of Jacob, and make him, my Lord, pleasing.”
Transliteration
Ya zakariyya inna nubashshiruka bighulamin ismuhu yahya lam najAAal lahu min qablu samiyyan
Translation
“O Zechariah, We give you good news of a son, whose name is John, a name We have never given before.”
God announced the birth of John the Baptist (Yahya), bestowing upon him a unique name never before carried by anyone in biblical or prophetic history.
Transliteration
Qala rabbi anna yakoonu lee ghulamun wakanati imraatee AAaqiran waqad balaghtu mina alkibari AAitiyyan
Translation
He said, “My Lord, how can I have a son, when my wife is barren, and I have become decrepit with old age?”
Transliteration
Qala kathalika qala rabbuka huwa AAalayya hayyinun waqad khalaqtuka min qablu walam taku shayan
Translation
He said, “It will be so, your Lord says, ‘it is easy for me, and I created you before, when you were nothing.’”
Transliteration
Qala rabbi ijAAal lee ayatan qala ayatuka alla tukallima alnnasa thalatha layalin sawiyyan
Translation
He said, “My Lord, give me a sign.” He said, “Your sign is that you will not speak to the people for three nights straight.”
Transliteration
Fakharaja AAala qawmihi mina almihrabi faawha ilayhim an sabbihoo bukratan waAAashiyyan
Translation
And he came out to his people, from the sanctuary, and signaled to them to praise morning and evening
Transliteration
Ya yahya khuthi alkitaba biquwwatin waataynahu alhukma sabiyyan
Translation
“O John, hold on to the Scripture firmly,” and We gave him wisdom in his youth
Transliteration
Wahananan min ladunna wazakatan wakana taqiyyan
Translation
And tenderness from Us, and innocence. He was devout
Transliteration
Wabarran biwalidayhi walam yakun jabbaran AAasiyyan
Translation
And kind to his parents; and he was not a disobedient tyrant
Transliteration
Wasalamun AAalayhi yawma wulida wayawma yamootu wayawma yubAAathu hayyan
Translation
And peace be upon him the day he was born, and the day he dies, and the Day he is raised alive
Transliteration
Waothkur fee alkitabi maryama ithi intabathat min ahliha makanan sharqiyyan
Translation
And mention in the Scripture Mary, when she withdrew from her people to an eastern location
Mary (Maryam) retired in seclusion toward the eastern precinct of the temple for private worship and contemplation, where Angel Gabriel appeared before her in the dignified form of a human man.
Transliteration
Faittakhathat min doonihim hijaban faarsalna ilayha roohana fatamaththala laha basharan sawiyyan
Translation
She screened herself away from them, and We sent to her Our spirit, and He appeared to her as an immaculate human
Transliteration
Qalat innee aAAoothu bialrrahmani minka in kunta taqiyyan
Translation
She said, “I take refuge from you in the Most Merciful, should you be righteous.”
Transliteration
Qala innama ana rasoolu rabbiki liahaba laki ghulaman zakiyyan
Translation
He said, “I am only the messenger of your Lord, to give you the gift of a pure son.”
Transliteration
Qalat anna yakoonu lee ghulamun walam yamsasnee basharun walam aku baghiyyan
Translation
She said, “How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, and I was never unchaste?”
Transliteration
Qala kathaliki qala rabbuki huwa AAalayya hayyinun walinajAAalahu ayatan lilnnasi warahmatan minna wakana amran maqdiyyan
Translation
He said, “Thus said your Lord, `It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign for humanity, and a mercy from Us. It is a matter already decided.'“
Transliteration
Fahamalathu faintabathat bihi makanan qasiyyan
Translation
So she carried him, and secluded herself with him in a remote place
Transliteration
Faajaaha almakhadu ila jithAAi alnnakhlati qalat ya laytanee mittu qabla hatha wakuntu nasyan mansiyyan
Translation
The labor-pains came upon her, by the trunk of a palm-tree. She said, “I wish I had died before this, and been completely forgotten.”
The intense physical pain of childbirth, coupled with the terrifying dread of being falsely accused of adultery by her conservative society, drove Mary to cry out in human anguish, wishing she had passed away before facing this ordeal.
Transliteration
Fanadaha min tahtiha alla tahzanee qad jaAAala rabbuki tahtaki sariyyan
Translation
Whereupon he called her from beneath her: “Do not worry; your Lord has placed a stream beneath you
Transliteration
Wahuzzee ilayki bijithAAi alnnakhlati tusaqit AAalayki rutaban janiyyan
Translation
And shake the trunk of the palm-tree towards you, and it will drop ripe dates by you.”
God instructed Mary to shake the trunk of a date palm to provide fresh, ripe dates ('rutab'). Modern nutritional science notes that fresh dates contain high concentrations of natural sugars, iron, and oxytocin-like elements that stimulate uterine recovery after delivery.
Transliteration
Fakulee waishrabee waqarree AAaynan faimma tarayinna mina albashari ahadan faqoolee innee nathartu lilrrahmani sawman falan okallima alyawma insiyyan
Translation
“So eat, and drink, and be consoled. And if you see any human, say, ‘I have vowed a fast to the Most Gracious, so I will not speak to any human today.'“
Mary was commanded to observe a vow of total silence ('Sawm as-Samt') and simply point to her infant, allowing the miraculous child to speak for himself rather than engaging in fruitless arguments with hostile accusers.
Transliteration
Faatat bihi qawmaha tahmiluhu qaloo ya maryamu laqad jiti shayan fariyyan
Translation
Then she came to her people, carrying him. They said, “O Mary, you have done something terrible
Transliteration
Ya okhta haroona ma kana abooki imraa sawin wama kanat ommuki baghiyyan
Translation
O sister of Aaron, your father was not an evil man, and your mother was not a whore.”
The crowd addressed Mary as 'Sister of Aaron' ('Ukhta Harun'). When Christians in Najran questioned this phrasing, the Prophet ﷺ explained that ancient Israelites customarily named people after past righteous ancestors and prophets of the priestly Aaronite line.
Transliteration
Faasharat ilayhi qaloo kayfa nukallimu man kana fee almahdi sabiyyan
Translation
So she pointed to him. They said, “How can we speak to an infant in the crib?”
Transliteration
Qala innee AAabdu Allahi ataniya alkitaba wajaAAalanee nabiyyan
Translation
He said, “I am the servant of God. He has given me the Scripture, and made me a prophet
The newborn Jesus ('Isa) miraculously spoke from the cradle in full complete sentences, proclaiming his servitude to God, his appointment to prophethood, and his mother's total innocence.
Transliteration
WajaAAalanee mubarakan ayna ma kuntu waawsanee bialssalati waalzzakati ma dumtu hayyan
Translation
And has made me blessed wherever I may be; and has enjoined on me prayer and charity, so long as I live
Transliteration
Wabarran biwalidatee walam yajAAalnee jabbaran shaqiyyan
Translation
And kind to my mother, and He did not make me a disobedient rebel
Transliteration
Waalssalamu AAalayya yawma wulidtu wayawma amootu wayawma obAAathu hayyan
Translation
So Peace is upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the Day I get resurrected alive.”
Transliteration
Thalika AAeesa ibnu maryama qawla alhaqqi allathee feehi yamtaroona
Translation
That is Jesus son of Mary—the Word of truth about which they doubt
Transliteration
Ma kana lillahi an yattakhitha min waladin subhanahu itha qada amran fainnama yaqoolu lahu kun fayakoonu
Translation
It is not for God to have a child—glory be to Him. To have anything done, He says to it, “Be,” and it becomes
Transliteration
Wainna Allaha rabbee warabbukum faoAAbudoohu hatha siratun mustaqeemun
Translation
“God is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.”
Transliteration
Faikhtalafa alahzabu min baynihim fawaylun lillatheena kafaroo min mashhadi yawmin AAatheemin
Translation
But the various factions differed among themselves. So woe to those who disbelieve from the scene of a tremendous Day
Transliteration
AsmiAA bihim waabsir yawma yatoonana lakini alththalimoona alyawma fee dalalin mubeenin
Translation
Listen to them and watch for them the Day they come to Us. But the wrongdoers today are completely lost
Transliteration
Waanthirhum yawma alhasrati ith qudiya alamru wahum fee ghaflatin wahum la yuminoona
Translation
And warn them of the Day of Regret, when the matter will be concluded. Yet they are heedless, and they do not believe
Transliteration
Inna nahnu narithu alarda waman AAalayha wailayna yurjaAAoona
Translation
It is We who will inherit the earth and everyone on it, and to Us they will be returned
Transliteration
Waothkur fee alkitabi ibraheema innahu kana siddeeqan nabiyyan
Translation
And mention in the Scripture Abraham. He was a man of truth, a prophet
Transliteration
Ith qala liabeehi ya abati lima taAAbudu ma la yasmaAAu wala yubsiru wala yughnee AAanka shayan
Translation
He said to his father, “O my father, why do you worship what can neither hear, nor see, nor benefit you in any way
Transliteration
Ya abati innee qad jaanee mina alAAilmi ma lam yatika faittabiAAnee ahdika siratan sawiyyan
Translation
O my father, there has come to me knowledge that never came to you. So follow me, and I will guide you along a straight way
Transliteration
Ya abati la taAAbudi alshshaytana inna alshshaytana kana lilrrahmani AAasiyyan
Translation
O my father, do not worship the devil. The devil is disobedient to the Most Gracious
Transliteration
Ya abati innee akhafu an yamassaka AAathabun mina alrrahmani fatakoona lilshshyatani waliyyan
Translation
O my father, I fear that a punishment from the Most Gracious will afflict you, and you become an ally of the devil.”
Transliteration
Qala araghibun anta AAan alihatee ya ibraheemu lain lam tantahi laarjumannaka waohjurnee maliyyan
Translation
He said, “Are you renouncing my gods, O Abraham? If you do not desist, I will stone you. So leave me alone for a while.”
Transliteration
Qala salamun AAalayka saastaghfiru laka rabbee innahu kana bee hafiyyan
Translation
He said, “Peace be upon you. I will ask my Lord to forgive you; He has been Kind to me
Transliteration
WaaAAtazilukum wama tadAAoona min dooni Allahi waadAAoo rabbee AAasa alla akoona biduAAai rabbee shaqiyyan
Translation
And I will withdraw from you, and from what you pray to instead of God. And I will pray to my Lord, and I hope I will not be disappointed in my prayer to my Lord.”
Transliteration
Falamma iAAtazalahum wama yaAAbudoona min dooni Allahi wahabna lahu ishaqa wayaAAqooba wakullan jaAAalna nabiyyan
Translation
When he withdrew from them, and from what they worship besides God, We granted him Isaac and Jacob. And each We made a prophet
Transliteration
Wawahabna lahum min rahmatina wajaAAalna lahum lisana sidqin AAaliyyan
Translation
And We gave them freely of Our mercy, and gave them a noble reputation of truth
Transliteration
Waothkur fee alkitabi moosa innahu kana mukhlasan wakana rasoolan nabiyyan
Translation
And mention in the Scripture Moses. He was dedicated. He was a messenger and a prophet
Transliteration
Wanadaynahu min janibi alttoori alaymani waqarrabnahu najiyyan
Translation
And We called him from the right side of the Mount, and brought him near in communion
Transliteration
Wawahabna lahu min rahmatina akhahu haroona nabiyyan
Translation
And We granted him, out of Our mercy, his brother Aaron, a prophet
Transliteration
Waothkur fee alkitabi ismaAAeela innahu kana sadiqa alwaAAdi wakana rasoolan nabiyyan
Translation
And mention in the Scripture Ishmael. He was true to his promise, and was a messenger, a prophet
Transliteration
Wakana yamuru ahlahu bialssalati waalzzakati wakana AAinda rabbihi mardiyyan
Translation
And he used to enjoin on his people prayer and charity, and he was pleasing to his Lord
Transliteration
Waothkur fee alkitabi idreesa innahu kana siddeeqan nabiyyan
Translation
And mention in the Scripture Enoch. He was a man of truth, a prophet
Transliteration
WarafaAAnahu makanan AAaliyyan
Translation
And We raised him to a high position
Transliteration
Olaika allatheena anAAama Allahu AAalayhim mina alnnabiyyeena min thurriyyati adama wamimman hamalna maAAa noohin wamin thurriyyati ibraheema waisraeela wamimman hadayna waijtabayna itha tutla AAalayhim ayatu alrrahmani kharroo sujjadan wabukiyyan
Translation
These are some of the prophets God has blessed, from the descendants of Adam, and from those We carried with Noah, and from the descendants of Abraham and Israel, and from those We guided and selected. Whenever the revelations of the Most Gracious are recited to them, they would fall down, prostrating and weeping
Transliteration
Fakhalafa min baAAdihim khalfun adaAAoo alssalata waittabaAAoo alshshahawati fasawfa yalqawna ghayyan
Translation
But they were succeeded by generations who lost the prayers and followed their appetites. They will meet perdition
Transliteration
Illa man taba waamana waAAamila salihan faolaika yadkhuloona aljannata wala yuthlamoona shayan
Translation
Except for those who repent, and believe, and act righteously. These will enter Paradise, and will not be wronged in the least
Transliteration
Jannati AAadnin allatee waAAada alrrahmanu AAibadahu bialghaybi innahu kana waAAduhu matiyyan
Translation
The Gardens of Eden, promised by the Most Merciful to His servants in the Unseen. His promise will certainly come true
Transliteration
La yasmaAAoona feeha laghwan illa salaman walahum rizquhum feeha bukratan waAAashiyyan
Translation
They will hear no nonsense therein, but only peace. And they will have their provision therein, morning and evening
Transliteration
Tilka aljannatu allatee noorithu min AAibadina man kana taqiyyan
Translation
Such is Paradise which We will give as inheritance to those of Our servants who are devout
Transliteration
Wama natanazzalu illa biamri rabbika lahu ma bayna aydeena wama khalfana wama bayna thalika wama kana rabbuka nasiyyan
Translation
“We do not descend except by the command of your Lord. His is what is before us, and what is behind us, and what is between them. Your Lord is never forgetful.”
Revealed when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ asked Angel Gabriel why his visits were sometimes delayed. Gabriel conveyed this verse to clarify that angels do not descend of their own volition, but exclusively upon the direct command of Allah.
Transliteration
Rabbu alssamawati waalardi wama baynahuma faoAAbudhu waistabir liAAibadatihi hal taAAlamu lahu samiyyan
Translation
Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them. So worship Him, and persevere in His service. Do you know of anyone equal to Him
Transliteration
Wayaqoolu alinsanu aitha ma mittu lasawfa okhraju hayyan
Translation
And the human being says, “When I am dead, will I be brought back alive?”
Transliteration
Awala yathkuru alinsanu anna khalaqnahu min qablu walam yaku shayan
Translation
Does the human being not remember that We created him before, when he was nothing
Transliteration
Fawarabbika lanahshurannahum waalshshayateena thumma lanuhdirannahum hawla jahannama jithiyyan
Translation
By your Lord, We will round them up, and the devils, then We will bring them around Hell, on their knees
Transliteration
Thumma lananziAAanna min kulli sheeAAatin ayyuhum ashaddu AAala alrrahmani AAitiyyan
Translation
Then, out of every sect, We will snatch those most defiant to the Most Merciful
Transliteration
Thumma lanahnu aAAlamu biallatheena hum awla biha siliyyan
Translation
We are fully aware of those most deserving to scorch in it
Transliteration
Wain minkum illa wariduha kana AAala rabbika hatman maqdiyyan
Translation
There is not one of you but will go down to it. This has been an unavoidable decree of your Lord
Transliteration
Thumma nunajjee allatheena ittaqaw wanatharu alththalimeena feeha jithiyyan
Translation
Then We will rescue those who were devout, and leave the wrongdoers in it, on their knees
Transliteration
Waitha tutla AAalayhim ayatuna bayyinatin qala allatheena kafaroo lillatheena amanoo ayyu alfareeqayni khayrun maqaman waahsanu nadiyyan
Translation
When Our clear revelations are recited to them, those who disbelieve say to those who believe, “Which of the two parties is better in position, and superior in influence?”
Transliteration
Wakam ahlakna qablahum min qarnin hum ahsanu athathan wariyan
Translation
How many a generation have We destroyed before them, who surpassed them in riches and splendor
Transliteration
Qul man kana fee alddalalati falyamdud lahu alrrahmanu maddan hatta itha raaw ma yooAAadoona imma alAAathaba waimma alssaAAata fasayaAAlamoona man huwa sharrun makanan waadAAafu jundan
Translation
Say, “Whoever is in error, the Most Merciful will lead him on.” Until, when they see what they were promised—either the punishment, or the Hour. Then they will know who was in worse position and weaker in forces
Transliteration
Wayazeedu Allahu allatheena ihtadaw hudan waalbaqiyatu alssalihatu khayrun AAinda rabbika thawaban wakhayrun maraddan
Translation
God increases in guidance those who accept guidance. And the things that endure—the righteous deeds—have the best reward with your Lord, and the best outcome
Transliteration
Afaraayta allathee kafara biayatina waqala laootayanna malan wawaladan
Translation
Have you seen him who denied Our revelations, and said, “I will be given wealth and children”
Revealed concerning the pagan aristocrat al-'As ibn Wa'il. When the poor companion Khabbab ibn al-Aratt demanded payment for blacksmith work, al-'As mocked him, saying he would only repay his debt in the afterlife when given more wealth and sons.
Transliteration
AttalaAAa alghayba ami ittakhatha AAinda alrrahmani AAahdan
Translation
Did he look into the future, or did he receive a promise from the Most Merciful
Transliteration
Kalla sanaktubu ma yaqoolu wanamuddu lahu mina alAAathabi maddan
Translation
No indeed! We will write what he says, and will keep extending the agony for him
Transliteration
Wanarithuhu ma yaqoolu wayateena fardan
Translation
Then We will inherit from him what he speaks of, and he will come to Us alone
Transliteration
Waittakhathoo min dooni Allahi alihatan liyakoonoo lahum AAizzan
Translation
And they took, besides God, other gods, to be for them a source of strength
Transliteration
Kalla sayakfuroona biAAibadatihim wayakoonoona AAalayhim diddan
Translation
By no means! They will reject their worship of them, and become opponents to them
Transliteration
Alam tara anna arsalna alshshayateena AAala alkafireena taozzuhum azzan
Translation
Have you not considered how We dispatch the devils against the disbelievers, exciting them with incitement
Transliteration
Fala taAAjal AAalayhim innama naAAuddu lahum AAaddan
Translation
So do not hurry against them. We are counting for them a countdown
Transliteration
Yawma nahshuru almuttaqeena ila alrrahmani wafdan
Translation
On the Day when We will gather the righteous to the Most Merciful, as guests
Transliteration
Wanasooqu almujrimeena ila jahannama wirdan
Translation
And herd the sinners into hell, like animals to water
Transliteration
La yamlikoona alshshafaAAata illa mani ittakhatha AAinda alrrahmani AAahdan
Translation
They will have no power of intercession, except for someone who has an agreement with the Most Merciful
Transliteration
Waqaloo ittakhatha alrrahmanu waladan
Translation
And they say, “The Most Merciful has begotten a son.”
Sternly rebukes the theology claiming that God has taken a literal biological son, declaring that such an anthropomorphic claim is so contrary to God's sublime majesty that the heavens nearly shatter and mountains collapse in horror.
Transliteration
Laqad jitum shayan iddan
Translation
You have come up with something monstrous
Transliteration
Takadu alssamawatu yatafattarna minhu watanshaqqu alardu watakhirru aljibalu haddan
Translation
At which the heavens almost rupture, and the earth splits, and the mountains fall and crumble
Transliteration
An daAAaw lilrrahmani waladan
Translation
Because they attribute a son to the Most Merciful
Transliteration
Wama yanbaghee lilrrahmani an yattakhitha waladan
Translation
It is not fitting for the Most Merciful to have a son
Transliteration
In kullu man fee alssamawati waalardi illa atee alrrahmani AAabdan
Translation
There is none in the heavens and the earth but will come to the Most Merciful as a servant
Transliteration
Laqad ahsahum waAAaddahum AAaddan
Translation
He has enumerated them, and counted them one by one
Transliteration
Wakulluhum ateehi yawma alqiyamati fardan
Translation
And each one of them will come to Him on the Day of Resurrection alone
Transliteration
Inna allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati sayajAAalu lahumu alrrahmanu wuddan
Translation
Those who believe and do righteous deeds, the Most Merciful will give them love
Transliteration
Fainnama yassarnahu bilisanika litubashshira bihi almuttaqeena watunthira bihi qawman luddan
Translation
We made it easy in your tongue, in order to deliver good news to the righteous, and to warn with it a hostile people
Transliteration
Wakam ahlakna qablahum min qarnin hal tuhissu minhum min ahadin aw tasmaAAu lahum rikzan
Translation
How many a generation have We destroyed before them? Can you feel a single one of them, or hear from them the slightest whisper