Sister Deana wrote: 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 that it’s Christians’ drawing od Maryam, or Mary, the mother of Jesus. He said the Qur’an described her as the best woman that had ever existed; a role model for all 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 Surat 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 order 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)
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.
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.
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.
