The Story of Mary and The Birth of Jesus 2

clipped from www.readingislam.com Verse 45 in Surat Aal `Imran, Mary: A Precocious Girlhood The story starts with Mary, who was blessed as a child with God’s protection. Mary was born to the pious household of Aal `Imran, or the family of `Imran. Many people argued for the honor of taking care of the child, but the responsibility was given to Zachariah, an elderly and childless man, who immediately noticed that the young girl was special. One day, Zachariah noticed that the girl had in her possession certain provisions for which he could not account. He asked her how she came by the food and she answered, [“From Allah: for Allah Provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure.”](Aal `Imran 3:37) And the angels called to him as he stood praying in the sanctuary: Allah giveth thee glad tidings of (a son whose name is) John, (who cometh) to confirm a word from Allah lordly, chaste, a prophet of the righteous.] (Aal `Imran 3:38-39) So she conceived him, and she retired with him to a remote place.] (Maryam 19:16–22)