Surah Maryam (مَرْيَم) — Mary
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Maryam is the 19th surah, 98 verses, and it's named after Mary, the mother of Jesus (Isa). It's the only chapter in the Quran named after a woman, and Mary is the only woman called by name in the entire Quran.
The surah is Makki, and it has a specific historical importance. When the early Muslims in Makkah were being persecuted, the Prophet ﷺ (PBUH) sent some of them to Abyssinia (modern Ethiopia) to seek refuge with the Christian king there. The Quraysh sent a delegation after them, asking the king to send them back. The king asked the Muslims to explain who they were. One of them, Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, recited the opening verses of Surah Maryam, which describe Yahya (John the Baptist) and then Maryam herself. The Christian king and his bishops cried, recognising the Christian story, and refused to hand the Muslims over. Surah Maryam, in that moment, saved the early Muslim community.
Most of the surah tells the stories of multiple prophets. Yahya. Maryam and her son Isa. Ibrahim arguing with his idol-worshipping father. Musa. Ismail. Idris. The pattern is that all of them came with the same message, were faced with rejection or hardship, and held firm.
The most famous verses in the surah are the ones describing Maryam's pregnancy and the birth of Isa. The way she went into labour alone, leaning against a palm tree, wishing she had died. Allah comforted her, told her to shake the tree for fresh dates, and to drink from a stream that appeared. When she came back to her people carrying the baby, they accused her. She pointed at Isa, and the infant spoke from her arms, defending her.
How many verses are in Surah Maryam?
Ninety-eight verses. It's the 19th surah in the Quran.
Why is Surah Maryam named after Mary?
Maryam (Mary) is the only woman called by name in the Quran, and this surah tells her story in detail, including the birth of her son Isa (Jesus). It's the only chapter in the Quran named after a woman.
What's the historical importance of Surah Maryam?
Early Muslims being persecuted in Makkah took refuge with the Christian king of Abyssinia. When the Quraysh tried to extradite them, the Muslim Ja'far ibn Abi Talib recited from this surah. The king and his bishops cried and refused to hand them over.