Surah Maryam (Mary Mother of Jesus) (Chapter 19) from Quran – Arabic English Translation

Basic Facts and Information on Surah Maryam

• Surah (Chapter) Number: 19
• Number of Verses: 98
• English Meaning: “Maryam refers to ‘Mary’ mother of Prophet Jesus”
• Number of Sajdahs in this chapter: 1
• Covered in section (Juz): 16

• Select Topics Discussed in Surah Maryam

• The following are some of the topics that are discussed in Surah Maryam.
• This chapter (surah) starts with the special letters of ‘Kaf Ha Ya Ain Saad‘, the meaning of which are known only to Allah.
• The surah then starts with the story of Prophet Zakariah who until his old age did not have any children. So, he calls upon Allah to have a son.
• Allah (out of his power and mercy) responds to his invocation by giving him the news that he would get a son.
• At this Prophet Zakaria becomes surprised and responds by saying whether it was still possible for his wife to have a son as she was barren and he himself had reached a very old age.
• Allah tells him that Allah has the power over all things and this would be easy for Him since Allah had created him when he was nothing. (Reference: Verse 9).
• As a sign, Allah told Prophet Zakariah that he should not speak to anyone for three nights.
• Prophet Zakaria then gets a son named Yahya (John). His son was told to hold fast to the Scripture (Torah) (as that was Allah’s Word to be preached to the people at the time).
• Allah gave Zakariah wisdom since he was young as a child and made him a blessed child who was good toward all.
• The Surah then turns to the story of Maryam (Mary, who was the mother of Jesus / Eesa).
• Maryam withdrew from her family and in her seclusion, an angel (Angel Gabriel / Jibreel) appeared to her and informed her that she was going to become the mother of a son.
• At this, Maryam became surprised and in her shock asked the angel how could that be possible when no man had touched her and that she was not unchaste.
• Allah replies that this was easy for Him and he was going to make Jesus (Eesa) through His decree, as a sign for mankind and a mercy from Allah.
• So after this, Maryam conceived Jesus (Eesa) and withdrew with the the child to Bethlehem, a few miles from Jerusalem.
• After this, Maryam brought the baby to the people of her town and they were shocked to see a new born baby in her arms (as she was not married.)
• They reminded her that her father and mother were both noble people.
• At this she pointed to the baby Jesus / Eesa and they asked how could they talk to a child in a cradle.
• At this, Jesus (the baby) said that “I am a slave of Allah, He has given me the Scripture, and made me a Prophet.” (Reference: Verse 30)
• Jesus said other things as well (while in the cradle) and then said “And Salam (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!” (Reference: verses 30 to 33)
• Allah then tells mankind that this is a statement of truth even though people disputed about the facts.
• Allah also mentioned that “It befits not (the Majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son” (Reference: Verse 35)
• The surah then mentions how various sects were formed and they deviated from the truth and facts.
• The surah then mentions the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) who asked his father why he worshiped idols (things that couldn’t see, hear, etc.)
• He told his father that it was akin to worshiping Satan, who has rebelled against Allah and Allah would punish those unbelievers.
• After that Prophet Ibrahim was blessed with Issac (Prophet Ishaq) and Jacob (Prophet Yaqub).
• The surah then mentions Prophet Moses (Musa). Allah made him a prophet and spoke to him near the mount and also made his brother Aaron (Harun) a prophet.
• Allah also mentions that He made Ismaeel (Ishmael) and Idrees (Enoch) prophets as well. The surah also references prophet Nuh (Noah), and Israel as they were all guided on the straight path.
• The surah then mentions that those who were negligent in prayers (and their other duties) would be punished in the hell fire, whereas the others will be rewarded paradise (Jannah – Eden). (Reference: verses 59 to 63).
• The surah then reflects on the majesty of Allah to tell mankind (to believe in the deity and oneness of Allah.)
• Some from mankind doubt that they would be resurrected after they depart this world. The Quran asks them to think that Allah created them when they were nothing. And Allah says that He will gather all mankind along with the devils and Satan that whisper doubts in the hearts of mankind and would punish them for their rebellion against Allah and for their disbelief. (Reference: verses 66 to 71).
• The surah points out that when these verses were recited on the disbelievers, they would point to their high positions and status (to show that disbelief in such verses didn’t matter to them.) Allah reminds them that Allah had destroyed many nations who were better in wealth, goods, and their outward appearances.
• The verses remind mankind that righteous goods that last are better with Allah for reward.
• The Surah highlights the cases of those who make lofty claims without any knowledge. Allah asks them whether they have any knowledge of the unseen based on which they make such claims of rewards for themselves.
• Such men of disbelief are those that take other deities other than Allah and Allah reminds the disbelievers that such gods and deities will deny being their lords and gods on the final day when everyone is held to account for their disbelief in the oneness of Allah as a deity and bad deeds.
• Allah then tells the prophet in the verses not to be hasty for them as Allah gives such people a respite until an appointed time.
• That day Allah will gather all those who are pious as well as those who were rebellious and sinners.
• And that day no one will be allowed to intercede but one who receives specific permission from Allah.
• Allah then again highlights the claims of those (Christians) who say that Allah has a son. Allah reminds them that this is a terrible thing to associate a son to the Only One as it does not befit His majesty to beget a son. (Reference: see verses 88 to 93.)
• Toward the end of the Surah, the verses provide a reminder that everyone comes to the Most Gracious as a slave (not a son or anything else.)
• Allah then reminds the believers that to those who believe and work righteousness, Allah will bestow love for them.
• The verses remind that Allah revealed the Quran in the prophet’s tongue so it would be easier for him to give glad tidings to the righteous and a warning to those who continue to disbelieve.
• And as for such disbelievers, there were many such nations  that came earlier and there is no more sign or whisper about them.
• and many more other topics.

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Surah Maryam (Mary) Arabic and English Translation

1. Kaf- Ha-Ya-‘Ain-Sad.
[These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings].

2. (This is) a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His slave Zakariya (Zachariah).

3. When he called out his Lord (Allah) a call in secret,

4. Saying: “My Lord! Indeed my bones have grown feeble, and grey hair has spread on my head, And I have never been unblest in my invocation to You, O my Lord!

5. “And Verily! I fear my relatives after me, since my wife is barren. So give me from Yourself an heir,

6. “Who shall inherit me, and inherit (also) the posterity of Ya’qub (Jacob) (inheritance of the religious knowledge and Prophethood, not the wealth, etc.). And make him, my Lord, one with whom You are Well-pleased!”.

7. (Allah said) “O Zakariya (Zachariah)! Verily, We give you the glad tidings of a son, His name will be Yahya (John). We have given that name to none before (him).”

8. He said: “My Lord! How can I have a son, when my wife is barren, and I have reached the extreme old age.”

9. He said: “So (it will be). Your Lord says; It is easy for Me. Certainly I have created you before, when you had been nothing!”

10. [Zakariya (Zachariah)] said: “My Lord! Appoint for me a sign.” He said: “Your sign is that you shall not speak unto mankind for three nights, though having no bodily defect.”

11. Then he came out to his people from Al-Mihrab (a praying place or a private room, etc.), he told them by signs to glorify Allah’s Praises in the morning and in the afternoon.

12. (It was said to his son): “O Yahya (John)! Hold fast the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah)].” And We gave him wisdom while yet a child.

13. And (made him) sympathetic to men as a mercy (or a grant) from Us, and pure from sins [i.e. Yahya (John)] and he was righteous,

14. And dutiful towards his parents, and he was neither an arrogant nor disobedient (to Allah or to his parents).

15. And Salamun (peace) be on him the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he will be raised up to life (again)!

16. And mention in the Book (the Qur’an, O Muhammad , the story of) Maryam (Mary), when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east.

17. She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our Ruh [angel Jibrael (Gabriel)], and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects.

18. She said: “Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah.”

19. (The angel) said: “I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.”

20. She said: “How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?”

21. He said: “So (it will be), your Lord said: ‘That is easy for Me (Allah): And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by Allah).’ ”

22. So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place (i.e. Bethlehem valley about 4-6 miles from Jerusalem).

23. And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date-palm. She said: “Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!”

24. Then [the babe ‘Iesa (Jesus) or Jibrael (Gabriel)] cried unto her from below her, saying: “Grieve not! Your Lord has provided a water stream under you;

25. “And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you.”

26. “So eat and drink and be glad, and if you see any human being, say: ‘Verily! I have vowed a fast unto the Most Beneficent (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human being this day.'”

27. Then she brought him (the baby) to her people, carrying him. They said: “O Mary! Indeed you have brought a thing Fariya (an unheard mighty thing).

28. “O sister (i.e. the like) of Harun (Aaron) [not the brother of Musa (Moses), but he was another pious man at the time of Maryam (Mary)]! Your father was not a man who used to commit adultery, nor your mother was an unchaste woman.”

29. Then she pointed to him. They said: “How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?”

30. “He [‘Iesa (Jesus)] said: Verily! I am a slave of Allah, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet;”

31. “And He has made me blessed wheresoever I be, and has enjoined on me Salat (prayer), and Zakat, as long as I live.”

32. “And dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, unblest.

33. “And Salam (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!”

34. Such is ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). (it is) a statement of truth, about which they doubt (or dispute).

35. It befits not (the Majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son [this refers to the slander of Christians against Allah, by saying that ‘Iesa (Jesus) is the son of Allah]. Glorified (and Exalted be He above all that they associate with Him). When He decrees a thing, He only says to it, “Be!” and it is.

36. [‘Iesa (Jesus) said]: “And verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord. So worship Him (Alone). That is the Straight Path. (Allah’s Religion of Islamic Monotheism which He did ordain for all of His Prophets).” [Tafsir At-Tabari]

37. Then the sects differed [i.e. the Christians about ‘Iesa (Jesus)], so woe unto the disbelievers [those who gave false witness by saying that ‘Iesa (Jesus) is the son of Allah] from the meeting of a great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection, when they will be thrown in the blazing Fire).

38. How clearly will they (polytheists and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) see and hear, the Day when they will appear before Us! But the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) today are in plain error.

39. And warn them (O Muhammad ) of the Day of grief and regrets, when the case has been decided, while (now) they are in a state of carelessness, and they believe not.

40. Verily! We will inherit the earth and whatsoever is thereon. And to Us they all shall be returned,

41. And mention in the Book (the Qur’an) Ibrahim (Abraham). Verily! He was a man of truth, a Prophet.

42. When he said to his father: “O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything?

43. “O my father! Verily! There has come to me of knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me. I will guide you to a Straight Path.

44. “O my father! Worship not Shaitan (Satan). Verily! Shaitan (Satan) has been a rebel against the Most Beneficent (Allah).

45. “O my father! Verily! I fear lest a torment from the Most Beneficent (Allah) overtake you, so that you become a companion of Shaitan (Satan) (in the Hell-fire).” [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi]

46. He (the father) said: “Do you reject my gods, O Ibrahim (Abraham)? If you stop not (this), I will indeed stone you. So get away from me safely before I punish you.”

47. Ibrahim (Abraham) said: “Peace be on you! I will ask Forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily! He is unto me, Ever Most Gracious.

48. “And I shall turn away from you and from those whom you invoke besides Allah. And I shall call on my Lord; and I hope that I shall not be unblest in my invocation to my Lord.”

49. So when he had turned away from them and from those whom they worshipped besides Allah, We gave him Ishaque (Isaac) and Ya’qub (Jacob), and each one of them We made a Prophet.

50. And We gave them of Our Mercy (a good provision in plenty), and We granted them honour on the tongues (of all the nations, i.e everybody remembers them with a good praise).

51. And mention in the Book (this Qur’an) Musa (Moses). Verily! He was chosen and he was a Messenger (and) a Prophet.

52. And We called him from the right side of the Mount, and made him draw near to Us for a talk with him [Musa (Moses)].

53. And We bestowed on him his brother Harun (Aaron), (also) a Prophet, out of Our Mercy.

54. And mention in the Book (the Qur’an) Isma’il (Ishmael). Verily! He was true to what he promised, and he was a Messenger, (and) a Prophet.

55. And he used to enjoin on his family and his people As-Salat (the prayers) and the Zakat, and his Lord was pleased with him.

56. And mention in the Book (the Qur’an) Idris (Enoch).Verily! He was a man of truth, (and) a Prophet.

57. And We raised him to a high station.

58. Those were they unto whom Allah bestowed His Grace from among the Prophets, of the offspring of Adam, and of those whom We carried (in the ship) with Nuh (Noah), and of the offspring of Ibrahim (Abraham) and Israel and from among those whom We guided and chose. When the Verses of the Most Beneficent (Allah) were recited unto them, they fell down prostrating and weeping.

59. Then, there has succeeded them a posterity who have given up As-Salat (the prayers) [i.e. made their Salat (prayers) to be lost, either by not offering them or by not offering them perfectly or by not offering them in their proper fixed times, etc.] and have followed lusts. So they will be thrown in Hell.

60. Except those who repent and believe (in the Oneness of Allah and His Messenger Muhammad ), and work righteousness. Such will enter Paradise and they will not be wronged in aught.

61. (They will enter) ‘Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens), which the Most Beneficent (Allah) has promised to His slaves in the unseen: Verily! His Promise must come to pass.

62. They shall not hear therein (in Paradise) any Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk), but only Salam (salutations of peace). And they will have therein their sustenance, morning and afternoon. [See (V.40:55)].

63. Such is the Paradise which We shall give as an inheritance to those of Our slaves who have been Al-Muttaqun (pious and righteous persons – See V.2:2).

64. And we (angels) descend not except by the Command of your Lord (O Muhammad ). To Him belongs what is before us and what is behind us, and what is between those two, and your Lord is never forgetful,

65. Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, so worship Him (Alone) and be constant and patient in His worship. Do you know of any who is similar to Him? (of course none is similar or coequal or comparable to Him, and He has none as partner with Him). [There is nothing like unto Him and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer].

66. And man (the disbeliever) says: “When I am dead, shall I then be raised up alive?”

67. Does not man remember that We created him before, while he was nothing?

68. So by your Lord, surely, We shall gather them together, and (also) the Shayatin (devils) (with them), then We shall bring them round Hell on their knees.

69. Then indeed We shall drag out from every sect all those who were worst in obstinate rebellion against the Most Beneficent (Allah).

70. Then, verily, We know best those who are most worthy of being burnt therein.

71. There is not one of you but will pass over it (Hell); this is with your Lord; a Decree which must be accomplished.

72. Then We shall save those who use to fear Allah and were dutiful to Him. And We shall leave the Zalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers, etc.) therein (humbled) to their knees (in Hell).

73. And when Our Clear Verses are recited to them, those who disbelieve (the rich and strong among the pagans of Quraish who live a life of luxury) say to those who believe (the weak, poor companions of Prophet Muhammad who have a hard life): “Which of the two groups (i.e. believers and disbelievers) is best in (point of) position and as regards station (place of council for consultation).”

74. And how many a generation (past nations) have We destroyed before them, who were better in wealth, goods and outward appearance?

75. Say (O Muhammad ) whoever is in error, the Most Beneficent (Allah) will extend (the rope) to him, until, when they see that which they were promised, either the torment or the Hour, they will come to know who is worst in position, and who is weaker in forces. [This is the answer for the Verse No.19:73]

76. And Allah increases in guidance those who walk aright [true believers in the Oneness of Allah who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden), and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)]. And the righteous good deeds that last, are better with your Lord, for reward and better for resort.

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77. Have you seen him who disbelieved in Our Ayat (this Qur’an and Muhammad ) and (yet) says: “I shall certainly be given wealth and children [if I will be alive (again)],”

78. Has he known the unseen or has he taken a covenant from the Most Beneficent (Allah)?

79. Nay! We shall record what he says, and We shall increase his torment (in the Hell);

80. And We shall inherit from him (at his death) all that he talks of (i.e. wealth and children which We have bestowed upon him in this world), and he shall come to Us alone.

81. And they have taken (for worship) aliha (gods) besides Allah, that they might give them honour, power and glory (and also protect them from Allah’s Punishment etc.).

82. Nay, but they (the so-called gods) will deny their worship of them, and become opponents to them (on the Day of Resurrection).

83. See you not that We have sent the Shayatin (devils) against the disbelievers to push them to do evil.

84. So make no haste against them; We only count out to them a (limited) number (of the days of the life of this world and delay their term so that they may increase in evil and sins).

85. The Day We shall gather the Muttaqun (pious – see V.2:2) unto the Most Beneficent (Allah), like a delegate (presented before a king for honour).

86. And We shall drive the Mujrimun (polytheists, sinners, criminals, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, etc.) to Hell, in a thirsty state (like a thirsty herd driven down to water),

87. None shall have the power of intercession, but such a one as has received permission (or promise) from the Most Beneficent (Allah).

88. And they say: “The Most Beneficent (Allah) has begotten a son (or offspring or children) [as the Jews say: ‘Uzair (Ezra) is the son of Allah, and the Christians say that He has begotten a son [‘Iesa (Christ)], and the pagan Arabs say that He has begotten daughters (angels, etc.)].”

89. Indeed you have brought forth (said) a terrible evil thing.

90. Whereby the heavens are almost torn, and the earth is split asunder, and the mountains fall in ruins,

91. That they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most Beneficent (Allah).

92. But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Beneficent (Allah) that He should beget a son (or offspring or children).

93. There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Beneficent (Allah) as a slave.

94. Verily, He knows each one of them, and has counted them a full counting.

95. And everyone of them will come to Him alone on the Day of Resurrection (without any helper, or protector or defender).

96. Verily, those who believe [in the Oneness of Allah and in His Messenger (Muhammad )] and work deeds of righteousness, the Most Beneficent (Allah) will bestow love for them (in the hearts of the believers).

97. So We have made this (the Qur’an) easy in your own tongue (O Muhammad ), only that you may give glad tidings to the Muttaqun (pious and righteous persons – See V.2:2), and warn with it the Ludda (most quarrelsome) people.

98. And how many a generation before them have We destroyed! Can you (O Muhammad ) find a single one of them or hear even a whisper of them?

Read Surah Maryam

• Surah Maryam in Arabic (Mushaf)
• Surah Maryam in English
• English Tafseer of Surah Maryam (Mary)
• Buy Quran with English Translation

Additional References

• Jesus was a prophet who Didn’t Die
• Topics of the Quran
• Trinity is not a biblical belief
•