Reading outline · Narrative
Maryam and the birth of Isa
Maryam withdraws from her people; a messenger announces the gift of a son.
This outline follows the main passages. Open each reading to follow the story in full.
Withdrawal and announcement
Maryam withdraws from her people; a messenger announces the gift of a son.
And make mention of Mary in the Scripture, when she had withdrawn from her people to a chamber looking East, And had chosen seclusion from them. Then We sent unto her Our Spirit and it assumed for her the likeness of a perfect man. She said: Lo! I …
By the palm tree
The account describes labour, distress and reassurance near a palm trunk.
And she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place. And the pangs of childbirth drove her unto the trunk of the palm-tree. She said: Oh, would that I had died ere this and had become a thing of naught, forgotten! Then (one) cried unto …
Return to her people
Maryam returns with the child. Isa speaks in the cradle in this Quranic account.
Then she brought him to her own folk, carrying him. They said: O Mary! Thou hast come with an amazing thing. O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a wicked man nor was thy mother a harlot. Then she pointed to him. They said: How can we …
Sources & reading notes
Introductions and explanations are editorial writing. Quoted text retains its named edition; selections may be shortened with an ellipsis.
Withdrawal and announcement. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
By the palm tree. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Return to her people. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Original scene outline
Withdrawal and announcement
Maryam withdraws from her people; a messenger announces the gift of a son.
By the palm tree
The account describes labour, distress and reassurance near a palm trunk.
Return to her people
Maryam returns with the child. Isa speaks in the cradle in this Quranic account.