Mary (a): Difference between revisions

Maryam (a) is of particular significance in both [[Islam]] and Christianity.

The [[Qur'an]] referred to Maryam (a) as a chaste and elite woman and introduced her as a role-model for believers. Quranic verses imply that Maryam (a) spoke with [[angel]]s on numerous occasions. The Qur'an says that Maryam (a) was raised by God:{{enote|Thereupon her Lord accepted her with a gracious acceptance, and made her grow up in a worthy fashion, and He charged Zechariah with her care. Whenever Zechariah visited her in the sanctuary, he would find provisions with her. He said, ‘O Mary, from where does this come for you?’ She said, ‘It comes from Allah. Allah provides whomever He wishes without any reckoning.’(Qur'an 3:37)}}

According to [[exegetes]] of the Qur'an, God provided summers fruits for Maryam (a) during winters and winter fruits during summers.

In Shiite and Sunni hadiths, Maryam (a) is mentioned as one of the four superior women of the [[Heaven]] along with [[Fatima al-Zahra (a)]], [[Khadija bt. Khuwaylid (a)]], and [[Asiya]].

Maryam (a) has a crucial role in the Christian Theology. In fact, there is a branch of theology under Mariology which is concerned with the character and role of Maryam (a). Her role began to be appreciated since the Middle Ages. She was considered to have a position lower than divinity and higher and more sacred than angels and saints. It was publicly believed at the time that angels and saints were servants of Maryam (a).

Moreover, in some communities, such as the Christians of the [[Arabian Peninsula]], people believed in [[Trinity]] and worshiped Maryam (a) along with God and Jesus (a). It is said that the Virgin Mary was worshiped until the 16th century in some cities of Europe. The belief has been condemned in the Qur'an.{{enote|And when Allah will say, 'O Jesus son of Mary! Was it you who said to the people, "Take me and my mother for gods besides Allah"?' He will say, 'Immaculate are You! It does not behoove me to say what I have no right to [say]. Had I said it, You would certainly have known it: You know whatever is in my self, and I do not know what is in Your Self. Indeed You are knower of all that is Unseen. (116) I did not say to them [anything] except what You had commanded me [to say]: "Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord." And I was a witness to them so long as I was among them. But when You had taken me away, You Yourself were watchful over them, and You are witness to all things. (117) If You punish them, they are indeed Your creatures; but if You forgive them, You are indeed the All-mighty, the All-wise.' (118) (Quran 5:116-118)}}

What is more, the [[infallibility]] of Maryam (a) was discussed in the Middle Ages, and eventually, in 1854, the belief has been announced by the Catholic Church as an infallible doctrine. However, the Orthodox Church denied Maryam's infallibility.