Background Information of Surah Maryam
Context and Revelation: Surah Maryam, consisting of 98 verses, was revealed in Mecca.
Named after Mary (the mother of Jesus), this Surah recounts the stories of several prophets, illustrating their steadfast faith amidst adversity. Although Mary is not considered a prophet, her significant story centralizes her in this Surah due to its profound implications.
Key Themes and Messages
Prophetic Narratives:
Zachariah and John: Zachariah prays for a son to carry on the message of Allah among the faithless, and John (Yahya) is granted to him as an answer to his prayers.
Mary and Jesus: Details the miraculous birth of Jesus (Isa) and addresses the accusations against Mary, highlighting her piety and chastity.
Abraham: Focuses on Abraham’s conflict with his people and his father due to their idolatrous practices, leading to his decision to leave them and receive Allah’s blessings.
Moses and Aaron: Moses is supported by his brother Aaron in his prophetic mission.
Ishmael: Described as being raised in piety by his family.
Idris: Known for his honesty, which elevates him to a high station in life.
Divine Guidance and Moral Fortitude:
Path of Prophets: Encourages following the example set by the prophets, who remained steadfast in their faith despite challenges and opposition.
Miraculous Events: Emphasizes miraculous aspects of these stories, such as the communication of Zachariah with his people after being rendered mute and the virgin birth of Jesus.
Critique of Christian Doctrines:
Theological Clarifications: Addresses and refutes the Christian doctrine of the divinity of Jesus, emphasizing the Islamic view of Jesus as a prophet of Allah, not His son. Asserts the oneness of Allah and the importance of monotheism.
Faith in the Afterlife:
Belief in Resurrection: Advocates a strong belief in the afterlife and warns against harboring misconceptions about Allah, similar to those held by some Christians regarding Jesus.
Topical Analysis of Rukus
Ruku 1: Verses 1-15
The prayer of Zacharias for a son to inherit his prophethood.
Allah speaks about Yahya, the son of Zacharias.
Ruku 2: Verses 16-40
Gabriel visits Mary and brings her the message of God.
The birth of Jesus, his adoption into Mary’s family, and how Jesus talks to them as a newborn.
Allah speaks to the Christians who refer to Jesus as the Son of God and warns the idolaters of Mecca about the Day of Judgment.
Ruku 3: Verses 41-50
The dialogue between Abraham (as) and his father is revealed.
Ruku 4: Verses 51-65
Allah mentions four prophets by name and praises them. He talks about the descendant people who have neglected prayer.
Allah explains what awaits the believers in Paradise.
Ruku 5: Verses 66-82
Allah poses a question to the people about the resurrection for contemplation.
He describes a scene from the Day of Judgment.
Allah speaks to the unbelieving Meccans, who are beguiled by their wealth and power.
Ruku 6: Verses 83-98
Allah mentions the right that He has granted to Satan.
Allah explains how the unbelievers, in contrast to the believers, will be received and treated on the Day of Judgment.
Allah speaks about those who say, “Allah has taken a son”. He also explains the effects of these words on Allah’s other creation.
Allah talks about the Quran and reminds us of what He did with the earlier unbelieving nations.
