عيسى عليه السلام

Maryam. The mother of 'Isa is called Maryam. Allah chose her and purified her, above the women of the worlds (3:42). A surah of the Qur'an bears her name: surah 19, Maryam.

The announcement. An angel came to tell Maryam that she would have a pure son. She was astonished: "How can I have a son, when no man has touched me?" The angel answered: "It will be so. Your Lord has said: it is easy for Me" (19:16-21; 3:45-47). Allah says that 'Isa is like Adam: Allah created Adam without father or mother, and He said "Be", and he was (3:59).

The birth. Maryam withdrew to a far-off place. At the time of the birth, near a palm tree, Allah comforted her: a stream flowed at her feet, and fresh dates fell from the palm tree (19:22-26).

The baby who speaks. When Maryam came back with her baby, people criticised her. She pointed to the baby. Then 'Isa, still a baby, spoke: قَالَ إِنِّي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ Qaala innii 'abdu llaah "I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Book and made me a prophet" (19:30). He added that Allah had asked him to pray, give zakat and be good to his mother (19:31-32).

The miracles. By Allah's permission, 'Isa healed the sick, gave sight to the blind and brought the dead back to life; he shaped a bird from clay which, by Allah's permission, became a real bird (3:49; 5:110). He always repeated: "by Allah's permission". It was not him, it was Allah.

Who is 'Isa? For Muslims, 'Isa is a very great prophet, a servant and messenger of Allah. He is not God, nor the son of God: Allah has no child (19:35; 112:3). Allah says that he was neither killed nor crucified, but that Allah raised him up to Himself (4:157-158). 'Isa also announced the coming of a messenger after him, whose name would be Aḥmad (61:6).

What I learn: 'Isa said that Allah had asked him to be good to his mother. I too am gentle and kind with my mum. And I know that nothing is difficult for Allah.

Understanding the lesson

Explanation The story of 'Isa begins with his mother, Maryam. She prayed a lot and she was pure: Allah chose her and honoured her so much that a surah bears her name. The Qur'an teaches us to love and respect Maryam.

The birth of 'Isa without a father shows that Allah can do anything. When He wills something, He says "Be", and it is. Nothing is hard for Him.

'Isa's miracles were extraordinary, but he always repeated "by the permission of Allah". He knew it was not his own power. This is a lesson in humility: when I succeed at something, it is first thanks to Allah.

Many of our Christian neighbours also love 'Isa and Maryam. We can talk about them respectfully, and say what we believe, according to the Qur'an: 'Isa is a very great prophet and the servant of Allah.

Lessons to draw from it • I am gentle and kind with my mum, as 'Isa was with his. • When I succeed at something, I know it is thanks to Allah, and I stay humble. • I speak respectfully about the prophets and about people of other religions.

Key points to remember • 'Isa spoke as a baby: قَالَ إِنِّي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ "I am the servant of Allah" (19:30). • His miracles happened "by the permission of Allah" (3:49).

The main message 'Isa, son of Maryam, is a great prophet and the servant of Allah: he teaches us humility and kindness to our mother.