Mary the Blessed Virgin of Islam

by Aliah Schleifer, T.J. Winter (Foreword), Gray Henry (Preface)

The reasons for the importance of Mary as a spiritual figure in Islam are detailed in this volume, providing traditional scholarly discussions about Mary's life and her characteristics of devotion and piety.

Genres: Islam, Religion

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Sahar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ordered this book and I was relatively surprised when arrived; primarily because I expected it to be more voluminous, and partially because I foolishly equated larger paperbacks with being more substantial and fruitful. I can safely say that despite it not being a thick book, it was an extremely beneficial read - I read the whole thing in almost one sitting. It was an insightful and detailed read in the sense that although the life of Mary/Maryam (as) is somewhat lacking in Islamic literature/ahadith (in comparison to that of Christian literature), it was absolutely warming to read so much about her life in this book. I knew bits and pieces before but never have I come across such a comprehensive and fully authenticated biography. (when I say authenticated I mean information from evident references in the Qur'an and sahih ahadith, alongside those that may not be fully authentic but have their own justified explanations). Reading this has honestly filled me with such a sense of iman - reading about her life made me tear up on several occasions. It also lead me to question how I could emulate this woman, how does one become so close to Allah? Maryam (as) is given one of the highest, if not THE highest statuses of a woman in Islam. I genuinely want to follow in her footsteps and become closer to Allah. She was such an amazing, brave, patient, and inspirational woman - may Allah grant her the highest level of Jannah and may we meet her there. I would definitely recommend this book for those who want to learn more about this amazing woman.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. Scholarly, clear, encouraging. Love it.

[فاروق · Rating 5 out of 5]

the greatest woman I ever knew, my grandmother, was named after one of the greatest women to ever live, the subject of this book. a very short book detailing the life, spirituality, motherhood, and status of Maryam alayhi salaam, synthesizing verses from the Qur’an, commentaries on those verses, Hadith, and other historical sources. grateful to have this as my first book of the year, to read about her, her mihrab, devotion, saintliness, and remember my grandmother as well.

i don’t know how well known Muslims’ reverence of Mary is, but her life and piety are mentioned and praised in the Qur’an, not only in the chapter named after her, along with statements from the Prophet about her righteousness. the introduction to this book mentions the potential for her to serve as a focal point in Muslim/Christian dialogue, as both communities can find much to bond over in their love for Mary, and I believe that to be true as well.

[Farhad · Rating 5 out of 5]

And [mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed God has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds."

[MM · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but informative little book about the Blessed Lady Mary(am) - upon whom be peace - in Islamic thought. It begins with a short narrative of her life, focussing on Islamic texts. I learned a lot about her from this section. It then moves on to considering her as a mother, and the general status of parents in Islam. Next there is a brief discussion about whether she is the best woman of her time or from all women across all times. It seems to me that the latter is a preferable understanding.

The last chapter was the most discursive. Schleifer discusses the arguments between scholars about whether Lady Mary (blessings upon her) was a prophetess or whether she was a saint/wali. The main arguments in favour of this seem to be: she seemed to have received some sort of wahy or revelation from the Angel Gabriel; she was not touched by sin nor could Satan approach her; she was perfect and the highest status of a perfect person is prophethood; and she is listed amongst other (male) prophets and messengers in the Holy Qur'an.

Arguments against this are: a Qur'anic verse that may imply that only men can be prophets; she did not have prophetic miracles (mujiza) but saintly miracles (karamaat); and that she received inspiration, not revelation.

It was a very interesting discussion. Based on what was presented, the case of her prophethood seems more likely to me. However, it seems that most scholars thought she was a saint or refused to conclude something either way. So I suppose that I don't know.

This book helped me appreciate more about this great lady, about whom I knew very little, and appreciate her in her own right, not only as the Mother of Prophet Jesus, but also as a spiritual luminary.

[Shazwani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives the Muslim perspectives on the life of Mary the mother of Christ A.S. The author compares with other sources and this gives a brief insight on different interpretation of this history. Overall, its a thin book with a lot to offer.

[Seher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how simple the book was to follow. The author did a great job examining the life of Mary from an Islamic point of view.