The short answer
Mary (Maryam) is the only woman the Qur’an names, and it names her more than thirty times, more often than the New Testament does. Chapter 19 is called Maryam after her. The Qur’an tells of her mother’s vow before her birth, her upbringing in the temple under the care of Zechariah, the annunciation, and the birth of Jesus beneath a palm tree (Qur’an 3:35–47; 19:16–34).
A little more context
The angels tell her that God has chosen her, purified her and chosen her above the women of the worlds (Qur’an 3:42). She is called a woman of truth (Qur’an 5:75) and held up as an example for all believers (Qur’an 66:12). Muslims do not pray to Mary, as they pray to no one but God, but they speak of her with great reverence, and many Muslim girls are named after her.
Sources & further reading
- Qur’an 3:35-47 Mary’s birth, upbringing and the annunciation.
- Qur’an 19:16-34 The birth of Jesus.
- Qur’an 3:42 Chosen above the women of the worlds.
- Qur’an 66:12 Mary as an example for believers.
Original introductory summary, not a direct scripture translation. Prepared 21 October 2026. Qualified human religious review is pending. About our editorial approach.