Emulating Maryam's Story: Courage in Facing the Storm of Prejudice

Did you know that the Quran rarely mentions anyone's name? Of the few names mentioned, Maryam... Maryam is the only woman mentioned directly and her story is immortalized in Surah Maryam and Surah Ali Imran.

Maryam was a woman from a pious and educated family. Her father was a prominent religious leader of the time, and her mother was a devout woman.

The story of Maryam begins when Maryam's mother (Hannah binti Fuqoda) is pregnant. She vow will hand over their children to serve in the house of God (Baitul Maqdis). At first, she thought she was pregnant with a baby boy (because the tradition at that time only allowed men to be servants).

But when she gave birth to a baby girl, a special exception was made—so Maryam was allowed to stay there.

When Maryam became a teenager—around 16 years old. The angel Gabriel suddenly came with a message that made Maryam's heart shudder: Allah chose her to carry a baby who would later become a Messenger.

Obtaining the sacred trust given to her by Allah, with full awareness Maryam then isolated herself far from the city where she lived to give birth to the tiny baby Isa.

As a young woman from a pious and respected family, carrying a child without a father was certainly a topic of conversation among the local community. Imagine Maryam's feelings at that time—having to return from exile carrying baby Jesus—must have been an incredible mental burden. 

He had to face cynical views and various vicious accusations from local residents. "What a heavy and terrifying responsibility he had to shoulder at that time."“

Maryam, who had gone far away, had to return home holding the newborn baby Isa. In front of people who considered him a holy figure, he brought a reality that made no sense to them.

At a time when she desperately needed to defend herself, God commanded her to remain silent (at that time, "fasting from speaking" was a well-known form of worship prescribed by Prophet Musa). Hearing her Lord's command, Mary, with a firm heart, chose to remain silent and let God's destiny work for her.

In the midst of the insults and rain of slander that followed, Maryam really did something extraordinary. "Without words, without defense, and without debate, he surrendered completely to Divine destiny."“

Maryam only gives signal simply by pointing to her tiny baby—as if letting the miracle of God speak for her. It was then that something extraordinary happened. God caused the newborn baby to speak:

قَالَ إِنِّى عَبْدُ ٱللَّهِ ءَاتَىٰنِىَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَجَعَلَنِى نَبِيًّۭا

“"He said. 'Indeed I am a servant of Allah. He has given me the Holy Book and made me a Prophet."‘ (QS. Maryam, verse 30)

The story of Maryam above teaches us that trust True faith is remaining steadfast even when logic fails to grasp God's plan. When the world judges and demands explanations for unreasonable facts.

Maryam chose to remain silent—not out of weakness—in the face of this trial. Instead, she believed that Allah is the best protector. Her steadfastness and patience demonstrated that strong faith provides calm amidst the storm.

Maryam's story demonstrates that when we dare to let go of control and fully trust that behind the difficult path lies wisdom, God will transform our lowest point into a testament to His eternal greatness.

With strong faith, Allah will show something extraordinary that cannot be penetrated by the limited human mind.

Wallahua'lam bish shawwab