Wrapping up a lecture on “the Muslim Mary” left many in the audience, particularly those not of the Islamic faith, a bit bewildered. They hadn’t realized that Muslims hold Mary in such high esteem, and this revelation was often met with surprise. It’s hardly shocking, though, given that half of Americans admit they know little to nothing about Islam.
Growing up in Rhineland-Palatinate, a predominantly Catholic region in Germany, my environment was filled with representations of Mary. Her serene face gazed from statues and paintings along my route to school. During the festive season, I’d join in with classmates, singing beloved carols like “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht.”
At home and in my mosque, I was captivated by stories of Mary’s remarkable character, courage, and devotion. In Islam, she is deeply revered, with an entire chapter in the Qur’an, chapter 19, dedicated to highlighting her esteemed status. Her importance isn’t solely as Jesus’ mother, but also for her spirituality, worship, and dedication to God.
To me and many fellow Muslims, she serves as an inspiring example of maintaining moral virtue, trusting, and hoping in God through trying times. Throughout her life, Mary faced numerous challenges but never gave up. Her resilience inspired me, especially as I navigated life’s hurdles while wearing my Muslim headscarf. Mary’s story encouraged me to rise above prejudice and find my place in the world.
As I matured, I continued cherishing Muslim Christmas traditions with my daughters, even naming one Maryam—the Qur’anic name for Mary—hoping she would embody the virtues of compassion, humility, courage, and hope.
Mary’s influence permeates the Muslim world. The mihrab, a prayer niche indicating the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, shares its name with Mary’s sanctuary mentioned in the Qur’an.
Frequently, I’d guide my students on visits to Mother Mary’s House (Meryem Ana Evi), a venerated site in Turkey where Muslims and Christians honor her legacy. While exploring Istanbul, we’d stop by Hagia Sophia to admire Mary’s image. Although in adherence to Islamic principles against representational imagery, her portrait is respectfully veiled during prayer.
In the U.S., mosques proudly carry names like Mary or Jesus, reflecting the shared roots between Islam and Christianity. Notable examples include the Maryum Islamic Center in Maryland, the Maryam Islamic Center in Texas, and the Jesus, Son of Mary mosque in New York, all highlighting this sacred interfaith connection.
Mary symbolizes the enduring link among the Abrahamic faiths. The Qur’an acknowledges her nurturing within Judaism and sees Jesus as the messiah. The seventh-century Dome of the Rock bears inscriptions about Mary and Jesus, illustrating these connections while respecting Islam’s distinct theology.
Throughout my life’s exploration of the Christian perspective on Mary, I’ve remained true to my Muslim faith, understanding those theological differences are crucial. Christians view her as the mother of God (Theotokos), while Muslims see her as the mother of the Prophet Jesus, distinctly human. Her greatness is drawn from her purity and piety. I learned to embrace these theological divergences with respect.
By exposing my students to the Muslim portrayal of Mary, I aimed for them to leave with a deeper appreciation of her spiritual impact. Despite differences, her boundless compassion and embodiment of hope resonate universally.
Together, Christians and Muslims form over half of the world’s population. It’s my hope that, through Mary, we can foster mutual understanding and contribute to enhancing the global human community.
