Islam venerates Mary, the mother of Jesus

Islam holds Mary (Arabic: Maryam) in the highest esteem, regarding her as the greatest of all women to have ever lived. She is uniquely venerated in the Quran and Islamic tradition as a symbol of absolute purity, devotion, and submission to God. 

Key Aspects of Mary in Islam

• The Only Woman Named in the Quran: Mary is the only woman mentioned by her first name in the entire Quran, appearing 34 times—more frequently than in the New Testament.
• Dedicated Chapter: Surah 19 of the Quran is named Surah Maryam (Chapter Mary) in her honor.
• Divine Selection: The Quran explicitly states that God "chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds" (Quran 3:42).
• One of the Four Perfect Women: Prophet Muhammad named her as one of the four spiritually perfected women, alongside Asiya (wife of Pharaoh), Khadija (Muhammad's first wife), and Fatima (his daughter).
• Virgin Birth: Islam firmly upholds the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus (Isa), which was initiated by the Word of God through the Angel Gabriel.
• A Sign of God: Mary and her son are described as a "sign" (Ayat) for all of humanity. 

Unique Islamic Narratives

• Childhood in the Temple: She was raised under the guardianship of the prophet Zechariah in a sanctuary, where she was miraculously provided with unseasonable food directly from God.
• Birth Under the Palm Tree: The Quranic account of Jesus' birth takes place under a palm tree in a remote location, where Mary is provided with fresh dates and a stream of water to comfort her during labor.
• Defense by Infant Jesus: When Mary faced accusations of immorality from her community after giving birth, the infant Jesus miraculously spoke from the cradle to defend her honor and declare his own prophethood. 

While Islam venerates her as a saintly and potentially prophetic figure (nabiyya by some minority views), it strictly maintains her humanity, rejecting any notion of her divinity or her role as a "Mother of God" (Theotokos) to preserve the concept of monotheism (Tawhid). 

Islam does not have formalized rituals or prayers to Mary, as Islamic practice strictly prohibits praying to anyone other than God. However, Mary (Maryam) is deeply integrated into Muslim devotional life as a supreme role model. 

Devotional Practices and Inspiration

• Recitation of Chapter Mary: It is a common cultural practice for pregnant women to recite 
  Surah Maryam
   (Quran Chapter 19), seeking spiritual comfort and ease during labor by reflecting on Mary's own miraculous delivery.
• Naming Customs: Many Muslims name their daughters Maryam as a living prayer, hoping the child will inherit her virtues of piety, chastity, and devotion.
• Adopting Her Mother’s Prayer: Expectant parents often use the prayer of Mary’s mother (Hannah) found in the Quran: "My Lord, I dedicate what is in my womb entirely to Your service..." (Quran 3:35).
• The "Hand of Mary" (Kaff Maryam): In some Muslim-majority regions, the Anastatica hierochuntica plant—popularly called the "Hand of Mary"—is used in a traditional folk ritual. The dried plant is placed in water next to a woman in labor; as it "blooms" in the water, it is believed to symbolize a smooth delivery. 

Unique Islamic Narratives

• Childhood in the Temple: She was raised under the guardianship of the prophet Zechariah in a sanctuary, where she was miraculously provided with unseasonable food directly from God.
• Birth Under the Palm Tree: The Quranic account of Jesus' birth takes place under a palm tree in a remote location, where Mary is provided with fresh dates and a stream of water to comfort her during labor.
• Defense by Infant Jesus: When Mary faced accusations of immorality from her community after giving birth, the infant Jesus miraculously spoke from the cradle to defend her honor and declare his own prophethood. 

While Islam venerates her as a saintly and potentially prophetic figure (nabiyya by some minority views), it strictly maintains her humanity, rejecting any notion of her divinity or her role as a "Mother of God" (Theotokos) to preserve the concept of monotheism (Tawhid).