The Virgin Mary in the Quran

Maryam (Mary - the mother of Jesus) is considered to be the purest and most righteous woman to have ever walked this earth. She is well known and revered for her piety, sincerity, and chastity and she was chosen and purified by her Lord above all other women. Like the rest of her family, Maryam was known among her people for her humbleness and steadfast devotion to Allah and the nineteenth chapter of the Qur'an is named after her. Allah honored her and made her a sign to the worlds and Muslims see Maryam as the most exemplary woman in creation and view her with the utmost respect. In the Qur'an, verses 16-22, Allah tells the story of Maryam in the following words:

Mention Maryam in the Book, how she withdrew from her people to an eastern place and concealed herself from them. Then We sent Our Spirit to her, and it took on for her the form of a handsome, well-built man. "She said: 'I seek refuge from you with the All-Merciful, [leave me] if you have fear

As these verses state, Maryam was a very pious woman, known for her chastity, who upon seeing a strange man enter her prayer space, immediately she sought refuge with her Lord. Her words clearly demonstrate her complete trust in her Lord, as well as the great importance she placed upon chastity and devotion to Allah. In addition to this she also called upon this unknown man to have fear and respect of Allah. He in turn informed her of his true nature and that he had been sent to give her the glad tidings of a pure son. To this Maryam reaffirms her commitment to her Lord and tells the angel that she has forever remained chaste and dedicated to her Lords commands.