God says about Mary in the Quran, “And remember when the angels said, ‘O Mary! Surely God has selected you, purified you, and chosen you over all women of the world.’” [3:42] This passage in the Quran speaks about the status of Mary and how she is celebrated on her own merit. She is not only admired for being the mother of Jesus, but also for her own qualities and devotion to God.
Two major aspects we find in her life are perseverance and resilience. As a young girl, she became an orphan, and came under the care of her relatives, the Messenger Zechariah and his wife. Being orphaned is a major challenge that requires good guardianship but also teaches perseverance and resilience. Mary devoted herself to God, His worship and His remembrance. God commanded her with worship. To be consistent in worship also teaches perseverance and resilience.
We often don’t realise this, and struggle to be regular in our daily devotions or in giving charity or other small acts of goodness. To be regular and consistent means that we have to plan our day better, sacrifice certain things that come in the way, or at least move things around to ensure we always prioritise our devotion to God. It will also mean at times, showing perseverance and resilience when other things try to distract us from this. Mary achieved prioritising devotion and became a role model to the believers.
In the story of Mary, we see that when the angels came to her and informed her that she had been chosen by God to become the mother of Jesus, she again showed perseverance and resilience. She accepted the decree of God. God says, “So will it be! Your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me. And so will We make him a sign for humanity and a mercy from Us.’ It is a matter already decreed.’” [19:21] She went to a distant place in order to give birth, and was patient with God’s decree, knowing that she would be criticised by her people for being a mother of a child without ever having married.
Further along, at the time of the birth of Jesus, Mary shows perseverance and resilience, not seeking assistance from others, but asking God for His help alone. God responded, “So a voice reassured her from below her, ‘Do not grieve! Your Lord has provided a stream at your feet. And shake the trunk of this palm tree towards you, it will drop fresh, ripe dates upon you. So eat and drink, and put your heart at ease…” [19: 24-26]
When she brought Jesus to her people, they accused her of immodesty and being unchaste. Once again, Mary displayed exemplary perseverance and resilience, understanding that God has a greater plan, and trusting in His plan. Having taken a vow of silence as instructed by God, she did nothing in the face of these accusations except to point to her baby son. Her perseverance and resilience teaches us to withstand the pressure and criticisms that can come from others when we are dedicated to God.
God gave Jesus the ability to speak and defend the honour of his mother. Baby Jesus praised his mother as a woman of piety, nobility and chastity. Jesus said of himself, “God has made me a blessing wherever I go, and bid me to establish the daily devotions and give alms as long as I live, and to be kind to my mother…” [19:31-32] Thus, the example of Mary in her perseverance and resilience is one that all believers can learn and benefit from.