When we reflect on the birth of ‘Eesa alayhi salam (peace be upon him), in Islam, it can be noted that His birth was a miracle.
Cultural competency plays a big part here and it is not possible to generalise with regards to religion and belief.
However, for Muslim women and/or faith-based birthing people, who might find themselves facing challenges during labour, being in remembrance of Allah and Maryam (may Allah be pleased with her) may help to boost confidence, morale and self-belief.
Who is Maryam?
The chapter of the Quran called; Surat Maryam. Surat means chapter so therefore this is the chapter of Mary – describing the birth of Eesa Alaiyi Salam (Jesus, peace be upon him). Eesa is the Arabic name for Jesus and alaiyi salam means ‘peace be upon Him’
After the Angel Jibril (Angel Gabriel) had told Maryam (Mary) that she was going to be with child and she did not tell anyone that she was pregnant. The chapter recites how she went into labour next to a date tree and held onto it during the contractions, eating the dates to ease her pains. How she gave birth to Eesa (Jesus) all alone, with no support from anyone, only Allah and the date tree which she leaned on for support.
How once she had swaddled Eesa in her arms, she was worried about how she was going to walk back through the town, past the people who knew her but also knew her to not be married nor with a man.
They also had not known of her pregnancy and she anticipated that they would judge her and worse still maybe punish her or stone her for what would be seeming like an illegitimate pregnancy.
Who is ‘Eesa/Isa?
“(Remember) when the angels said: ‘O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word [“Be!” — and he was! i.e. ‘Isa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary)] from Him, his name will be the Messiah ‘Isa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah. He will speak to the people, in the cradle and in manhood, and he will be one of the righteous.’ She said: ‘O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.’ He said: ‘So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: “Be!” and it is’” [Al ‘Imran 3:45-47]
“And mention in the Book (the Quran, O Muhammad, the story of) Maryam (Mary), when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east.
She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our Rooh [angel Jibril (Gabriel)], and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects.
She said: ‘Verily, I seek refuge with the Most Gracious (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah.’
(The angel) said: ‘I am only a messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.’
She said: ‘How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?’
He said: ‘So (it will be), your Lord said: ‘That is easy for Me (Allah). And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter (already) decreed (by Allah)’ [Maryam 19:16-21]
When Jibril told her that, she submitted to the will and decree of Allah, and Jibril breathed into the sleeves of her garment:
“So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place (i.e. Bethlehem valley about 4-6 miles from Jerusalem).
And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date palm. She said: ‘Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!’”[Maryam 19:22-23]
Then Allah provided Maryam with water and food, and commanded her not to speak to anyone.
“Then [the babe ‘Isa (Jesus) or Jibril (Gabriel)] cried unto her from below her, saying: ‘Grieve not: your Lord has provided a water stream under you.
And shake the trunk of the date palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon you.
So eat and drink and be glad. And if you see any human being, say: “Verily, I have vowed a fast unto the Most Gracious (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human being this day”’” [Maryam 19:24-26]
Then Maryam came to her people, carrying her child ‘Isa. When they saw her, they thought that she had done a terrible thing and they denounced it, but she did not respond to them. She indicated that they should ask this infant. Then she pointed to him.
They said: “How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?’” [Maryam 19:27-29]
‘Isa replied to them straight away, even though he was a child in the cradle. He [‘Isa (Jesus)] said: ‘Verily, I am a slave of Allah, He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet; and He has made me blessed wheresoever I be, and has enjoined on me Salah (prayer), and Zakah, as long as I live. And Salam (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!’” [Maryam 19:30-33]
Through this reference, we can see how, with faith, Maryam surpassed this test/hardship and that she trusted in Allah’s divine plan.
She, on her own, gave birth to an important messenger of Allah, a prophet!
You can have a listen of Surah Maryam here: https://youtu.be/2F8puRkwWWw