Christianity
Islam
Mary / Maryam
The only woman named directly in the Quran and the subject of an entire surah (Chapter 19), Mary holds a position of extraordinary honor in both Christianity and Islam. In Christianity she is the Theotokos (God-bearer), the mother of Jesus Christ, the greatest of all saints. In Islam, Maryam bint Imran is one of the four greatest women in history, chosen and purified by God above all women of the world.
In Different Traditions
Christianity
Mary, the Virgin
- Role
- Mother of Jesus Christ; Theotokos (God-bearer); model of faith and obedience
- Key Texts
- Luke 1:26–56; John 2:1–12; 19:25–27; Revelation 12
Islam
Maryam bint Imran
- Role
- Chosen and purified above all women; mother of the prophet Isa
- Key Texts
- Surah Maryam (Quran 19); 3:33–47; 21:91; 66:12