Surah at-Tahrim (The Prohibition ) 66 : 12

Explanatory Note

"And Mary, the daughter of Imran,” provides another example of total dedication. Her story is given from its early beginnings elsewhere in the Qur'an. Her distinctive quality mentioned here is her purity, "who guarded her chastity." Thus, her innocence is made absolutely clear, refuting the vile accusations the Jews levelled at her. "And We breathed of Our spirit into her." It was from this breathing of God's spirit into her that Jesus, her son, was born, as detailed in Surah 19, Maryam. We will not go into the details of his birth here, limiting ourselves only to the discussion of the present text which highlights Mary's purity, complete faith and total obedience of God: "She accepted the truth of her Lord's words and His revealed books. She was truly devout." 

The fact that Pharaoh's wife is the one chosen to be mentioned here together with Mary is indicative of her own sublime status; a status enhanced by the special circumstances of her own life. Both ladies are splendid examples of women who combined firm faith with purity of behaviour and total devotion. God sets these two examples for the Prophet's own wives in the context of the event reported in the first section of the surah. They are also examples set before believing women in all generations.

This surah gives us a glimpse of the Prophet's own life, drawn in the inspiring style of the Qur'an. No human report speaking of the period can give us a similar picture. This because Qur'anic expressions are more inspiring and far-reaching. In this way, a single event is cited to state the truth that remains valid for the rest of time.