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ParallelsA comparative study
ChristianityIslam
On Mary / Maryam
The only woman named in the Qur'an, and more often than in the New Testament. Surah 19 bears her name. A powerful comparative lens: the same figure, two scriptures, very different Christologies.
What every account tells.
- iVirgin conception by the Spirit
- iiAn angelic annunciation
- iiiThe miraculous child
- ivModels of submission to God
How each tradition tells it.
Christianity
Mary is theotokos — 'God-bearer' — in the Chalcedonian tradition; a paradigm of cooperation with grace.
Islam
Maryam is honoured as the greatest of women; she gives birth alone beneath a palm tree; the infant 'Isa speaks from the cradle in defense of her chastity (19:30).