The story of Mary (Maryam) is one of the most remarkable examples of divine care in the Qur’an. She grew up in obedience to Allah and was chosen to carry a great sign for all mankind. Her upbringing was not ordinary; it was under special divine care and a chosen guardian. This selection was not random but done with Allah’s wisdom. The details illustrate how Allah arranges matters and selects the best for His righteous servants.
Mary’s guardianship was given to Prophet Zechariah (peace be upon him) by divine decree. Her mother (Imran’s wife) had dedicated Mary to the service of the temple. The Qur’an narrates this process:
“Her Lord accepted her graciously and made her grow beautifully. Zechariah was her guardian. Whenever Zechariah entered the sanctuary, he found her provided with sustenance. He said, ‘O Mary, how is this for you?’ She said, ‘It is from Allah. Allah gives provision to whom He wills without measure.’”
(Aal-Imran, 3:37)
Let’s examine the steps and reasons behind this choice:
After Allah blessed her with Mary, she fulfilled her vow to dedicate Mary to the service of the temple. At that time, temple service was generally assigned to male children. When she gave birth to a girl, she was initially concerned but submitted to Allah:
“My Lord! I have given birth to a female, and Allah knows best what I have borne. Male and female are not the same. I have named her Maryam and I entrust her and her descendants to You against Satan.”
(Aal-Imran, 3:36)
Allah accepted her vow:
“Her Lord accepted her graciously and made her grow beautifully.”
(Aal-Imran, 3:37)
Mary was highly honored and from the lineage of prophets. Many Jewish scholars wanted the privilege of raising her, as her father Imran was a noble and learned man. Prophet Zechariah, being the husband of Mary’s aunt, was the most eligible guardian by kinship.
Due to the competition, a lot (casting of pens) was used to avoid disputes:
“You were not present when they cast their pens to decide who would be Mary’s guardian.”
(Aal-Imran, 3:44)
Legend says all pens sank except Zechariah’s, which was seen as a divine sign.
Although Zechariah was eligible by kinship, Allah wanted to demonstrate His wisdom by choosing the best guardian through the lot. Zechariah was a righteous prophet who ensured Mary grew up in a pure, faithful environment, preparing her for the great mission of giving birth to Jesus (peace be upon him).
Zechariah’s guardianship of Mary was not a coincidence or a mere human decision. It was ordained and arranged by Allah, completing the divine selection of this blessed family.
