Ibn Kathir

The Virgin Mary's Story Ibn Kathir

Prophet Zakariyah's (peace be upon him) wife's sister had a daughter named Hannah. She was married to Imran, a leader of the Israelites. For many years, the couple remained childless. Whenever Hannah saw another woman with a child, her longing for a baby increased. Although years had passed, she never lost hope. She believed that one day God would bless her with a child, on whom she would shower all her motherly love. She turned to the Lord of the heavens and the earth and pleaded with Him for a child. She would offer the child in the service of God's house, in the temple of Jerusalem. God granted her request. When she learned that she was pregnant with Mary, she was the happiest woman alive, and thanked God for His gift.