The True Story of Jesus — Page 2
as 2 rather, God had bestowed on her those qualities which made her a very special and extraordinary child, even better than the boy Hannah was hoping for. Mary was admitted to the service of God in the Jewish Temple as an exceptional case. The Temple was headed by Zachariah as, the High Priest, who according to the Holy Quran, was also a Prophet of God. Thus, according to God’s design, Mary was brought up under Zachariah’s holy and benign care. It is reported that right from her childhood she spent most of her time in her chamber in the remembrance of God. Whenever Zachariah as visited her, he found her with provisions. The gifts were evidently brought by visitors to the Temple. Moreover, God had granted her not only material things but also had given her such wisdom that even at an early age she could interpret the Scriptures and answer complex questions in such a manner which were far beyond her age. This surprised Zachariah as and address- ing her he said, ‘O Mary! From where did you attain this?’ She replied, ‘It is from Allah. ’ Surely, Allah gives His bounties to whomsoever He pleases without measure. 1 This pious reply of Mary made a deep impression on the mind of Zachariah as and he prayed to God Almighty that he may also be blessed with a child as pious as Mary. Though he was very old and his wife was barren meaning that she was unable to bear a child, yet having full trust in Allah’s Omnipotence, he prayed to God: 1. Holy Quran 3:38