Quran and Hadith Studies‎

A Comparative Analysis of Commentators' Views on the Genealogy of the Virgin Mary in the Quran

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 PhD student of Comparative Exegesis, Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Quran, and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.

Abstract

The Virgin Mary is the only woman mentioned by name 34 times in The Holy Qurān, emphasizing her virtues. In some verses, she is called "bint ʿImrān" and "ukht Hārūn". This study examines why the Qurān highlights Mary’s genealogy and analyzes interpretations of "Āl ʿImrān" and "ukht Hārūn" by Qurānic scholars. Using an analytical-comparative approach, it advocates a literary interpretation of Qurānic narratives. The findings show that The Holy Qurān attributes Mary’s lineage to the esteemed family of Imran to counter accusations by biased Jewish groups and address inconsistencies in Gospel genealogies. By excluding "Yūsuf Najjār" from Jesus’ lineage, the Qurān underscores the maternal line of "Jesus, son of Mary." The study suggests that "Hārūn" in "ya ukht Hārūn" refers to the prophet Aaron, with Mary’s connection being genealogical and indirect. Mary is identified as the direct daughter of ʿImrān, though ʿImrān’s historical identity remains unclear due to limited Qurānic details. Additionally, the absence of "ʿImrām" the father of Moses and Aaron, in the Qurān, along with contextual evidence, supports the view that "Āl ʿImrān" refers to Mary’s paternal family.

Keywords

Main Subjects

The Holy Qurʾān.
The Holy Bible.
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Quran and Hadith Studies‎
Volume 18, Issue 2 - Serial Number 36
March 2025
Pages 1-26