Mary
Mother of Jesus / Maryam
Mary, the mother of Jesus, holds a unique place in Christianity and Islam alike. Venerated as Theotokos in Christianity and as the most honored woman in the Quran, her virginal conception of Jesus is affirmed in both traditions.
Across Traditions
Christianity
Name
Mary, Mother of God
Role
Theotokos, Ever-Virgin, and Queen of Heaven
Summary
Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ, venerated as Theotokos (God-bearer). Catholic and Orthodox traditions teach her perpetual virginity, immaculate conception, and bodily assumption. Protestant traditions honor her as blessed among women and the model of faithful discipleship. She was present at the cross and in the upper room at Pentecost.
Source Text
And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord
Luke 1:45
Islam
Name
Maryam bint Imran
Role
Most honored woman, mother of Isa
Summary
Maryam is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran, and an entire chapter (Surah Maryam) is dedicated to her. She is described as having been purified above all women of the world. The Quran affirms the virgin birth of Isa. She is venerated as a model of purity, faith, and submission to God.
Source Text
And mention, O Muhammad, in the Book the story of Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east
Quran 19:16
LDS
Name
Mary
Role
Mother of Jesus Christ, elect and noble daughter of God
Summary
Mary is honored in Restoration scripture as the chosen mother of Jesus Christ in the flesh. She is described as a precious and chosen vessel. The Book of Mormon's prophet Nephi sees her in vision as exceedingly fair and white, and the angel identifies her as the mother of the Son of God.
Source Text
And I looked and beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white... Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God
1 Nephi 11:15, 18
Judaism
Name
Miriam / Mary
Role
Mother of a significant Jewish figure
Summary
While Judaism does not recognize Jesus as the Messiah, Mary (Miriam in Hebrew) is honored in Jewish sources as a righteous woman and the mother of a notable Jewish figure of her time. Jewish tradition preserves Mary's wisdom and piety, though the theological meaning of her motherhood differs from Christian interpretation. Her family connections and her devotion to Torah study are valued in Jewish memory.
Source Text
Blessed are the wombs that bore the righteous and the breasts that nursed them
Luke 1:48 (traditional Jewish blessing themes)
Connected Figures
Theme
Common Ground
Description
Christianity, Islam, and LDS tradition all affirm the virgin birth of Jesus and Mary's exceptional status among women. All three portray her as uniquely chosen, pure, and honored by God.
Theme
Unique Insight
Description
Islam gives Mary more direct Quranic attention than any other woman — including an entire chapter — while also denying her divine nature and rejecting the Trinity doctrine centered on her son.
Theme
Miraculous Conception
Description
Both Christianity and Islam accept the virgin birth of Jesus as a miraculous event. Christianity emphasizes this as the Incarnation of God's Son, while Islam honors Mary's pure conception of Isa as a sign of God's power. The miracle of virginal motherhood is affirmed across both traditions.