(O Muhammad), recite in the Book the account of Mary, when she withdrew from her people to a place towards the east; 16 So she took a veil (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our spirit, and there appeared to her a well-made man. 17 She said, “I seek the refuge of the Most Gracious from you – if you fear God.” 18 He said: "Nay, I am only a messenger from thy Lord, (to announce) to thee the gift of a holy son. 19 She said: How can I have a son when no mortal hath touched me, neither have I been unchaste? 20 He said, "This is true but your Lord says, "It is very easy for Me. We have decided to give you a son as evidence (of Our existence) for human beings and a mercy from Us. This is a decree already ordained." 21 ۞ When she conceived him she went away to a distant place. 22 And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, "Oh, I wish I had died before this and was in oblivion, forgotten." 23 But a voice called out to her from below, "Do not despair. Your Lord has provided a brook that runs at your feet, 24 And shake towards you the trunk of the palmtree, it will drop on you fresh ripe dates: 25 Eat, drink, and rejoice. Should you see a person going by, tell him that on this day you have promised the Beneficent God to fast and never talk to any human being." 26 Then she came to her people, carrying her baby. They said: "O Mary! You have committed a monstrous thing. 27 Sister of Aaron, your father was not an evil man, nor was your mother an unchaste woman!" 28 But she pointed to the babe. They said: "How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?" 29 [But] he said, "I am God's servant. He has given me the Book and made me a prophet; 30 He has made me blessed wherever I may be, and has enjoined upon me prayer and almsgiving throughout my life. 31 (He has made me) kind to my mother; He has not made me arrogant, unprosperous. 32 "Hence, peace was upon me on the day when I was born, and [will be upon me] on the day of my death, and on the day when I shall be raised to life [again]!" 33 Such was Jesus, the son of Mary. That is the whole truth, about which they still dispute: 34 It is not for God to take a son unto Him. Glory be to Him! When He decrees a thing, He but says to it 'Be,' and it is. 35 Surely God is my Lord, and your Lord; So serve you Him. This is a straight path. 36 And yet, the sects [that follow the Bible] are at variance among themselves [about the nature of Jesus Woe, then, unto all who deny the truth when that awesome Day will appear! 37 Much will they listen and much will they see, on the Day when they come to Us, but today the unjust are in open error. 38 (O Muhammad), warn those who are steeped in heedlessness and are obstinately rejecting the truth that the Day shall come when things will be finally decided and they shall be left with utter remorse. 39 Indeed We shall inherit the earth and all that is on it, and only towards Us will they return. 40