(O Muhammad), recite in the Book the account of Mary, when she withdrew from her people to a place towards the east; 16 And took cover from them, We sent a spirit of Ours to her who appeared before her in the concrete form of a man. 17 She said, “I seek the refuge of the Most Gracious from you – if you fear God.” 18 [The angel] answered: "I am but a messenger of thy Sustainer, [who says,] 'I shall bestow upon thee the gift of a son endowed with purity.'" 19 'How shall I bear a son' she answered, 'when I am not touched by a human and not unchaste' 20 He said, "Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, 'It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.' " 21 ۞ So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place (i.e. Bethlehem valley about 4-6 miles from Jerusalem). 22 And when the birthpangs came upon her by the trunk of a palmtree, she said: 'Oh, would that I had died before this and become a thing forgotten' 23 Then she heard the baby saying, "Do not be sad. Your Lord has caused a stream to run at your feet. 24 "And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you." 25 Eat and drink and rejoice. And if you see any human being say, 'I have vowed a fast [of silence] to the Gracious God, and will not speak with any human being today.'" 26 Carrying her child, she brought him to her people. They said, "O Mary, you have indeed done something terrible! 27 O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a wicked man nor was thy mother a harlot. 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 commanded me to be good to my parents and has not made me an arrogant rebellious person. 32 Peace be upon me, the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I am raised up alive!' 33 Such was (Prophet) Jesus, the son of Mary. A saying of truth, concerning what they doubt. 34 God is too Exalted to have a son. When He decides to bring some thing into existence He needs only command it to exist and it comes into existence. 35 Verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord: Him therefore serve ye: this is a Way that is straight. 36 But the parties have fallen into variance among themselves; then woe to those who disbelieve for the scene of a dreadful day. 37 How keenly would they hear and see when they come before Us then, even though today the evil-doers are lost in palpable error. 38 And warn them, [O Muhammad], of the Day of Regret, when the matter will be concluded; and [yet], they are in [a state of] heedlessness, and they do not believe. 39 Behold, We alone shall remain after the earth and all who live on it have passed away, and [when] unto Us all will have been brought back. 40