Recount in the Book how Mary withdrew from her people to an eastern place 16 And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man. 17 She said: I verily seek refuge with the Compassionate from thee if thou art God-fearing. 18 He said, “I am indeed one sent by your Lord; so that I may give you a chaste son.” 19 She said, "How can I have a son when no man has touched me; and neither have I been 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; then withdrew herself with him to a remote place. 22 And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date-palm. She said: "Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!" 23 But (a voice) cried to her from beneath the (palm-tree): "Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee; 24 "And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you." 25 Eat therefore, and drink, and be comforted; and if thou shouldst see any mortal, say, "I have vowed to the All-merciful a fast, and today I will not speak to any man. 26 Then she came to her people, carrying her baby. They said: "O Mary! You have committed a monstrous thing. 27 "O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a man of evil, nor thy mother a woman unchaste!" 28 Then she pointed to him. They said: How can we talk to one who is in the cradle, a young boy? 29 He said, 'Lo, I am God's servant; God has given me the Book, and made me a Prophet. 30 And He has made me blessed wherever I may be, and He has enjoined on me prayer and poor-rate so long as I live; 31 And [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant. 32 Peace on me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive! 33 That is Jesus, the son of Mary - the word of truth about which they are in dispute. 34 It is not befitting to (the majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! when He determines a matter, He only says to it, "Be", and it is. 35 And [thus it was that Jesus always said]: "Verily, God is my Sustainer as well as your Sustainer; so worship [none but] Him: this [alone] is a straight way." 36 But the sects differ among themselves: and woe to the unbelievers because of the (coming) Judgment of a Momentous Day! 37 How plainly will they see and hear, the Day that they will appear before Us! but the unjust today are in error manifest! 38 And warn them of the Day of anguish when the case hath been decided. Now they are in a state of carelessness, and they believe not. 39 Verily! We will inherit the earth and whatsoever is thereon. And to Us they all shall be returned, 40