And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east. 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 Mary exclaimed: "I surely take refuge from you with the Most Compassionate Lord, if you are at all God-fearing." 18 "I am only the messenger of your Lord," he replied. "I shall bestow upon you the gift of a son endowed with purity." 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 ۞ Then she conceived him and withdrew with him to a far-off place. 22 And the birthpangs surprised her by the trunk of the palm-tree. She said, 'Would I had died ere this, and become a thing 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 the trunk of the palm-tree towards you – ripe fresh dates will fall upon you.” (This was a miracle – the date palm was dry and it was winter season.) 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 And in time she returned to her people, carrying the child with her. They said: "O Mary! Thou hast indeed done an amazing thing! 27 O sister of Aaron, your father was not a wicked person, nor your mother sinful!" 28 But she pointed towards him. "How can we talk to one," they said, "who is only an infant in the cradle?" 29 He spake: Lo! I am the slave of Allah. He hath given me the Scripture and hath appointed me a Prophet, 30 "And He has made me blessed wheresoever I be, and has enjoined on me Salat (prayer), and Zakat, as long as I live." 31 "And dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, unblest. 32 There was peace on me the day I was born, and will be the day I die, and on the day I will be raised from the dead." 33 Such is Isa, son of Marium; (this is) the saying of truth about which they dispute. 34 It is not conceivable that God should have taken unto Himself a son: limitless is He in His glory! When He wills a thing to be, He but says unto 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 different parties began to dispute with one another. A dreadful woe awaits on that great Day for those that reject the Truth. 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 Warn them of the woeful day when the final decree will be issued; they are neglectful and faithless. 39 It is We who will inherit the earth and all who dwell upon it: they shall all return to Us. 40