Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place in the East. 16 We sent to her Our Spirit (Gabriel) in the resemblance of a perfect human. 17 "I seek refuge in the Merciful from you, if you fear Him," she said. 18 'I am the Messenger of your Lord' he replied, 'and have come to give you a pure boy' 19 She said: in what wise shall there be a boy unto me, whereas not a human being hath touched me, nor have I been a harlot? 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 ۞ So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a remote place. 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 (The angel) Therefore called her from below her, “Do not grieve – your Lord has made a river flow below you.” 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 "So eat and drink and be glad, and if you see any human being, say: 'Verily! I have vowed a fast unto the Most Beneficent (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human being this day. 26 Then she brought him to her nation carrying him. They said: Maryam! assuredly thou hast brought a thing unheard Of. 27 Sister of Aaron, your father was not an evil man, nor was your mother an unchaste woman!" 28 Mary pointed to the child then; but they said, 'How shall we speak to one who is still in the cradle, a little child?' 29 He (the baby) said: 'I am the worshiper of Allah. Allah 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 and likewise to cherish my mother; He has not made me arrogant, unprosperous. 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, in the words of truth, Jesus the son of Mary, about whose nature they so deeply disagree. 34 It is not for Allah to take a son! Exaltations to Him! When He decrees a thing He only says: 'Be' and it is. 35 (Jesus had said): "Indeed Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so serve Him alone. This is the 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 (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 Lo! We, only We, inherit the earth and all who are thereon, and unto Us they are returned. 40