Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place in 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 exclaimed: "Verily, 'I seek refuge from thee with the Most Gracious! [Approach me not] if thou art conscious of Him!" 18 (The angel) said: "I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son." 19 She said, 'How shall I have a son whom no mortal has touched, 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, and withdrew with him to a distant place. 22 Then the birth-pangs drave her to the trunk of a palm-tree; she said: would that I had died afore this and become forgotten, lost in oblivion! 23 Then she heard the baby saying, "Do not be sad. Your Lord has caused a stream to run at your feet. 24 Shake the trunk of the palm-tree towards yourself and fresh and ripe dates shall fall upon you. 25 Eat and drink, and be at peace. If you see any man, tell him: 'I have verily vowed a fast to Ar-Rahman and cannot speak to any one this day.' 26 Then she brought him to her people, carrying him. They said, "O Mary, you have certainly done a thing unprecedented. 27 O sister of Aaron! Your father was not an evil man, nor was your mother an unchaste woman." 28 Then she Pointed to him. They said: how shall we speak to one who is in the cradle, a child? 29 He Said: verily I am a bondman of Allah; He hath vouchsafed me the Book and made me a prophet. 30 and made me blessed wherever I may be; and He has enjoined upon me prayer and charity as long as I live, 31 And be dutiful to my mother. He has not made me haughty or rebellious. 32 Peace on me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive! 33 Such was (Prophet) Jesus, the son of Mary. A saying of truth, concerning what they doubt. 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 [Jesus said], "And indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path." 36 The sects among them differ: but woe unto the disbelievers from the meeting of an awful 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 (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 Surely We inherit the earth and all those who are on it, and to Us they shall be returned. 40