AND CALL to mind, through this divine writ, Mary. Lo! She withdrew from her family to an eastern place 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, "Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, [so leave me], if you should be fearing of Allah." 18 He said: I am only a messenger of your Lord: That I will give you a pure boy. 19 Said she: "How can I have a son when no man has ever touched me? - for, never have I been a loose woman!" 20 He said, 'Even so thy Lord has said: "Easy is that for Me; and that We may appoint him a sign unto men and a mercy from Us; it is a thing decreed."' 21 ۞ So she conceived him; then withdrew herself with him to a remote place. 22 The pains of labour drove her to the trunk of a date-palm. She said, "Oh, if only I had died before this and passed into oblivion!" 23 Then (one) cried unto her from below her, saying: Grieve not! Thy Lord hath placed a rivulet beneath thee, 24 Shake the trunk of the palm-tree towards yourself and fresh and ripe dates shall fall upon you. 25 Therefore eat and drink and rejoice with your eyes. If you meet any human say to him: "I have vowed a fast to the Merciful and will not speak with anyone today.' 26 At length she brought the (babe) to her people, carrying him (in her arms). They said: "O Mary! truly an amazing thing hast thou brought! 27 O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a wicked man nor was thy mother a harlot. 28 She pointed to the baby (and referred them to him for their answer). They said, "How can we talk to a baby in the cradle?" 29 [But] he said, "I am God's servant. He has given me the Book and made me a prophet; 30 And He hath made me blest wheresoever I may be, and enjoined on me the prayer and the poor-rate as long as I am alive. 31 (He has made me) kind to my mother; He has not made me arrogant, unprosperous. 32 Peace on me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive! 33 This is Eisa (Jesus), the son of Maryam; a true statement, in which 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 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 Then the factions differed [concerning Jesus] from among them, so woe to those who disbelieved - from the scene of a tremendous Day. 37 How clearly will they (polytheists and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) see and hear, the Day when they will appear before Us! But the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) today are in plain error. 38 Warn them of the woeful day when the final decree will be issued; they are neglectful and faithless. 39 Ultimately, We shall inherit the earth and whatever is on it; to Us shall they be returned. 40