"Behold," the angels told Mary, "God had chosen you, purified you, and given you distinction over all women. 42 So adore your Lord, O Mary, and pay homage and bow with those who bow in prayer." 43 This is of the tidings of things hidden which We reveal unto thee and thou wast not with them when they cast their reeds as to which of them should take care of Maryam, nor wast thou with them when they disputed. 44 Lo! The angels said: "O Mary! Behold, God sends thee the glad tiding, through a word from Him, [of a son] who shall become known as the Christ Jesus, son of Mary, of great honour in this world and in the life to come, and [shall be] of those who are drawn near unto God. 45 Who will speak to the people when in the cradle and when in the prime of life, and will be among the upright and doers of good." 46 'Lord' she said, 'how can I bear a child when no human being has touched me?' He replied: 'Such is the Will of Allah. He creates whom He will. When He decrees a thing, He only says: "Be," and it is. 47 And He will teach him the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel, 48 And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], 'Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah. And I cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead - by permission of Allah. And I inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed in that is a sign for you, if you are believers. 49 Likewise confirming the truth of the Torah that is before me, and to make lawful to you certain things that before were forbidden unto you. I have come to you with a sign from your Lord; so fear you God, and obey you me. 50 Surely, Allah is my Lord and your Lord; so serve Him alone. This is the straight way.' 51 ۞ When Jesus perceived their denial, he said, "Who will be my helpers in God's cause?" The disciples said, "We are God's helpers, we believe in God. Bear witness that we have surrendered ourselves. 52 They prayed, "Lord, we have believed in what You have revealed to Your Messenger and we have followed him. Write down our names with those who testify in support of the Truth." 53 Then they schemed (against the Messiah), and Allah countered their schemes by schemes of His own. Allah is the best of schemers. 54