Recount in the Book how Mary withdrew from her people to an eastern place 16 So there she screened herself from them; We therefore sent Our Spirit towards her – he appeared before her in the form of a healthy man. (Angel Jibreel – peace be upon him.) 17 She said: "I seek refuge from thee to (Allah) Most Gracious: (come not near) if thou dost fear Allah." 18 He said: I am only a messenger of your Lord: That I will give you a pure boy. 19 "How can I have a son," she said, "when no man has touched me, nor am I sinful?" 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 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 [the babe 'Iesa (Jesus) or Jibrael (Gabriel)] cried unto her from below her, saying: "Grieve not! Your Lord has provided a water stream under you; 24 and if you shake the trunk of this palm-tree, it will drop fresh ripe dates on 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 She took him to her people and they said, "Mary, this is indeed an strange thing. 27 "O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a man of evil, nor thy mother a woman unchaste!" 28 Thereupon Mary pointed to the child. They exclaimed: "How can we speak to one who is in the cradle, a mere child?" 29 The child proclaimed, “I am Allah’s bondman; He has given me the Book and made me a Herald of the Hidden (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 dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me insolent, unblessed; 32 I was born with peace and I shall die and be brought to life again with peace." 33 Such was the true story of Jesus, the son of Mary, about which they dispute bitterly. 34 It is not for God to take a son unto Him. Glory be to Him! When He decrees a thing, He but says to it 'Be,' and it is. 35 Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord therefore worship Him. That is the 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 Warn them of the woeful day when the final decree will be issued; they are neglectful and faithless. 39 Verily We! We shall inherit the earth and whatsoever is thereon: and unto Us they shall be returned. 40