[We said], ‘John, hold on to the Scripture firmly.’ While he was still a boy, We granted him wisdom

tenderness from Us, and purity. He was devout

kind to his parents, not domineering or rebellious

Peace was on him the day he was born, the day he died, and it will be on him the day he is raised to life again

Mention in the Quran the story of Mary. She withdrew from her family to a place to the east

and secluded herself away; We sent Our Spirit to appear before her in the form of a perfected man

She said, ‘I seek the Lord of Mercy’s protection against you: if you have any fear of Him [do not approach]!’

but he said, ‘I am but a Mes-senger from your Lord, [come] to announce to you the gift of a pure son.’

She said, ‘How can I have a son when no man has touched me? I have not been unchaste,’

and he said, ‘This is what your Lord said: “It is easy for Me- We shall make him a sign to all people, a blessing from Us.”’

And so it was ordained: she conceived him. She withdrew to a distant place

and, when the pains of childbirth drove her to [cling to] the trunk of a palm tree, she exclaimed, ‘I wish I had been dead and forgotten long before all this!’

but a voice cried to her from below, ‘Do not worry: your Lord has provided a stream at your feet

and, if you shake the trunk of the palm tree towards you, it will deliver fresh ripe dates for you