وَإِذْ قَالَتِ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ يَـٰمَرْيَمُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱصْطَفَىٰكِ وَطَهَّرَكِ وَٱصْطَفَىٰكِ عَلَىٰ نِسَآءِ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
“And ˹remember˺ when the angels said, ‘O Mary! Surely Allah has selected you, purified you, and chosen you over all women of the world.’”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:42)
Right after this, the next ayah follows:
يَـٰمَرْيَمُ ٱقْنُتِى لِرَبِّكِ وَٱسْجُدِى وَٱرْكَعِى مَعَ ٱلرَّٰكِعِينَ
“O Maryam (Mary), be devoutly obedient to your Lord, prostrate and bow with those who bow [in prayer].”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:43)
SubhanAllah! Reflecting on these two back to back ayah in the Holy Qur’an reveals a remarkable message.
Alhamdulillah we all know Maryam (a.s) was an extraordinary individual, chosen and purified by Allah Ta’ala (The Exalted), the second ayah reminds us of the importance of community of believers.
Imagine! Even someone as devout and special as Maryam (a.s) was instructed to pray and bow “with those who bow.”
This serves as a timeless lesson for all of us that no matter how strong our personal faith or devotion may be, being part of a community of believers enhances our connection with Allah Al-Azeem.
It highlights the value of good company and the power of being in a community of believers.
May Allah Ar – Raheem grant us the ability to reflect on these lessons and strengthen our bond with both Him and the community of believers. Ameen.