Mary — Maryam in Arabic — holds a place of exceptional honor in Islam. She is the mother of the prophet Jesus (Isa), revered as a model of devotion, and is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran, which dedicates an entire chapter (Surah 19, Maryam) to her.456
Chosen above the women of the world
The Quran describes Mary as specially chosen and purified by God:
"O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds."
— Quran 3:42 (Saheeh International)1
The annunciation
An angel announced to Mary that, though a virgin, she would give birth to Jesus by God's will:
"She said, 'How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?' He said, 'Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, "It is easy for Me."'"
— Quran 19:16-21 (Saheeh International)2
(Islam's understanding of her son is covered in Jesus (Isa) in Islam.)
A model of faith
The Quran holds Mary up as an example for all believers — not only women — for her purity and devotion:
"And [the example of] Mary, the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity … and she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures and was of the devoutly obedient."
— Quran 66:12 (Saheeh International)3
In short
Mary (Maryam) is honored in Islam as one of the most righteous human beings — chosen above the women of the world, mother of the prophet Jesus, and a model of faith and chastity for every believer.