Recount in the Book how Mary withdrew from her people to an eastern place 16 and kept herself in seclusion from them. We sent her Our angel, who presented himself to her as a full-grown human being. 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 indeed one sent by your Lord; so that I may give you a chaste son.” 19 "How can I have a son," she said, "when no man has touched me, nor am I sinful?" 20 [The angel] replied, "So shall it be; your Lord says, 'This is easy for Me; and We shall make him a sign to people and a blessing, from Us. This has been decreed.'" 21 ۞ When she conceived him she went away to a distant place. 22 And when the birthpangs came upon her by the trunk of a palmtree, she said: 'Oh, would that I had died before this and become a thing forgotten' 23 But the one that was below her called to her, 'Nay, do not sorrow; see, thy Lord has set below thee a rivulet. 24 Shake the trunk of the palm-tree towards yourself and fresh and ripe dates shall fall upon 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 came to her nation, carrying him; and they said: 'O Mary, you have committed a monstrous thing. 27 “O sister of Haroon, neither was your father an evil man nor was your mother of poor conduct!” 28 She pointed to the baby (and referred them to him for their answer). They said, "How can we talk to a baby in the cradle?" 29 [But] he said, "I am God's servant. He has given me the Book and made me a prophet; 30 and has blessed me wherever I might be and has enjoined upon me Prayer and Zakah (purifying alms) as long as I live; 31 and likewise to cherish my mother; He has not made me arrogant, unprosperous. 32 Peace be upon me the day I was born and the day I will die, and the day I will be raised up alive." 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 And verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord; so worship Him; this is a way straight. 36 Then groups among them differed; so ruin is for the disbelievers from the witnessing of a Great Day. 37 (Muhammad), how clearly they will hear and see on the day when they will be brought into Our presence. Today the wrong doers are in manifest error. 38 Warn them of the woeful day when the final decree will be issued; they are neglectful and faithless. 39 Indeed, it is We who will inherit the earth and whoever is on it, and to Us they will be returned. 40