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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Fatima The Gracious Chapter 15: Al-Muhaddathah First of all, it should be explained that angels speak, appear, and can be heard by others than prophets. It is written in the Holy Qur’an: "Behold! the angels said: 'O Mary! God hath chosen thee and purified thee-chosen thee above the women of all nations. O Mary!

Worship thy Lord devoutly: prostrate thyself, and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down." (3: 42-43) This verse clearly states that angels spoke to Mary (Maryam, mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus) (as)) by praising her, and conveyed to her Allah's commands. It is evident that she heard their speech, and realized their intention, for if not, it would be useless to speak to her. [^1] It is even mentioned that the Arch-angel Gabriel, himself, spoke to her.

"Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary (as), when she withdrew from her family to a place in the East. She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.

She said: 'I seek refuge from thee to (God) Most Gracious; (come not near) if thou dost fear God.' He said: 'Nay, I am only a messenger from thy Lord, (to announce) to thee the gift of a holy son.' She said: 'How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?' He said: 'So (it will be): Thy Lord said, "That is Easy for Me: and (We wish) to appoint him as a Sign unto men and a Mercy from Us'; it is a matter (so) decreed.” (19: 16-21) The interpreters of the Holy Qur’an have unanimously agreed that the angel mentioned in the second verse was Gabriel.

He "appeared before her as a man in all respects". Then a dialogue was held between the two of them. 'And his wife was standing (there), and she laughed; but We gave her glad tidings of Isaac, and after him, of Jacob. She said: Alas for me! Shall I bear a child, seeing I am an old woman, and my husband here is an old man? That would indeed be a wonderful thing!' They said: 'Dost thou wonder at God's decree? The grace of God, and His blessings on you, O ye people of the house!

For He is indeed worthy of all praise, full of all glory!" (11: 71-73) These verses speak of the angels visit to Ibrahim (as), bringing him the good news of a son. Ibrahim's (as) wife, Sara, who was serving the guests thinking that were men, spoke to the angels and they replied to her. This matter is clear from the verses.