You know well that had it been a son it would have been...

You know well that had it been a son it would have been lower than this daughter in nobility.” Then she added, “I have named her Maryam.[1] I seek from Your Holy Self to keep this girl and her progeny from the evil of the devil Satan.” In view of the sincerity and firm desire of Hannah, Almighty Allah accepted her offer and adorned her daughter with all virtues of piety, chastity and modesty.

God granted [1] In those days Maryam meant a devout worshipper the noble lady, Maryam such a high rank the mention whereof will remain in the Bible and the Quran till eternity. All of a sudden it struck to the mother of Maryam (through Revelation) that God had accepted her offering and had honored her exceptionally by allowing her daughter (in place of a son) to have the honor of serving the House of God.

This revelation gave peace of mind to Maryam’s mother and she very happily started to arrange the fulfillment of her pledge by dedicating her fortunate daughter to the House of God. A few days thereafter she wrapped her daughter in a clean cloth and took her to the trustees of Baitul Maqdas who were from the progeny of Harun (a.s).

Entrusting the daughter to them she said, “Take this child in your custody because I had made a vow that I will give her away for serving the House of God.” Then she returned home. The leading personalities of Bani Israel who were the trustees of Baitul Maqdas accepted the female child, which had been dedicated to the House of God. Then there arose a problem as to who from them would nourish the child. They held mutual consultations.

Everyone wished to take the responsibility and they began to show their eagerness because the child was the daughter of Imran whom everyone among Bani Israel held high in esteem and everyone intended to get nearer to him. At this point, Prophet Zakaria said, “I am the husband of Maryam’s aunt and therefore my right is more. This honor may be given to me.” But the elders did not accept this claim as no one wanted to miss the honor.

After long discussions it was agreed that arguments and counter arguments and claims upon claims would not solve the problem so they should instead draw lots. They decided to throw their pens in water with which they wrote the holy words of Torah and one whose pen does not sink would have the honor of maintaining and nourishing Maryam. Zakaria turned out to be that fortunate person. Being her aunt’s husband, Zakaria began take care of Maryam to the best of his ability.