The first choosing was her selection [with glad tidings given to Imran]...

The first choosing was her selection [with glad tidings given to Imran], but the second was that she became pregnant without a man.

So, she was chosen over all the women of the world.”[^3] It is reported that Isma‘il al-Ju‘fi said that Abu Ja‘far said, “When the wife of ‘Imran vowed that what was in her womb would be dedicated, [and what was meant was that he would be] dedicated to the mosque, when he was delivered he would enter the mosque and never leave, (then when Mary was born, [her mother] said, My Lord! I have delivered a female. And Allah knows best what she delivered.

And the male is not like the female, and I have named her Mary, and I commend her to Your protection from the cast off Satan and also her offspring. (3:36) Then the prophets cast lots and the lot fell to Zachariah, and he was the husband of her sister and her custodian, and she was brought to the mosque. When she matured to when a woman menstruates, she was the most beautiful of women, and when she prayed, the cloister became bright by her light.

Then Zachariah entered and found that before her there was winter fruit in the summer and summer fruit in the winter. Then he said: From whence is this?’ She said, ‘It is from Allah. (3:37) Because of this, Zachariah prayed to his Lord, And verily I fear my kindred after me, and my wife is barren.(19:5) and so on with what Allah mentioned of the story of Zachariah and John.”[^4] Layth ibn Sa‘d said, “I said to Ka‘b, who was with Mu‘awiyah, ‘How would you describe the birth of the Prophet (S)?

Do you see any excellence in his progeny?’ Then Ka‘b turned to Mu‘awiyah, to see what he wanted. Allah, the Mighty and Magnificent, put [these words] on his tongue, ‘O Abu Ishaq, may Allah have mercy on you, say whatever you know!’ Ka‘b said, ‘I have read seventy-two books all of which were sent from heaven, and I have read the entire scripture of Daniel. In all of them I have found mention of the birth of the Prophet and his progeny. The name of the Prophet is also known there.

No prophet was born with angels being sent down, except Jesus and Ahmad, may the blessings of Allah be with them both. The covering of heaven was not drawn for any woman except Mary and Aminah, the mother of Ahmad.