…anyone today.’
She then returned to her people carrying the child. They exclaimed, “Mary, you have done something shocking! Sister of Aaron, your father was never a wicked man, nor was your mother unchaste.” She merely pointed to the infant. They said, “How can we speak to one who is still a baby in the cradle?” He declared, “I am indeed the servant of Allah. He has given me the Book and made me a prophet. He has made me blessed wherever I may be, and He has enjoined upon me prayer and zakat for as long as I live. He has made me dutiful to my mother and has not made me domineering or miserable. Peace is upon me the day I was born, the day I shall die, and the day I am raised to life.”
Such is Jesus, son of Mary—the Word of Truth about which they dispute. It is not befitting that Allah should take a son. Transcendent is He! When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is. Surely Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him; this is the straight path. (Q 19:27-36)
Allah also alludes to His blowing into her body from this Spirit in two other passages of the Quran.
These repeatedly confirmed (mutawātir) reports show that angels can appear in human form.
Accounts of the angels’ descent to support and aid the prophets:
As for their descent to help the prophets, Allah mentions it in several places in His Book. Concerning the Battle of Badr He says:
“When you were imploring your Lord for help, He answered you, ‘I will reinforce you with a thousand angels, rank on rank.’ Allah made this only as glad tidings and to reassure your hearts; victory comes only from Allah. Truly Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.” (Q 8:9-10)
—up to His words—
“When your Lord revealed to the angels, ‘I am with you, so make firm those who believe.’” (Q 8:12)
He also says:
“If you could but see when the angels take the souls of those who disbelieve, striking their faces and their backs, [saying:] ‘Taste the torment of the burning Fire!’” (Q 8:50)
And regarding the Day of Uhud He says:
“When you said to the believers, ‘Is it not enough for you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down?’ Yes indeed—if you remain steadfast and are mindful of Allah, and they come against you at once, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels, clearly marked. Allah made this only as good news for you and so that your hearts might be at ease; victory comes only from Allah, the Almighty, the All-Wise.” (Q 3:124-126)