“There appears to have been a religious custom to dedicate a male child as a priest for the service of Allah (SWT), in view of which Maryam’s mother had taken such a decision. When she delivered Maryam (PBH) she was probably confused that how could a female perform the religious duties of a male. It may be noted here that in the followers of Prophet Muhammed (PBH) there is no such practice of dedicating children as priests for the service of Allah (SWT) probably because the whole community has to get involved in the propagation of Islam and not a selected few 3:110. Maryam’s mother prayed for the protection of her daughter as well as her off – spring.

This indicates that those dedicated as priests for the service of Allah (SWT) could also marry and bear children. But Maryam’s mother appears to have no knowledge that Maryam (PBH) was to remain a virgin and not to marry anyone. 66:12. Maryam (PBH) was given under the care of Zakariyya (PBH) for her religious training. Whenever he entered her room he used to find food with her, which was obviously not supplied by him, therefore he was surprised and inquired about its source. She said, ‘It was from Allah “3:37.”