Promoting peace and harmony from an Abrahamic perspective

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What is 'Creativity'?

 

Creativity is the ability to generate new ideas, approaches, and solutions across various fields, including science, technology, business, and the arts. It involves thinking outside the box, connecting unrelated concepts, and expressing thoughts and emotions innovatively. Creativity requires imagination, originality, and resourcefulness and can be both an individual trait and a collaborative effort.

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Some Forms of Creativity:

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• Music: The art of combining sounds to create harmony, rhythm, and emotion, allowing for personal expression and cultural connection.

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• Writing: The process of crafting narratives, poetry, or prose to convey ideas, tell stories, or express feelings, often reflecting the writer's unique voice.

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• Art: The visual representation of ideas and emotions through mediums such as painting, sculpture, and photography, often provoking thought and evoking feelings.

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• Poetry: A form of literary art that uses rhythmic and aesthetic qualities of language to evoke meaning, emotion, and imagery, often distilling complex ideas into concise forms.

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• Dance: A form of artistic expression that combines movement with music, allowing individuals to convey emotions, tell stories, and connect with others through physicality and rhythm.

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Why is 'Creativity' important?

 

Creativity is crucial for personal development, societal progress, and economic growth. On a personal level, it enhances cognitive abilities, improves mental health, and fosters fulfilment. In education, it leads to better learning outcomes by preparing students for modern challenges.

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Societally, creativity drives cultural evolution and innovation, addressing global issues like climate change and social inequality through effective solutions. In business, it fuels innovation, helping companies differentiate themselves and enhance customer experiences. Organisations that promote creativity often experience higher employee engagement and productivity.

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How can 'Creativity' help us?

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• Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: Creativity allows individuals to approach challenges from various angles, leading to innovative solutions.

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• Facilitates Self-Expression: Engaging in creative activities provides a means to convey thoughts and emotions, contributing to emotional well-being and reducing stress.

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• Strengthens Social Connections: Collaborative creative projects foster teamwork and enhance interpersonal relationships, cultivating a sense of community.

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• Drives Innovation in the Workplace: Organisations that promote creativity are more adaptable and better at developing new products and responding to customer needs, which also boosts employee satisfaction

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• Promotes Peace and Justice: Creative expression can be a powerful tool for spreading kindness, love, and peace, encouraging social justice and inspiring positive change in communities.

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How can 'Creativity' cause us harm?

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• Over-Absorption in Creative Pursuits: Individuals may neglect responsibilities and relationships due to excessive focus on their creative work.

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• Emotional Toll: Intense emotions associated with creativity can lead to vulnerability, self-doubt, anxiety, and fear of failure, which may stifle creativity.

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• Risk of Misinterpretation: Creative expressions may provoke negative reactions or backlash, leading to discouragement or social ostracism.

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• Isolation: A deeply creative mindset can result in feelings of alienation, especially if individuals feel misunderstood, exacerbating loneliness and depression.

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• Creating Harm Instead of Benefit: Creativity can be misdirected towards harmful actions or ideas that negatively impact others, leading to societal harm rather than collective benefit.

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How does our 'Creativity' impact our intentions thoughts speech and behaviour?

 

Creativity is a key driver of our intentions, thoughts, speech, and behavior, influencing how we interact with the world. It allows us to perceive our surroundings uniquely, leading to innovative intentions aligned with our values. Engaging in creative thinking opens up possibilities that enhance decision-making, encouraging bold actions that reflect our true selves.

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Creativity also enhances communication, enabling us to express complex emotions and ideas effectively. This can take various forms, such as storytelling and art, making our speech a powerful tool for influencing others and nurturing connections.

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Behaviorally, creativity encourages exploration and risk-taking, prompting us to challenge the status quo and seek novel solutions. This willingness to innovate promotes personal growth and inspires collaboration, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.

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How does our 'Creativity' impact our physical emotional mental and spiritual well-being?

 

Creativity significantly enhances our overall well-being across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions.

 

Physical Well-Being

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Engaging in creative activities, such as painting or dancing, can improve health outcomes by promoting physical activity and coordination. These activities release endorphins, contributing to happiness and a healthier lifestyle.

 

Emotional Well-Being

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Creativity serves as an outlet for expressing emotions and processing experiences, nurturing emotional resilience. It allows for the exploration of feelings and can enhance self-esteem through a sense of accomplishment.

 

Mental Well-Being

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Creativity stimulates the brain, encouraging neuro-plasticity and enhancing cognitive functions like problem-solving and memory. It promotes a state of flow, which reduces stress and boosts productivity.

 

Spiritual Well-Being

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Creativity facilitates a connection to oneself and the universe, allowing individuals to explore beliefs and values. This exploration enhances self-awareness and nurtures a sense of belonging and interconnectedness.

In summary, creativity enriches our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, making a profound impact on our lives.

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How does our 'Creativity' impact our Relationships with our Creator and each other?

 

Creativity significantly influences our relationships with our Creator, ourselves, and each other, enhancing our understanding of existence and connection.

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The Relationship with Our Creator

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- Creativity reflects the divine, as many spiritual traditions view humans as made in the image of a creative Creator. - Engaging in creative expression fosters a divine dialogue and deepens spiritual experiences. - Creative activities can serve as worship, allowing individuals to channel feelings about the divine and find purpose.

 

The Relationship with Ourselves

 

- Creativity shapes self-identity and self-worth, promoting self-discovery and personal growth. - It serves as an outlet for emotions, contributing to mental and emotional health. - The uniqueness of individual creative expression fosters self-acceptance and inspires others.

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The Relationship with Each Other

 

- Creativity connects us through collaborative endeavours, strengthening community bonds. - Sharing creative works by each one of us using our unique gifts blessings and talents to show Gratitude to God, and shine the Light of our Maker by helping one an other- invites empathy and deeper understanding, enhancing relationships. - It can drive social change, uniting individuals around common causes and reinforcing communal ties.

 

In conclusion, creativity is a vital force that enriches our spiritual connections, personal growth, and relationships, celebrating the beauty of our shared human experience.

 

What does Abrahamic Scripture teach about Creativity?

 

Jewish Scripture, particularly in the Tanakh, provides deep insights into the nature of the Creator, human creativity, and humanity's role in creation. The Book of Genesis establishes God as the ultimate source of existence, creating the world through Divine Speech, which highlights the intentionality and order of creation.​

 

Humans are described as being created in the 'image of God' (Tzelem Elohim), signifying their unique qualities that reflect Divine Nature, including creativity and moral reasoning. This implies that individuals possess the potential to create and innovate, mirroring the Creator's acts.

 

Jewish teachings emphasise the responsibility that accompanies this creative potential, advocating for stewardship through the concept of 'Tikkun Olam' or 'repairing the world.' This encourages active engagement in improving the world, highlighting that humans are active participants in creation.​

 

The Scriptures also stress the importance of community, justice, and compassion, as seen in the Torah's laws that promote social justice and care for the vulnerable. This collective responsibility enhances individual creativity when working towards common goals.

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So, Jewish Scripture offers a complex understanding of the Creator, human creativity, and the essential role of humans in creation, urging individuals to embrace their divine likeness, creativity, and commitment to stewardship for a better world.​

 

Christ's teachings recognise the inherent creativity within every individual, reflecting the divine nature of God, the ultimate Creator. This belief, rooted in the idea that humans are made in God's image (Genesis 1:27), suggests that people have a unique capacity for innovation and artistic expression.

 

Use of God-Given Talents

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In parables like the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Christ emphasises the importance of utilising one's gifts. Individuals are encouraged to cultivate their talents and contribute positively to the world, highlighting that creativity is both a personal and communal endeavour.

 

Stewardship of Creation

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Christ's teachings also stress the role of humans in caring for the Earth, as outlined in Genesis. This stewardship involves innovative solutions to environmental challenges and reflects God's love for all living things.

 

New Creation through Christ

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The teachings of Christ inspires a concept which teaches that creativity encompasses spiritual renewal and transformation. Individuals can redefine their purpose and engage in acts of love that benefit the community.

 

Embracing Creative Potential

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Christ encourages individuals to embrace their creative potential as a Divine gift. This creativity should be shared with others, fostering community and connection to the Creator, and participating in a Divine narrative that celebrates Beauty and Love.

 

The Quran, offers profound insights into the concept of creativity and the inherent potential for creativity within human beings. It emphasises that humans are endowed with unique capabilities that allow them to innovate, create, and contribute to the world around them. This potential is not merely a trait but is portrayed as a divine gift, highlighting the relationship between the Creator and His creation.

 

The Divine Source of Creativity

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In several verses, the Quran attributes the act of creation to God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. This foundational belief establishes that all creativity ultimately originates from God, who is described as Al-Khaliq (The Creator). For instance, the Quran states, “Indeed, your Lord is God, who created the heavens and the earth in six days…” (Quran 7:54). This verse serves as a reminder that the universe itself is a manifestation of Divine Creativity, and by understanding this, humans can appreciate their own creative potential as a reflection of the Creator's attributes. According the Quran- God has the Ability to create something from nothing- He creates what He wills- He says 'Be!' and it is.

 

The Role of Humans as Creators

 

Humans are seen as stewards of the earth, with a significant role in the ongoing process of creation. The Quran encourages individuals to engage in acts of creativity and innovation, whether in art, science, or daily life. This is reflected in the verse, “And He has made for you from the ships and the animals that which you ride” (Quran 16:8), which highlights the importance of human ingenuity in utilising the resources provided by God. Moreover, the Quran emphasises the importance of knowledge and learning as pathways to unlocking creative potential. The first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) begins with the command to "Read" (Iqra), indicating that the pursuit of knowledge is a vital aspect of human existence. This quest for knowledge not only inspires creativity but also empowers individuals to contribute positively to society.

 

Creativity as a Form of Worship

 

In Islam, creativity is not only a secular endeavour but also a form of worship. Engaging in creative acts with the intention of serving humanity and glorifying God transforms these activities into acts of devotion. The Quran encourages believers to use their talents and abilities for the betterment of society, as stated in the verse, “And do good; indeed, God loves the doers of good” (Quran 2:195). This directive reinforces the idea that creativity should be directed towards constructive and beneficial outcomes.

 

The Balance Between Creation and Preservation

 

The Quran also teaches about the balance between creation and preservation. While humans are encouraged to innovate and create, there is a strong emphasis on the responsibility that comes with such abilities. The Quran warns against corruption and destruction, urging individuals to be mindful of their actions and their impact on the environment and society. This duality reflects the need for responsible creativity, where innovation is pursued with respect for the natural order and the well-being of all living beings.

 

 

In summary, the teachings of the Quran regarding creativity highlight the Divine origins of human potential, the role of individuals as active participants in creation, and the importance of using creativity as a means of worship and service. By encouraging knowledge, responsible innovation, and a commitment to good, the Quran inspires believers to harness their creative abilities in ways that honour their Creator and contribute positively to the world. Through this lens, creativity is not merely an individual pursuit but a collective responsibility that reflects the interconnectedness of all creation.

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Practical Steps to Being More Creative According to the Divine Will

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1. Aligning Our Intention and Will to the Will of Our Creator

   • Set aside time for prayer or meditation to seek clarity on your purpose.

   • Reflect on your values and how they align with your Creator's teachings.

   • Write down your intentions and affirmations that resonate with divine guidance.

   • Regularly assess your actions and decisions to ensure they align with your intentions.

2. Choosing to Seek and Follow His Ways of Peace

   • Engage in daily practices that promote peace, such as mindfulness or gratitude journaling.

   • Study scripture or spiritual texts that emphasize peace and harmony.

   • Surround yourself with positive influences and communities that support peaceful living.

   • Practice forgiveness and let go of grudges to cultivate inner peace.

3. Using Our Unique Gifts, Blessings, and Talents to Be Grateful to God

   • Identify your unique gifts and talents through self-reflection or feedback from others.

   • Engage in creative activities that allow you to express these gifts, such as art, music, or writing.

   • Share your talents with others through volunteering or community projects.

   • Express gratitude regularly, acknowledging the blessings in your life and using them to serve others.

4. Inspiring Others to Be More Creative

   • Encourage friends and family to express their creativity by providing a supportive environment.

   • Organise workshops or group activities focused on creative expression that align with positive values.

   • Share your creative projects and the process behind them to inspire others.

   • Highlight the importance of creativity in serving others and glorifying God through your actions.

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Scripture quotes about Creativity and creation

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Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

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Genesis 1:3 - "And God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light."

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Genesis 1:10 - "And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering of the waters He called Seas; and God saw that it was good."

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Genesis 1:12 - "And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind; and God saw that it was good."

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Genesis 1:18 - "And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good."

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Genesis 1:21 - "And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind; and God saw that it was good."

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Genesis 1:25 - "And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind; and God saw that it was good."

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Genesis 1:31 - "And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good."

He created them."

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Genesis 1:26-27 - "And God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.' So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."

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Genesis 2:15 - "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."

 

Genesis 9:1 - "Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.'

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Exodus 31:1-6 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 'See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.'"

 

Deuteronomy 20:19 - "When you lay siege to a city for a long time, fighting against it to capture it, do not destroy its trees by putting an ax to them, because you can eat their fruit. Do not cut them down. Are the trees people, that you should besiege them?"

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Isaiah 45:12 - "It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts."

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Ecclesiastes 3:11 - "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

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Isaiah 45:18 - "For thus says the Lord, who created the heavens, who formed the earth and made it."

 

Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

 

Psalm 139:13-14 - "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

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Psalm 104:24 - "How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures."

 

Isaiah 58:12 - "Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."

 

Isaiah 40:28 - "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom."

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Isaiah 43:1 - "But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'

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Isaiah 45:18 - "For this is what the Lord says—he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited: 'I am the Lord, and there is no other.'

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Isaiah 61:4 - "They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations."

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Isaiah 26:12 - "Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us."

 

Proverbs 3:19-20: "The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens. By His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew."

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Proverbs 22:29: "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men."

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Proverbs 16:4: "The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom."

 

Proverbs 3:19 - "The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens."

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Mathew 13:1-23- The Parable of the Sower

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.” When the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case, the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: ‘You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

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Mathew 25:14-30- The Parable of the Talents

For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, “Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, “Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.” His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.” But his master answered him, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

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Mathew 13:31-32: The Parable of the Mustard Seed Mathew

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

 

John 1:1 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

 

Matthew 6:28-30 - Why worry about what to wear? Look at the lilies in the field. They grow without working or making clothes.

Even Solomon, in all his splendor, wasn't dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers.

If God takes care of the grass in the field, which is here today and gone tomorrow, won't He take care of you, you who have little faith?

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Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents, which illustrates the importance of using one's gifts wisely and productively.

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Surah Al-Baqarah (2:30): "And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.' They said, 'Will You place therein one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?' God said, 'Indeed, I know that which you do not know.'

 

Surah Al-Imran (3:59): "Indeed, the example of Jesus in the sight of God is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, 'Be,' and he was."

 

Surah Al-Hijr (15:26): "And We certainly created man out of clay and like [that of] pottery."

 

Surah Al-Sajdah (32:7): "Who made everything He has made most good, and He began the creation of man from clay."

 

Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:12-14): "And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay. Then We made him a sperm-drop in a firm lodging. Then We made the sperm-drop a clinging clot; then We made the clot a lump [chewed] flesh; then We made out of that lump bones; then We covered the bones with flesh; and then We developed out of it another creation. So blessed is God, the best of creators."

 

Surah Al-Saffat (37:11): "So ask them, 'Are they stronger as a creation or those [others] We have created?' Indeed, We created them from sticky clay."

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Surah Sad (38:71-72): "When your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I am creating a human being from clay, from molded mud.'

 

Surah Al-Anfal (8:24): "O you who have believed, respond to God and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that God comes between a man and his heart and that indeed, to Him you will be gathered."

 

Surah Al-Nisa (4:1): "O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear God, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs [that bore you]. Indeed, God is ever, over you, Observer."

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Surah Al-Anfal (8:28): "And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that God has with Him a great reward."

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Surah Al-Imran (3:191): "Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding."

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Surah Al-An’am (6:38): "And there is no creature on [or within] the earth, nor a bird that flies with its wings, but they are communities like you."

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Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2, Verse 164): "Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding."

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Surah Al-An'am (Chapter 6, Verse 101): "To Him belongs the creation and the command. Blessed is God, Lord of the worlds."

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Surah Al-Imran (Chapter 3, Verse 191): "Our Lord, You did not create this without purpose; exalted are You above such a thing. Then protect us from the punishment of the Fire."

 

Surah Al-Nisa (4:79)

Whatever good happens to you is from God, and whatever misfortune befalls you is due to your own actions.

 

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155)

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

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Surah Al-Imran (3:45)

“[Mention] when the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed God gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary - distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those who are near [to God].’”

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Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:110)

“The Day when God will say, ‘O Jesus, remember My favour upon you and upon your mother when I supported you with the Pure Spirit and you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and [remember] when I taught you writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel; and when you design from clay [what is] like the form of a bird, then breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by permission of God; and you heal the blind and the leper, and when you bring forth the dead by permission of God; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from [killing] you when you came to them with clear proofs and those who disbelieved among them said, ‘This is not but obvious magic.’”

 

Surah Maryam (19:16-21)

“And mention, O Muhammad, in the Book, the story of Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east. And she took in seclusion from them a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man. She said, ‘Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, if you should be fearing of God.’ He said, ‘I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you news of a pure boy.’ She said, ‘How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?’ He said, ‘Thus says your Lord; it is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign for the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter already decreed.’”