The Qur'an acknowledges that Jesus was born without a father. Mary, his mother was chosen by God for this purpose. The Qur'an highly reveres her. Surah 19 of the Qur'an is given her name. She is the only woman who is specifically called by name in the Qur'an (Surah 3:42; cf. 21:91; 66:12; 23:50). In line with other Qur'anic references the designation "son of Mary" serves to remind readers that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. She conceived Jesus through God's creative word. (Surah 3:47).

According to a tradition, Muhammad said, "When any human being is born, Satan touches him at both sides of the body with his two fingers, except Jesus, the son of Mary, whom Satan tried to touch but failed, for he touched the placenta-cover instead" (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith 506).