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This article explores the Mary verses in Sura Maryam and how Christian traditions contributed to them. A new reading is proposed. While the impact of the gospel traditions on the Qur’anic Mary is widely recognized, some of the Christian roots of the Mary traditions have not received the attention they deserve. This paper argues that Mary in the Qur’an is both virgin mother, inspired by Luke and the Protevangelium of James, as well as a holy woman and reminiscent of tales found in Palestinian monastic literature. These tales are therefore important for the discussion of the Mary in the Qur’an as they contributed to Mary’s portrayal as an ascetic who withdraws and controls her food and communications with people.