Nazareth, Israel Occupied Palestine
Coordinates: 32.702186, 35.297392
The Church of the Annunciation sometimes also referred to as the Basilica of the Annunciation, is a Catholic Church in Nazareth, in northern Israel occupied Palestine.
It was established over the site of (accordint to Catholics belief) childhoom house of Bibi Maryam رضي الله عنها, and where Hz. Jibrael عليه اسلام appeared to her and announced that she would conceive and bear the Hz. Isa عليه اسلام through divine intervention – an event known as the Annunciation (in Christianity belief system)
Bibi Maryam رضي الله عنها recieves news of Hz. Isa عليه اسلام according to Quran
Allah the Exalted revealed:
“And mention in the Book (the Qur’an, O Muhammad, the story of) Mary, when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east. She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our Ruh (angel Gabriel), and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects. She said: “Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah.” The angel said: “I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.” She said: “How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?” He said: “So (it will be), your Lord said: “That is easy for Me (Allah): and (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by Allah).
(Ch. 19: 16-21)
House at Lower level
The towering cupola of the Church stands over the cave that tradition holds to be the home of the Virgin Bibi Maryam رضي الله عنها.
It is believed (acc. to christians that) Hz. Jibrael عليه اسلام told the young Bibi Maryam رضي الله عنها, aged about 14, that she would become the mother of Hz. Isa عليه اسلام.
And here Bibi Maryam رضي الله عنها uttered her consent: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” (according to christian texts)
Multiple Locations of Annunciation
There are around 18 churches of the Annunciation in Nazareth.
The Catholic Basilica of the Annunciation is located over the cave that is believed to have been Bibi Maryam’s رضي الله عنها home.
The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation is located over the spring where it is believed that Bibi Maryam رضي الله عنها first heard the Hz. Jibrael’s عليه اسلام voice.
This spring, which is mentioned in the writings of pilgrims to Nazareth over the centuries, is also thought to be where the six-year-old Hz. Isa عليه اسلام was sent by his mother to fetch water.
Note: Some of the information in this article comes from Christians sources.
