Bismihi ta'ala
The story of Seyidah Māriyah bint Shamʿūn al-Qibtiyah مارية القبطية or Maria the Copt, is indeed a very sad story.
She was a maid that belonged to the Chief of Alexander in Egypt who gave her to the Prophet (s.a.w.) along with many other gifts. She converted to Islam, and the Prophet (s.a.w.) married her, and loved her very much. It is also mentioned that she was beautiful.
She was the only wife, after Seyidah Khadijah (r.a.) who had a child from the Prophet (s.a.w.), by the name of Ibrahim, who passed away while still an infant (1 year and 10 months old).
Seyidah Māriyah went through many difficulties during her marriage, facing a lot of pressure from the other wives. She was noble, polite, committed to Islam, loyal to the Prophet's message, gave birth to the Prophet's child, and was also beautiful.
None of these qualities resonated with some of the other wives of the Prophet (s.a.w.).
One of the wives of the Prophet (s.a.w.), 'Aishah hated Māriyah and made that very clear. 'Aishah had said herself that she has never been jealous of anyone else as much as her jealousy towards Māriyah.
Unfortunately, Māriyah was accused of the most wicked of things, by some of the wives of the Prophet (s.a.w.), saying that Ibrahim was not his, but rather someone else. This is why it has been said that the verses related to the event of al-Ifk (al-Nur, 11, al-Hujurat, 6) descended in the Quran.
There has also been so much negative propaganda against her, because of her devotion to the beloved Prophet (s.a.w.). This was spread by the Hypocrites and unfortunately some of the wives of the Prophet (s.a.w.).
An example for this is downsizing her noble status, like saying she was the Prophet's concubine, and not his "wife", and so on.
I would highly recommend that you read the various (Sunni) historical sources that mention these things. It is our incumbant shar'i and moral duty to defend the honour of the noble wives of the Prophet (s.a.w.), and correct our information about them and not be misguided.
Alhamdulillah, some Sunni Muslims are realising the truth and are defending Seyidah Māriyah, and trying to refute the accusations and misconceptions surrounding her.
She passed away in the year 16 AH, and was buried in Jannatul-Baqi', in Medinah al-Munawarrah. May Allah bless her and be pleased with her.
