Prophet Zakariya (A.S.)
Quran References:
Prophet Zakariya is mentioned 7 times in the following Ayats of the Quran:
(Quran, 3:37-39, 6:85, 19:2, 19:7, 21:89)
Zakariya’s Wish for a Child:
In his nineties, Prophet Zakariya (AS) was disappointed that he had no children because his wife was unable to have kids.
He feared that there would be no one to continue his work of spreading the religion of Allah SWT after him.
Inspiration from Maryam:
One day, when he visited his temple, he went to check up on Maryam (mother of Isa AS) and he was surprised to find fresh fruit that was out of season in her room.
Zakariya (AS) asked Maryam about this food and she told him that the fruit was from Allah SWT.
This opened Zakariya’s eyes and he asked Allah SWT to bless him with a son.
Acceptance of his Dua:
Allah SWT then accepted his Dua and Zakariya (AS) asked Him for a sign.
Allah SWT told him that his sign was to not speak to mankind for the first three days except with signals.
This was mentioned in the Quran: ‘You will not speak to people for three nights (or days) except by gestures.’ (Quran, 19:10, 3:41).
Allah SWT also told him to remember Him (by praising Him again and again) and glorify Him in the afternoon and morning.
The Birth of Yahya (AS):
Zakariya’s Dua was answered and Allah SWT blessed him with a son who also became a Prophet of Allah.
According to the Quran, Allah SWT Himself named Yahya.
Allah mentions the angels bringing the news to Zakariya (AS), saying: ‘O Zakariya, We give you good news of a boy whose name will be Yahya. We have not given this name to anyone before him.’ (Quran, 19:7)
This shows that at this point of time, not only was the birth of Yahya (AS) unique but also was his name.
In Surah Al-Imran (Quran, 3:39), Allah SWT mentions the incident where Zakariyah (AS) found out about his son, Yahya: ‘Allah gives you the good news of Yahya..’
Prophet Zakariya (AS) wondered how the miracle of his son would happen and this is mentioned in the Quran, in the following Ayah: ‘My Lord, how will I have a boy while my wife is barren and I am very old?’ (Quran, 19:8)
Allah SWT then reminded him of His power and said: ‘It is easy for Me, just as I created you before, when you were nothing!’ (Quran, 19:9)