17. The Story of Prophet Zakariya (AS)
The Story of Prophet Zakariya (AS)
A Pious Servant of Allah
Prophet Zakariya (AS) was a righteous man and a descendant of Prophet Dawood (AS). He was a respected prophet sent to guide the people of Bani Isra’il. Zakariya (AS) was known for his devotion to Allah and his role as the caretaker of Maryam (AS), the mother of Prophet Isa (AS).
A Special Prayer
Zakariya (AS) and his wife were very old and had no children. Despite his age, Zakariya longed for a child who could continue spreading Allah’s message after him. One day, while praying, Zakariya made a heartfelt dua:
“My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:38)
Allah answered his prayer and sent an angel to give him good news:
“O Zakariya, indeed We give you good tidings of a son whose name will be Yahya. We have not assigned to any before [this] name.”
(Surah Maryam 19:7)
Zakariya was amazed because both he and his wife were very old. He asked:
“My Lord, how will I have a boy when my wife is barren, and I have reached extreme old age?”
Allah replied:
“It will be so. Your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me.’”
(Surah Maryam 19:8-9)
The Miracle of Yahya (AS)
As a sign of this miraculous blessing, Allah told Zakariya (AS) not to speak to anyone for three days, except through gestures. During this time, he was to praise and remember Allah often.
Soon, his wife gave birth to Yahya (AS), a pious and wise prophet who would carry on Zakariya’s mission. Yahya (AS) grew up to be kind, humble, and dedicated to worshiping Allah.
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✦ Lessons from Prophet Zakariya (AS): 1. Never lose hope in Allah: Even when Zakariya (AS) was old, he believed in Allah’s power to grant him a child. 2. Prayers are powerful: Zakariya (AS)’s sincere dua shows us the importance of asking Allah with a pure heart. 3. Be grateful for blessings: Zakariya (AS) constantly praised Allah and encouraged others to do the same. |
Zakariya (AS) teaches us to trust Allah’s plans, no matter how impossible something may seem.
REFERENCE:
Ibn Kathir, Stories of the Prophets;
Translated and adapted by Umme Abdul Rahman’
Graduate Alim/Alimah.
Founder & Director of imsjeddah.com.