19. Story of Prophet Yahya (AS)

Story of Prophet Yahya (AS)

 

The Birth of Yahya (AS)

Prophet Zakariya (AS) and his wife were very old and had no children. Zakariya (AS) prayed to Allah for a righteous child. Allah answered his prayer and gave him the good news of a special son. This son was Yahya (AS).

Allah made Yahya (AS) unique even before his birth. The angels told Zakariya (AS):

“Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya, confirming a word from Allah (the coming of Prophet Isa), noble, chaste, and a Prophet from among the righteous”

(Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:39).

 

Prophet Yahya (AS): A Life of Kindness and Devotion

 

When Prophet Yahya (AS) was a child, he was very different from other children. While others played games and teased animals, Yahya (AS) was kind and merciful. He would share his food with animals, even if it meant having less for himself. Yahya (AS) loved reading and learning, and Allah guided him to follow His teachings.

Allah said to Yahya (AS): “O Yahya! Hold fast to the Scripture.” From a young age, Allah blessed him with wisdom and deep understanding of His laws. Yahya (AS) became known for helping people understand what was right and wrong and for calling them to return to Allah.

Yahya (AS) was also very kind to his parents and cared deeply for everyone, including animals. He lived a simple life, eating herbs, leaves, and sometimes locusts. He loved being in nature, praising Allah, and avoiding crowded places. The animals respected him and would quietly move aside when he entered their homes, like caves in the mountains.

Yahya (AS) spent his nights praying to Allah and weeping out of love and devotion. When he reminded people of Allah, they also cried, feeling closer to their Creator.

Yahya (AS) and Isa (AS)

Prophet Yahya (AS) and Prophet Isa (AS) were relatives and close in age. Allah sent both of them to guide people back to His worship. Yahya (AS) supported the message of Isa (AS) and reminded people to repent and do good deeds.

A Courageous Preacher

Yahya (AS) fearlessly taught people about Allah and warned them to avoid sin. He reminded them about justice, kindness, and truth. Even when powerful people were upset with him, Yahya (AS) stayed firm in delivering Allah’s message.

The Conflict with a King

At that time, a king named Herod Antipas ruled Palestine. He wanted to marry his niece, which was against Allah’s laws. Prophet Yahya (AS) bravely told the king that such a marriage was forbidden. This made the niece, Salome, very angry, as she wanted to become queen.

To take revenge, she danced and sang for the king, making him promise to give her anything she wanted. She asked for Prophet Yahya’s (AS) head, and the king, blinded by her charm, agreed. Prophet Yahya (AS) was executed, and his head was given to Salome.

The Punishment for Injustice

This terrible act did not go unpunished. Soon after, Allah sent armies to destroy the kingdom, as a lesson to those who ignored His laws.

Prophet Yahya’s (AS) life reminds us of the importance of kindness, devotion to Allah, and standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult.

 

✦ Lessons for Kids:    1. Be kind and respectful to parents. Allah loves children who obey their parents.  2. Stay humble and avoid arrogance. Being kind and humble makes us better people.  3. Stand for the truth. Even when it’s hard, we should always speak the truth and do what’s right.

 

REFERENCE:

Ibn Kathir, Stories of the Prophets;

Translated and adapted by Umme Abdul Rahman’

Graduate Alim/Alimah.

Founder & Director of imsjeddah.com.