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Zakariya (Zachariah), the prophet answered in his old age
Zakariya (Zachariah)
His Prayer
His Fear for the Succession
The Good News
The Guardianship of Maryam
The Miracle of the Birth
The Sign of Silence
His Piety
His Legacy
Important Note
This collection brings together a selection of authentic texts about the Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him). The English translations are given as a guide.
- Refer to the original Arabic texts
- Consult the commentaries of the scholars
- Study the historical context of each account
- Check the authentic sources
The story of the Prophet Zakariya in authentic Islamic tradition
The Prophet Zakariya holds an important place in the religious history of Islam. He was the keeper of the temple in Jerusalem and stood out for his exemplary piety. The Quran tells his story several times, in particular in the surahs Maryam and Al-Imran.
Zakariya was married to a barren woman, and both of them had reached a great age. Even so, he went on beseeching Allah to grant him offspring. His request was sincere and full of humility. He feared that those around him would not carry the divine message forward properly after his death.
Allah answered his prayer at last, and miraculously. The angels brought him news of the coming birth of a son whom he was to name Yahya, and who would himself become a respected prophet. Zakariya struggled to believe news that seemed to him impossible.
To reassure him, Allah gave him a sign: he would lose the power of speech for three days. During that time Zakariya could only communicate by gestures. That happening confirmed the truth of the divine promise. The story of Zakariya teaches us the importance of patience and of perseverance in prayer.
The accounts of the prophets of Islam such as Zakariya strengthen our faith. They show us that Allah answers sincere prayers, even when all seems lost. These stories also remind us of the divine power that goes beyond the laws of nature.
To deepen your spiritual understanding, you can read the Quranic verses that speak of Zakariya in our section on Quran or enrich your daily supplications.
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ReadYou may be wondering…
Who is the Prophet Zakariya?
Zakariya (Zachariah) is a prophet of Islam, of the line of Yaqub, who served in the sanctuary of Jerusalem. The Quran tells his story in the surahs Maryam, Al-Imran and Al-Anbiya. He is the father of the prophet Yahya (John the Baptist) and was the guardian of Maryam, the mother of Isa.
What prayer did Zakariya make for a child?
Old, his bones grown weak and his head white with age, Zakariya called upon his Lord in secret: he recalled that he had never been disappointed in praying to Him, and asked for an heir to inherit from him and from the family of Yaqub (Surah Maryam, 2-6). He also said: Do not leave me alone, my Lord, though You are the best of inheritors (Surah Al-Anbiya).
How did Zakariya have a son although his wife was barren?
Allah answered his prayer miraculously: the angels brought him news of the birth of a son named Yahya, a name Allah had given to no one before. Astonished, Zakariya asked how this could be; Allah answered that it was easy for Him, who had created him when he was nothing (Surah Maryam, 7-9).
What sign did Allah give Zakariya?
Zakariya asked for a sign to confirm the promise. Allah answered that he would not be able to speak to people for three nights, though in good health. He then came out of the sanctuary and signalled to his people to glorify Allah morning and evening (Surah Maryam, 10-11). That miraculous silence confirmed the truth of the news.
What links Zakariya and Maryam?
Allah entrusted the guardianship of Maryam, the future mother of Isa, to Zakariya. Whenever he entered upon her in the sanctuary, he found provision with her, which she said came from Allah (Surah Al-Imran, 37). It was on seeing that miracle that he was moved to ask Allah for offspring of his own.