An important individual in Islam is Hazrat Zakariya (عليه السلام), also known as Zechariah in Judeo-Christian traditions
His Prayer for a Child and Its Miracle
The miraculous birth of Hazrat Zakariya’s son, Hazrat Yahya (John the Baptist), is among the most significant aspects of his story.
Zakariya prayed to his Lord there, saying, “O my Lord! Give me a good child from Yourself. You really are the All-Hearing of prayers.
Zakariya’s supplication filled her with trust in Allah’s might. Zakariya stayed hope with the fact that he and his wife were past their prime for pregnancy. His tale acts as a reminder of Allah’s infinite benevolence and the fact that He can make changes in every situation. Allah heard Zakariya’s request and gave him a son. But since he and his wife were both elderly. Zakariya was surprised by this divine gift. Allah informed him that nothing is impossible for Him and that His command was certain.
Zakariya describes his surprise and Allah’s response in Surah Maryam (19:4–7):
“My Lord, how can I produce a boy when I am old and my wife isn’t expecting?”
The Hazrat Yahya Birth Story
Zakariya remained humble and kept the words of Allah in spite of the overwhelming nature of this promise. Allah gave him instructions to keep this promise a secret for a while and to keep the miracle he was to see a secret from everybody. Zakariya’s wife got conceived and gave birth to a son, whom they called Yahya (John). Yahya’s birth was a miracle declared by Allah, just as the birth of Isa (Jesus).
As a great prophet in his own right, Hazrat Yahya (عليه السلام) was known for his wisdom, devotion, and advice to justice. He was well-known for his austere living and dedication to the truth, and he spoke to the Israelites, urging them to repent and live moral lives.
Zakariya’s Tests and Problems
Like all prophets, Hazrat Zakariya encountered resistance and hardships, but his dedication to his prophet mission remained unwavering. His people, the Children of Israel, frequently refused Allah’s word and were stubborn in their beliefs. But Zakariya didn’t give up or lose hope. With faith that Allah would lead him and his people to the truth, he carried on with his task.
Hazrat Zakariya’s faith remained steadfast in the face of many challenges. His life served as a model of faith in the revelation and mercy of Allah.
Hazrat Zakariya’s Death
While Hazrat Zakariya’s latter days are not extensively described in the Qur’an, it is implied that he carried out his task till his passing. Like many of the prophets, Hazrat Zakariya was murdered for his religion, according to some Islamic traditions. His own people are thought to have slain him as they objected of the message he conveyed.
Insights from the Story of Hazrat Zakariya
Muslims can learn valuable lessons and ethical guidance from the story of Hazrat Zakariya:
Constant Patience and Faith: Hazrat Zakariya maintained his trust in Allah in spite of all the difficulties and trials he encountered. His story highlights the value of patience and faith in Allah, especially in times of adversity.
The Qur’an has numerous examples to Hazrat Zakariya’s story. Surah Maryam (19:21–15) and Surah Al-Imran (3:38–40) describe his plea for a son and Allah’s response. The Qur’an highlights in these verses that Zakariya’s prayer was earnest and that Allah, in His omniscience, gave him a son in spite of all the circumstances.