Prophet Zakariya’s journey is a tale of profound faith and divine grace. His life story, filled with unwavering devotion, heartfelt prayers, and miraculous events, serves as a beacon of inspiration for believers. Through his patience, humility, and steadfast trust in Allah, Prophet Zakariya exemplifies the virtues every Muslim should aspire to. Let’s delve into the life of Prophet Zakariya, exploring his characteristics and the Quranic verses that immortalize his story and the timeless lessons they impart.
Table of Contents
Who Is Prophet Zakariya?
Prophet Zakariya is an important figure in Islam, revered as a prophet and righteous servant of Allah. His story is prominently mentioned in the Quran, particularly in relation to his prayers for a child and the miraculous birth of his son, Prophet Yahya.
His Prayer for a Child
Prophet Zakariya and his wife were childless for many years. Despite their old age, Zakariya prayed earnestly to Allah for a child who would continue his lineage and uphold the faith. His heartfelt supplication is recorded in the Quran:
“When Zakariya called to his Lord, saying, ‘My Lord, do not leave me alone, while you are the best of inheritors.’ So We responded to him, and We gave to him Yahya, and amended for him his wife. Indeed, they used to hasten to good deeds and supplicate Us in hope and fear, and they were to Us humbly submissive.” (Quran 21:89-90)
How Many Times He Was Mentioned in the Quran?
Prophet Zakariya is mentioned in the Quran 7 times by his name across various surahs. Each mention highlights different aspects of his life and his unwavering trust in Allah. Here are the specific verses where he is mentioned:
Surah Al-Imran (3:37)
“So her Lord accepted her with good acceptance and caused her to grow in a good manner and put her in the care of Zakariya. Every time Zakariya entered upon her in the prayer chamber, he found with her provision. He said, ‘O Mary, from where is this [coming] to you?’ She said, ‘It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account.’”
Surah Al-Imran (3:38-39)
“At that, Zakariya called upon his Lord, saying, ‘My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication.'”
“So the angels called him while he was standing in prayer in the chamber, ‘Indeed, Allah gives you good tidings of Yahya, confirming a word from Allah and [who will be] honorable, abstaining [from women], and a prophet from among the righteous.'”
Surah Al-An’am (6:85)
“And Zakariya and John and Jesus and Elias – and all were of the righteous.”
Surah Maryam (19:2)
“[This is] a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His servant Zakariya.”
Surah Maryam (19:7)
“[He was told], ‘O Zakariya, indeed We give you good tidings of a boy whose name will be John. We have not assigned to any before [this] name.'”
Surah Maryam (19:10)
“[Zakariya] said, ‘My Lord, make for me a sign.’ He said, ‘Your sign is that you will not speak to the people for three nights, [being] sound.'”
Surah Al-Anbiya (21:89)
“And [mention] Zakariya, when he called to his Lord, ‘My Lord, do not leave me alone, while you are the best of inheritors.'”
Through these examples, it is clear that Prophet Zakariya’s story in the Quran is a profound lesson in patience, faith, and the power of sincere supplication.
Family of Prophet Zakariya
Prophet Zakariya also had a close relationship with Maryam, the mother of Prophet Isa. According to our Islamic tradition, Zakariya was Maryam’s guardian, taking care of her in the temple and witnessing the miracles surrounding her. This familial connection further elevates Zakariya’s status as a righteous servant of Allah, entrusted with caring for one of the most significant figures in Islam.
Characteristics of Prophet Zakaraiya from the Quran
Prophet Zakariya is celebrated for several notable characteristics that exemplify his deep faith and noble character. Here, we delve into these traits with Quranic examples illustrating each one.
1. Devotion to Worship
One of Zakariya’s most prominent characteristics is his unwavering devotion to worship. He dedicated his life to the service of Allah and maintained a constant connection with his Creator through prayer and supplication. This is evident in Surah Al-Imran, where he prays earnestly for an heir despite the apparent impossibility due to his and his wife’s advanced ages.
“So the angels called him while he was standing in prayer in the chamber, ‘Indeed, Allah gives you good tidings of Yahya, confirming a word from Allah and ˹he will be˺ honorable, abstaining ˹from women˺, and a prophet from among the righteous.'” (Quran 3:39)
2. Patience and Perseverance
Patience is another defining trait of Prophet Zakariya. Despite facing the trial of childlessness well into old age, he remained patient and continued to trust in Allah’s wisdom. His story is a profound lesson in patience and the belief that Allah’s timing is always perfect.
“He said, ‘My Lord, how will I have a boy when my wife has been barren and I have reached extreme old age?'” (Quran 19:8)
Even in this moment of doubt, Zakariya’s faith does not waver, and he accepts Allah’s decree with patience and humility.
3. Humility
Zakariya’s humility is apparent in his prayers and interactions with Allah. He acknowledges his weakness and frailty, presenting himself as a humble servant in need of Allah’s mercy.
“He said, ‘My Lord, my bones have grown feeble, and my hair is gray, but never have I been disappointed in my prayer to You, my Lord!'” (Quran 19:4)
His humility is further shown in his request for a sign from Allah, which he accepts without question:
“He said, ‘My Lord, make for me a sign.’ He said, ‘Your sign is that you will not speak to the people for three nights, being sound.'” (Quran 19:10)
4. Trust in Allah
Trust in Allah is perhaps the most significant characteristic of Prophet Zakariya. Throughout his life, he demonstrated complete reliance on Allah’s will, never doubting His power to answer prayers and provide miracles.
When Zakariya prayed for a son, his faith was rewarded despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles. His trust in Allah is a timeless example for all believers, reminding them of the importance of placing their trust in the Creator.
“At that, Zakariya prayed to his Lord, saying, ‘My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication.'” (Quran 3:38)
5. Righteousness
Prophet Zakariya’s righteousness is highlighted in the Quran through his role as a prophet and a caretaker of Maryam. He upheld the laws of Allah and lived a life dedicated to righteousness and piety. His commitment to righteous living is exemplified in his son Yahya, who was also known for his piety and adherence to the path of righteousness.
“˹Allah said,˺ ‘O Zakariya! We give you good news of a son, whose name will be Yahya—a name We have not given to anyone before.'” (Quran 19:7)
This verse not only signifies the special status of Zakariya but also his lineage’s continuation of righteousness through Yahya.
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Conclusion
Prophet Zakariya’s life, as depicted in the Quran, serves as a profound source of inspiration for believers. His story, marked by unwavering faith, patience, humility, and righteousness, underscores the importance of maintaining a strong connection with Allah through prayer and trust in His divine plan.
Zakariya’s mentions in the Quran highlight the virtues that every Muslim should strive to embody. His family, including his wife and son Yahya, further exemplify the blessings and mercy of Allah upon those who remain steadfast in their faith.
Through the life of Prophet Zakariya, the Quran teaches valuable lessons on the power of sincere supplication, the significance of patience, and the rewards of complete trust in Allah. As such, his story remains a timeless example for all who seek to live a life of devotion and righteousness.
