Prophet Zakariya (AS) was a righteous and elderly messenger of Allah, and he is mentioned in the Qur’an as an example of fidelity of prayer, modest humility, and unwavering faith in divine providence. Despite the old age of Zakariya (AS) and the barrenness of his wife, Zakariya (AS) still prayed for a righteous heir, and through such a sincere du‘a, he was blessed with a miraculous son, Prophet Yahya (AS).
His story is a reminder of what can happen with hope that it can happen against all odds and how patience, faith, and sincere prayer can lead to miracles if placed in Allah’s hands.
Allah says:
“And mention Zakariya, when he called to his Lord, ‘My Lord, do not leave me alone [childless], though You are the best of inheritors.’”
(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:89)
His Role and Status in Bani Isra’il
Prophet Zakariya (AS) was in the era of Bani Isra’il, and many of the most respected religious leaders and custodians of the Bid al Maqdis (Holy Sanctuary) were among them.
- He was responsible for the care of Maryam (AS), the mother of Prophet Isa (AS).
- He was a spiritual guide and a scholar, leading people in worship and upholding the message of Tawheed.
- Despite his exalted position, he stayed humble, patient, and deeply devoted.
He was also very regular in praying and worshiping Allah at night, and gained Allah’s Rahmat.
His Du‘a for a Child
As Zakariya (AS) and his wife were both very old and childless all their lives. But, after seeing the piety of Maryam (AS) under his care, he was moved to pray a sincere prayer for a child:
“There did Zakariya call to his Lord, saying, ‘My Lord! Grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication.’”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:38)
Biologically, it didn’t appear possible, but he had faith in Allah. He was not asking for a child because he wanted to fulfill his desires, but because he wanted to have a successor in prophethood to carry on the legacy of guidance for mankind.
The Miraculous Response
Allah responded to his prayer in a miraculous way:
“O Zakariya, indeed We give you good news of a boy whose name will be Yahya. We have not assigned to any before this name.”
(Surah Maryam 19:7)
- Zakariya (AS) was astonished, given that both he and his wife were old.
- Yet Allah reminded him: “It is easy for Me, for I created you before, while you were nothing.” (Surah Maryam 19:9)
This is among the greatest miracles in the Qur’an, at a moment where sincere du‘a transcends all material capabilities.
His Character and Devotion
As for Prophet Zakariya (AS), he is described:
- Showing humility and always turning to Allah in worship.
- Steadfast and sincere in both public service and private devotion.
- Guardian of divine heritage, requesting a righteous son to carry on the message after him.
Allah praises him:
“Indeed, they used to hasten to good deeds and supplicate Us in hope and fear, and they were humbly submissive to Us.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:90)
This verse refers to a number of prophets and includes Zakariya (AS) among those whose balance of hope and fear brought them close to Allah.
The Birth of Yahya (AS)
Allah gifted him the son, Yahyah (AS), who was a righteous and pure-hearted prophet; the du‘a of Zakariya (AS) was granted. Yahya (AS) was raised by his father, Hazrat Zakariya (AS), in a manner that made him a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, and chastity.
Their story demonstrates the beautiful connection between generations of prophets and Allah’s continuous support for His righteous servants.
His Legacy and Death
Though the Qur’an does not elaborate on Zakariya’s (AS) final years or death, Islamic tradition maintains that:
- He carried on his mission humbly and earnestly.
- He was a victim of his own corrupt and rebellious people (his own people unjustly killed him).
- But his legacy continued in his son Yahya (AS) and the story of Maryam (AS) whom he raised with tenderness.
Lessons from the Life of Prophet Zakariya (AS)
- Always make du‘a, regardless of how hopeless your condition may be.
- When you intend well, you will receive well. Zakariya (AS) asked Allah to give him a child who will serve the deen, not someone who will benefit him.
- There is no age and limitations for Allah.
- Allah does bestow honour on sincere worship and humility.
- It is a duty and a tradition: Passing keeping faith alive in the next generation
Conclusion
Prophet Zakariya (AS) serves as an everlasting symbol of hope, patience, and the miraculous power of du‘a. His narrative teaches us that even at our most private and quiet moments, Allah hears us and when we ask with sincerity, He gives in the most beautiful way.
“Indeed, We responded to him and gave him Yahya and amended for him his wife. Indeed, they used to hasten to good deeds and supplicate Us in hope and fear.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:90)
May peace be upon Prophet Zakariya (AS), a servant of humility, a caller of hope, and a father of legacy. Ameen.
