Prophets
Yahya
Yaḥyā
John the Baptist, son of Zakariya, a prophet given wisdom in childhood. Described in the Quran as devout, pure, and dutiful to his parents; he confirmed Isa's prophethood.
Who was Prophet Yahya?
Yahya (John) was a prophet of Allah and the son of the Prophet Zakariya, born as a miraculous answer to his father's prayer. He was a righteous prophet who confirmed the word of Allah (the coming of Isa), and Allah described him with rare and beautiful praise: dutiful to his parents, pure, and never arrogant or disobedient.
His Story
Yahya was given to the aged Zakariya by Allah's grace. The Quran records that Allah commanded him, even as a young boy, "O Yahya, take the Scripture with determination," and granted him wisdom while still a child, along with tenderness and purity. He grew into a righteous prophet, deeply God-conscious, who called people to truth and confirmed the prophethood of his relative Isa. Allah honoured him with a threefold peace: "And peace be upon him the day he was born and the day he dies and the day he is raised alive."
Yahya in the Quran
- "O Yahya, take the Scripture with determination. And We gave him wisdom [while yet] a boy." (19:12)
- "And [made him] dutiful to his parents, and he was not a disobedient tyrant." (19:14)
- "...confirming a word from Allah, noble, chaste, and a prophet from among the righteous." (3:39)
Lessons from His Life
Yahya is a model of purity, seriousness in faith from a young age, and devotion to his parents. Allah's praise of him — that he was pure (hasur), kind-hearted, God-fearing, and never arrogant — sets out the qualities of a righteous life. He shows that youth is no barrier to deep faith and that taking Allah's guidance "with determination" is the path of the sincere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the name "Yahya" special?
The Quran notes that Allah had not given this name to anyone before him (19:7). It is a name chosen directly by Allah, underscoring the unique honour and miraculous nature of Yahya's birth to elderly parents.
How is Yahya related to Isa?
Yahya and Isa were relatives (their mothers were connected), and Yahya was sent before and alongside the mission of Isa, confirming "a word from Allah" — understood as confirming the coming of Isa. Both were among the noble prophets of the Children of Israel.
Etymology & origin
Yahya (يحيى), corresponding to John (the Baptist) in the Bible, is a name Allah Himself gave, never borne by anyone before him. He is a prophet of Allah, the son of Zakariya, known for his purity, wisdom granted in childhood, and devotion.
References
- Quran:
- 3:39, 6:85, 19:7, 19:12, 19:13, 19:14, 19:15, 21:90
- Hadith:
- Bukhari 3430 / Muslim 162 (the Prophet met Yahya and Isa during the Night Journey in the heavens); Tirmidhi 2863 (Allah commanded Yahya with words and to convey them); Bukhari 3431 (the prophets are brothers)
Related terms
Ibrahim
Abraham, one of the five greatest prophets and "Khalilullah" (Friend of Allah). Father of Ismail and Ishaq, he built the Kaaba and is the patriarch of monotheism.
Isa
Jesus, one of the five greatest prophets, born miraculously of the virgin Maryam. Given the Injil (Gospel), he performed miracles by Allah's leave and will return before the End of Times.
Sabr
Patience — steadfast endurance in obeying Allah, avoiding sin, and bearing trials without complaint; mentioned over 90 times in the Quran.
Taqwa
God-consciousness — a state of being mindful of Allah, fulfilling His commands and avoiding His prohibitions; the noblest quality in His sight.
Zakariya
Zechariah, an elderly prophet who guarded Maryam and prayed for a child despite his age. Allah granted him Yahya (John) as a miraculous answer to his supplication.