Zakariya

Who was Prophet Zakariya?

Zakariya (Zechariah) was a prophet of Allah who served in the temple and was the guardian of Maryam (Mary, the mother of Isa). He is best known for the way Allah blessed him with a son, the Prophet Yahya (John), in his old age — a sign of Allah's power and a model of sincere, humble supplication.

His Story

Zakariya cared for Maryam in the sanctuary, and whenever he entered upon her he found provision with her. Amazed at Allah's gifts to her, and though he was now old and his wife had been barren, he was moved to ask Allah for a child of his own. The Quran describes how he "called upon his Lord with a private supplication", saying, "My bones have weakened and my head has filled with white, but never have I been unhappy in my supplication to You, my Lord." Allah answered him with the good news of a son, Yahya, whose very name Allah had not given to anyone before. As a sign, Zakariya was to refrain from speaking to people for three days except by gesture, devoting himself to the remembrance of Allah.

Zakariya in the Quran

• "There Zakariya called upon his Lord, saying: My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication." (3:38)
• "[This is] a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His servant Zakariya, when he called to his Lord a private supplication." (19:2–3)
• "So We responded to him and gave to him Yahya and amended for him his wife..." (21:90)

Lessons from His Life

Zakariya teaches that no door is closed to sincere du'a, even when circumstances seem impossible. Old age and barrenness did not stop him from asking Allah, the Hearer of supplication, and his private, humble, hopeful prayer became one of the Quran's great examples of how to call upon Allah. His story encourages believers never to give up hope in Allah's power and generosity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Zakariya pray for a child in old age?

Witnessing Allah's miraculous provision for Maryam moved him to hope for Allah's favour, despite his old age and his wife's barrenness. His prayer shows that the believer asks Allah even for what seems beyond ordinary means, trusting that Allah is able to do all things.

What was the "sign" given to Zakariya?

When he asked for a sign confirming the good news, Allah told him he would not be able to speak to people for three days (or nights) except by gesture, while remaining able to remember Allah. It was a sign of the coming miracle of Yahya's birth.