Zakariyya

زكريا

Guardian of Maryam

MessengerMentioned 7x in Quran

Era

Just before Isa

Location

Jerusalem

Nation

Bani Israel

Age

Unknown

Miracle

Son in old age

The Story

Zakariyya (peace be upon him) was an elderly prophet who served in the temple in Jerusalem. He was given guardianship of Maryam, the mother of Isa.

Whenever Zakariyya entered Maryam's chamber, he found her with food. When he asked where it came from, she said it was from Allah. This inspired Zakariyya to make a heartfelt du'a for a child, even though he was elderly and his wife was barren.

He prayed secretly to Allah: "My Lord, indeed my bones have weakened, and my head has filled with white hair, and never have I been in my supplication to You, my Lord, unfortunate."

Allah answered his prayer and gave him the good news of a son named Yahya - a name that had never been given before. As a sign, Zakariyya was unable to speak for three days.

Zakariyya was eventually martyred, but his legacy lived on through his son Yahya and his role in caring for the family that would bring Isa into the world.

Key Events

Guardian of Maryam

Cared for Maryam in the temple

Inspired by Miracles

Saw Allah's provision for Maryam

Du'a for Child

Prayed for a son despite old age

Good News

Told of Yahya's coming birth

Sign of Silence

Unable to speak for three days

Lessons from Zakariyya's Life

Never give up on du'a regardless of circumstances

Trust in Allah's ability to do the impossible

Service to Allah's chosen ones is honorable

Children can come even in old age by Allah's will

Quran References

His prayer and good news

“His prayer and good news”

— Surah Maryam•Ayah 2-11

Guardian of Maryam, prayer for son

“Guardian of Maryam, prayer for son”

— Surah Al-Imran•Ayah 37-41

Prayer answered

“Prayer answered”

— Surah Al-Anbiya•Ayah 89-90

Prophetic Lineage

Father/Ancestor

Ya'qub

يعقوب

Zakariyya

زكريا

Descendant

Yahya

يحيى

The Story

Zakariyya (peace be upon him) was an elderly prophet who served in the temple in Jerusalem. He was given guardianship of Maryam, the mother of Isa.

He prayed secretly to Allah: "My Lord, indeed my bones have weakened, and my head has filled with white hair, and never have I been in my supplication to You, my Lord, unfortunate."

Allah answered his prayer and gave him the good news of a son named Yahya - a name that had never been given before. As a sign, Zakariyya was unable to speak for three days.

Zakariyya was eventually martyred, but his legacy lived on through his son Yahya and his role in caring for the family that would bring Isa into the world.

Zakariyya

زكريا

Guardian of Maryam

MessengerMentioned 7x in Quran

Era

Just before Isa

Location

Jerusalem

Nation

Bani Israel

Age

Unknown

Miracle

Son in old age

The Story

Zakariyya (peace be upon him) was an elderly prophet who served in the temple in Jerusalem. He was given guardianship of Maryam, the mother of Isa.

He prayed secretly to Allah: "My Lord, indeed my bones have weakened, and my head has filled with white hair, and never have I been in my supplication to You, my Lord, unfortunate."

Allah answered his prayer and gave him the good news of a son named Yahya - a name that had never been given before. As a sign, Zakariyya was unable to speak for three days.

Zakariyya was eventually martyred, but his legacy lived on through his son Yahya and his role in caring for the family that would bring Isa into the world.