Prophet Zakariya (AS), also spelled as Zechariah in biblical accounts, was a noble messenger of Allah, known for his devotion to worship and his unwavering commitment to guiding his people to the path of truth. He lived during a time when the Children of Israel had deviated from the teachings of their prophets. Zakariya (AS) was a descendant of Prophet Dawood (AS) and Prophet Sulaiman (AS), inheriting their commitment to serving Allah and guiding humanity.
Zakariya (AS) served as a caretaker in the sacred temple in Jerusalem, where he dedicated his life to worship and the education of his people. He belonged to the priestly class and was revered for his wisdom and righteousness.
Maryam (AS) Under Zakariya’s Guardianship
One of the pivotal roles Zakariya (AS) played was his guardianship of Maryam (AS). Maryam was the daughter of Imran and Hannah, a pious couple who had long prayed for a child. When Hannah conceived, she vowed to dedicate her child to the service of Allah in the temple. Maryam’s father passed away before her birth, leaving her mother to fulfill the vow.
When Maryam was old enough, she was brought to the temple, and the priests debated who would care for her. Zakariya (AS), being her relative (her maternal uncle or a close kin, according to some narrations), took responsibility for her. This was decided by casting lots, where Zakariya’s pen miraculously floated upstream, a sign from Allah that he was chosen for this honor.
Zakariya (AS) provided Maryam (AS) with a special chamber in the temple where she could focus on worship. He visited her regularly to ensure her well-being. During these visits, Zakariya (AS) often noticed extraordinary provisions in her chamber—fruits that were not in season and other miraculous blessings.
When he asked Maryam (AS) about these provisions, she replied:
“It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:37)
This display of Allah’s power deeply inspired Zakariya (AS), rekindling his hope in Allah’s ability to grant him a child despite his old age and his wife’s barrenness.
Zakariya’s Prayer for a Child
Zakariya (AS) and his wife were advanced in age, and they had no children. In that society, having a child was not only a personal joy but also crucial for continuing the legacy of prophethood and guiding the community. Zakariya (AS) yearned for an heir who would inherit his spiritual mission and uphold the teachings of Allah.
He turned to Allah with a heartfelt supplication, saying:
“My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:38)
In another part of the Quran, his prayer is further detailed:
“My Lord, indeed my bones have weakened, and my head has filled with white, and never have I been in my supplication to You, my Lord, unhappy. And indeed, I fear the successors after me, and my wife has been barren, so give me from Yourself an heir.”
(Surah Maryam, 19:4-5)
This humble prayer exemplifies Zakariya’s trust in Allah’s infinite mercy and power.
The Glad Tidings of Yahya (AS)
Allah, in His boundless mercy, answered Zakariya’s prayer. The angels brought him glad tidings of a son who would be named Yahya (AS), a name unprecedented in history:
“O Zakariya, indeed We give you good tidings of a boy whose name will be Yahya. We have not assigned to any before [this] name.”
(Surah Maryam, 19:7)
Yahya (AS) was described as a noble and pure-hearted prophet, endowed with wisdom, compassion, and righteousness from a young age. His birth was a miracle, a testament to Allah’s power, as Zakariya and his wife had surpassed the natural age of childbearing.
Zakariya’s Sign
Overwhelmed with joy, Zakariya (AS) sought a sign from Allah to confirm this miraculous promise. Allah granted him a unique sign:
“Your sign is that you will not [be able to] speak to the people for three nights, [being] sound.”
(Surah Maryam, 19:10)
For three days, Zakariya (AS) was unable to speak, despite being in perfect health. He used gestures to communicate and continued to glorify Allah. This silence was a reminder for him and his people of the power and mercy of Allah.
The Birth and Virtues of Yahya (AS)
Yahya (AS) was born as a miracle child and was destined to be one of Allah’s chosen messengers. The Quran describes him:
“O Yahya, take the Scripture with determination.” And We gave him judgment [while yet] a boy. And affection from Us and purity, and he was fearing of Allah. And dutiful to his parents, and he was not a disobedient tyrant. And peace be upon him the day he was born and the day he dies and the day he is raised alive.”
(Surah Maryam, 19:12-15)
Yahya (AS) grew up to be a model of piety and dedication, guiding the Children of Israel back to the path of Allah. He was known for his profound wisdom and compassion, and he lived a life of simplicity and devotion.
The Challenges Zakariya Faced
Despite being a revered prophet, Zakariya (AS) faced immense challenges. The Children of Israel often resisted the guidance of their prophets, and many among them had grown corrupt and disobedient. Zakariya (AS) tirelessly called his people to repentance and urged them to uphold justice and worship Allah alone.

Some narrations mention that Zakariya (AS) faced persecution from those who opposed his message. These trials tested his patience and reliance on Allah.
Lessons from Zakariya’s Life
- Unwavering Faith: Zakariya (AS) teaches us that Allah’s mercy knows no bounds. Even in the most improbable circumstances, His power can manifest miracles.
- The Importance of Dua (Supplication): Zakariya’s sincere and heartfelt prayer is a reminder that supplication is a powerful tool for believers.
- Patience in Adversity: His life exemplifies patience and trust in Allah, even when faced with societal opposition and personal challenges.
- Parental Responsibility: Zakariya’s concern for a righteous heir reflects the importance of nurturing the next generation with faith and morality.
- Gratitude to Allah: Despite his temporary inability to speak, Zakariya (AS) continued to glorify Allah, showing that gratitude should persist in all situations.
Zakariya’s Legacy
Prophet Zakariya (AS) holds a revered position in Islamic tradition. His story is not only a testament to Allah’s power and mercy but also an inspiration for believers to maintain faith, patience, and hope in their lives. Along with his son Yahya (AS) and his ward Maryam (AS), Zakariya (AS) stands as a luminous figure in the lineage of prophethood, bridging the stories of the past and paving the way for the arrival of Prophet Isa (AS).
The story of Zakariya (AS) is a timeless reminder of the rewards of steadfast faith and devotion, offering lessons for all who seek Allah’s guidance and mercy.