زكريا
Zakariya (Zechariah)
Guardian of Mary
Prophet Zakariya (Zechariah, peace be upon him) was a righteous prophet of the Israelites who served in the Temple. He was the guardian of Maryam (Mary), the mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus).
Zakariya would visit Maryam in her prayer chamber and find her miraculously provided with out-of-season food. When he asked her about it, she said it was from Allah. This inspired Zakariya to pray for a child, even though he was very old and his wife was barren.
Allah answered his prayer and granted him a son, Yahya (John), despite his advanced age. Angels gave him the glad tidings while he was praying in the sanctuary. As a sign, he was unable to speak to people for three days, though he could still worship Allah.
Zakariya is praised in the Quran as righteous, devout, and among the excellent servants of Allah.
Key Events
Guardian of Maryam
Zakariya was chosen to be the guardian of Maryam in the Temple.
Witnessing Maryam's Provision
He saw miraculous provision with Maryam, inspiring his own prayer.
Prayer for a Son
Despite his old age, Zakariya prayed for an heir.
Glad Tidings of Yahya
Angels announced the birth of Yahya while Zakariya prayed in the sanctuary.
Child in Old Age
Allah granted Zakariya a son (Yahya) despite his old age and his wife's barrenness.
Three Days of Silence
As a sign, Zakariya could not speak to people for three days but could still praise Allah.
كُلَّمَا دَخَلَ عَلَيْهَا زَكَرِيَّا الْمِحْرَابَ وَجَدَ عِندَهَا رِزْقًا قَالَ يَا مَرْيَمُ أَنَّىٰ لَكِ هَٰذَا قَالَتْ هُوَ مِنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ
Every time Zechariah entered upon her in the prayer chamber, he found with her provision. He said, 'O Mary, from where is this?' She said, 'It is from Allah.'
Read Full Verseذِكْرُ رَحْمَتِ رَبِّكَ عَبْدَهُ زَكَرِيَّا
[This is] a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His servant Zechariah.
Read Full Verseوَزَكَرِيَّا إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُ رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الْوَارِثِينَ
And [mention] Zechariah, when he called to his Lord, 'My Lord, do not leave me alone [with no heir], while You are the best of inheritors.'
Read Full VerseNever give up on dua - Zakariya prayed for a child despite his old age.
Allah provides from unexpected sources - Maryam's provision inspired Zakariya's faith.
Righteous service is rewarded - His devotion to the Temple was blessed with a son.