يحيى
Yahya (John)
Chief of Martyrs
Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist, peace be upon him) was the son of Prophet Zakariya, born miraculously to aged parents. His name was uniquely given by Allah - no one before him had been called Yahya.
From childhood, Yahya was granted wisdom, compassion, and purity. He was commanded to hold firmly to the Scripture. The Quran describes him as kind to his parents, never arrogant or disobedient.
Yahya lived an ascetic life of devotion and was a confirmation of the coming of Prophet Isa (Jesus). He called people to repentance and righteousness, preparing them for the message of Isa.
He is praised in the Quran for his piety, righteousness, and obedience to Allah. His story teaches devotion, purity, and the importance of calling people to goodness.
Key Events
Miraculous Birth
Born to elderly Zakariya and his barren wife, named by Allah Himself.
Wisdom as a Child
Yahya was granted prophethood and wisdom while still young.
Confirming Isa
Yahya confirmed and heralded the coming of Prophet Isa.
Life of Piety
He lived an ascetic life devoted to worship and calling people to righteousness.
Miraculous Birth
Yahya was born to elderly parents - his father Zakariya was very old and his mother was barren.
Wisdom in Childhood
Allah granted Yahya wisdom and prophethood while he was still a child.
يَا يَحْيَىٰ خُذِ الْكِتَابَ بِقُوَّةٍ وَآتَيْنَاهُ الْحُكْمَ صَبِيًّا
'O John, take the Scripture with determination.' And We gave him judgment [while yet] a boy.
Read Full Verseوَحَنَانًا مِّن لَّدُنَّا وَزَكَاةً وَكَانَ تَقِيًّا
And affection from Us and purity, and he was fearing of Allah.
Read Full Verseوَبَرًّا بِوَالِدَيْهِ وَلَمْ يَكُن جَبَّارًا عَصِيًّا
And dutiful to his parents, and he was not a disobedient tyrant.
Read Full Verseأَنَّ اللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكَ بِيَحْيَىٰ مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَسَيِّدًا وَحَصُورًا وَنَبِيًّا مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
Allah gives you good tidings of John, confirming a word from Allah and [who will be] honorable, abstaining, and a prophet from among the righteous.
Read Full VerseEarly devotion is blessed - Yahya was given wisdom as a child.
Kindness to parents - Yahya's treatment of his parents is emphasized.
Purity and self-control - Yahya was known for his abstinence and self-mastery.