Zakariyya (Zechariah) (Zakariyyā) عليه السلام
A Righteous Prophet and Guardian of Maryam
Zakariyya (Zechariah) (Zakariyyā) عليه السلام was one of the honoured prophets of Allah from the descendants of Dawud (David) (Dāwūd) عليه السلام. He lived among the Children of Israel during a period when revelation had become scarce and many people had once again drifted away from Allah's guidance. The Qur'an presents him as a righteous servant, devoted worshipper, and compassionate prophet who faithfully conveyed Allah's message while serving as the guardian of Maryam (Mary), the mother of Isa (Jesus) (ʿĪsā) عليه السلام.[1]
Although advanced in age, Zakariyya remained steadfast in worship and sincere in his service to Allah. The Qur'an frequently portrays him praying with humility, trusting completely in Allah's mercy even when every worldly circumstance appeared to make his hopes impossible.
Allah says:
"This is a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His servant Zakariyya."
Qur'an 19:2
One of Zakariyya's most important responsibilities was caring for Maryam after she had been dedicated to the service of Allah. Whenever he entered her place of worship, he found provisions that could not be explained by ordinary means.
Allah says:
"So her Lord accepted her with good acceptance, caused her to grow in a good manner, and placed her under the care of Zakariyya. Whenever Zakariyya entered upon her in the prayer chamber, he found with her provision. He said, 'O Maryam, from where has this come to you?' She said, 'It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without measure.'"
Qur'an 3:37
Witnessing Allah's miraculous provision for Maryam strengthened Zakariyya's certainty that nothing is impossible for Allah. Although he himself had reached old age and his wife had never borne children, he realised that Allah's power is not limited by human expectations or natural causes.[2]
Zakariyya's Prayer for a Son
Inspired by what he had witnessed with Maryam, Zakariyya turned to Allah with a sincere and humble supplication. He longed for a righteous son who would continue the work of prophethood and preserve the guidance of Allah after his death.
Allah says:
"Thereupon Zakariyya called upon his Lord, saying, 'My Lord, grant me from Yourself a righteous offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication.'"
Qur'an 3:38
Elsewhere, the Qur'an records his heartfelt prayer in greater detail.
Allah says:
"'My Lord, indeed my bones have become weak and my head has filled with white hair, but never have I been disappointed in my supplication to You, my Lord. Indeed, I fear those who will succeed me after my death, and my wife has been barren. So grant me from Yourself an heir who will inherit from me and inherit from the family of Ya'qub (Jacob), and make him, my Lord, pleasing to You.'"
Qur'an 19:4–6
Zakariyya's request was not motivated by worldly inheritance or personal ambition. Classical Muslim scholars explain that he sought an heir who would inherit knowledge, prophethood, and the responsibility of guiding the people, since the prophets do not leave material wealth as inheritance. His prayer reflects his deep concern that Allah's guidance should continue among the Children of Israel after his passing.[3]
Allah immediately answered His prophet's supplication with glad tidings that surpassed all human expectation.