Zakarīyāʾ (زكرياء‎) in Islam

Definition

Zakarīyāʾ (زكرياء‎), known as Zacharias in the Christian tradition, is a significant prophet in Islam. He is noted as the father of Prophet John the Baptist (Yaḥyā), the husband of Hannah’s sister, and the uncle of the Virgin Mary (Maryam). His story is prominently mentioned in the Qurʾan and highlights his devoutness, prayerful life, and God’s response to his supplications.

Etymology

The name Zakarīyāʾ (Arabic: زكرياء‎) is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew name Zekharyah (זְכַרְיָה), meaning “God remembers.”

Arabic Translation and Equivalents

• Arabic: زكرياء
• Turkish: Zekeriya

Significance in the Qur’an

Principal Qur’anic References

1. Sūrah Āl ʿImrān (3:32-34)

   • Verses: These verses recount the story of Zakarīyāʾ taking guardianship of Maryam, finding her provided with sustenance from God, his prayer for a righteous offspring, and the angelic announcement of the birth of Yahya (John the Baptist).
   • Key Excerpt: “So oft as Zakarīyāʾ went in to Mary at the sanctuary, he found her supplied with food. ‘Oh Mary!’ said he, ‘whence hast thou this?’ She said, ‘It is from God; verily God supplieth whom He will without reckoning.’”

2. Sūrah Al-Anʿām (6:85)

   • Verses: Highlighting the righteousness of Zakarīyāʾ and other prophets.
   • Key Excerpt: “And Zakarīyāʾ, John, Jesus, and Elias: all were just persons.”

3. Sūrah Maryam (19:1-15)

   • Verses: Emphasizes God’s mercy on Zakarīyāʾ, his secret supplications, and the miraculous birth of Yahya.
   • Key Excerpt: “‘O Zakarīyāʾ, verily We announce to Thee a son,—his name Yaḥyā (John): that name We have given to none before him.’”

4. Sūrah Al-Anbiyāʾ (21:89-90)

   • Verses: Reaffirms God’s response to Zakarīyāʾ’s prayer for offspring and making his wife fertile.
   • Key Excerpt: “And Zakarīyāʾ, when he called upon his Lord saying, ‘O my Lord leave me not childless: but there is no better heir than Thyself.’ So We heard him and gave him Yaḥyā (John), and We made his wife fit for child-bearing.”

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “The Qur’an: An Introduction” by Abdullah Saeed

   • Provides insights into the themes and narratives of the Qur’an, including the stories of prophets.

2. “Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir

   • A classical Islamic text detailing the lives of various prophets mentioned in Islamic tradition.

3. “Mary in the Qur’an: A Literary Reading” by M. Bakhtyar

   • Explores the figure of Mary in the Qur’an and how her story is interwoven with that of Zakarīyāʾ.

4. “The Prophets of Islam” by Mustafa As-Sibāʿī

   • Offers comprehensive narratives about the prophets in Islam, including Zakarīyāʾ.

Takeaways and Conclusion

• Key Takeaways:

  • Zakarīyāʾ’s devoutness and his prayers are exemplary for Muslims.
  • His story accentuates the theme of divine mercy and miraculous blessings.
  • Zakarīyāʾ’s narrative stresses the importance of patience, faith, and God’s omnipotence in Islamic teachings.

• Conclusion:

  • The story of Zakarīyāʾ in Islamic tradition portrays an inspiring model of faith and piety. His life and prayers provide deep spiritual lessons and underscore the wondrous ways in which God answers the supplications of His devotees. For those exploring Islamic teachings, Zakarīyāʾ’s story is a profound reminder of the power of hope and trust in divine grace.