📜 Basic Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Yaḥyā (John the Baptist) – عليه السلام |
| Mentioned In | Qur’an: Surah Āli ‘Imrān, Maryam, Al-Anʿām |
| Father | Zakariyyā (AS) |
| Lineage | From the noble prophets of Banū Isrā’īl |
| Known For | His purity, wisdom, fear of Allah, and martyrdom |
| Age of Prophethood | Chosen as a prophet while still a child |
👶 A Miracle Child
Prophet Yaḥyā (AS) was a miracle granted to his parents after they had long given up hope of having a child. His father Zakariyyā (AS), despite being old and his wife barren, made a sincere duʿā’, and Allah responded:
“O Zakariyyā, indeed We give you good news of a boy whose name will be Yaḥyā. We have not assigned to anyone before [this] name.”
[Surah Maryam 19:7]
His name, Yaḥyā, was unique — never before given to anyone — and he was blessed from the very beginning.
🧠 Wisdom and Piety from a Young Age
“O Yaḥyā, take the Scripture with determination.” And We gave him judgement [while yet] a boy.
[Surah Maryam 19:12]
From a young age, Allah granted him:
- Wisdom (ḥukm)
- Kindness and compassion
- Devotion to prayer and fasting
- Purity in soul and body
He was unlike the other children of his time — quiet, reflective, deeply spiritual, and committed to Allah’s commands.
🕊️ His Character: Pure and Humble
“And compassion from Us and purity, and he was righteous. And dutiful to his parents, and he was not a disobedient tyrant.”
[Surah Maryam 19:13–14]
Yaḥyā (AS) was:
- Compassionate and gentle-hearted
- Completely obedient to Allah and his parents
- A role model for modesty, truthfulness, and integrity
He lived a simple, ascetic life — often in nature — reflecting deeply, praying often, and avoiding worldly distractions.
📜 His Role as a Prophet
Yaḥyā (AS) was sent to guide Banū Isrā’īl back to righteousness. He preached:
- Repentance (Tawbah)
- Obedience to divine laws
- Fear of Allah (Taqwā)
- Purity in behavior and relationships
According to Islamic and Christian tradition, Yaḥyā also played a role in affirming and preparing the way for ‘Īsā (Jesus, AS), who came shortly after him.
🩸 His Martyrdom (According to Tradition)
Though not detailed in the Qur’an, Islamic and Biblical sources agree that Prophet Yaḥyā (AS) was martyred by a corrupt ruler.
The story goes that the ruler wanted to marry a woman unlawfully. Yaḥyā (AS), committed to truth, refused to permit it, declaring it haram. For standing firm, he was imprisoned and eventually killed — becoming one of the most noble martyrs.
His blood bore witness to his commitment to truth over power, and Allah raised his status high among the righteous.
🕊️ A Prophet Unlike Any Other
In a famous hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Every son of Adam sins, except Yaḥyā, the son of Zakariyyā.”
(Reported by Imam Ahmad and others)
This emphasizes his unique purity, even among prophets.
🌱 Lessons from the Life of Yahya (AS)
| Lesson | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Speak the truth, no matter the cost | Even when truth is unpopular, it must be upheld. |
| Purity is power | Yaḥyā’s life shows that inner purity leads to divine strength. |
| Obedience begins young | He was given wisdom as a child, showing the power of early guidance. |
| Live simply, serve sincerely | Despite being a prophet, he lived humbly and with purpose. |
| Allah answers even impossible duʿā’ | His very existence was a miracle in response to Zakariyyā’s sincere prayer. |
🏛️ Summary of Prophet Yaḥyā (AS)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Zakariyyā (AS) |
| Character | Pure, humble, truthful, deeply spiritual |
| Mission | Call Banū Isrā’īl to repentance and purity |
| Miracle | Born to elderly parents, given wisdom in youth |
| Martyrdom | Killed for standing up for truth |
| Mention in Qur’an | Surah Maryam, Surah Āli ‘Imrān, Surah Al-Anʿām |
Prophet Yaḥyā (AS) teaches us that even a short life filled with sincerity and truth can have eternal value. He stands as a symbol of innocence, strength through faith, and uncompromising truth.
