Who is Zakariya (Zachariah)?

Zakariya (also spelled Zachariah) is considered a prophet in Islam. He is mentioned in the Quran, where he is described as a prophet who was the father of John the Baptist. According to Islamic tradition, Zakariya (Zachariah) was a righteous and devout man who was known for his strong faith and devotion to God. He is said to have received a revelation from God and was visited by the angel Gabriel, who gave him the news that he would have a son, who would be a prophet and the forerunner of the Prophet Jesus. He is also considered one of the five major prophets in Islam, along with Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Quran verses mention Zakariya (Zachariah) as one of the prophet of Allah, who was blessed with a son, John the Baptist, and also describe his strong faith and devotion to God. According to Islamic tradition, Zakariya (Zachariah) is most known for being the father of John the Baptist (Yahya in Arabic), who is considered a prophet in Islam. He is also known for his strong faith and devotion to God, as well as his role as a prophet who received a revelation from God and was visited by the angel Gabriel, who gave him the news that he would have a son, who would be a prophet and the forerunner of the Prophet Jesus. He is also known for his righteousness and his deep connection to God, for praying and supplicating to God for a child, and for being blessed with a son who later became a prophet. Additionally, Zakariya (Zachariah) is also considered one of the five major prophets in Islam, along with Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Zakariya (Zachariah) according to Quran: According to the Quran, Zakariya (Zachariah) is mentioned as one of the prophets sent by God to guide the people. Here are a few references to Zakariya (Zachariah) in the Quran: Quran 3:39-41 describes how Zakariya (Zachariah) received a revelation from God and was visited by the angel Gabriel, who gave him the news that he would have a son, who would be a prophet and the forerunner of the Prophet Jesus. Quran 3:38: Then, when she delivered her [child Mary], she said, "My Lord, I have delivered a female." And Allah knew best what she delivered - "And the male is not like the female. And I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge for her in You and [for] her descendants from Satan, the expelled [from the mercy of Allah ]." Quran 19:2-10 describes the story of Zakariya (Zachariah) and the birth of his son, John the Baptist (Yahya in Arabic), who is considered a prophet in Islam. Quran 19:7: So he (Zakariya) conceived him (John) and withdrew with him to a remote place. These verses from the Quran describe Zakariya (Zachariah) as a prophet of God, who received revelation, and was visited by the angel Gabriel and was blessed with a son, John the Baptist, who was also a prophet. Additionally, it shows how he was righteous, devoted and deep in his connection with God. Zakariya (Zachariah) according to Hadith: According to Hadith, Zakariya is considered one of the five major Prophets in Islam, along with Adam, Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Here are a few Hadith references to Zakariya (Zachariah) in Islam: Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No: 3258: Narrated by Aisha: that the Prophet said, "The best among the men of old generation were those of the generation of Moses and those of the generation of Jesus and those of my generation." Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No: 3256: Narrated by Aisha: that the Prophet said, "The best among the women of old generation were Mary, daughter of Imran, and Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh." Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No: 3257: Narrated by Aisha: that the Prophet said, "The best among the men of old generation were those of the generation of Moses and those of the generation of Jesus and those of my generation." These Hadiths highlight the belief that Zakariya (Zachariah) is considered as one of the major prophet in Islam along with other prophet from the past generation and his significance in the Islamic belief. Additionally, it also mentions his son John the Baptist who is also considered as a prophet in Islam.