The story of the Prophet Zakariyya (Zechariah) and the birth of his son, Yahya (John the Baptist) - in the Quran

The story of the Prophet Zakariyya (Zechariah) and the birth of his son, Yahya (John the Baptist), is mentioned in the Quran in several chapters, including Chapter 3 (Surah Al-Imran), Chapter 6 (Surah Al-An'am), and Chapter 19 (Surah Maryam).

According to the Quranic account, Zakariyya was a righteous man and a prophet who lived during the reign of King Herod. He and his wife were childless and had reached an old age, which saddened him greatly. One day, while he was praying in the sanctuary, he asked God for a righteous son to inherit his prophetic legacy. God responded to his prayer and sent an angel to give him the good news of a son named Yahya (John).

Zakariyya was surprised and asked the angel how he could have a son when he and his wife were so old. The angel replied that God can do anything and that it was His will. The angel then gave Zakariyya a sign to confirm the truth of his words: he would become mute for three days, unable to speak to anyone except through signs.

Zakariyya accepted God's decree and praised Him. He left the sanctuary and went home, where his wife became pregnant with Yahya. Zakariyya looked after his wife during her pregnancy and when Yahya was born, he was filled with gratitude to God. He thanked God for granting him a son who would inherit his prophetic legacy and continue to spread His message to the people.

The Quran also mentions Yahya's mission, which was to preach the message of God to the people of Israel and to prepare them for the coming of Prophet Isa (Jesus). Yahya was a righteous and pious person who lived a simple life in the desert and called people to repentance and good deeds. He also criticized the corrupt religious leaders of his time and warned them of the consequences of their actions.

Chapter 19 "Maryam" (Mary), Verses 2-15:

[19:2] This is a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His servant Zechariah,

[19:3] When he called to his Lord in secret,

[19:4] And said, "My Lord, my bones have weakened and my head has turned white with age, and I have never been disappointed in my prayer to You, my Lord.

[19:5] And I fear the successors after me, and my wife has been barren, so grant me from Yourself an heir,

[19:6] Who will inherit from me and inherit from the family of Jacob. And make him, my Lord, pleasing [to You]."

[19:7] [He was told], "O Zechariah, indeed We give you good tidings of a boy whose name will be John. We have not assigned to any before [this] name."

[19:8] He said, "My Lord, how will I have a boy when my wife has been barren and I have reached extreme old age?"

[19:9] [An angel] said, "Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, 'It is easy for Me, for I created you before, while you were nothing.'"

[19:10] [Zechariah] said, "My Lord, make for me a sign." He said, "Your sign is that you will not speak to the people for three nights, [being] sound."

[19:11] So he came out to his people from the prayer chamber and signaled to them to exalt [Allah] in the morning and afternoon.

[19:12] [Allah] said, "O John, take the Scripture with determination." And We gave him judgement [while yet] a boy

[19:13] And affection from Us and purity, and he was fearing of Allah

[19:14] And dutiful to his parents, and he was not a disobedient tyrant.

[19:15] And peace be upon him the day he was born and the day he dies and the day he is raised alive.

Overall, the story of Prophet Zakariyya and the birth of Yahya emphasizes the power of prayer, the importance of patience and gratitude, and the continuity of prophetic legacy.