Author: Abdul Hai Lay'yan
The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (part 78)
The Humility and Supplication of Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him) in Asking for a Child
Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him), in his supplication, expressed his weakness and old age before his Lord. When the bones become weak, in reality the entire body becomes frail, for the bones are the firmest part and the pillar of the body.
He also spoke of the whitening of his hair—a beautiful expression, as if the whiteness had spread like a flame igniting in his head until no trace of black remained.
The weakness of the bones and the whitening of the hair are both metaphors for old age and frailty, which Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him) presented before Allah. Then he said: «وَلَم أَكُن بِدُعائِكَ رَبِّ شَقِيًّا» [1] Translation: My Lord, I have never been deprived or disappointed in my supplication to You.
With this statement, he acknowledges that Allah has always answered his prayers; therefore, he hopes that even in his old age, his supplication will be accepted, and Allah will complete His favor upon him.
After describing his condition, he also expressed what he feared. He was concerned that after his death, those who remained would not be able to preserve his legacy as it should be.
By this legacy, he meant his religious mission—being one of the distinguished prophets of the Children of Israel—as well as his family, including Maryam (may Allah be pleased with her), who was under his care and used to worship in a sanctuary for which he was responsible.
He feared that his relatives would not properly uphold this trust, as he did not consider them fit for such responsibility. On the other hand, his wife was barren and had no child whom he could raise and prepare to continue his mission.[2]
The Purpose Behind His Request for a Child
Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him) asked his Lord to grant him a righteous child—one who would be worthy of inheriting his legacy and the legacy of prophethood within his family. Allah (SWT) says: «فَهَب لي مِن لَدُنكَ وَلِيًّا * يَرِثُني وَيَرِثُ مِن آلِ يَعقوبَ»[3] Translation: So, grant me from Yourself an heir, who will inherit from me and inherit from the family of Ya‘qub.
He also wished that this child would be a righteous and pleasing person: «وَاجعَلهُ رَبِّ رَضِيًّا» [4] Translation: And make him, my Lord, one who is pleasing.
The word “Radiyy” carries a broad meaning: one who is himself content and also brings contentment to others, spreading an atmosphere of satisfaction and tranquility around him.
This was the supplication of Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him), presented with utmost humility and in seclusion before his Lord. The words, meanings, and gentle rhythm of the Qur’anic verses all contribute to vividly portraying this scene of supplication.[5]
Allah (SWT) also says: «وَزَكَرِيّا إِذ نادى رَبَّهُ رَبِّ لا تَذَرني فَردًا وَأَنتَ خَيرُ الوارِثينَ»[6] Translation: My Lord, do not leave me alone [without an heir], while You are the best of inheritors.
The supplication of Zakariya (peace be upon him) is thus: do not leave me without a child and heir who will carry out my mission among the people after me.[7]
In this way, Prophet Zakariyya (peace be upon him) clearly defined the qualities of the child he desired: a child who would be a friend of Allah, an inheritor of his mission, a bearer of the knowledge of prophethood, and a continuation of the honor and legacy of his forefathers; one who would be pleasing to his Lord, pleasing to himself and his family, and accepted among people.
He desired a child who would be the comfort of his parents’ eyes and a source of goodness and benefit for those around him.[8]
Continues…
Previous Part
[1]. Maryam: 4.
[2]. Sayyid Qutb, Fi Zilal al-Qur’an, vol. 4, p. 2302.
[3]. Maryam: 5–6.
[4]. Maryam: 6.
[5]. Sayyid Qutb, Fi Zilal al-Qur’an, vol. 4, p. 2302.
[6]. Al-Anbiya: 89.
[7]. Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, vol. 3, p. 193.
[8]. Hamada, Faruq, Aba’ wa Abna’ (Educational Features in the Qur’an), p. 145.
