Author: Abdul Hai Lay'yan
The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (part 80)
The Attributes of Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him)
The divine glad tidings were not merely the announcement of a child’s birth; rather, they also described his distinguished qualities. The most important of these are as follows:
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A confirmer of the Word of Allah (SWT)
This means that he fully accepted the truth and affirmed, without hesitation, whatever came from Allah (SWT).
The “Word of Allah (SWT)” here refers to Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him), who was created by the divine command “Be” without a father. [1] Prophet Yahya (MABH) was the first to believe in the prophethood of Isa (PBUH). [2]
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Sayyed (a leader and noble among his people)
The term “Sayyed” refers to a person who excels over his people in noble qualities and whose virtue is acknowledged by others.
In Islamic understanding, a Sayyid is one who plays a role in guiding and reforming both the religious and worldly affairs of people. Allah granted Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) this position from an early age. [3]
Allah (SWT) says, “وَآتَيْنَاهُ الْحُكْمَ صَبِيًّا * وَحَنَانًا مِن لَّدُنَّا وَزَكَاةً.” Translation: “We gave him wisdom in childhood, and from Us, compassion and purity.” [4]
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Hasur (chaste and self-restrained)
This means a person of exceptional purity who avoids sins—especially moral and sensual ones—and protects himself from corruption. He was a perfect example of chastity and moral discipline.
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A prophet among the righteous
This indicates that he was a prophet who reached the highest degrees of righteousness and piety—the level attained by the prophets and the chosen servants of Allah (SWT). [5]
The Reaction of Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him)
When Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him) heard these glad tidings, he was astonished, as he knew that he had reached extreme old age and that his wife was barren.
Thus, he asked in amazement, “قَالَ رَبِّ أَنَّى يَكُونُ لِي غُلَامٌ وَقَدْ بَلَغَنِيَ الْكِبَرُ وَامْرَأَتِي عَاقِرٌ.” Translation: “My Lord! How can I have a son when I have reached old age and my wife is barren?” [6]
The response came: “كَذَلِكَ اللَّهُ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَاءُ.” Translation: “Thus Allah (SWT) does whatever He wills.” [8]
And in another verse: “هُوَ عَلَيَّ هَيِّنٌ وَقَدْ خَلَقْتُكَ مِن قَبْلُ وَلَمْ تَكُ شَيْئًا.” Translation: “It is easy for me, just as I created you before when you were nothing.” [9]
In creation, nothing is difficult or easy for Allah in the human sense; His command is simply “Be,” and it comes into existence.
Allah is the One who made a barren woman unable to bear children and an aged man incapable of producing offspring, and He is also able to restore fertility, remove barrenness, and renew strength.
Although, in human perception, restoring life seems easier than creating it initially, in reality, for divine power, both are equally effortless. [10]
Continues…
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References:
[1]. Ibn Ashur, Al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir, vol. 3, pp. 239–240.
[2]. Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, Mafatih al-Ghayb, vol. 8, p. 35.
[3]. Ibn Ashur, Al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir, vol. 3, pp. 340–341.
[4]. Maryam: 12–13.
[5]. Al-Zamakhshari, Al-Kashshaf, vol. 1, p. 428; al-Razi, Mafatih al-Ghayb, vol. 8, p. 38; Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, vol. 1, p. 362.
[6]. Al ‘Imran: 40.
[7]. Hamadah, Faruq, Aba’ wa Abna’, p. 148.
[8]. Al ‘Imran: 40.
[9]. Maryam: 9.
[10]. Sayyid Qutb, Fi Zilal al-Qur’an, vol. 4, p. 2303.
