Promises from the Prophets
See also: John the Baptiser in the Bible »
OUTLINE
Zakaryah the prophet awaited a son
Zakaryah the prophet awaited a son (Quran 19.2-15, Quran 3.38-41, Quran 6.85). Zakaryah was a great prophet among the Children of Israel and a priest of the Temple (Ibn Kathir 4.163). But he was growing old and feared what his relatives might do after he died (Quran 19.2-15, Quran 3.38-41). He was possibly wealthy, and his wife had borne him no son. He feared what might become of his family and his nation without an heir for himself and for the House of Yakub (Isra'il). Zakaryah prayed secretly, and Allah provided Yahya, announcing his birth ahead of time through the angel Gibril. Zakaryah was temporarily made mute as a sign to confirm Yahya's birth (Quran 3.38-41, Quran 19.4-7).
Yahya received a brand-new name, and was told to uphold the Book
Yahya received a brand-new name, and was told to uphold the Book. No one before had gone by the name 'Yahya', and this was part of Allah's reward to Zakaryah (Ibn Kathir 19.7). Even as a child, the prophet Yahya received a Book from Allah, and great wisdom (Quran 19.2-15).
Yahya (John) was a great prophet
Yahya (John) was a great prophet (Quran 3.38-41, Quran 6.85, Ibn Kathir 4.163). He was the son of the prophet Zakaryah, and the cousin of the prophet 'Isa (Bukhari 3887, History of Al-Tabari (1)712-720, p.102-108). Yahya's birth was announced by the angel Jibril, and Yahya was made to be compassionate, humble and good to his parents (Quran 3.38-41).
Yahya bore witness to the birth of 'Isa
Yahya bore witness to the birth of 'Isa (History of Al-Tabari (1)712-720, p.102-108). He belonged to the same family as Mariam (Mary) the daughter of Imran and the mother of 'Isa (Bukhari 3887). Yahya joined 'Isa in calling the people to Islam, but he displeased 'Isa by failing to adequately enforce the pillars of Islam (Ibn Kathir 2.21-22).
Yahya died, but in Jannah, he met the Prophet
Yahya died, but in Jannah, he met the Prophet (Bukhari 3887, History of Al-Tabari (1)712-720, p.102-108). On the night of the Miraj, Yahya joined 'Isa and other prophets of the second heaven in welcoming the Prophet Muhammad, saying: “Welcome, O Pious Brother and Pious Prophet!” (Bukhari 3887)
REFLECTION: ALLAH'S CLEANSING
he Quran does not mention baptism as part of John's ministry.
Whereas the Injeel (Gospel) describes John the Baptiser as a forerunner to the Messiah, 'Isa, baptising people, the Quran does not describe such details. It does tell us that Allah gave great wisdom and knowledge to Yahya at a young age, and taught him the Tawrah.
Although the Quran does not refer to him as a 'Baptiser', some Muslim authors recognise that people were baptised by Yahya. But no context is given as to why was it necessary for Yahya to be a precursor of Prophet 'Isa (Jesus).
DISCUSSION POINTS
- What did Zakaryah, Yahya's father, do as a Temple priest?
- Read Quran 19.1-11 and Luke 1:5-22 in the Bible. Do these agree about why Zakaryah was made mute?
- What do you think was the purpose of Yahya’s ministry?
- Read Leviticus 17. If John was taught Tawrat by Allah, how would he interpret this passage?