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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Portraits of Youths in Quran and the History of Islam Yahya - Son of Zakaria Who Attained Messengership In Childhood Faquz had two daughters both endowed with high morals and a pleasing nature. One was Hannah and the other Isha. Both were married to the two noblest men of the town. Hannah had the honor of being the wife of Imran and Isha became the life partner of Zakaria.

Later on Zakaria was chosen by God as His Messenger and Imran was such a respectable and trustworthy person in Bani Israel that he was elected the trustee of Baitul Maqdas. A long time passed in the married life of Zakaria and Isha. Many springs came and went but no flower in the form of a child grew in their garden. Both became quite aged and all hopes of having an heir faded away according to normal expectations. Zakaria was always remaining gloomy.

As a messenger of God what made him worry so much was that the people of his community were readily falling victims to a disgraceful demoralization, which was being spread speedily by the mischievous Jews. Almost everyone was indulging only in useless and undesirable activities. On the other hand, he saw that age had weakened him and there was none to continue reform work after his death, which was fast approaching. But how long could he burn himself in this fire of restlessness and anxiety?

Finally he got tired and left everything to the Will of Almighty God Whom he was worshipping every moment and with every breath. One day, when Zakaria entered the room of Maryam, who lived in Baitul Maqdas, he saw several heavenly fruits before her. Astonishingly he asked, “From where have these fruits come? Who brought them here?” Maryam replied with ease, “They are from my God.” This happening jerked Prophet Zakaria as if he woke up from his sleep.

He thought over the event deeply and told himself: Of course it is Only One God Who sends to Maryam in winter those fruits, which grow in summer and vice versa. Is it not possible that such Almighty God may grant his wife a child in her old age? So he raised his hands towards the heavens and prayed to Allah hopefully, saying, “My Lord! I am afraid that after my departure from the scene evil fellows will step forward to demoralize people. I know that my wife and I both are aged.

But it is not impossible for Your Might to grant me an heir.” In the words of the Quran: A mention of the mercy of your Lord to His servant Zakaria.