The Story of Yahya (John) (Peace Be Upon Him): The Chaste (Hasoor) and the Prophet of Purity and Asceticism

Chronological Order: The Good News of Prophethood

Yunus Zakariya Yahya
Isa Dhul-Kifl Muhammad ﷺ
Successive Prophets

The story of Yahya is a model of purity and asceticism from a young age, and confronting falsehood with truth.

Yahya (PBUH) is the son of Zakariya, born by a Divine miracle. God named him with this name because he would revive (Yuhyi) hearts through him. He was a Prophet who was Hasoor (chaste/abstinent from desires) and knowledgeable of the Book.


Yahya (John) (PBUH): Purity, Abstinence, and the Martyr of Truth

Summary of Birth, Qualities, and Status

Virtuous Qualities

  • The Name: No one was named with it before him
  • The Description: Hasoor (pure, ascetic concerning women and desires)
  • The Worship: God granted him judgment while a boy (knowledge and understanding)
  • The Origin: Born by a miracle from an old man and a barren woman

The Divine Status

  • The Description: A master, chaste, and a prophet
  • The Commendation: Affection (Hanan) from Us and Purity (Zakah)
  • The Greeting: ﴾وَسَلَامٌ عَلَيْهِ﴿ (And peace be upon him) the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he is raised alive
  • The Consequence: His martyrdom (Istishhad) for the sake of God (among the Children of Israel)

Story Details: Judgment While a Boy

Yahya (PBUH) was a sign in his upbringing; God granted him judgment (understanding and knowledge) while he was young, and he grew up from his childhood ascetic of the world and its desires. He diligently called the Children of Israel to follow the law of the Torah and was paving the way for the prophethood of his cousin, Isa (Jesus) (PBUH).

Confronting Falsehood and the Martyr's End

One of his greatest stances was his open opposition to the King of the Children of Israel marrying a woman who was unlawful for him according to the law, which was the cause of the king's grudge. Ultimately, the King unjustly and aggressively killed him, making Yahya (PBUH) the Martyr of Truth who did not compromise God's ruling. It is mentioned in the Hadith: ﴾وَلَمْ يُعْطِ اللَّهُ لِأَحَدٍ مِثْلَ يحيى﴿ (And God has not given anyone like Yahya).

Key Quranic References:

  • Surah Maryam (Mary): Verses 7-15 (The good news, the qualities, and peace upon him)
  • Surah Al Imran: Verse 39 (The good news with the name and description)

Lessons and Morals Learned:

  • Asceticism and Chastity: Absolute purity from desires is a motive for sacrificing for the truth.
  • Proclaiming the Truth: Not fearing authority in revealing God's decree.
  • Safety of the Outcome: God's praise of Yahya in the cradle, on the day of his martyrdom, and on the Day of Resurrection.

The Pivotal Verse:

﴾Ya-yahya khuthi alkitaba biquwwatin waataynahu alhukma sabiyya﴿ (Maryam: 12)

Key to the Story: The Strength of Commitment

Yahya (PBUH) is a symbol of miraculous childhood and prophetic asceticism. His story shows that true blessing comes from clinging to the Book with strength and sincerity of resolve.

﴾Wasalamun AAalayhi yawma wulida wayawma yamootu wayawma yubAAathu hayya﴿ (Maryam: 15)
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