Indexed OCR Text

that he shall beget a son by the name of Yahya. Hadhrat Zakariyya v asked the
angel how the du'aa would reach fulfilment since this could be done by his wife
being cured made fertile or by him regaining the vigour of youth. The angel
made it clear that the details were not important, but that it was certain that the
child will be born because Allaah had decreed it. Furthermore, such a task, as
strange as it may seem, was very easy for Allaah to accomplish.
Hadhrat Zakariyya v then asked Allaah to show him a sign to indicate that the
process has begun. Allaah then informed him that the sign would be when he
will be unable to talk to anyone for three days. His only means of
communication during the time would be by making gestures to people. When
this sign appeared, he was to increase in glorifying and praising Allaah.
The day eventually arrived when he was unable to speak for three days. The
people assumed that he was fasting since a fast of silence was a common form of
Ibaadah during those days. During these days he continued to exert himself in
Ibaadah and also managed to instruct the people using gestures and signs. This
occurrence was a source of tremendous joy for him as well as for the Bani
Israa'eel because it would ensure that they have someone after him to continue
his efforts.
The above has been derived from the text of the Qur'aan and Ahadeeth. While
there are many narrations from the Bani Israa'eel on the subject, we have
omitted them since their veracity is not beyond doubt.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
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This episode in the life of Hadhrat Zakariyya v is related in the following verses of
the Qur'aan:
Verses 1-11 of Surah Maryam state:
كَبِيُعْصَ (١) ذِكْرُ رَحْمَتِ رَبِّكَ عَبْدَهَ زَكَرِيًّا ٢٣) إِذْ نَادَى رَبَّهَ ذِدَاءً خَفِيًّا (٣) قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّى وَبَنَ الْعَظْمُ مِنِّى
وَ اشْتَعَلَ الرَّاسُ شَيْئًا وَّ لَمْ آَكُنَّ بِدُعَائِكَ رَبِّ شَقِيًّا (٣) وَ إِنِّيْ خِفْتُ الْمَوَالِىَ مِنْ وَّ رَآءِىْ وَكَانَتِ امْرَآَتِى
عَاقِرًا فَهَبْ لِىْ مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ وَلِيًّا "(٥) يَّرِثُنِىْ وَيَرِثُ مِنْ أَلِ يَعْقُوْبَ * وَ اجْعَلْمُ رَبِّ رَضِيًّا (٢) يُزَكَرِيَّا إِنَّا
تُبَشِّرُكَ بِغُلِمِ اسْمُمْ يَحْيِىٌ لَمْ نَجْعَلْ لَّمَ مِنْ قَبْلُ سَمِيًّا (٧) قَالَ رَبِّ أَنَّى يَكُوْنُ لِىْ غُلُمٌ وَّكَانَتِ امْرَأَتِىْ عَاقِرًا وَّ
قَدْ بَلَغْتُ مِنَ الْكِبَرِ عِتِيًّا (٨) قَالَ كَذُلِكَ ◌ََّ قَالَ رَبُّكَ بُوَ عَلَىَّ بَيِّنٌ وَ قَدْ خَلَقْتُكَ مِنْ قَبْلُ وَلَمْ تَكُ شَيْئًا (٩) قَالَ
رَبِّ اجْعَلٌ لَّىْ أَيَّ ٥* قَالَ أَيْتُكَ الَّ تُكَلَّمَ النَّاسَ ثَلَثَ لَيَالٍ سَوِيًّا (١٠) فَخَرَجَ عَلَى قَوْمِهِ مِنَ الْمِحْرَابِ فَأَوْحَى
إِلَيْهِمْ أَنْ سَبِّحُوْا بُكْرَةً وَّ عَشِيًّا (١١)
TRANSLATION: Kaaf Haa Yaa Ayn Saad (only Allaah knows the meaning of these letters). (This
Surah makes) Mention of the mercy of your Rabb towards His slave (the Nabi) Zakariyya v.
(Mention is made of the time) When he (Zakariyya v) secretly made du'aa (in a low tone at night)
to his Rabb. He said (in his du'aa), "O my Rabb! My bones have weakened (aged) and my
hair has turned white because of old age. I have never (before) been unfortunate
(unsuccessful) in my du'aa to You (I therefore have great hopes that this du'aa will also be
accepted). I fear for my relatives after me (I fear that they may forsake the Deen after I die). My
wife is barren (unable to bear children), so grant me an heir (a son to help me in propagating the
Deen) who can inherit (my knowledge) from me and inherit from the family of Ya'qoob v (so
that he can guide my people if they stray from their Deen). And, O my Rabb, make him beloved
unto You (by making him a person who practises the knowledge of Deen that he possesses)." (In
reply to his du'aa, Allaah sent an angel to him who said,) "O Zakariyya, We convey to you the
good news of (the birth of) a son called Yahya. We have never named anyone like this
before him (his name and his character were unique)." He (Zakariyya v) said, "O my Rabb! How
will I have a son when my wife is barren (unable to bear children at 98 years of age) and I
have reached the pinnacle of old age (at 120 years) ?" He (the angel) said, "So it shall be
(what Allaah wills will come to pass even though it seems astonishing). Your Rabb declares, "It
will be easy for Me. Indeed I have created you before whereas you were nothing (in a like
manner, I can create anything even though the means are unavailable)." He (Zakariyya v) said, "O
my Rabb! Appoint a sign for me (by which I may know that my wife has conceived)." He said,
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"Your sign shall be that you will be unable to speak to people for three nights, even
though you will be healthy (your inability to speak will not be because of any disease)." So (the
day finally came when) he (Zakariyya v) came to his people from the sanctuary (the place where
he engaged in Ibaadah) and (unable to speak to them, he) gestured to them, "Engage in
glorifying your Rabb morning and evening (as you normally do. However, additional thanks will
now have to be expressed to Allaah because of the successor to be born)."
Verses 89-90 of Surah Ambiyaa pull & State:
وَزَكَرِيًّا إِذْ نَادَى رَبَّهْ رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِيْ فَرْدًا وَّ أَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْوُرِثِيْنَ ( ٨٩) فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَمَّ نْ وَ وَبَبْنَا لَمَّ يَحْيِى وَ
أَصْلَحْنَا لَمَ زَوْجَهَ ن ﴿ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا يُسرِ عُوْنَ فِى الْخَيْرَتِ وَ يَدْعُوْنَنَا رَغَبًا وَّ رَبَبًا * وَكَانُوا لَنَا خُشِعِيْنَ (٩٠)
TRANSLATION: And (remember) when Zakariyya prayed (to Allaah saying,), "O my Rabb! Do
not leave me childless when You are the Best (and only One) of (those who provide)
Successors." So We responded to his du'aa, gifted him with (a son) Yahya v and cured his
wife (allowed her to bear children in her old age). Verily, they (the Ambiyaa mentioned above)
would hasten to perform good deeds and prayed to Us in anticipation (of Our mercy) and in
fear (of Our punishment). They were humble before Us.
Verses 38-41 of Surah Aal Imraan state:
بُنَالِكَ دَعَا زَكَرِيًّا رَبَّهٌَ قَالَ رَبِّ بَبْ لِيْ مِنْ لَّدُنْكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيَِّةَّ إِنَّكَ سَمِيْعُ الدُّعَاءِ (٣٨) فَنَادَتْهُ الْمَلْئِكَةُ وَبُوَ
قَائِمٌ يُّصَلِّئْ فِى الْمِحْرَابِ " أَنَّ اللهَ يُبَشِّرُكَ بِيَحْيَى مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللهِ وَسَيِّدًا وَّحَصُوْرًا وَّنَبِيًّا مِّنَ الصُّلِحِيْنَ
(٣٩) قَالَ رَبِّ أَنَّى يَكُوْنُ لِيْ غُلُمٌ وَّقَدْ بَلَغَنِىَ الْكِبَرُ وَامْرَآَتِيْ عَاقِرٌ - قَالَ كَذْلِكَ اللهُ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَآءُ (٢٠) قَالَ
رَبِّ اجْعَلٌ لَّىَ أَيَةَّ ﴿ قَالَ أَيَتُكَ الَّ تُكَلِّمَ النَّاسَ ثَلَثَ آَيَّامٍ إِلَّ رَمْزًا ﴿ وَاذْكُرْ رَّبَّكَ كَثِيْرًا وَسَبِّحْ بِالْعَشِىِّ وَالْإِبْكَارِ
(٣١)
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TRANSLATION: At this point (when it occurred to him that just as Allaah can supply Maryam with
fruit that are out of season, He can give children to Zakariyya v and his wife even though they had
passed the age of bearing children) Zakariyya v prayed to his Rabb saying, "My Rabb, grant
me pure (pious) children from Yourself (by Your grace). Without doubt You hear all prayers
(and accept them)." So the angels (Hadhrat Jibra'eel v) called to him while he stood praying in
the chamber (the place where he worshipped Allaah), "Allaah gives you the good news of
Yahya who shall confirm the word from Allaah (will confirm the prophethood of Isa v) and
(who shall be) a leader, chaste (extremely abstinent from carnal passions) and a Nabi from the
righteous." He said, "My Rabb, how can I have a son when old age has already reached
me and my wife is barren (unable to bear children)?" He (Allaah or Jibra'eel v) replied, "It (the
matter) shall be such. Allaah does as He pleases (and none can deter Him)." He (Zakariyya v)
said, "O my Rabb, fix a sign for me (by which I may know that my wife has conceived)." Allaah
said, "Your sign is that you shall be unable to talk to people for three days, except by
indications (signs). Remember your Rabb abundantly (express gratitude to Him) and glorify
Him (worship Him) by night and day."
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Lessons and Conclusions
1 Alone am Your Rable
Surah Ambiyaa >ul # relates the stories of several Ambiyaa plo, Starting with
Hadhrat Ibraheem v and ending with Hadhrat Isa v. While some stories are brief,
others have more detail. The Ambiyaa poll posle mentioned are Hadhrat Ibraheem v,
Hadhrat Loot v, Hadhrat Is'haaq v, Hadhrat Ya'qoob v, Hadhrat Nooh v, Hadhrat
Dawood v, Hadhrat Sulaymaan v, Hadhrat Ayyoob v, Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v,
Hadhrat Idrees v, Hadhrat Dhul Kifl v, Hadhrat Yunus (Dhun Noon) v, Hadhrat
Zakariyya v, Hadhrat Yahya v and Hadhrat Isa v.
After mentioning all of them, Allaah declares, "I am your Rabb, so worship (serve and
obey) Me".297 This verse emphasises the fact that all these Ambiyaa >ull mesle Were
humans and the servants of Allaah without any resemblance with Allaah Himself.
They were completely dependent on Allaah. They needed to stretch their hands
before Him to beg for children and seek His assistance when suffering hardships.
They needed Allaah to cure their illnesses and could not heal others without
Allaah's assistance. Despite all the trials and hardships they suffered, they always
turned to Allaah and He always came to their aid. Despite their greatness and
the tremendous miracles they performed, they all worshipped Allaah Alone and
taught only Towheed to the people.
297 Surah Ambiyaa pull posle, verse 92.
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It is for this reason that Allaah concludes these episodes with the verse, "This
(system of beliefs that all the above Ambiyaa adopted) is indeed your religion, which is the one
and only way and I am your Rabb, so worship (serve and obey) Me".2
A Sunnah of the Ambiya Que
Verse 37 of Surah Aal Imraan states that when Hadhrat Zakariyya u passed by
the room of Hadhrat Maryam wie dildo, and he saw fruit out of season, he asked her
about it. She replied, "It is from Allaah. Allaah provides for whom He pleases without
count". His attention turned from the means to the Creator of means he prayed
to Allaah to grant him a child. This du'aa was accepted and the angels informed
him of the good news. Despite the fact that the Ambiyaa pul sk were the most
pious and abstinent of people, they also desired to have children as all people
do. In fact, the Ahadeeth relate similar incidents of other Ambiyaa pull mesle as well.
This makes it evident that the desire for children does not conflict with piety.
However, it is not just an empty desire for children that one should have, but a
desire for pious children. It is for this reason that Hadhrat Zakariyya v prayed
for pure (pious) children who will fulfil all the injunctions and responsibilities of
Deen. People who believe that having a wife and children conflicts with piety
and abstinence are far from the truth. Imaam Qurtubi al ., states, "The religion
of Islaam has defined the desire for children as a Sunnah of the Ambiya Qu ale
and the Siddeeqeen."
A Fine Point
The incident of Hadhrat Zakariyya v being blessed with a child reveals that Allaah
gives those who ask from Him. However, Allaah also grants His favours to those
who do not ask from. If Allaah gave only when people asked, then there would
298
Surah Ambiyaa عليهم السلام , verse 92.
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have been tremendous shortages in this world and people's lives would be
severely constrained.
When Hadhrat Zakariyya u made du'aa for a child at the end of his life, his focus
was upon the power of Allaah and not on the apparent means and resources,
since these were all opposed to his wish.
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Sayyiduna Yahya U
Hadhrat Yahya U in the Qur'an
Hadhrat Yahya v is mentioned in the same Surahs that speak about Hadhrat
Zakariyya v, viz. Surahs Aal Imraan, An'aam, Maryam and Ambiyaa. Hadhrat
Yahya v was the son of Hadhrat Zakariyya v and the reply to the du'aa of a Nabi.
Allaah chose the name Yahya for him and this was the first time this name was
ever used. Apart from his name, Hadhrat Yahya v was also blessed with certain
specialties. These were:
1. Hukm: This means that he was decisive when passing judgement, possessed
deep insight into matters and always gave the correct opinion
2. Hannaan: This means that he was very soft-hearted and even more
compassionate towards people than their very own mothers
3. Hasoor: This means that he exercised control over his carnal passions and
was very abstinent and cautious. In fact, the thought of evil never crossed his
mind.
His life
According to historical reports, Hadhrat Yahya v was six months elder than
Hadhrat Isa v. While it is commonly known that their mothers were sisters,
there is a narration stating that they were cousins. Hadhrat Yahya v was blessed
with wisdom and knowledge from a young age and professed his Nubuwwah at
the age of thirty. He then started to preach to the people in eastern Jordan,
encouraging them to repent for their wrongs and to then reform themselves. It is
said that he wore garments made of camel hairs and all he ate were birds caught
in the forest and honey. He lived an ascetic life, encouraged people to fast and to
pray and also prepared the way for the coming of Hadhrat Isa v.
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The principal task that Allaah charged Hadhrat Yahya v was to inform people of
the coming of Hadhrat Isa v and to pave the way for his arrival. Like his father,
Hadhrat Yahya v was also amongst the high-ranking Ambiyaa pull and a staunch
adherent to the teachings of the Torah.
Unlike other children of his time, he would not engage in play and game. When
called to play, he would tell the others, "I have not been created for play and
amusement." Allaah has declared that he would be blessed with peace and
safety on three occasions when people are most vulnerable and in need of
assistance. These three occasions are:
1. At the time of birth, when one is leaving the womb and entering this world
2. At the time of death, when one is leaving this world and entering the realm
of Barzakh in the grave
3. At the time of resurrection, when one is leaving the Barzakh and entering
the Aakhirah
Therefore, anyone blessed with the help of Allaah during these occasions is truly
fortunate.
In the Words of the Qur'aan
The Qur'aan introduces Hadhrat Yahya v in the following verses:
Verse 7 of Surah Maryam states:
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يُزَكَرِيًّا إِنَّا نُبَشْرُكَ بِغُلُمِ اسْمُهْ يَحْيِىٌ لَمْ نَجْعَلْ لَّمْ مِنْ قَبْلُ سَمِيًّا (٧)
TRANSLATION: (In reply to his du'aa, Allaah sent an angel to Hadhrat Zakariyyah v, who said,) "O
Zakariyya, We convey to you the good news of (the birth of) a son called Yahya. We have
never named anyone like this before him (his name and his character were unique)."
Verse 39 of Surah Aal Imraan states:
فَنَادَتْمُ الْمَلْئِكَةُ وَبُوَ قَائِمٌ يُّصَلِّئْ فِى الْمِحْرَابِ " أَنَّ اللّهَ يُبَشِّرُكَ بِيَحْيَى مُصَدِّقًا بِكَلِمَةٍ مِّنَ اللهِ وَسَيِّدًا وَّحَصُوْرًا
وَنَبِيًّا مِّنَ الصَّلِحِيْنَ (٣٩)
TRANSLATION: So the angels (Hadhrat Jibra'eel v) called to him while he stood praying in
the chamber (the place where he worshipped Allaah), "Allaah gives you the good news of
Yahya who shall confirm the word from Allaah (will confirm the prophethood of Isa v) and
(who shall be) a leader, chaste (extremely abstinent from carnal passions) and a Nabi from the
righteous."
Verses 89-90 of Surah Ambiyaa >ull posle State:
وَزَكَرِيَّا إِذْ نَادَى رَبََّ رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِى فَرْدًا وَّ أَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْوَرِثِيْنَ (٨٩٤٦) فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَمَ نْ وَ وَبَبْنَا لَمَّ يَحْيِى وَ
أَصْلَحْنَا لَمَّ زَوْجَهَ ب ◌ِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا يُسرِ عُونَ فِى الْخَيْرَتِ وَ يَدْعُوْنَنَا رَغَبًّا وَّ رَبَبًا * وَكَانُوا لَنَا خُشِعِيْنَ (٩٠)
TRANSLATION: And (remember) when Zakariyya prayed (to Allaah saying,), "O my Rabb! Do
not leave me childless when You are the Best (and only One) of (those who provide)
Successors." So We responded to his du'aa, gifted him with (a son) Yahya v and cured his
wife (allowed her to bear children in her old age). Verily, they (the Ambiyaa mentioned above)
would hasten to perform good deeds and prayed to Us in anticipation (of Our mercy) and in
fear (of Our punishment). They were humble before Us.
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His Preaching
Hadhrat Haarith Ash'ari t reports that Rasulullaah p said, "Allaah commanded
Yahya bin Zakariyya v to implement five commands and to order the Bani
Israa'eel to implement them, but Yahya v was slow in carrying out these
commands. Isa v said to Yahya v, 'You were ordered to implement five
commands and to instruct the Bani Israa'eel to implement them. So you may
proceed to instruct them, or I will do it for you.' Yahya v said, 'My brother! I fear
that if you do it, I will be punished or the earth will be shaken under my feet.'
Hence, Yahya v called the Bani Israa'eel to Baytul Muqaddas, (and they arrived in
large numbers) until they filled the Masjid. He started to address them by first
thanking Allaah and praising Him. Then he said, 'Allaah ordered me to implement
five commandments and that I should order you to adhere to them. (These are:)
1. That you worship Allaah alone and not associate any as partner
with Him. The example of this command is the example of a man
who bought a servant from his money with paper or gold. The
servant started to work for the master, but was paying the profits
to another person. Who among you would like his servant to do
that? Allaah created you and sustains you, so you should therefore
worship Him alone and not associate anything as partner to Him
2. I also command you to pray with devotion, for Allaah directs His
attention towards His servant as long as the servant does not turn
away. So when you pray, do not turn your heads to and fro
3. I also command you to fast. The example of it is the example of a
man amongst a group of men. Because the man has some musk
wrapped in a piece of cloth, all in the group smells the scent of the
wrapped musk. Verily, the odour from the mouth of a fasting
person is better before Allaah than the scent of musk
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4. I also command you to give charity. The example of this is the
example of a man who was captured by the enemy, who tied his
hands to his neck and brought him forth to cut off his neck. He said
to them, 'Can I pay a ransom for myself?'. He then ransomed
himself with small and large amounts until he liberated himself
5. I also command you to always remember Allaah. The example of
this deed is like that of a man who the enemy is tirelessly pursuing.
He then takes refuge in a fortified fortress (and is safe from them).
When the servant remembers Allaah, he will be resorting to the
best refuge from Shaytaan"
Rasulullaah p then said, "And I instruct you with the five commandments that
Allaah has given me. (1) Stick to the Jamaa'ah, (2) listen (to the truth), (3) obey
(your leaders), (4) perform Hijrah (migration) and (5) strive in Jihaad for the sake
of Allaah. Whoever abandons the Jamaa'ah for even the distance of a hand span,
he will have removed the tie of Islaam from his neck until he returns. Whoever
uses the slogans of the Period of Ignorance will be among those kneeling in
Jahannam."
Someone then asked, "O Rasulullaah p! Even if he prays and fasts?" Rasulullaah
p replied, "Yes, even if he prays, fasts and claims to be Muslim (he will still be
headed for Jahannam)."299
Muslim historians have reported from Israa'eeli narrations that Hadhrat Yahya v
used to spend most of his time in the loneliness of the desert, making do with
the leaves and birds for food. It was after revelations started to come to him that
he was instructed to preach to the people in the vicinity of the Jordan River and
299
Ahmed, Tirmidhi and Ibn Maajah, as quoted in Al Bidaayah wan Nihaayah (Vol.2 Pg.52).
671

to inform them of the imminent arrival of Hadhrat Isa v. This is also mentioned
in the Bible.
Ibn Asaakir has reported from Hadhrat Wahab bin Munabbih al das, that Hadhrat
Yahya v was so overwhelmed by his fear for Allaah that he wept very much,
causing lines to be etched upon his cheeks because of the stream of tears.
It is reported that his father Hadhrat Zakariyya t once found him in the forest
and said, "Dear son! You are weeping here while we were worrying so much
about you that I had to come out in search for you." Hadhrat Yahya v replied,
"Dear father! Did you not tell me that there is a valley between Jannah and
Jahannam that cannot be crossed to gain access to Jannah without the tears
shed for fear of Allaah?" When he heard this, Hadhrat Zakariyya t also started to
weep.
Martyrdom
The narrations of both Ibn Asaakir and Allaama Ibn Katheer al was, concerning the
death of Hadhrat Yahya v have been questioned by scholars. Haafidh Ibn Hajar
dil ta, has quoted the narration of Haakim and added that it is also questionable.
However, the narration quoted by the historian Tabari al wan, is worth mentioning
here.
He reports that the Bani Israa'eel generally accepted the preaching of Hadhrat
Yahya v and would gather in large numbers to listen to him. However, his
popularity was detested by the despotic King Herod of Judea, who feared that
his kingdom should not fall to Hadhrat Yahya v.
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It then occurred that Herod's step brother died, leaving behind a young and
beautiful wife, whom Herod fell in love with. She also loved him and the two
agreed to marry. However, such a marriage was not permissible in the Israa'eeli
religion and Hadhrat Yahya v cautioned them not to proceed. He warned them
of the punishment of Allaah should they go ahead. This infuriated Herod's lover
so much that she convinced Herod to assassinate Hadhrat Yahya v. Although
Herod desperately wanted this, the overwhelming popularity of Hadhrat Yahya v
made him hesitate.
The lover then waited for the perfect opportunity, which did not take long to
present itself. During the Herod's birthday celebration, her daughter entertained
the royal court with a spectacular dance which made Herod very jubilant. In fact,
he was so impressed by her that he asked her to make any request she wished.
She then turned to her mother to ask what it was she should ask for. "Ask for the
head of Yahya," her mother smiled. The girl looked up at Herod and said, "I
would like the head of Yahya handed over to me in a platter." As reluctant as he
was, Herod could not refuse the request and did as he was bidden. 300
The most surprising aspect of this incident was that no one from the Bani
Israa'eel made any protest when Herod assassinated Hadhrat Yahya v.
Historians differ about where Hadhrat Yahya v was assassinated. Some say
that it took place in Baytul Muqaddas between the temple and the altar.
300 Taareekh Tabari (Vol.2 Pg.45).
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Hadhrat Sufyaan Thowri alto, reports from Thamar bin Atiyya that seventy
Ambiyaa pul were martyred here.301
Qaasim bin Salaam reports from Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Musayyibaldo, that Hadhrat
Yahya v was martyred in Damascus. There is a grave in the Umayyad Masjid in
Damascus that is said to be the grave of Hadhrat Yahya v, which I have had the
opportunity of visiting. And Allaah knows best.
Haafidh Ibn Asaakir ilo, reports from Zaid bin Waaqid that when a Masjid was
being rebuilt in Damascus, he personally saw the head of Hadhrat Yahya u when
excavations took place close to the eastern side of the Mihraab. He noted that
the face and even the hairs were perfectly intact and there was still fresh blood
as if he had been martyred just then. 302 However, it is still not certain where the
exact location of his martyrdom was.
When Hadhrat Isa v learnt about the martyrdom of Hadhrat Yahya v, he started
to preach publicly. The Qur'aan makes it clear that together with their rebellion
and insolence, the Jews were guilty of even assassinating their Ambiyaa pull Mesle , 303
Ibn Abi Haatim has reports from Hadhrat Abu Ubaydah bin Jarraah t that
Rasulullaah p said, "In a single day the Bani Israa'eel murdered 47 Ambiyaa Male
will and 170 pious men who instructed them to do good and forbade them from
evil."
301
Tafseer Ibn Katheer (Vol.2 Pg.55).
302 Tafseer Ibn Katheer (Vol.2 Pg.55).
303
Surah Aal Imraan, verse 21.
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Hadhrat Wahab bin Munabbih ail das, related that after the Jews killed Hadhrat
Yahya v, they turned towards his father Hadhrat Zakariyyah v to kill him as well.
He managed to squeeze through a crack in a tree and hide himself. When they
were unable to find him, Shaytaan led them to the hiding place. Rather than
getting him out of the tree to execute him, the wretched people started to saw
through the tree until both the tree and the noble Nabi of Allaah u were cut in
two.
Meeting Hadhrat Yahya V on the Night of Minaaj
In the narration describing the Mi'raaj, Imaam Bukhaari ail ton, has quoted from
Rasulullaah p that when he reached the second heaven, he met Hadhrat Yahya v
and Hadhrat Isa v, who were cousins (sons of sisters). Hadhrat Jibra'eel v
informed Rasulullaah p who they were and asked him to greet them both.
Rasulullaah p then greeted them and they replied to his greeting and said,
"Welcome to a pious brother and a pious Nabi."
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Lessons and Conclusions
The Worst of People
None can be worse than one who kills an innocent person who never harms
anyone and has no desire for the wealth or property of another. For from this,
the person killed is one who devotes all his time and energies to the reformation
of the people without asking them for anything in return. When Hadhrat Abu
Ubaydah t asked Rasulullaah p who would be the one most deserving of Allaah's
punishment on the Day of Qiyaamah, Rasulullaah p replied, "The person who
kills a Nabi or a person who enjoins evil and forbids good."
The Jews are the only people on historical records who have mass murdered
their Ambiyaa >) posle. Allaah says about them, "they disbelieved in Allaah's Aayaat and
used to kill the prophets unjustly".304
Good Opinions
A person should never lose hope in the mercy of Allaah. Even when one has
prayed incessantly to Allaah without seeing any results, he must not give up
hope. Losing hope in Allaah's mercy is a trait of Kufr. In fact, people of the past
were put through such torturous trials and hardships that even their Ambiyaa Male
eventually wondered when the help perform Allaah would arrive. Allaah
makes it clear that the help of Allaah is always close at hand. When they
maintain their hopes in Allaah and always have a favourable opinion of Him,
their difficulties are soon removed and they feel as if they have a new life
altogether.
304
Surah Bagrah, verse 61.
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It is with this favourable opinion in Allaah that Hadhrat Zakariyya u prayed, "I
have never (before) been unfortunate (unsuccessful) in my du'aa to You (I therefore have great
hopes that this du'aa will also be accepted)".305 Despite having all odds stacked against
him, he did not lose hope in Allaah and was soon blessed with what he wanted.
305
Surah Maryam, verse 4.
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The People of the Orchard
Surah Qalam describes the evil characteristics and actions of the Mushrikeen,
particularly those of one of the Mushrikeen leaders in Makkah by the name of
Waleed bin Mughiera. The Surah then proceeds to relate an incident that
occurred in the times before concerning some people who owned and orchard.
They became so proud about their property that they did not want to fulfill the
rights of Allaah that were due from them. Eventually, they lost everything they
had and it was only then that their eyes opened to the reality.
The lesson to the people of Makkah was for them to start realising that it was
Allaah Who blessed them with all they had and if they did not fulfil the rights of
the many bounties from Allaah and did not believe in the Nab sent to them, they
will also be losers in this world as well as in the Aakhirah.
Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Jubayr alto, reports that this incident occurred in the Yemeni
town of Harwaan, approximately 6 miles from the city of San'aa. There lived a
man from the Ahlul Kitaab there who was very wealthy and also very generous.
Together with always lending a helping hand to the poor and needy, he would
also grant them a share from his crop every time he harvested. For this reason,
many poor people always gathered at his orchard at the time of harvesting.
After the man passed away, his three sons inherited all his wealth and property.
However, they decided not to give any of the harvest to the poor, thinking that
they had large families to care for and did not want to leave them destitute.
They therefore did not announce the day of harvesting and decide to harvest the
crops as early as possible so that no one would even know that they had
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harvested until they were done. Despite all their planning, they forgot to say
Inshaa Allaah.
In the meanwhile, Allaah had decided otherwise and their crops were destroyed
the previous night. Some narrations state that a hot wind blew that night, which
caused the crops to catch alight and burn to the ground. When the brothers
reached the orchard the following morning, they were so shocked to notice the
ruin that met them that they thought they had somehow lost the way and
arrived at a different place. However, when reality struck them, they lamented
the loss of their crops. One of them then reminded of how they had forgotten
Allaah and they began to chastise themselves for their evil intentions.
These verses also address the common misnomer that the Mushrikeen of
Makkah had when they professed to be accepted in the sight of Allaah because
they had wealth and worldly prosperity. They therefore told the Mu'mineen that
they were accursed in the sight of Allaah because they were poor.
In the Words of the Qur'an
Verses 17-33 of Surah Qalam state:
إِنَّا بَلَوْنُهُمْ كَمَا بَلَوْنَا أَصْحُبَ الْجَنَّةِ إِذْ أَقْسَمُوْا لَيَصْرِ مُنَّهَا مُصْبِحِيْنَ (١٧) وَلَا يَسْتَثْنُوْنَ (١٨) فَطَافَ عَلَيْهَا
طَائِفٌ مِّنْ رَّبِّكَ وَ بُمْ نَآئِمُوْنَ (١٩) فَأَصْبَحَتْ كَالصَّرِيِمِ (٢٠) فَتَنَادَوْا مُصْبِحِيْنَ (٢١) أَنِ اغْدُوْا عَلَى
حَرْثِكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَرِمِيْنَ (٢٢) فَانْطَلْقُوْا وَ بُمْ يَتَخَافَتُوْنَ (٢٣) أَنْ لَّا يَدْخُلَنَّهَا الْيَوْمَ عَلَيْكُمْ مِّسْكِيْنٌ (٢٣) وَّ
غَدَوْا عَلَى حَرْدٍ قُدِرِيْنَ (٢٥) فَلَمَّا رَأَوْبَا قَالُوْا إِنَّا لَضَلُّوْنَ (٢٢) بَلْ نَحْنُ مَحْرُوْمُوْنَ (٢٧) قَالَ أَوْسَطُهُمْ
الَمْ آَقُلْ لَكُمْ لَوْلَا تُسَبِّحُوْنَ (٢٨) قَالُوا سُبْحُنَ رَبِّنَا إِنَّا كُنَّا ظُلِمِيْنَ (٢٩) فَأَقْبَلَ بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ يَّتَلَاوَمُوْنَ
(٣٠) قَالُوْا يُوَيْلَنَا إِنَّا كُنَّا طَغِيْنَ (٣١) عَسَى رَبُّنَا أَنْ يُبْدِلَنَا خَيْرًا مِّنْهَا إِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا رَغِبُوْنَ (٣٢) كَذُلِكَ
الْعَذَابُ ﴿ وَ لَعَذَابُ الْآخِرَةِ أَكْبَرُ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُوْنَ (٣٣٪) إِنَّ لِلْمُتَّقِنَ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ جَنَّتِ النَّعِيْمِ (٣٣)
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