Yahya (John)

Yahya (John) is the son of Zakariyya, granted to his aged parents as a grace. A prophet of the children of Israel, the Quran presents him as pious, pure, and gifted with wisdom from his earliest youth, devoted to his parents.

Yahya was born to Zakariyya and his wife, long barren, in answer to his father's prayer. His name was given to him by God, a name no one had borne before him.

God granted him wisdom while he was still a child, along with tenderness and purity. The Quran describes him as pious, kind towards his parents, neither violent nor rebellious.

He followed his father in calling the children of Israel to the worship of God and faithfulness to the Scripture, confirming the truth of a Word of God — announcing 'Isa. The Quran extends to him a salutation of peace at his birth, at his death, and at his resurrection.

Yahya teaches that purity of heart and wisdom do not depend on age: God grants His light to whom He wills, and piety towards one's parents is among the most beautiful of virtues.

يَا يَحْيَىٰ خُذِ الْكِتَابَ بِقُوَّةٍ ۖ وَآتَيْنَاهُ الْحُكْمَ صَبِيًّا

« Jean ! Conforme-toi scrupuleusement aux Ecritures. » Nous l’avons doté d’une grande sagesse dès son plus jeune âge.

19:12