Yaḥyā (عليه السلام) — known in the Bible as John the Baptist — is regarded in Islam as a noble prophet sent by God to guide the Children of Israel. His full name is Yaḥyā ibn Zakariyyā (John, son of Zechariah). He was the son of the prophet Zakariya (Zechariah) and a relative of Isa (Jesus), who is described in Islamic tradition as his maternal cousin.
Muslims believe that Yaḥyā was a witness to the Word of God and a herald of the coming of Isa al-Masih (Jesus the Messiah). He is mentioned five times in the Qur’an and is highly honored in Islamic tradition, especially within Sufism and Islamic mysticism, where his purity, wisdom, and devotion are emphasized.
Birth and Early Life
The Qur’an recounts that Zakariya prayed fervently for a child, despite his old age and his wife’s barrenness. In response to his prayers, God granted him a son named Yaḥyā — a name that, according to the Qur’an (19:7), had not been given to anyone before.
The angels announced the birth with the words:
“O Zachariah! We give you good news of a son whose name will be Yaḥyā — a name We have not given to anyone before.”
When Zakariya questioned how this could be possible given his age and his wife’s condition, he was told that nothing is difficult for God. As a sign of this miracle, Zakariya was unable to speak for three nights, despite being in good health.
Islamic exegesis (tafsir) holds that Yaḥyā and Isa were born approximately six months apart. Their births were seen as part of a divine plan to renew God’s message, which had been altered or neglected by portions of the Children of Israel.
The Qur’an describes Yaḥyā as:
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Granted wisdom while still a child
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Pure and compassionate
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Devout and God-fearing
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Kind to his parents
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Neither arrogant nor rebellious
Prophethood
Yaḥyā was instructed to hold firmly to the Scripture (the Torah) and was blessed with understanding and spiritual insight at a young age. Islamic tradition portrays him as exceptionally knowledgeable, even surpassing many scholars of his time in understanding the sacred texts.
The Qur’an states:
“O John! Hold firmly to the Scripture.” And We granted him wisdom while he was still a child. (Qur’an 19:12)
He is described as a righteous and humble prophet who strongly denounced sin and moral corruption. According to some Islamic traditions, Isa sent Yaḥyā with twelve disciples to preach before Jesus gathered his own followers.
Yaḥyā is also said to have delivered sermons at the Temple in Jerusalem (Al-Haram Ash-Sharif).
Assassination
Islamic tradition recounts that Yaḥyā openly opposed the ruler Herod Antipas when the latter sought to divorce his wife and marry his niece. Yaḥyā condemned the proposed marriage as unlawful and immoral.
As a result of his bold stance, he was imprisoned and eventually executed by beheading. It is widely believed in Islamic tradition that his head is buried within the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.
Spiritual Significance
Yaḥyā holds a special place in Islamic spirituality. The Qur’an’s portrayal of his chastity, compassion, humility, and early wisdom has made him an important figure in Sufi teachings. His life is often cited as an example of purity, courage in speaking truth to power, and unwavering devotion to God.
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