Yahya (a)

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    Who was Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him)?

    Prophet Yahya (a) was one of the prophets of Allah and the son of Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him). Yahya was born when his father, Zakariya, prayed to Allah for a child in his old age, and Allah answered his prayer. The name "Yahya" was given to him by Allah. The name Yahya is mentioned five times in the Qur'an. Specific titles and descriptions about him are mentioned in the Qur'an, including in Surah Maryam, where it is stated that Yahya was granted piety, purity, and wisdom.

    This prophet is described in the Qur'an as a confirmer of Jesus (peace be upon him), and it is mentioned that he was granted "wisdom" in his childhood. Commentators have expressed different opinions about the meaning of "wisdom." Some consider it to mean prophethood, while others interpret it as knowledge and wisdom.

    Biography

    Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) was the son of Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him) and the cousin of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him). According to some historians, Yahya was born six months after his mother conceived him. The story of his birth mentions that when Prophet Zakariya, who was childless and in his old age, prayed to Allah for a child, Allah gave him the glad tidings of Yahya's birth.[1]

    Yahya is known as John the Baptist in Christian tradition. Some scholars believe that "Yahya" is a variation of the name "John."[2]

    Status

    Among Christians, Yahya is known as the cousin of Jesus and the one who baptized him. He baptized Jesus and, when Jesus declared his prophethood, Yahya believed in him. In European languages, Yahya is referred to as "John."[3] In the Gospels, Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) is referred to as a prophet of God who confirmed the Messiah (peace be upon him). However, there are contradictions in the four Gospels regarding these matters. Three important issues in the confirmation of Jesus (peace be upon him) by Yahya (peace be upon him) are mentioned in the Gospels: first, Yahya refers to Jesus as the Son of God; second, he calls him the Lamb of God who is sacrificed for the forgiveness of people's sins; and third, he sends his disciples to inquire about Jesus, as if he did not know him. In the Gospels, Yahya is known as the Baptist, and the act of baptizing people is attributed to him. The personality of Yahya is praised several times by Jesus (peace be upon him), and references to his asceticism, piety, and sermons are found in the Gospels.[4]

    In the sayings of Sufis, the state of Yahya is considered an example of perfect asceticism and austerity, and a sign of immersion in fear and sorrow on the path to Allah. Ibn Arabi says that since Yahya was characterized by contraction, fear, and awe, and was known for his grief and weeping, he is a manifestation of the attributes of Allah's majesty.[5]

    Among the prophets, it is well-known that Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) was deeply affected by sermons and would experience intense emotional reactions. It is said that whenever Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him) wanted to preach to the Children of Israel, he would look to his left and right, and if Yahya was present, he would avoid mentioning the names of Paradise and Hell.[6]

    The Sabians, whose name is mentioned three times in the Qur'an, are considered the followers of Prophet Yahya, and baptism is one of their main rituals.[7] Allamah Tabatabai has suggested that the "monotheistic Sabians" may be the followers of Yahya.[8]

    Yahya in the Qur'an

    The Qur'an mentions that Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon him) prayed to Allah in his old age for a pure and righteous child.[9] Allah answered his prayer and named the child Yahya.[10] Zakariya was the husband of Maryam (peace be upon her)'s aunt, and it is said that when he witnessed the miracles of Maryam,[11] he felt hopeful and prayed to Allah for a child.[12]

    Attributes and Titles

    The name Yahya is mentioned in the Qur'an (Surah Al-An'am, verse 86) alongside Musa (peace be upon him), Harun, Zakariya, Jesus (peace be upon him), and Ilyas, among other righteous prophets.[13]

    In verses 12 to 15 of Surah Maryam, ten blessings that Allah granted to Yahya are mentioned:

    1. "We gave him wisdom and sound judgment while he was still a child." 2. "And We bestowed upon him compassion and purity from Us." 3. "And he was devout." 4. "And dutiful to his parents." 5. "And he was not arrogant or disobedient." 6. "And peace be upon him the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he is raised alive."[14]

    One of the notable titles used in the Qur'an for Yahya is the word "Hasur." This word appears only once in verse 39 of Surah Al-Imran, describing Yahya (peace be upon him). "Hasur" is derived from "hasr," meaning "restraint," and refers to someone who restrains themselves from worldly desires. It is sometimes interpreted as someone who abstains from marriage. In the Qur'an, this word, used as an attribute of Yahya, signifies the highest level of chastity and purity. It may also indicate that due to the specific conditions of his life, he was compelled to remain celibate, similar to Jesus (peace be upon him). This interpretation suggests that "Hasur" refers to someone who has abandoned worldly desires and represents an advanced stage of asceticism.[15] Some have said that this word indicates Yahya's strict piety, self-restraint, or self-discipline.[16]

    Confirmer of the Divine Word

    One of the titles of Prophet Yahya in the Qur'an is mentioned in the verse: ﴾مُصَدِّقاً بِکَلِمَةٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ؛ He will confirm a Word from Allah﴿, meaning that Yahya would confirm the Divine Word, which refers to Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him).[17]

    The phrase "مُصَدِّقاً بِکَلِمَةٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ" indicates that Yahya (peace be upon him) was one of the preachers of the religion of Jesus (peace be upon him), and thus the "Word" refers to Jesus, who is referred to as the Word of Allah in the subsequent verses when giving glad tidings to Maryam.[18] Yahya was six months older than Jesus (peace be upon him) and was the first to confirm his prophethood and call people to him. Due to his renowned asceticism and chastity, his inclination toward Jesus (peace be upon him) had a profound impact on people's attention to him.[19]

    Granting of Wisdom in Childhood

    The Qur'an states that Yahya was granted "wisdom" in his childhood: ﴾وَآتَیْنَاهُ الْحُکْمَ صَبِیًّا؛ And We gave him wisdom while he was still a child﴿. The word "wisdom" in this verse has been interpreted as understanding, intellect, knowledge of religious laws, and even prophethood. Allamah Tabatabai believes that based on the Qur'anic verses where the word "wisdom" is used, it is distinct from prophethood, and interpreting it as such is incorrect. Similarly, interpreting it as knowledge of service etiquette, insight, or intellect is also incorrect, as the verse does not indicate any of these meanings.[20] The intended meaning of "wisdom" is knowledge of divine truths and the uncovering of hidden realities that are ordinarily concealed.[21]

    Some interpret "wisdom" as understanding the Torah and jurisprudence in religious laws,[22] while others consider it to mean knowledge, wisdom, rationality, and a correct understanding of religious law.[23] Tabarsi interprets it as prophethood.[24]

    The Book

    In the Qur'an, Yahya is addressed: ﴾یَا یَحْیَیٰ خُذِ الْکِتَابَ بِقُوَّةٍ ۖ؛ O Yahya, take the Book with strength﴿. It is widely accepted among commentators that the "Book" referred to here is the Torah, and some even claim consensus on this matter. However, some have suggested that he may have had his own book (similar to the Psalms of David), though not one containing a new religion or doctrine.[25] The context of the verse suggests that taking the Book with strength refers to implementing its teachings and adhering to its commandments with diligence and care.[26]

    Similarities Between Yahya and Jesus

    Allah named Zakariya's son Yahya, and Maryam's son Jesus. The name Yahya means "he will live," and the name Jesus is said to have a similar meaning. Yahya is referred to as the Word, and Jesus is also called the Word, as stated in the verse: ﴾بِکَلِمَةٍ مِنْهُ اسْمُهُ الْمَسِیحُ عِیسَی؛ By a Word from Him, his name is the Messiah, Jesus﴿. Yahya was granted wisdom and taught the Book in his childhood, and Jesus was also granted wisdom and the Book. Yahya was described as having divine love, and Jesus was described as kind to his mother. Yahya was called pure, and Jesus was commanded to give charity. Peace was sent upon Yahya in three situations, and peace was also sent upon Jesus. Yahya was called a master, and Jesus was called honorable before Allah. Yahya was described as chaste and a prophet among the righteous, and Jesus was described similarly. All of this was in response to Zakariya's prayer for a pure and righteous child, and to bestow upon him the same blessings that were granted to Maryam.[27]

    The shrine attributed to Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) in the Umayyad Mosque, Damascus

    Martyrdom

    The Qur'an does not mention the killing of Yahya, but it is mentioned in narrations and commentaries that Herod, the lustful king of Palestine, fell in love with Herodias, the daughter of his brother, and decided to marry her! Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) openly declared that this marriage was unlawful and that he would oppose it. Herodias, who saw Yahya as the greatest obstacle to her plans, decided to take revenge on him at an opportune moment. She strengthened her relationship with her uncle and used her beauty as a trap. One day, she told him, "I want nothing but the head of Yahya!" Herod, who was madly in love with her, heedless of the consequences, complied, and soon Yahya's head was presented to her. However, the painful consequences of this act eventually caught up with him.[28]

    In some sources, the woman's name is "Azbil," who was the wife of the ruler and wanted to marry her daughter from a previous marriage to the ruler. However, Yahya opposed this, and the woman demanded Yahya's head from the ruler and slit his throat herself.[29]

    Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) said about Yahya: "One of the lowly aspects of this world is that the head of Yahya ibn Zakariya was presented as a gift to a sinful woman from among the Children of Israel."[30]

    Oscar Wilde (1854–1900), the renowned Irish playwright, wrote a play called *Salome*, which is an adaptation of the story of Yahya in the New Testament.<ref>

    References

    1. ↑ Emadzadeh, Hossein, *History of the Prophets*, Islam, 1374 AH, pp. 716–719.
    2. ↑ Khorramshahi, Qawamuddin, "Yahya," *Encyclopedia of the Qur'an and Qur'anic Studies*, edited by Bahauddin Khorramshahi, vol. 2, pp. 2368–2369.
    3. ↑ Rahbarian, Mohammad Reza, "Yahya," *Contemporary Encyclopedia of the Holy Qur'an*, Scientific Supervisor: Seyyed Salman Safavi, Qom, Salman Azadeh, 1396 AH, p. 1183.
    4. ↑ Latifi Emami, Maryam, *A Study of the Life and Personality of Prophets Zakariya and Yahya (peace be upon them) in the Qur'an and the Bible*, Master's Thesis, Qazvin, Imam Khomeini International University, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, 1390 AH.
    5. ↑ Rahbarian, Mohammad Reza, "Yahya," *Contemporary Encyclopedia of the Holy Qur'an*, Scientific Supervisor: Seyyed Salman Safavi, Qom, Salman Azadeh, 1396 AH, p. 1184.
    6. ↑ Mesbah Yazdi, Mohammad Taqi, *Divine Admonitions*, Qom, Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute Publications, 1391 AH, p. 22.
    7. ↑ Heydari Sudjani, Allahyar, *A Comparative Study of the Story of Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) and His Followers in the Qur'an, Narrations, and the New Testament*, Master's Thesis, Qom University, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, 1392 AH.
    8. ↑ Tabatabai, Mohammad Hussein, *Tafsir al-Mizan*, Qom, Islamic Seminary Teachers' Society, 1374 AH, vol. 13, p. 21.
    9. ↑ Surah Al-Imran, verses 38–39; Surah Maryam, verses 3–6.
    10. ↑ Surah Maryam, verse 7; Surah Al-Imran, verse 39; Surah Al-Anbiya, verses 89–90.
    11. ↑ Surah Al-Imran, verse 37.
    12. ↑ Holy Qur'an, Translation and Explanatory Notes: Mohammad Ali Kosha, Tehran, Ney, 1401 AH, p. 54.
    13. ↑ Khorramshahi, Qawamuddin, "Yahya," *Encyclopedia of the Qur'an and Qur'anic Studies*, edited by Bahauddin Khorramshahi, vol. 2, p. 2368.
    14. ↑ Makarem Shirazi, Nasser, *Selected Tafsir Nemuneh*, Tehran, Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, 1382 AH, vol. 3, p. 81.
    15. ↑ Makarem Shirazi, Nasser, *Words in Tafsir Nemuneh*, Qom, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), 1387 AH, p. 187.
    16. ↑ Makvand, Mahmoud, Fallahpour, Amirhossein, "Revisiting the Qur'anic Concept of 'Hasur' in Describing Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him)," *Quranic Studies and Islamic Culture Journal*, vol. 4, no. 4, (Winter 1399 AH).
    17. ↑ Majlisi, Muhammad Baqir, *Bihar al-Anwar*, Beirut, Al-Wafa Institute, 1403 AH, vol. 14, p. 169; Sayyid ibn Tawus, *Sa'd al-Su'ud*, Qom, Dar al-Dhakha'ir, p. 221.
    18. ↑ Tabatabai, Mohammad Hussein, *Tafsir al-Mizan*, Qom, Islamic Seminary Teachers' Society, 1374 AH, vol. 3, p. 277.
    19. ↑ Makarem Shirazi, Nasser, *Selected Tafsir Nemuneh*, Tehran, Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, 1382 AH, vol. 2, p. 534.
    20. ↑ Tabatabai, Mohammad Hussein, *Tafsir al-Mizan*, Qom, Islamic Seminary Teachers' Society, 1374 AH, vol. 14, p. 23.
    21. ↑ Tabatabai, Mohammad Hussein, *Tafsir al-Mizan*, Qom, Islamic Seminary Teachers' Society, 1374 AH, vol. 14, p. 23.
    22. ↑ Kashani, Fathullah ibn Shukrullah, *Manhaj al-Sadiqin fi Ilzam al-Mukhalifin*, Tehran, Islamiyah Bookstore, n.d., vol. 5, p. 384.
    23. ↑ Holy Qur'an, Translation and Explanatory Notes: Mohammad Ali Kosha, Tehran, Ney, 1401 AH, p. 306.
    24. ↑ Tabarsi, Fazl ibn Hasan, *Translation of Tafsir Jawami' al-Jami'*, translated by Ali Abdulhamidi et al., Mashhad, Astan Quds Razavi, 1375 AH, vol. 4, p. 30.
    25. ↑ Makarem Shirazi, Nasser, *Tafsir Nemuneh*, Tehran, Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, 1371 AH, vol. 13, pp. 23–24.
    26. ↑ Tabatabai, Mohammad Hussein, *Tafsir al-Mizan*, Qom, Islamic Seminary Teachers' Society, 1374 AH, vol. 14, p. 22.
    27. ↑ Tabatabai, Mohammad Hussein, *Tafsir al-Mizan*, Qom, Islamic Seminary Teachers' Society, 1374 AH, vol. 3, p. 277.
    28. ↑ Makarem Shirazi, Nasser, *Selected Tafsir Nemuneh*, Tehran, Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, 1382 AH, vol. 3, p. 82. Also: A group of scholars from Transoxiana, *Translation of Tafsir al-Tabari* (Stories), Text Editing: Jafar Modarres Sadeqi, Tehran, Markaz, 1393 AH, p. 188.
    29. ↑ Atiq Nishaburi, Abu Bakr, *Stories of the Holy Qur'an*, taken from Tafsir Sour Abadi, edited by Yahya Mahdavi, Tehran, Kharazmi, 1392 AH, p. 227.
    30. ↑ Makarem Shirazi, Nasser, *Selected Tafsir Nemuneh*, Tehran, Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyyah, 1382 AH, vol. 3, p. 82.
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