The family tree of Zakariya AS, Yahya AS, Maryam AS and Isa AS is closely linked. Yahya AS would later be related to Isa AS, as his mother, the wife of Zakariya AS, was the maternal aunt of Maryam AS. According to some reports, the wife of Zakariya AS and Maryam AS were with child at around the same time and she told Maryam AS that she had a premonition that the one in her belly (Yahya AS) will one day prostrate to the one in Maryam's AS belly (Isa AS). At this time, prostrating to each other was allowed and denoted a sign of respect.
Arabic scholars speculate that the name Yahya came from the root word "Hayaa" meaning life, because he brought life to his mother's barren womb. It is also said that the name was given because Allah elevated him in the earth with his faith and piety, and to be guided as a messenger. Allah blessed him with plenty of unique qualities that none other possessed.
Even as a child, Yahya AS did not fritter his time on silly things. Once, some children invited him to play with them. He replied that they were not created for play. This showed that from an early age, Yahya AS was single minded and serious about his purpose in life, which was to worship and serve Allah.
Unlike most other Prophets who received the revelation after they turned forty, Yahya AS was given sacred scriptures from a young age. From childhood, Yahya AS was given the upper hand in religious knowledge and wisdom, which reflected in his righteous qualities:
(It was said to his son): "O Yahya! Hold fast the Scripture [the Taurat]." And We gave him wisdom while yet a child. (Al Qur'an 19:12)
THE CHARACTER OF YAHYA AS
Yahya AS was, to his community, the best of characters: calm and deeply compassionate to both humans and animals. He was merciful and tender to everyone, and bore a deep love of all of Allah's creations. His manner was gentle and tranquil, and he was not quick to anger.
He was so pure in behaviour and thought that there was not a single action of his that disobeyed Allah. Even though Prophets and Messengers are allowed to take wives, he did not even desire for the pleasure of a woman's companionship because he did not want his heart or attention to be occupied by anyone other than Allah. He remained chaste throughout his life.
He refrained from any form of wrongdoing and his behaviour was so spotless that no one in the community could gossip or even speculate about him. Of him, Allah says:
And (made him) sympathetic to men as a mercy (or a grant) from Us, and pure from sins [i.e. Yahya] and he was righteous. (Al Qur'an 19:13)
He was also a dutiful son, and never once disobeyed his parents. He served and honoured them, being kind, patient and generous even as they became extremely old. In short, his character was flawless, never once transgressing, or showing even any signs of arrogance or disobedience.
And dutiful towards his parents, and he was neither an arrogant nor disobedient (to Allah or to his parents) . (Al Qur'an 19:14)
Imagine such a person, and also the blessed surroundings he grew up in: son of a Prophet and a pious woman, grandson of 'Imran (who as we mentioned, was one of the best families in the eyes of Allah of all time), the cousin of Maryam AS and the uncle of Isa AS.
So honourable was his character that Allah gave him, or will give him salam, on each of the three stages of his life: his birth, his death and his resurrection:
So Peace on him the day he was born the day that he dies and the day that he will be raised up to life (again)! (Al Qur'an 19:15)
The Messenger of Allah SAW said: 'Every son of Adam will come on the day of Resurrection and he will have sin against him except Yahya bin Zakariya.' (Al-Hakam)
