Prophet Yahya Alayhis Salam
Nabi Yahya عليه السلام
Nabi Yahya عليه السلام (known as John by Christians) was a noble Prophet of Allah Ta’ala sent to guide the Banu Israeel. He was the son of Nabi Zakariyya عليه السلام and cousin of Nabi ‘Eesaa عليه السلام.
Allah Ta’ala granted him prophethood at a very young age and gave him a very special character. Allah Ta’ala also made him gentle in nature, and completely devoted to worship and truth.
One Ayah – One Lesson
Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an:
O Yahya, hold firmly to the Book. And We gave him wisdom while he was still a child. (Surah Maryam 19:12)
Lesson
True wisdom and guidance come from Allah Ta’ala alone. Age is not a barrier when the heart is pure, sincere, and connected to Him.
Some of His Beautiful Qualities Allah Ta’ala Praised
After mentioning his wisdom, Allah Ta‘ala describes Nabi Yahya’s عليه السلام exceptional qualities in verses 13–15 of Surah Maryam:
– Gentle and Compassionate
He had a kind heart, did not get angry easily, and showed mercy to everyone, even animals.
– Pure and Upright
He stayed away from sin and loved what Allah Ta’ala loves.
– Deeply Allah-Fearing (Taqwa)
He lived with constant awareness of Allah Ta’ala and was careful never to displease Him.
– Kind and Dutiful to His Parents
He cared for his parents, showed them great respect, and was always obedient to them.
– Humble and Obedient to Allah Ta’ala
He stayed far away from arrogance and was never rebellious or disobedient towards Allah Ta’ala.
– Allah honoured him with a special blessing of peace:
Allah Ta’ala says: Peace be upon him the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he is raised alive. (Surah Maryam 19:15)
This is an honour Allah Ta’ala grants only to very special servants.
🌍 What Lessons Can We Take from Nabi Yahya عليه السلام?
From the life of Nabi Yahya عليه السلام, we learn that:
1) We should always try to do the right thing, even when it feels difficult.
2) Allah Ta’ala loves good qualities like humility more than showing off or having status.
3) Purity of heart and actions brings a person closer to Allah Ta’ala.
4) Respecting and treating parents well is a sign of righteousness.
5) Wisdom and closeness to Allah Ta’ala are not linked to age; they come through sincerity and obedience.
🌱 Small Steps to Try This Week
✅ Be extra kind and respectful to your parents.
✅ Listen to and obey your parents without hesitation.
✅ Stay away from three habits you know Allah Ta’ala dislikes.
✅ Speak gently and truthfully, even when it is hard.
✅ Remind yourself at least once daily that Allah Ta’ala is watching every action and knows even what you are thinking.
Small sincere steps bring big changes over time, insha’allah.
🌙 Final Reflection
Nabi Yahya عليه السلام teaches us that greatness is not about being loud or showing off. True greatness is found in humility, sincerity, obedience to Allah Ta’ala, kindness to parents, purity, and a heart connected to Allah Ta’ala.
When a person lives for Allah Ta’ala, fulfilling His commands and duties sincerely, Allah Ta’ala surrounds them with peace in this life and in the life after death, insha’allah.
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