Duas of Prophet Zakariya (as)
A profound Qur’anic reminder: “Similar situations [as yours] have passed on before you, so proceed throughout the earth and observe how was the end of those who denied. This [Qur’an] is a clear statement to [all] the people and a guidance and instruction for those conscious of Allah.” — Surah Al-Imran Ayat 137-138
رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْوَارِثِينَ
Rabbi laa tazarnee fardanw wa Anta khairul waariseen
Translation
“My Lord, do not leave me alone [with no heir], while you are the best of inheritors.”
Surah Anbiya Ayat 89
رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنْ لَدُنْكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ
Rabbi hab lee mil ladunka zurriyyatan taiyibatan innaka samee’ud du’aaa
Translation
“My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication.”
Surah Imran Ayat 38
Key Takeaways
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These verses illustrate that believers who persist in supplication and worship will have their duas answered. Prophet Zakariya (as) turned to Allah (swt) in his nineties, asking for a child despite his old age and his wife’s barrenness. As Allah’s mercy makes all things possible, the angels reassured him: “Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, for I created you before, while you were nothing.’” (Surah Maryam Ayat 8-9)
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No dream is too late to pursue. Allah granted Zakariya (as) a son in his old age, teaching us to ask Allah with patience. Duas may be answered immediately, after some time, or not at all—Allah knows what is best. Avoid comparing yourself to others (as “comparison is the thief of joy”) and focus on gratitude for small blessings, as this invites more divine favors. Low moments are natural; healing is a gradual process.
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You control your response to challenges: choose courage and humility over fear and bitterness. Zakariya (as) turned to Allah in submission after witnessing Allah’s unmeasured provision for Maryam (ra), realizing Allah provides for whom He wills without limit.
Context of Prophet Zakariya’s (as) Duas
The Qur’an shares key details of Prophet Zakariya’s (as) story. For those unfamiliar: Zakariya (as) was the guardian of Maryam (ra), mother of Isa (as) (Jesus), as stated in Surah Al-Imran: “So her Lord accepted her with good acceptance and caused her to grow in a good manner and put her in the care of Zechariah.” (3:37)
Zakariya (as) and his wife long struggled with infertility—his wife was barren, and the fear of ending his lineage weighed heavily on him, much like Ibrahim (as) before him. One day, he visited Maryam (ra) in her private prayer chamber (a space only he could access) and was astonished to find it filled with provisions. When he asked, “O Mary, from where is this [coming] to you?” she replied, “It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account.” (3:37)
This moment sparked a realization: only Allah could grant him a child in his old age. He immediately supplicated: “My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication.” (3:38) Angels responded with glad tidings, affirming his righteousness, piety, and abstinence. Zakariya (as) asked in wonder, “My Lord, how will I have a boy when I have reached old age and my wife is barren?” The angel replied, “Such is Allah; He does what He wills.” (3:40)
In Surah Anbiya, he offered another supplication: “My Lord, do not leave me alone [with no heir], while you are the best of inheritors.” (21:89) Allah answered: “So We responded to him, and We gave to him John, and amended for him his wife. Indeed, they used to hasten to good deeds and supplicate Us in hope and fear, and they were to Us humbly submissive.” (21:90)
Lessons for Those Seeking Offspring
If you desire children, learn these two duas of Zakariya (as) and the dua of Ibrahim (as) in Surah As-Saffat Ayah 100. A key takeaway: Zakariya’s (as) duas were answered because of his righteousness, humility, and eagerness to do good—he had built spiritual “equity” with Allah (swt).
Patience is essential: his wish was not fulfilled immediately. Remember: Allah’s plan varies—some receive answers quickly, others wait, and some do not. If you fall into the latter group, do not blame yourself for what is beyond your control; focus only on what you can manage.
Avoid comparisons entirely—Allah blesses each person uniquely, and comparisons only bring distress. Practice daily journaling to cultivate gratitude for small blessings (a way to invite more divine favor). Low moments are natural; healing takes time.
If overwhelmed, seek professional help or join support groups with couples facing similar struggles. Know that many overcome such challenges, and you possess the inner strength to persevere. Always remember: you control how you respond to any situation—a powerful truth that empowers you in all circumstances.
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