Yahya — wisdom from childhood

In answer to Zakariyya's prayer, Yahya was born. The Quran tells us no one had been given that name before him, and that he would confirm a 'word' from Allah — that is, 'Isa — and be a leader, chaste, and a prophet from among the righteous.

While still a child the command came: Yahya, hold fast to the Scripture. Allah gave him wisdom in his childhood.

The Quran draws his character in a few words: tenderness from Allah, purity, piety, kindness to his parents — and he was neither arrogant nor disobedient.

His birth was the fruit of an old father's prayer, and his life was worthy of it.