Lesson

Ages 13-18
Stories of the Prophets
Level 4

Prophet Yahya (AS) - The Pure One

Learn about Prophet Yahya (AS), born as a miracle, known for his purity and wisdom.

Lesson & Story

Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) was the son of Prophet Zakariyya (AS). His birth was a miracle — Allah gave him to Zakariyya and his wife in their old age. Allah chose the name 'Yahya' Himself, a name no one had before. Allah described Yahya with beautiful qualities: He gave him wisdom while still a child, made him compassionate and pure, and he was righteous and kind to his parents. Allah said: 'Peace be upon him the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he is raised to life.' Yahya (AS) was known for his devotion and asceticism — he lived simply, wore rough clothing, and spent his time in worship. He was the cousin of Prophet Isa (AS) and preceded him in prophethood. Yahya called the Children of Israel back to the Torah and to the worship of Allah alone. His life teaches us that purity, compassion, and devotion to Allah are the highest qualities a person can have.

Qur'an Verses

Surah Maryam (19:12) · Ayah 12

يَا يَحْيَىٰ خُذِ الْكِتَابَ بِقُوَّةٍ ۖ وَآتَيْنَاهُ الْحُكْمَ صَبِيًّا

Ya Yahya khudhi al-kitaba bi-quwwatin wa ataynahu al-hukma sabiyya

Translation: O Yahya, take the Scripture with determination. And We gave him judgement [while yet] a boy.

Surah Maryam (19:15) · Ayah 15

وَسَلَامٌ عَلَيْهِ يَوْمَ وُلِدَ وَيَوْمَ يَمُوتُ وَيَوْمَ يُبْعَثُ حَيًّا

Wa salamun 'alayhi yawma wulida wa yawma yamutu wa yawma yub'athu hayya

Translation: And peace be upon him the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he is raised to life.

Authentic Hadith

Related to Quran — Surah Maryam 19:12

The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Every son of Adam sins, and the best of those who sin are those who repent.' Yahya (AS) was unique in that Allah made him pure from sin, as stated in the Quran: 'and [We made him] pure.'

Explanation

While Yahya was specially blessed by Allah, this hadith reminds us that even ordinary believers can achieve great status through repentance and devotion.

Arabic Vocabulary
يَحْيَىٰYahya — Prophet born as a miracle, known for purity
حُكْمHukm — Wisdom/judgment (given to Yahya as a child)
صَبِيّSabiyy — Boy/child (Yahya received wisdom as a child)
Moral Lesson

Purity of heart, compassion, and devotion to Allah are the most beautiful qualities. Yahya (AS) was blessed by Allah from childhood and his entire life was marked by peace.

Reflection Questions
  • 1.What name did Allah choose for Zakariyya's son?
  • 2.What qualities did Allah give Yahya?
  • 3.What did Allah say about peace upon Yahya?
Knowledge Quiz (25 Questions)

1. Was Yahya a prophet?

2. When did Yahya receive wisdom?

3. Who was Yahya's cousin (also a prophet)?

4. What did Allah tell Yahya to do?

5. Was Yahya grateful?

6. What does 'Hukm' mean?

7. What does 'Sabiyy' mean?

8. Who chose the name 'Yahya'?

9. What qualities did Yahya have?

10. Was Yahya known for living simply?

11. Who was Prophet Yahya's father?

12. Which Surah describes Yahya's qualities?

13. What lesson do we learn from Yahya's life?

14. Did Yahya worship Allah alone?

15. On which three days is peace upon Yahya?

16. Had anyone been named Yahya before?

17. What did Allah give Yahya as a child?

18. Did Yahya call people to Allah?

19. Was Yahya righteous?

20. Was Yahya's birth a miracle?

21. Was Yahya kind to his parents?

22. Is peace mentioned for Yahya?

23. What do we learn from Yahya?

24. Was Yahya pure?

25. What did Allah say about peace upon Yahya?

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