Surah Al-Anbiya — Verse 90

Word Meanings:

• Yahya (يحيى): John the Baptist, the son granted to Prophet Zakariyya (Zechariah) after his long and earnest supplication.
• Aṣlaḥnā lahū zawjahū (وَأَصْلَحْنَا لَهُ زَوْجَهُ): We made his wife righteous and fit — curing her barrenness and improving her character and disposition.
• Raghaban wa rahaban (رَغَبًا وَرَهَبًا): In hope and longing for Allah’s mercy and reward, and in fear and awe of His punishment.
• Khāshiʿīn (خَاشِعِينَ): Humble, submissive, and deeply devoted to Allah, with hearts full of reverence and tranquility.

Tafsir (Explanation):

In this blessed verse, Allah tells us of His gracious response to the heartfelt supplication of His noble Prophet Zakariyya (peace be upon him). When Zakariyya called upon his Lord in private, seeking a righteous heir to continue the mission of prophethood, Allah answered him. Despite his old age and his wife’s barrenness, Allah granted him a son — Yahya (John) — a miracle that demonstrates Allah’s absolute power over all things. Not only did Allah bless him with a child, but He also reformed his wife, making her capable of bearing a child after she had been infertile, and improving her physical and moral state.

Then Allah highlights the beautiful qualities that made this family deserving of such divine favor: "Indeed, they used to hasten to good deeds." They did not wait or procrastinate; rather, they raced toward every act of obedience and virtue with enthusiasm and sincerity. They called upon Allah "in hope and fear" — hoping for His mercy, bounty, and reward, while fearing His punishment and accountability. This balanced state of the heart — between hope and fear — is the hallmark of true believers. Finally, they were "humble before Us" — their hearts were soft, their bodies submissive, and their souls utterly devoted to their Creator.

This verse carries a profound lesson for every believer: Duʿā (supplication) is a powerful key, but it must be accompanied by righteous action, sincere devotion, and a heart that is both hopeful and fearful of Allah. When these qualities come together, Allah’s response is near, and His blessings flow in ways we could never imagine.

Daʿwah Reflection:

Dear reader, look at the beauty of this divine promise! Zakariyya was an elderly man, his wife was barren, and all human means seemed exhausted — yet Allah answered his call and granted him a son. This teaches us that no situation is ever hopeless when we turn to Allah with sincerity. Our Lord is Al-Mujīb (The Responsive), and He loves to hear His servants call upon Him.

Let this verse inspire you to adopt the same qualities: hasten toward good deeds — do not delay your prayers, your charity, your kindness to parents, or your seeking of knowledge. Call upon Allah in every moment — in times of ease and hardship, with hope in His mercy and fear of His displeasure. And above all, be humble before Him, for humility is the gateway to His love and acceptance.

If you find yourself in a difficult situation today, remember Zakariyya’s story. Raise your hands to the heavens, pour out your heart to Allah, and trust that He who answered the call of His prophet in old age will never abandon you. Your duʿā is never wasted, and your Lord’s mercy is greater than any obstacle you face.