Muslim Fathers in the Quran: Zacharia and John

ZACHARIA (Zakaria) and John (Yahya) peace be upon them

This post is part 5 of the series about Muslim Fathers mentioned in the Quran. Translation is by T. B. Irving (http://isgkc.org/translat.htm)

(Maryam) 19:2-15
[This is] a Reminder of your Lord's mercy towards his servant Zachariah when he appealed to his Lord with a suppressed cry. He said: "My Lord, my bones are tottering for me and my head is glistening with white hair, while I have never been grumbling in my appeal to You, my Lord! Yet I fear for my heirs after me from Your presence who may inherit from me, and inherit from Jacob's house. Make him someone we can approve of, my Lord!"
"Zachariah, We bring you news about a boy whose name will be John. We have not given such a name to anyone before." He said: "My Lord, how will I have a boy while my wife is barren and I have reached such extreme old age?" He said: "Just as your Lord has said: 'It is a trifling thing for me [to do]. I created you before while you were still nothing!"' He said: "My Lord, grant me a sign!" He said: "Your sign will be that you will not speak to any people for three nights in a row." He came forth to his folk from the sanctuary and revealed to them how they should glorify [God] both morning and evening.
"John, hold firmly to the Book." We gave him discretion as a young boy plus compassion from Our presence and innocence. He was conscientious and considerate towards his parents, and was not demanding, rebellious. Peace be upon him the day he was born, and the day he will die, and the day he is raised to life again!