Supplication of Prophet Zakariya (pbuh) - (Verse 19:4)

[Heba E. Husseyn]

 




 

This is a grand supplication, Alhumdulilah, very moving. 
 
Zakariya (or Zackariah) was the guardian of Virgin Maryam and the father of Prophet Yahya (John).   Yahya was the only Prophet whose name was chosen by Allah Himself.

(Allah said): “Zachariah, We bring you the good news of a son whose name will be John (Yahya). We have chosen this name for no one before him.” [19:7]  


Coming to the beautiful supplication of Prophet Zakariya ......


قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي وَهَنَ الْعَظْمُ مِنِّي وَاشْتَعَلَ الرَّأْسُ شَيْبًا وَلَمْ أَكُنْ بِدُعَائِكَ رَبِّ شَقِيًّا 
 (19:4  Surah Maryam).

"Saying: My Rab!  Indeed!  the bones of me wax feeble and my head is shining with grey hair, and I have never been unblest in prayer to You, my Rab."  (19:4  Surah Maryam). 


The Prophet Zakariya used to go to the sanctuary (most likely this was the current Al-Aqsa Mosque) to talk to the people about Faith and its importance, and to deliver sermons.   By this time he was old and frail.   He certainly was not a rich man yet Allah Almighty had bestowed on him plenty of contentment.  The only thing that kept him worried was he had no children.  His wife was barren.   Prophet Zakariya feared that after he passed away from this world to the next, there would be no one to continue his work instructing his people to adhere to the path of Allah.  Thus, the people would be left on their own and gradually move away from the teachings of The Almighty.    

"the bones of me wax feeble and my head is shining with grey hair,"   (19:4)

Zakariya uses two strong and inspiring metaphors.  Description of his aging bones and hair.   

The Arabic word "Wahana" (وَهَنَ) in Verse 19:4 refers to something that weakens or decays with the passing of time.  Bones are generally the stronger part of the human body. Weakening of the bones indicates very advanced age. 

"my head is shining (or glistening) with grey hair," is the second inspiring metaphor.   The Arabic word in the Quran for shinning or glistening is wa-ishtaʿala (وَاشْتَعَلَ ).   In ripe old age when a person reaches the twilight of their lives, the grey hair turns completely white with a bright glow.    

The prayer ends with the words:  "and I have never been unblest in prayer to You, my Rab."  (19:4).

“shaqiyyan” means miserable or deprived.  Prophet Zakariya tells Allah Almighty that he has never experienced misery or deprivation after making du'a to HIM.   Allah Almighty always took care of him by granting him whatever he requested in his du'a. 

The most powerful aspect of this du'a is Prophet Zakariya's humility, telling Allah Almighty frankly and honestly about his old age frailty and physical weakness.  It's one of the most beautiful etiquette of du'a. 

Thus, a sincere and humble prayer with patience is answered by Allah, if it is in the best interest of our soul. 

                                                

[Zainab_M]

This is such a lovely du'a.   Alhumdulilah.   

Thank you for the detailed elucidation explaining its background, dear Sister Heba.  I truly enjoyed reading this post.

[Ruhi_Rose]

MashAllah .. beautifully explained and presented.   Is this entire Ayat to be recited as dua?

[Zainab_M]

You can if you want to.  It's a very beautiful Verse signifying the importance of humility in prayer. 

I have memorized the last sentence of this Ayat which I recite frequently:

"Walum akun biduwaika Rabbi shaqian"

(and I have never been unblest in prayer to You, my Rab.")

[Ruhi_Rose]

Ah, thanks sis.  I'll also memorize this.  Feels lovely, SubhanAllah.

[N. Truth Seeker]

Great read.   I've also memorized that part of this Ayat as shown by Sister Zeynab.

Ameen ya Rab, ameen.