In the quiet mihrab, silver crowned with
age,
Zakariya
stood, though his frame was frail.
'My
bones have weakened, my hair is ablaze,'
Yet
his hope in his Lord did not pale.
Childless
years weighed heavy on his chest,
He
feared for his people when he was laid to rest.
Who would guard the way if heirs went astray?
So he turned to his Lord, and began to pray.
In
Maryam’s chamber he saw fruit out of time,
'Where
did this come from?' he asked in kind.
'From
Allah,' she said, 'He gives without measure,'
And
that answer stirred his heart to treasure.
At
once he raised his hands in secret plea:
'My
Lord, grant me a righteous progeny.
Never
have I called You and been left denied,
Let my
line not end; let truth abide.'
As he
prayed, the angels called his name:
'Rejoice,
Zakariya, the answer came.
We
give you news of a son named Yahya,
A name
unheard before, chosen by Allah.'
His
voice shook: 'My Lord, how can this be?
I am
old, and my wife is barren, You see.'
'So it
shall be,' his Lord replied with grace,
'It is
easy for Me. I gave you your place.
When
you were nothing, I brought you to be;
So
trust My decree, and soon you will see.'
With
eyes full, he asked for a sign to hold,
'Your
sign,' said his Lord, 'is three nights untold.
You
shall not speak to people except by sign,
Yet
remember Me, and let your heart align.'
He
emerged from the mihrab, silent and calm,
Gestured
at dawn and dusk: 'Give Him your psalm.'
Three
days his tongue was sealed from speech,
But
his heart’s remembrance none could breach.
Then
the promise bloomed:
Yahya
was born,
Given
wisdom and judgment though still so young.
'Hold the Scripture with
strength,' he was told,
He honored his parents, gentle,
not bold.
Never was he tyrant, nor proud in
heart,
He walked with truth, never to
depart.
Peace upon him the day he was
born,
The day he shall die, and when
raised at dawn.
From Zakariya we learn patience
and trust,
That dua is never lost, delay or
not.
Even in old age, mercy can
descend,
Even in barren ground, new life
can begin.
The mihrab of sorrow became
hope’s door,
For the One who hears is near
evermore.
************
References:
Surah Maryam 2-15;
Surah Aal-Imran 38-41;
Surah Al-Anbiya 89-90.
[Dedicated with love and respect to my beloved guru, Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (atba); compiled by R Jamaluddin Raother, 19 April 2026~ 02 Dhu’l Qi’dah 1447 AH].