Zechariah / Zakariyya (Guardian of Maryam)

Zechariah (known in the Quran as Zakariyya) belonged to the priestly division of Abijah. Together with his wife Elizabeth, he lived a life of blameless piety in the hill country of Judea. Despite barrenness and extreme old age, his heart remained steadfast in prayer.

Guardian of the Virgin Mary

When Maryam (Mary, mother of Jesus) was dedicated by her mother to the service of the Sanctuary, the priests cast lots using reed pens to determine who would care for her. Zechariah won the honor and built her a private prayer sanctuary (mihrab). Witnessing out-of-season fresh fruits miraculously provided to her by angels, Zechariah's faith was inflamed to pray for righteous posterity.

The Angelic Annunciation of Yahya

While burning incense inside the Holy Place of the Temple, Archangel Gabriel appeared beside the altar, announcing that Elizabeth would bear a son named John (Yahya)—a prophet who would turn many hearts back to God. Rendered temporarily mute as a divine sign, Zechariah regained his speech upon writing John's name on a tablet, erupting in the prophetic hymn of praise, the Benedictus.