In the previous article, we delved into the amazing dua of Zakariyyah (alayhi salam) and learned some tips for supplication. Now, let’s see how Allah (swt) answered his prayer.
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Zakariyyah (alayhi salam) had made a supplication which seemed impossible according to human standards. However, nothing is impossible for Allah! His prayer got answered and Allah (swt) sent an angel to give the tidings of a righteous son. The verses in Surah Maryam take us back into time, opening a window into the praying place of Zakariyyah (alayhi salam):
“(He was told) “O Zakariyyah! Verily, We give you the glad tidings of a son, His name will be Yahya (John). We have given that name to none before (him).” He said: “My Lord! How can I have a son, when my wife is barren, and I have reached extreme old age? [An angel] said, “Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, for I created you before, while you were nothing.’ “[Zakariyyah] said: “My Lord! Appoint for me a sign.” He said: “Your sign is that you shall not speak unto mankind for three nights, though having no bodily defect.” Then he came out to his people from Al-Mihrab (a praying place or a private room, etc.), he told them by signs to glorify Allah’s Praises in the morning and in the afternoon.” (Surah Maryam, verses 7-11)
Nothing is difficult for Allah!
When Zakariyyah (alayhi salam) was given the tidings, he was amazed! Although he was the one who had prayed for it, he couldn’t believe it! And he couldn’t understand how this would happen. But Allah (swt) told him that this was easy for Him. He reminded Zakariyyah of how He had created him from nothing.
Allah is the Creator and He is not dependent on any means like us humans. He is the Creator and provider of all means. So, whether you are suffering from a chronic disease or whether you are stuck in a situation with no door for escape, do not fret! Simply turn to Allah with full conviction. Make dua to Him for He CAN turn the impossible into possible. It may be difficult for us to comprehend how something would happen, but it is not difficult for Him. He can create doors which were previously invisible. He can make a way out when there is none in our sight. The only thing we need to do is pray with complete certainty!
Zakariyyah (alayhi salam) was aware of the power and might of Allah. We need to realize the same. The One who is able to sprout a lifeless seed into a plant full of colors and flavors, the One who can spring water from solid rocks, the One who turns a dark night into a pleasant day, can He not answer our seemingly impossible prayers? Whenever a gleam of despair tries to steal into your heart, remember you have a Rabb who says: It is easy for Me!
Engrave this ayah in your heart and do not lose hope:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
“Indeed, Allah is over all things competent” (Surah Baqarah, Verse 109)
Related Post: Surah Maryam – An Introduction
What to do when your prayer is answered?
To put his heart at ease Zakariyyah (alayhi salam) asked for a sign from Allah. This was not due to disbelief. Rather, he was only a human and wanted a physical sign to satisfy his heart regarding the fulfillment of his prayer. Allah (swt) told him that he would not be able to speak to anyone for three days despite being physically sound and healthy. Zakariyyah (alayhi salam) then came out of his praying place and gestured to the people to glorify Allah. This story of Zakariyyah (alayhi salam) has also been related in Surah Aal-Imran. Over there it states:
“Your sign is that you will not [be able to] speak to the people for three days except by gesture. And remember your Lord much and exalt [Him with praise] in the evening and the morning.” (Surah Ale-Imran, Verse 41)
This was a reminder for Zakariyyah (alayhi salam) to glorify Allah and be grateful to Him for the blessings that He had bestowed upon him. Zakariyyah gestured the same to his people. In response to the fulfillment of his supplication, Zakariyyah (alayhi salam) increased in the glorification and praise of Allah. Not only did he engage in it himself, he instructed his people to do the same. And he is giving us the same message; when you receive a blessing of Allah and when a prayer is answered, do not forget Allah and turn away from Him!
Generally, when we receive something that we have wanted and prayed for, we become so overjoyed that we forget the Benefactor. We start attributing the blessing to our own wisdom, strength, capabilities and hard work, forgetting that we cannot gain anything with our capabilities unless Allah wills it.
So, the next time any of your prayers are answered, say Alhumdulillah, do Sajdah Shukr (prostration of thankfulness) and increase in the remembrance of Allah. Remember your teacher Zakariyyah (alayhi salam), and glorify and praise Allah.
Quick Tip: Sometimes, when we are busy professionals or moms on the run, we can’t find the opportunity to sit and have some exclusive time for adhkar, or most often we forget! A quick tip for this is to assign different adhkar with different actions. This way we can do our adhkar and at the same time enjoy whatever chore we are doing. For, e.g. a mother can plan on doing Istighfar (seeking Allah’s forgiveness) while she irons and sending durood on the Prophet ﷺ while she does the dishes. Similarly, one can plan on doing different adkhar while they drive, take a walk or as they shop.
Task: Is there something you really desire but haven’t given a second thought to it, thinking it impossible? Are you despaired because you are stuck in a problem and can’t see a way out? Make Dua to Allah – now!
Related Video: Surah Maryam – Beautiful Recitation
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