Prophet Zakariyyah (as) lived in Al Quds and worshipped in Masjid Al Aqsa. He was the guardian of Maryam (as), Mary, who would later (miraculously) become the mother of Prophet Eesa (as), Jesus.
Maryam (as) was given a special chamber in Masjid Al Aqsa where she could worship Allah in seclusion. Whenever Zakariyya (as) would visit Maryam (as) in her chamber to ensure her wellbeing, he would be greeted with a surprising sight: Maryam (as) always had fresh fruits with her, fruits which were completely out of season. Zakariyya (as) asked Maryam (as) in wonder where such fruits came from:
...Whenever Zachariah went in to see her in her sanctuary, he found her supplied with provisions. He said, ‘Mary, how is it you have these provisions?’ and she said, ‘They are from God: God provides limitlessly for whoever He will.’ (Surah Al Imran: 37)
When Zakariyyah (as) saw the way in which Allah provided for Maryam (as) in ways beyond human comprehension, he supplicated to His Lord for something seemingly impossible. Having reached old age and still childless, Zakariyyah nevertheless turned to Allah asking for good:
There and then Zachariah prayed to his Lord, saying, ‘Lord, from Your grace grant me virtuous offspring: You hear every prayer.’ (Surah Al Imran: 38)
Allah answered the prayer of His noble Prophet Zakariyyah and granted him a son in old age, a son who was also chosen by Allah to be a prophet like his father before him:
The angels called out to him, while he stood praying in the sanctuary,‘God gives you news of John, confirming a Word from God. He will be noble and chaste, a prophet, one of the righteous.’ (Surah Maryam: 39)
Truly the mercies of Allah upon the blessed people of Al Quds were immense!
