Stories of Prophets, - Prophet Yahya (PBUH)

Yahya(John the Baptist) was the son of Prophet Zakariyya (peace be
upon him). His birth was a miracle because. He was born of a barren
mother and an aged father. In the fagging part of life Prophet
Zakariya (peace be upon him) prayed to Allah to bless him with a son
who could prove to be a successful heir and preacher of the religion
of Allah. His prayer was promptly granted. The Holy Quran says:
"0' Zakariya! Lo! We bring you a glad tidings of a son whose name is
Yahya. We have given the same name to none before him.'' ( Surah 19:
Verse 7)
The Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) was dedicated to the noble work
ofleading men to the path of salvation. He exhorted his people to have
unstinted faith in God. He moved among the humble and despised sofe
raiment. He was not arrogant. He spent most of his life in wilderness.
He was pure and devout. He was dutiful towards his parents. The Holy
Quran says:
"(And it was said unto his son) 0' John! Hold fast the scripture. And
We gave him wisdom when he was a child! And compassion from Our
presence and punity, and he was devout. And dutiful towards his
parents. And he was not arrogant, rebellious. Peace on him the day he
was born and the day he dies and the day he shall be raised alive.'' (
Surah 19: Verse 12-15)
The Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) moved to the desert ofJudea. He
dressed himself in a robe made of camel hair. He ate simple food and
wild honey. His sermons were most impressive and people flocked to
hear his trumpet message. The whole of the Jordan valley wasbaptized
due to his preaching. The Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) was the
precursor of Prophet Isa(Jesus Christ). He was his cousin and
contemporary as well. His fidelity to his mission as a preacher soon
deprived him of his liberty and subsequently his life.
The Roman Ruler Herod Antipas was the ruler of Galilee. He had an
adulterous relations with Herodias, the wife of his brother Herod
Philip. The Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) reproached him for this
grave sin. Herod Antipas got annoyed and imprisoned him till his
execution. Once Herod Antipas arranged a grand feast. Herodias allowed
her daughter, Salome to dance.
The Ruler was fascinated with the performance of the dancing girl. He
declared that he would grant whatever Salome wanted. She immediately
made a demand for the head of Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him). Herod
was in a fix what to do. He had no alternative to adhere to his words.
So Prophet Yahya (peace be upon him) was beheaded at the instigation
of the mother of that girl with whom Herod was infatuated. His grave
is inUmayyah Mosque in Syria.