يَـٰزَكَرِيَّآ إِنَّا نُبَشِّرُكَ بِغُلَـٰمٍ ٱسْمُهُۥ يَحْيَىٰ لَمْ نَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مِن قَبْلُ سَمِيًّا 7
Translations
[He was told], "O Zechariah, indeed We give you good tidings of a boy whose name will be John. We have not assigned to any before [this] name."
Transliteration
Ya Zakariyya inna nubbashshiruka bighulamin ismuhu Yahya lam naj'al lahu min qablu samiyya
Tafsir (Explanation)
The angel Gabriel addresses Zachariah with glad tidings of a son named Yahya (John the Baptist), a name of great significance meaning 'the Living One.' Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that the statement 'We have not made for him before any namesake' indicates the uniqueness and distinction of this child—no one with this exact name had existed prior, highlighting his exceptional status in divine providence and the rarity of his virtues.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah Maryam's narrative of miracles granted to the righteous. It contextualizes the miraculous birth of Yahya (John the Baptist) to the aged and previously childless Zachariah, serving as a prelude to the greater miracle of Maryam's conception of 'Isa (Jesus). The surah emphasizes Allah's power to grant children to those deemed impossible by worldly standards.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (3206): The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, 'The best of women are: Maryam bint 'Imran, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Fatimah bint Muhammad, and Asiyah wife of Pharaoh.' This hadith relates to the Quranic focus on righteous families mentioned in Surah Maryam. Also relevant: Sunan Ibn Majah reports that Yahya ibn Zachariah was among the greatest prophets.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that no supplication to Allah is too great and no circumstance too dire—even the elderly and childless can receive blessings through faith and perseverance in remembrance of God. It reminds us that Allah's designations carry profound spiritual significance and that divine favor rests upon those of sincere hearts.