The Qur’an does not mention the name of Prophet Zakariya’s wife. It only describes her as barren before Allah, in His infinite power, blessed her with a child after years of waiting. Some historical and exegetical sources refer to her as Ishaʿ, though this name is not established in the Qur’an.
She is remembered as a righteous and devoted woman who endured the trial of childlessness with patience and acceptance, trusting that Allah’s mercy knows no bounds.
Zakariya’s story is closely connected to that of Maryam (Mary), whom he cared for. Witnessing the signs of Allah’s favor upon her awakened hope in his heart. Allah says: (He exclaimed, “O Mary! Where did this come from?” She replied, “It is from Allah. Surely Allah provides for whoever He wills without limit.”) (Ali 'Imran: 37)
At that moment, Zakariya turned to his Lord in supplication. Despite his old age and his wife’s barrenness, he remained certain that Allah’s power is beyond all limitations. Allah says:Zachariah exclaimed, “My Lord! How can I have a son when I am very old and my wife is barren?” He replied, “So will it be. Allah does what He wills.”) (Ali 'Imran: 40)
Classical scholars mention that Zakariya prayed for a righteous child who would inherit knowledge and wisdom and guide his people. Allah answered his prayer and gave him glad tidings of Yahya (John). Allah says:(“O Zachariah! Indeed, we give you the good news of ˹the birth of˺ a son, whose name will be Yahyā, a name We have not given to anyone before.”) (Maryam:7)
So the angels called out to him while he stood praying in the sanctuary, (“Allah gives you good news of ˹the birth of˺ John who will confirm the Word of Allah and will be a great leader, chaste, and a prophet among the righteous.”) (Ali 'Imran: 39)
Overwhelmed by the news, Zakariya wondered how such a blessing could come to him in his advanced age while his wife had long been barren. He said:“He wondered, “My Lord! How can I have a son when my wife is barren, and I have become extremely old?” (Maryam: 8)
Allah replied: “An angel replied, “So will it be! Your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, just as I created you before, when you were nothing!” ) (Maryam: 9).
For when Allah decrees a matter, nothing can prevent it:(All it takes, when He wills something to be, is simply to say to it: “Be!” And it is!) (Ya-Sin: 82)Zakariya’s heart filled with gratitude, and he asked his Lord for a sign to reassure him. Allah says:(Zachariah said, “My Lord! Grant me a sign.” He responded, “Your sign is that you will not be able to speak to people for three nights, despite being healthy. So he came out to his people from the sanctuary, signalling to them to glorify Allah morning and evening.) (Maryam: 10–11)
This sign marked the fulfillment of Allah’s promise, a reminder that His gifts arrive at the time He wills and in the manner He chooses. Thus, a long season of waiting was transformed into glad tidings, and hardship gave way to mercy. In the story of Zakariya and his wife lies a timeless lesson in patience, sincere reliance upon Allah, and the unshakable certainty that divine mercy often comes when hope is placed fully in Him.
