Indeed, I fear my kinsmen who will succeed me, for my wife is barren. Grant me a kinsman (5)

who will be my heir and an heir to the House of Jacob, and make him, my Lord, satisfied. ' (6)

'O Zachariah, We give you good tidings of a son, and he shall be called John (Yahya); a name We have never given before. ' (7)

'How shall I have a son, Lord, ' he asked, 'when my wife is barren, and I am advanced in years? ' (8)

He replied: 'It shall be so; your Lord says: "It is easy for Me, indeed, I created you before time when you were not a thing." (9)

He (Zachariah) said: 'Lord, make for me a sign. ' He replied: 'Your sign is that you shall not speak to people for three nights being without fault. ' (10)

Then he came out from the Sanctuary to his nation, and gestured to them to exalt (their Lord) at the dawn and at the evening. (11)

(We said): 'O John, hold fast to the Book', and We bestowed on him judgment while yet a child (12)

and tenderness from Us and purity, and he was cautious; (13)

honoring his parents, being neither arrogant nor rebellious. (14)