Prophet John the Baptist (Yahya): Pious Herald of the Messiah

Born around 7 BC in the hill country of Judea, his birth was a miracle from God, as his parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were well advanced in years. John spent his youth in the wilderness, living a simple life dedicated to prayer, fasting, and strict devotion to God. His primary mission was to act as a spiritual herald, preparing the people for the arrival of the Messiah by preaching repentance and performing baptism in the Jordan River. He boldly confronted the moral corruption of the local ruling class. At the age of 37 years old, around 30 AD, John was arrested and tragically beheaded by King Herod Antipas after refusing to compromise on religious law.

| Wikipedia - John_the_Baptist

2. Who Is Prophet John in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam?

John in Judaism

John is not recognized as a prophet in Judaism, as prophecy had already ceased in Israel long before his time.

John in Christianity

John is honored as the forerunner of Jesus who baptized believers and heralded the arrival of the New Covenant.

John in Islam

John is considered a noble and chaste prophet who was granted wisdom as a youth and sent to confirm the word of God.

3. Family Tree of Prophet John and His Relations to Abrahamic Prophets

4. What Was the World Like for Prophet John?

The Environment
The scorching, barren, and desolate wilderness of the Judean desert and the banks of the Jordan River.
The Society
A spiritually fractured, anxious First-Century Jewish society dealing with systemic political corruption from Roman-appointed puppet kings (like Herod).
The Social Climate
Intense with apocalyptic expectation, spiritual urgency, and counter-cultural rebellion, as large crowds flocked to the desert to escape corrupt urban institutions and seek spiritual cleansing through repentance.

5. Why Did God Send Prophet John?

1. To prepare the way for Prophet Jesus
John was sent as a herald to pioneer the spiritual path, making straight the hearts of the people ahead of the arrival of the Messiah.
[ISAIAH 40:3] [MATTHEW 3:3] [QURAN 3:39]
2. To confirm the word and arrival of the Messiah
God chose John to serve as an authoritative, righteous witness to directly validate and testify to the truth of Jesus' mission.
[JOHN 1:15] [QURAN 3:39]
3. To preach urgent repentance and offer baptism
He was sent to challenge religious corruption, commanding the people to turn away from sin and perform ritual washings for spiritual purification.
[MARK 1:4] [QURAN 19:12]
4. To manifest a miraculous birth to elderly parents
Like Isaac, John was sent to the elderly Zechariah and his barren wife to show God's power over nature and answer decades of faithful prayer.
[LUKE 1:13] [QURAN 19:7]
5. To model absolute piety, asceticism, and honor
John was sent to live an uncorrupted lifestyle, completely detached from worldly luxuries, serving as a noble model of chastity, kindness, and devotion.
[MATTHEW 3:4] [QURAN 19:13]
6. To stand fearlessly against tyrannical immorality
John was sent to defend the sacred law against corrupt leadership, famously rebuking King Herod for an unlawful marriage, which ultimately led to his martyrdom.
[MATTHEW 14:3] [QURAN 21:85]

6. What Was Prophet John's Core Message to His People?

Prophet John's core message to the people was a radical call to spiritual repentance, moral reformation, and absolute monotheism. He explicitly urged humanity to turn away from corruption to prepare their hearts for the imminent arrival of the Messiah.

7. Chronological Timeline of Prophet John's Life and Ministry

JOHN - Year of Birth: 5 BC (Born roughly six months prior to Jesus) | 5 BC

| Wikipedia: John_the_Baptist

JOHN 1 of 2 5 BC

JOHN - Year of Death: 28 AD (Beheaded by Herod Antipas) | 28 AD

| Wikipedia: John_the_Baptist

JOHN 2 of 2 28 AD

View Full Timeline

8. Did Prophet John Have a Wife?

0 wife
John lived an ascetic lifestyle in the desert; no marriage recorded

9. Was Prophet John Involved in Any Battles or Wars?

Unknown

10. What Miracles Did Prophet John Perform?

While biblical and historical records explicitly state that John the Baptist performed no physical miracles during his ministry, Islamic tradition highlights several miraculous signs associated with his life. These include his miraculous conception to elderly parents, being granted divine wisdom as a young child, and his unique naming directly by God.

11. What Were the Key Achievements of Prophet John?

Prepared the spiritual path for the ministry of Jesus by preaching a urgent message of repentance and baptism in the wilderness. He boldly confronted systemic corruption and died a martyr, fulfilling his prophetic role as the herald of a new spiritual era.

12. What Modern Countries Did Prophet John Travel Through?

Born In:
Ein Karem (Near Jerusalem), West Bank, Palestine
Lived In:
Judean Desert wilderness, West Bank, Palestine
Jordan River Valley, Jordan / West Bank, Palestine
Travelled To:
Jerusalem, West Bank, Palestine
Al-Maghtas (Bethany beyond the Jordan), Jordan
Qumran and Dead Sea region, West Bank, Palestine
Sebastia (Samaria), West Bank, Palestine
Machaerus, Jordan
Died In:
Machaerus fortress, Jordan (Imprisoned and beheaded by Herod Antipas)

13. Fascinating Historical Facts About Prophet John

* FACTS can be interpreted as metaphorical, allegorical, or symbolic, rather than literal accounts. Historical narratives, particularly those of a religious nature can be understood to convey deeper spiritual or moral truths through symbolism and figurative language. Equally, you can choose to understand religious facts and details literally.

14. Where Was Prophet John Sent on a Modern Map?

15. Historical Evidence for Prophet John

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16. Is Prophet John Mentioned in Current News Today?

The Story of Zechariah - Father of John the Baptist \| Artza - 28 Apr 2025
1,700-year-old manuscript from 'Gospel of John' discovered on eBay for $99 \| RT News - 23 Nov 2015
Bring me the knuckle of John the Baptist \| Mail Online - 15 Jun 2012
John The Baptist Relics Dated To 1st Century \| Huffington - 15 Jun 2012

View All News

17. Which Revealed Scriptural Texts Mention Prophet John?

Torah

Psalms

Bible OT

Bible NT

130

Quran

Hadith

Ibn Kathir

John in the Torah

Torah is the first 5 books* of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

| Wikipedia: Torah

TOTAL: 0 VERSES

John in the Psalms

Psalms is the third section of the Hebrew Bible. Many of the Psalms are linked to David.

| Wikipedia: Psalms

TOTAL: 0 VERSES

John in the Bible (Old Testament)

The Old Testament consists of 39 books* including the Jewish Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).

| Wikipedia: Old_Testament

TOTAL: 0 VERSES

John in the Bible (New Testament)

The New Testament (Christianity) consists of 66 books*. 39 books from the Old Testament, and 27 additional books including Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

| Wikipedia: New_Testament

TOTAL: 130 VERSES

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

[MATTHEW 3:1]

And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

[MATTHEW 3:4]

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

[MATTHEW 3:13]

But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

[MATTHEW 3:14]

Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

[MATTHEW 4:12]

And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

[MATTHEW 4:21]

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

[MATTHEW 9:14]

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

[MATTHEW 10:2]

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

[MATTHEW 11:2]

Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:

[MATTHEW 11:4]

And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

[MATTHEW 11:7]

Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

[MATTHEW 11:11]

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

[MATTHEW 11:12]

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

[MATTHEW 11:13]

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.

[MATTHEW 11:18]

And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

[MATTHEW 14:2]

For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.

[MATTHEW 14:3]

For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.

[MATTHEW 14:4]

And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.

[MATTHEW 14:8]

And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

[MATTHEW 14:10]

And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

[MATTHEW 16:14]

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

[MATTHEW 17:1]

Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

[MATTHEW 17:13]

The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?

[MATTHEW 21:25]

But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.

[MATTHEW 21:26]

For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

[MATTHEW 21:32]

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

[MARK 1:4]

And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;

[MARK 1:6]

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

[MARK 1:9]

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

[MARK 1:14]

And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.

[MARK 1:19]

And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

[MARK 1:29]

And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?

[MARK 2:18]

And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:

[MARK 3:17]

And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

[MARK 5:37]

And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

[MARK 6:14]

But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.

[MARK 6:16]

For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.

[MARK 6:17]

For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.

[MARK 6:18]

For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

[MARK 6:20]

And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.

[MARK 6:24]

And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.

[MARK 6:25]

And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.

[MARK 8:28]

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.

[MARK 9:2]

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

[MARK 9:38]

And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.

[MARK 10:35]

And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.

[MARK 10:41]

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.

[MARK 11:30]

But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.

[MARK 11:32]

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

[MARK 13:3]

And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

[MARK 14:33]

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

[LUKE 1:13]

And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.

[LUKE 1:60]

And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.

[LUKE 1:63]

Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

[LUKE 3:2]

And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;

[LUKE 3:15]

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

[LUKE 3:16]

Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.

[LUKE 3:20]

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

[LUKE 5:10]

And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

[LUKE 5:33]

Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

[LUKE 6:14]

And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.

[LUKE 7:18]

And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

[LUKE 7:19]

When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

[LUKE 7:20]

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

[LUKE 7:22]

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

[LUKE 7:24]

For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

[LUKE 7:28]

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

[LUKE 7:29]

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

[LUKE 7:33]

And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.

[LUKE 8:51]

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

[LUKE 9:7]

And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

[LUKE 9:9]

They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

[LUKE 9:19]

And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

[LUKE 9:28]

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

[LUKE 9:49]

And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?

[LUKE 9:54]

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

[LUKE 11:1]

The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

[LUKE 16:16]

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

[LUKE 20:4]

But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.

[LUKE 20:6]

And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.

[LUKE 22:8]

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

[JOHN 1:6]

John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

[JOHN 1:15]

And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

[JOHN 1:19]

John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

[JOHN 1:26]

These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

[JOHN 1:28]

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

[JOHN 1:29]

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

[JOHN 1:32]

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

[JOHN 1:35]

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

[JOHN 1:40]

And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

[JOHN 3:23]

For John was not yet cast into prison.

[JOHN 3:24]

Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

[JOHN 3:25]

And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

[JOHN 3:26]

John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

[JOHN 3:27]

When therefore the LORD knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

[JOHN 4:1]

Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

[JOHN 5:33]

But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

[JOHN 5:36]

And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

[JOHN 10:40]

And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.

[JOHN 10:41]

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

[ACTS 1:5]

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

[ACTS 1:13]

Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

[ACTS 1:22]

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

[ACTS 3:1]

Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

[ACTS 3:3]

And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

[ACTS 3:4]

And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

[ACTS 3:11]

And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

[ACTS 4:6]

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

[ACTS 4:13]

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

[ACTS 4:19]

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

[ACTS 8:14]

That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

[ACTS 10:37]

Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

[ACTS 11:16]

And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

[ACTS 12:2]

And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

[ACTS 12:12]

And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

[ACTS 12:25]

And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

[ACTS 13:5]

Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

[ACTS 13:13]

When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

[ACTS 13:24]

And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

[ACTS 13:25]

And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

[ACTS 15:37]

This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

[ACTS 18:25]

And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

[ACTS 19:3]

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

[ACTS 19:4]

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

[GALATIANS 2:9]

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

[REVELATION 1:1]

John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

[REVELATION 1:4]

I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

[REVELATION 1:9]

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

[REVELATION 21:2]

And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

[REVELATION 22:8]

John in the Quran

The Quran was revealed to Muhammad through the Angel Gabrial. It is the central religious text of Islam, which Muslims believe to be a direct revelation from God.

| Wikipedia: Quran

TOTAL: 9 VERSES

Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in Al-Mihrab (a praying place or a private room), (saying): "Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya (John), confirming (believing in) the Word from Allah [i.e. the creation of 'Iesa (Jesus), the Word from Allah ("Be!" - and he was!)], noble, keeping away from sexual relations with women, a Prophet, from among the righteous."

[QURAN 3:39]

And Zakariya (Zachariya), and Yahya (John) and 'Iesa (Jesus) and Iliyas (Elias), each one of them was of the righteous.

[QURAN 6:85]

Those who follow the Messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write (i.e. Muhammad SAW) whom they find written with them in the Taurat (Torah) (Deut, xviii, 15) and the Injeel (Gospel) (John xiv, 16), - he commands them for Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained); and forbids them from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); he allows them as lawful At-Taiyibat [(i.e. all good and lawful) as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.], and prohibits them as unlawful Al-Khaba'ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.), he releases them from their heavy burdens (of Allah's Covenant), and from the fetters (bindings) that were upon them. So those who believe in him (Muhammad SAW), honour him, help him, and follow the light (the Quran) which has been sent down with him, it is they who will be successful.

[QURAN 7:157]

(Allah said) "O Zakariya (Zachariah)! Verily, We give you the glad tidings of a son, His name will be Yahya (John). We have given that name to none before (him)."

[QURAN 19:7]

(It was said to his son): "O Yahya (John)! Hold fast the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah)]." And We gave him wisdom while yet a child.

[QURAN 19:12]

And (made him) sympathetic to men as a mercy (or a grant) from Us, and pure from sins [i.e. Yahya (John)] and he was righteous,

[QURAN 19:13]

And dutiful towards his parents, and he [i.e. Yahya (John)] was neither an arrogant nor disobedient (to Allah or to his parents).

[QURAN 19:14]

So Peace on him [i.e. Yahya (John)] the day he was born the day that he dies and the day that he will be raised up to life (again)!

[QURAN 19:15]

So We answered his call, and We bestowed upon him Yahya (John), and cured his wife (to bear a child) for him. Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us.

[QURAN 21:90]

John in Hadith

Hadith are the "prophetic traditions" of Muhammad; his teachings, actions, deeds and sayings. Hadith were compiled from oral reports in circulation in society around the time of their compilation.

| Wikipedia: Hadith

TOTAL: 3 VERSES

Narrated Malik bin Sasaa:

The Prophet said, "While I was at the House in a state midway between sleep and wakefulness, (an angel recognized me) as the man lying between two men. A golden tray full of wisdom and belief was brought to me and my body was cut open from the throat to the lower part of the abdomen and then my abdomen was washed with Zam-zam water and (my heart was) filled with wisdom and belief. Al-Buraq, a white animal, smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was brought to me and I set out with Gabriel. When I reached the nearest heaven. Gabriel said to the heaven gate-keeper, 'Open the gate.' The gatekeeper asked, 'Who is it?' He said, 'Gabriel.' The gate-keeper,' Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel said, 'Muhammad.' The gate-keeper said, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel said, 'Yes.' Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!' Then I met Adam and greeted him and he said, 'You are welcomed O son and a Prophet.' Then we ascended to the second heaven. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel said, 'Gabriel.' It was said, 'Who is with you?' He said, 'Muhammad' It was asked, 'Has he been sent for?' He said, 'Yes.' It was said, 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!" Then I met Jesus and Yahya (John) who said, 'You are welcomed, O brother and a Prophet.' Then we ascended to the third heaven. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel said, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is with you? Gabriel said, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been sent for?' 'Yes,' said Gabriel. 'He is welcomed. What a wonderful visit his is!' (The Prophet added:). There I met Joseph and greeted him, and he replied, 'You are welcomed, O brother and a Prophet!' Then we ascended to the 4th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met Idris and greeted him. He said, 'You are welcomed O brother and Prophet.' Then we ascended to the 5th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in previous heavens. there I met and greeted Aaron who said, 'You are welcomed O brother and a Prophet". Then we ascended to the 6th heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Moses who said, 'You are welcomed O brother and. a Prophet.' When I proceeded on, he started weeping and on being asked why he was weeping, he said, 'O Lord! Followers of this youth who was sent after me will enter Paradise in greater number than my followers.' Then we ascended to the seventh heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Abraham who said, 'You are welcomed o son and a Prophet.' Then I was shown Al-Bait-al-Ma'mur (i.e. Allah's House). I asked Gabriel about it and he said, This is Al Bait-ul-Ma'mur where 70,000 angels perform prayers daily and when they leave they never return to it (but always a fresh batch comes into it daily).' Then I was shown Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (i.e. a tree in the seventh heaven) and I saw its Nabk fruits which resembled the clay jugs of Hajr (i.e. a town in Arabia), and its leaves were like the ears of elephants, and four rivers originated at its root, two of them were apparent and two were hidden. I asked Gabriel about those rivers and he said, 'The two hidden rivers are in Paradise, and the apparent ones are the Nile and the Euphrates.' Then fifty prayers were enjoined on me. I descended till I met Moses who asked me, 'What have you done?' I said, 'Fifty prayers have been enjoined on me.' He said, 'I know the people better than you, because I had the hardest experience to bring Bani Israel to obedience. Your followers cannot put up with such obligation. So, return to your Lord and request Him (to reduce the number of prayers.' I returned and requested Allah (for reduction) and He made it forty. I returned and (met Moses) and had a similar discussion, and then returned again to Allah for reduction and He made it thirty, then twenty, then ten, and then I came to Moses who repeated the same advice. Ultimately Allah reduced it to five. When I came to Moses again, he said, 'What have you done?' I said, 'Allah has made it five only.' He repeated the same advice but I said that I surrendered (to Allah's Final Order)'" Allah's Apostle was addressed by Allah, "I have decreed My Obligation and have reduced the burden on My slaves, and I shall reward a single good deed as if it were ten good deeds."

Narrated Malik bin Sasaa:

That the Prophet talked to them about the night of his Ascension to the Heavens. He said, "(Then Gabriel took me) and ascended up till he reached the second heaven where he asked for the gate to be opened, but it was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'I am Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' He replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' He said, 'Yes.' When we reached over the second heaven, I saw Yahya (i.e. John) and Jesus who were cousins. Gabriel said, 'These are John (Yahya) and Jesus, so greet them.' I greeted them and they returned the greeting saying, 'Welcome, O Pious Brother and Pious Prophet!; ' "

Narrated Abbas bin Malik:

Malik bin Sasaa said that Allah's Apostle described to them his Night Journey saying, "While I was lying in Al-Hatim or Al-Hijr, suddenly someone came to me and cut my body open from here to here." I asked Al-Jarud who was by my side, "What does he mean?" He said, "It means from his throat to his pubic area," or said, "From the top of the chest." The Prophet further said, "He then took out my heart. Then a gold tray of Belief was brought to me and my heart was washed and was filled (with Belief) and then returned to its original place. Then a white animal which was smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was brought to me." (On this Al-Jarud asked, "Was it the Buraq, O Abu Hamza?" I (i.e. Anas) replied in the affirmative). The Prophet said, "The animal's step (was so wide that it) reached the farthest point within the reach of the animal's sight. I was carried on it, and Gabriel set out with me till we reached the nearest heaven. When he asked for the gate to be opened, it was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel answered, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has Muhammad been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened, and when I went over the first heaven, I saw Adam there. Gabriel said (to me). 'This is your father, Adam; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me till we reached the second heaven. Gabriel asked for the gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel answered, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel answered in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened. When I went over the second heaven, there I saw Yahya (i.e. John) and 'Isa (i.e. Jesus) who were cousins of each other. Gabriel said (to me), 'These are John and Jesus; pay them your greetings.' So I greeted them and both of them returned my greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the third heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened, and when I went over the third heaven there I saw Joseph. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is Joseph; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the fourth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed, what an excel lent visit his is!' The gate was opened, and when I went over the fourth heaven, there I saw Idris. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is Idris; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the fifth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked. 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is! So when I went over the fifth heaven, there I saw Harun (i.e. Aaron), Gabriel said, (to me). This is Aaron; pay him your greetings.' I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the sixth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked. 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. It was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!' When I went (over the sixth heaven), there I saw Moses. Gabriel said (to me),' This is Moses; pay him your greeting. So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' When I left him (i.e. Moses) he wept. Someone asked him, 'What makes you weep?' Moses said, 'I weep because after me there has been sent (as Prophet) a young man whose followers will enter Paradise in greater numbers than my followers.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the seventh heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked,' Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!' So when I went (over the seventh heaven), there I saw Abraham. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is your father; pay your greetings to him.' So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.' Then I was made to ascend to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (i.e. the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary) Behold! Its fruits were like the jars of Hajr (i.e. a place near Medina) and its leaves were as big as the ears of elephants. Gabriel said, 'This is the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary) . Behold ! There ran four rivers, two were hidden and two were visible, I asked, 'What are these two kinds of rivers, O Gabriel?' He replied,' As for the hidden rivers, they are two rivers in Paradise and the visible rivers are the Nile and the Euphrates.' Then Al-Bait-ul-Ma'mur (i.e. the Sacred House) was shown to me and a container full of wine and another full of milk and a third full of honey were brought to me. I took the milk. Gabriel remarked, 'This is the Islamic religion which you and your followers are following.' Then the prayers were enjoined on me: They were fifty prayers a day. When I returned, I passed by Moses who asked (me), 'What have you been ordered to do?' I replied, 'I have been ordered to offer fifty prayers a day.' Moses said, 'Your followers cannot bear fifty prayers a day, and by Allah, I have tested people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel (in vain). Go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your followers' burden.' So I went back, and Allah reduced ten prayers for me. Then again I came to Moses, but he repeated the same as he had said before. Then again I went back to Allah and He reduced ten more prayers. When I came back to Moses he said the same, I went back to Allah and He ordered me to observe ten prayers a day. When I came back to Moses, he repeated the same advice, so I went back to Allah and was ordered to observe five prayers a day. When I came back to Moses, he said, 'What have you been ordered?' I replied, 'I have been ordered to observe five prayers a day.' He said, 'Your followers cannot bear five prayers a day, and no doubt, I have got an experience of the people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel, so go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your follower's burden.' I said, 'I have requested so much of my Lord that I feel ashamed, but I am satisfied now and surrender to Allah's Order.' When I left, I heard a voice saying, 'I have passed My Order and have lessened the burden of My Worshipers."

John in Ibn Kathir

Ibn Kathir (1300-1373) was an influential Muslim scholar/historian who wrote the reknowned 'Qisas Al-Anbiya' (Stories of the Prophets) book. An authorative and respected thesis on the many prophets of God

| Wikipedia: Ibn_Kathir

IMPORTANT NOTE: Ibn Kathir is NOT Revealed Scripture. It appears here as it contains relevant information

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Story of John The Baptist in Islam

In the story of John we learn that he was the son of Zachariah. His birth was a miracle because. He was born of a barren mother and an aged father. In the fagging part of life, Zachariah 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.

John's Childhood

John was born a stranger to the world of children who used to amuse themselves, as he was serious all the time. Most children took delight in torturing animals whereas, he was merciful to them. He fed the animals from his food until there was nothing left for him, and he just ate fruit or leaves of trees.

John loved reading since childhood. When he grew up, Allah the Exalted called upon him: “O John! Hold fast to the Scripture (The Torah).” And We gave him wisdom while yet a child. (Ch 19:12 Quran).

John's Qualities

Allah guided him to read the Book of Jurisprudence closely; thus, he became the wisest and most knowledgeable man of that time. Therefore, Allah the Almighty endowed him with the faculties of passing judgments on people’s affairs, interpreting the secrets of religion, guiding people to the right path, and warning them against the wrong one.

John reached maturity. His compassion for his parents, as well as for all people and all creatures, increased greatly. He called people to repent their sins.

There are quite a number of traditions told about John. Ibn Asaker related that one time his parents were looking for him and found him at the Jordan River. When they met him, they wept sorely, seeing his great devotion to Allah, Great and Majestic.

Ibn Wahb said that, according to Malik, grass was the food of John, and he wept sorely in fear of Allah. A chain of narrators reported that Idris Al Khawlawi said: “Shall I not tell you he who had the best food? It is John Ibn Zakariyah, who joined the beasts at dinner, fearing to mix with men.”

Why John Always Wept

Ibn Mubarak stated that Wahb Ibn Al-Ward narrated that Zakariayah did not see his son for three days. He found him weeping inside a grave which he had dug and in which he resided. “My son, I have been searching for you, and you are dwelling in this grave weeping!” “O father, did you not tell me that between Paradise and Hell is only a span, and it will not be crossed except by tears of weepers?” He said to him: “Weep then, my son.” Then

they wept together.

Other narrations say that John said: “The dwellers of Paradise are sleepless out of the sweetness of Allah’s bounty; that is why the faithful must be sleepless because of Allah’s love in their hearts. How far between the two luxuries, how far between them?”

They say John wept so much that tears marked his cheeks.

John's Love of Nature

He found comfort in the open and never cared about food. He ate leaves, herbs, and sometimes locusts. He slept anywhere in the mountains or in holes in the ground. He sometimes would find a lion or a bear as he entered a cave, but being deeply absorbed in praising Allah, he never heeded them. The beasts easily recognized John as the prophet who cared for all the creatures, so they would leave the cave, bowing their heads.

John sometimes fed those beasts, out of mercy, from his food and was satisfied with prayers as food for his soul. He would spend the night crying and praising Allah for His blessings.

When John called people to worship Allah, he made them cry out of love and submission, arresting their hearts with the truthfulness of his words.

A conflict took place between John and the authorities at that time. A tyrant king, Herod Antipas, the ruler of Palestine, was in love with Salome, his brother’s daughter. He was planning to marry his beautiful niece. The marriage was encouraged by her mother and by some of the learned men of Zion, either out of fear or to gain favor with the ruler.

On hearing the ruler’s plan, John pronounced that such a marriage would be incestuous. He would not approve it under any circumstance, as it was against the Law of the Torah.

John's Cruel Death

John’s pronouncement spread like wildfire. Salome was angry, for it was her ambition to rule the kingdom with her uncle. She plotted to achieve her aim. Dressing attractively, she sang and danced before her uncle. Her arousing Herod’s lust. Embracing her, he offered to fulfill whatever she desired. At once she told him: “I would love to have the head of John, because he has defiled your honor and mine throughout the land. If you grant me this wish, I shall be very happy and will offer myself to you.” Bewitched by her charm, he submitted to her monstrous request. John was executed and his head was brought to Salome. The cruel woman gloated with delight. But the death of Allah’s beloved prophet was avenged. Not only she, but all the children of Israel were severely punished by invading armies which destroyed their kingdom.

18. Frequently Asked Questions About Prophet John

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19. Where Can I Learn More About Prophet John?

1. John the Baptist (Luke 3:1-22)

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2. John the Baptist beheaded (Matt 14:1-12)

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3. The birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57-66)

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4. The birth of John the Baptist foretold (Luke 1:5-25)

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20. YouTube Videos to Learn More About Prophet John

In Mark 1:5, John the Baptist baptized in the River Jordan. Were Sins forgiven? - [...]

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