As a gift from God, Zechariah was given a son by the name of Yaḥya, a name specially chosen for this child alone. Zakariya's wife, was barren and therefore the birth of a child seemed impossible. In the Quran, God frequently mentions Zakariya's continuous praying for the birth of a son. Although several phrases used to describe John and Jesus are virtually identical in the Quran, the manner in which they are expressed is different. Sufis have frequently applied commentaries on the passages on John in the Quran, primarily concerning the God-given gift of wisdom which he acquired in youth as well as his parallels with Jesus. Yahya is also honored highly in Sufism as well as Islamic mysticism, primarily because of the Quran's description of John's chastity and kindness. He is the only Islamic prophet whose name was chosen for him exclusively by God. Yahya is mentioned five times in the Quran. He is believed by Muslims to have been a witness to the word of God who would herald the coming of Isa Masih ( Jesus).
Yaḥyā ibn Zakarīyā ( Arabic: يحيى ابن زكريا, literally Yahya/John, son of Zechariah), known in English as John the Baptist, is considered in Islam a prophet and messenger of God ( Allah) who was sent to guide the Children of Israel. Yahya's name in Islamic calligraphy followed by Peace be upon him