The story of the Prophet Yahya who was beheaded for declaring the marriage of King Herod to his own niece forbidden, and the story of the birth and preaching of the Prophet Isa until the plot to kill him was foiled because it was Judas, the disciple who betrayed him, who was caught instead.
The Prophet Yahya
(The Name Given by Allah)
Yahya was the son of the Prophet Zakariyya. Yahya's birth was a miracle. For at that time Zakariyya was already advanced in age. Moreover, his wife was barren.
A Father's Hope Zakariyya greatly desired a child. He never stopped praying. Day and night that longing was raised in supplication. Pleading that Allah would be willing to grant him offspring. Zakariyya's longing was well founded. He wanted his struggle not to be cut short. Someone to carry it on. For that, the presence of a child was greatly longed for. Hope mixed with anxiety. Such were Zakariyya's feelings. Could he possibly have a child? Yet his age had already reached ninety years. This was what made him anxious. Yet he believed in Allah's power. If Allah willed it, anything could come true. Including granting him a child. This is what kept him hoping .
The desire for a child grew stronger. Zakariyya realised that the conduct of the Children of Israel was becoming increasingly wayward. Wrongdoing occurred everywhere. And it was not only done by others. Even his own family committed much wickedness. Worse still, the wickedness of the Children of Israel grew more severe, they grew bolder. Wrongdoing was no longer done in secret. Immorality often occurred in public places too. There was no more sense of shame. Little by little wickedness came to be seen as normal. Religious violations were already considered ordinary. The faith of the Children of Israel kept fading. This is what made immorality increasingly rampant. Zakariyya was greatly concerned. The state of the Children of Israel made him sad. Wickedness was already visible before his very eyes.
Yet, he was still alive. What would happen once he was gone. Could death not arrive at any moment? Who would carry on after him? Who would lead the Children of Israel? A child not yet born while he was already old. While looking after Maryam, Zakariyya's heart found some comfort. On one occasion, he was astonished. With his own eyes, he saw a miracle. There was an abundance of fruit set before Maryam. Truly nothing is impossible for Allah. Certain that if Allah willed it, his wish would surely come true, his hope grew again .
Finally It Came True On a dark night, when people had already fallen fast asleep, only the sound of night creatures could occasionally be heard. Inside the prayer niche, a figure could be seen. It turned out to be Zakariyya. Zakariyya appeared to be worshipping with deep devotion. In his heart, there was one strong wish to have a child. His only hope rested with Allah. He is the one on whom all creatures depend. After offering praise and glorification, he immediately turned in earnest supplication. With full conviction, he raised his prayer. His voice could be heard faintly.
"O Allah, to You I bring my complaint. Grant me a son. A son who will carry on the prophethood of the family of Ya'qub. A son who will lead the Children of Israel, I fear for the future of the Children of Israel. What will become of them after I am gone. Who will be the light of their lives. O Allah, my body is already weak. My bones are already brittle. My hair is already glowing with grey. Besides that, my wife is barren, I have not lost hope. With Your power, nothing is impossible. Be willing to grant me a child. A righteous child. A child who will carry on my struggle. Sincerity and patience eventually bore fruit. Zakariyya's prayer was heard. His plea was granted. Allah answered his wish. One day, Allah sent the angel Jibril. Jibril was assigned to convey a message to Zakariyya. "O Zakariyya, I bring good news. You will have a child. This child will be named Yahya. Yahya is a righteous child. Yahya will confirm the earlier scriptures. Yahya will become a leader worthy of emulation. Yahya will be raised as a prophet." "O Lord, how can this be? I am already old. My wife is also barren," Zakariyya asked in amazement and wonder. "That is easy for Me, you too did not exist before. Then, I created you. And you came to be." "O Lord, give me a sign. With that sign, I will know that my wife has conceived." "Very well, you will be given a sign. You will not be able to speak to anyone for three days. You will only be able to speak using gestures. Do not forget, remember My name as much as possible. Glorify Me every morning and evening."
Yahya Means Life Hope became reality. A tiny baby was born, his face handsome and pleasing. In accordance with Allah's word, this baby was then named Yahya. In full, Yahya son of Zakariyya. Before him, no one had ever borne the name Yahya.
Yahya was different from most other children. While still a young child, Yahya had already shown his intelligence. Yahya was blessed with knowledge and wisdom. His understanding was very broad. Yahya's attitude and conduct were very polite. Loving towards the young and respectful towards elders. His intelligence did not make him arrogant. Yahya was liked by many people. Yahya was never disobedient towards his parents. Since childhood, he had followed his father's good habits. It was no surprise that even at a young age, Yahya was already diligent in worship. Not a day passed without worship. Day and night were never free of remembrance of Allah. Yahya was very diligent in learning, only through study could knowledge be gained. From his father, Yahya learned much. It was no wonder Yahya then became known as a learned man. Yahya thoroughly mastered religious matters. The contents of the Torah he knew by heart. Many of the Children of Israel asked him questions. Every question was always answered firmly. Yahya never hesitated in making a decision. His attitude was very brave. He feared no criticism, feared no threat. The truth had to be conveyed even if it felt bitter. Because of this, he was not infrequently challenged by the rulers.
Facing the Ruler Yahya lived in Palestine. In that place, he carried on his father's task. Yahya became a religious leader. He preached to the Children of Israel who lived in Palestine. At that time, the land of Palestine was under Roman rule. Palestine was governed by a king named Herod. Yahya moved to the desert of Judea. He dressed very simply. He wore only a robe made of camel hair, and ate whatever was available. There he conveyed his teachings. His sermons made a deep impression. His words drew the attention of many people. No wonder people kept coming. They were willing to travel far to hear Yahya's counsel. One time, the land of Palestine was in an uproar. The reason was that King Herod wished to marry Herodia. The problem was, Herodia was his own brother's daughter. And that was not permitted. The king was drunk with love. He was utterly infatuated with Herodia. It seemed he wanted to marry the beautiful girl right away. The proposal was warmly received, Herodia's family did not let the opportunity go to waste. After all, the one proposing was a king, with great wealth and great power. Life was guaranteed to be comfortable and secure. Wanting this and that, all they had to do was ask. Moreover, no one would dare to interfere. All the family members agreed they consented to the marriage plan. Only one person firmly refused. That was Yahya. He strongly opposed the marriage plan. In his view, the marriage plan had to be cancelled. For it went against the existing rules. Yahya was truly courageous. Without any fear he issued a ruling. Its content forbade the marriage. The marriage of Herod and Herodia must not take place. For marrying a niece was expressly forbidden. The people of Palestine were in uproar. The planned marriage of Herod and Herodia became the talk of the town. People busily gossiped about the marriage. Even more sensational was the ruling issued by Yahya. The ruling that forbade the marriage was hotly discussed. Some supported it, some opposed it. Many also praised Yahya's courage. Yet, not a few also mocked him. From mouth to mouth, people spoke of the ruling. In the rice fields and in the food stalls people busily discussed it. No wonder the ruling quickly spread.
Killed by Beheading The spread of that ruling made Herodia furious. Herodia was very angry at Yahya. The ruling was seen as thwarting her ambitions. Herodia indeed aspired to become queen. In fact, well in advance Herodia had already prepared everything. Besides that, Herodia also felt humiliated. The ruling was seen as having tarnished her honour. She became the subject of much talk. Besides that, she worried that Herod might be swayed. It was not impossible that Herod would be forced to cancel the planned marriage with her. Herodia was very angry. So, she did not remain idle. She immediately drew up a plan. She would persuade Herod to hold the marriage as soon as possible. She would do whatever it took. Including using her beauty.
One day, Herodia dressed up as elaborately as she could. Her beauty stood out even more, anyone who saw her would surely be struck with admiration. She wore every accessory. Not holding back, she also wore very sheer clothing. At the appointed time, Herodia came to Herod. The arrival of the beautiful Herodia of course left Herod astonished. "My dear, what is it? It is not usual for you to come here. This must be an urgent matter. Just tell me what you need. Do not hesitate. I will gladly do whatever you ask." Herodia felt flattered. Her lips curved into a smile. She spoke with graceful manner. "Is what you say true?" "Of course. Would I lie to you?" "Your guess is indeed right. I did not come without purpose. There is one request I wish to make. That is, if you are willing. My request is not difficult" "Just say it. Do not hold back." "Well then. Our names are being gossiped about. Our honour has become the mockery of many. Everyone is talking about our planned marriage. All because of the ruling issued by that wretched Yahya. Yahya has ruined our marriage plan." "So, what is your suggestion?" "I beg that you punish that meddler. I ask that Yahya's head be cut off. I would be pleased to be given the gift of Yahya's head. I hope you have no objection."
Herod was indeed drunk with love at the time. Herodia's beauty had blinded his thinking. He was utterly infatuated. His heart was so captivated. Love left Herod unable to refuse. Like a bull led by the nose, Herod simply obeyed Herodia's wicked wish. The king truly surrendered.
Herod no longer used sound judgement. His heart had already been captured. Herod then sent a force. This force was assigned to kill Yahya.
And in a raid, Yahya was successfully captured. His head was then cut off. Yahya died drenched in blood, his body was buried at the Umayyad Mosque in Syria.
The commander of the force brought Yahya's head. The head, still covered in blood, was then handed over to King Herod. Next, Herod presented that head to his bride-to-be, Herodia. Herodia's eyes gleamed, her mouth curved into a devilish smile. Herodia received Yahya's head with pride. How satisfied her heart was seeing her husband-to-be's offering. Truly tragic. The obstacle had been removed. Before long, Herodia would become queen. It was only a matter of time. Unaware that a great sin had just been committed. A sin that would invite Allah's curse. Retribution then came. Herod and Herodia both died, their bodies utterly wretched. Destroyed, buried beneath a landslide.
---oOo---
The Prophet Isa
(Miraculously Born Without a Father)
Isa was a descendant of the Prophet Dawud. Isa is among the prophets of the Children of Israel who were highly influential. The year of his birth became the basis for reckoning the Gregorian calendar.' Isa was born to a mother named Maryam. Maryam was a righteous wife. She was very diligent in worship. Day and night were never spent without worship. Almost every day she was in the prayer niche. One time when Maryam was at Baitul Maqdis, the angel Jibril came. Jibril met Maryam at her prayer niche. She was utterly startled. Why would a man suddenly come in. Perhaps he intended some harm. But then Jibril gave an explanation. That he was an angel sent by Allah. There was news to be conveyed to Maryam. "You are a chosen woman. Allah has purified you. You possess virtues beyond other women," said Jibril. Hearing that, Maryam simply fell silent. She made no comment. "Allah," Jibril continued, "will give you a son. Your son's name will be Isa. In time, he will become a great man." Astonished, startled, and proud. Astonished because she was not yet married. How could she possibly give birth. Startled because having a child without marriage could bring trouble. What would people say later? They would surely accuse her of all sorts of things. Proud because from her womb a prophet would be born. "Lord, how can I possibly have a child. I have never had contact with any man. Maryam's doubt was answered. Jibril affirmed that all this was easy for Allah. Let alone creating someone without a father, creating someone without a father and mother was easy too. The proof was Adam. Adam was born without father or mother. Jibril understood Maryam's confusion. Then, he said, "If He wills it, Allah need only say kun (be). Then, whatever He wills surely comes to pass. Allah's will cannot be refused. Maryam then became pregnant. Her womb kept growing. Maryam felt confused. Not knowing what to do. What would people say later. Maryam shuddered. How she would have to bear the shame. How to face the community? Maryam, pregnant? When did she marry? Where is her husband? Or could she be pregnant out of wedlock?
A Remarkable Birth No one must find out. If it were discovered, it could be disastrous. Mockery would arise. Insults would come one after another. Maryam shuddered imagining all of it. Her heart was very sorrowful. She felt she would not be able to bear all of it. Finally, Maryam made a decision. She had to leave. Then, she left Baitul Maqdis. To somewhere unknown. As long as it was far from people, seclusion became her choice. "How unfortunate is my fate," Maryam lamented. Her womb grew bigger by the day. It was time to give birth. Maryam's stomach began to cramp. Her lips grimaced in pain. Then, she leaned against a date palm tree. The infant was then born. Pain and sorrow came one after another. The burden felt terribly heavy. Maryam felt she could not bear it. "If only I could just die," Maryam said faintly. "Surely I would be forgotten by everyone." Jibril returned. This time, he came to comfort her. "Maryam, do not grieve. Below you there is a stream. Now, this date palm tree, you can shake it. Its fruit will fall." Maryam's heart was a little comforted, even though her body still felt sore and weak. At least, food and drink were available. No need to trouble herself searching. Maryam's body grew fresh again. Her strength returned. Her breast milk came. No need to worry anymore about the little one. Now the little one could nurse. Unimaginable, had there been no food or drink. She could have died of hunger. "If you meet with people," Jibril continued, "pay no attention to their chatter. Just say that you are observing a fast of silence."
Defending Her Mother After feeling strong enough, Maryam went home. Little Isa was not left behind. Whatever happened, she had to be ready. She could not keep isolating herself forever. Whatever the case, she had to return. The villagers were startled. Astonished to see Maryam arrive. Gone so long, and now returning with a baby. "Maryam, whose child is that?" someone asked, frowning. Maryam did not respond. She simply remained utterly silent. Not a single word came from her mouth. She kept her mouth shut. "Hey, Maryam! Answer us. Is it your child?" "When did you marry? Where is your husband?" another scolded. Maryam remained silent. Her mouth stayed shut. She did not answer. The people's scolding went unanswered. The people grew annoyed, they felt disrespected. Asked, yet only silence. There must be something behind this. "Hahaha ... I know, Maryam must be pregnant out of wedlock. Maryam has an illegitimate child. I thought you were a good girl. Diligent in worship. Diligent in prayer. Turns out you are a filthy woman." "Yes, you just keep quiet. You must have done something indecent." "You have defiled yourself, haven't you? Your family's honour is ruined. How could you. You come from a good family." Utterly sorrowful. Those accusations made Maryam's heart ache terribly. As if sliced by a knife. She wanted so much to answer all those insults. But, she remembered Jibril's message. Do not say anything. Maryam then gave a sign. She pointed to the baby she was carrying. The people grew even angrier, they felt disregarded. "All this time, Maryam hasn't answered. Now she tells us to talk to a baby instead. A baby can't talk, of course. How could it possibly answer." "What do you mean?" someone snapped. "Are we supposed to ask a baby. Come on, seriously," someone added irritably. "Hey, Maryam, don't talk nonsense!" "Looks like you've gone mad." Maryam was showered with curses. Insults kept coming one after another. Yet, she remained utterly silent. Meanwhile, her finger still pointed towards the baby. Suddenly, they were stunned. Utterly astonished. For the baby in Maryam's arms spoke. Yet, that baby was still very small. It should not have been able to speak. "I am a servant of Allah. Allah has appointed me a prophet. Allah has given me the Gospel. I am blessed wherever I am. Allah has commanded me to pray, give zakat, and honour my mother." The people gaped. As if unable to believe what they had just heard. They looked at one another. Their eyes showed astonishment. The news spread quickly. A baby could talk. This news spread fast, the whole village came to know. "A baby can't possibly talk," said someone. "But, it's a fact. Many witnessed it. " "That's clearly a miracle" "Of course. Besides, Maryam is a pure girl. She couldn't possibly have done anything shameful, a chosen woman surely gives birth to a chosen child"
Maryam's reputation improved. People no longer insulted her. In fact, now they were friendly towards her. Even, not a few were willing to help care for her baby. Maryam felt greatly comforted. Her heart was grateful. All the mockery had been buried. She felt fortunate. Truly Allah's blessing is beyond measure.
Going to Egypt When Isa was born, the land of Palestine was ruled by Herod. He was a very cruel king. His actions were known to be extremely brutal. Not a few of his subjects fell victim. Herod was not only a king. He also appointed himself chief judge. His word was law. Whoever defied him would surely be judged. Many had already been put to death. Seeing troubling signs, Maryam left Palestine. Maryam went to Egypt together with Isa. They were accompanied by a cousin named Yusuf An-Najjar. For twelve years they lived in Egypt. Word came that King Herod had died. Maryam decided to return. Maryam, Isa, An-Najjar, and the believers returned again to Palestine.
Officially Becoming a Prophet The signs of prophethood had already appeared. Many outstanding qualities were evident in Isa. Since childhood, his character was very good. Honest, polite, fond of helping others. Many people liked him. Isa did not care for revelry. He almost never played, things of no benefit were never done. He spent his days with his mother. Learning and continuing to learn. Under his mother's guidance, Isa grew up. Every day he never neglected worship. His character was very well shaped. Since childhood Isa always acted with honesty and fairness. His courage stood out greatly. He liked helping others. Yet never once did he hurt anyone. Isa was indeed special. He possessed many gifts. For example, when gathering with children his own age. He could name the food that was in his friend's house. Even though he had never been there.
Entering his teenage years his gifts became even more apparent. His mastery of religion was excellent. He often debated with the priests. Not infrequently he left them speechless. Even though those priests had a great deal of experience. Much knowledge and experience. It was a wonder where Isa learned all of it. Upon reaching the age of thirty, Isa was raised as a prophet. At that time, he was at the Mount of Olives. The angel Jibril came. Jibril met Isa and conveyed revelation to him. Isa received a heavy task. He bore the burden of prophethood. Meaning, he had to convey the message. Preaching became a necessity. He was blessed with the Gospel. Its content confirmed and completed the earlier scripture, the Torah. Carrying the task of prophethood was not easy. He was certain to face many challenges. Especially since those he faced were the Children of Israel, who had gone far astray. Sin had already become habit. People regarded it as normal. Worse still, the priests could not be relied upon. In fact, they tended to allow immorality. They did not hesitate to alter the rulings, turning halal into haram, haram into halal.
Some Miracles The task of preaching was so heavy. The Children of Israel were very stubborn, they were hard-headed. Not only from the common people, challenges also came from among the priests. Many priests were displeased with Isa's preaching. The reason being, their influence was diminishing. Naturally their income diminished too. The challenge was so strong. The resistance grew ever fiercer. A miracle was needed so that the Children of Israel would be silenced. Unable to respond in the face of Isa's truth. On one occasion, Isa took some clay. From that clay, he shaped little birds. Once formed, the little birds were blown upon. Strange and miraculous. The little birds changed. They became real birds. Many people were amazed. Astonished seeing that wonder, they gasped in admiration. Once Isa was approached by two people. One was blind, while the other suffered from leprosy. The first person had been blind since birth. Meanwhile, the condition of the person with leprosy was truly pitiful. His disease was already very severe. His body appeared repulsive.
By Allah's leave, the blind man could see again, his eyes healed as before. Likewise with the man afflicted with leprosy. His disease vanished. Not the slightest trace remained. But, there was something even more astonishing. At that time Isa intended to show another miracle. He would bring a dead person back to life. Then, he called out and touched the dead man. As a result, by Allah's leave, that dead man could live again. Those miracles were witnessed by many people. In fact, the news spread so quickly, people busily talked about Isa's greatness. Indeed some believed. But, most of the Children of Israel remained disbelievers. These disbelievers then conspired, they made a secret pact with the priests. They agreed to be hostile towards Isa. In short, Isa had to be shunned. No one was to be allowed near him, said the priests of the Children of Israel. Those priests felt aggrieved, their hearts were very resentful. They regarded Isa as both a rival and an obstacle. Their influence began to erode. Their income dwindled. All because of Isa's preaching. Those who believed were mostly from among the poor, they had no influence in society. Nevertheless, Isa had several remarkable disciples. Their number was twelve. They then became known by the name Hawariyyun, they were very loyal to Isa. Wherever Isa went, the Hawariyyun always accompanied him. Remote corners were explored. Isolated regions were visited, they helped and defended Isa sincerely.
A Table Spread from the Sky There were always problems. Preaching encountered many difficulties, obstacles and hardships often came in the way. So too what Isa and his companions experienced. On one journey, Isa and his followers arrived at a desert. Barren, dry, and hot, problems then arose. The group ran out of provisions. Everyone felt very hungry and thirsty. Stomachs growled, throats were parched. Bodies felt weak. Isa's followers began to complain, they began saying all sorts of things, "Isa, is your lord not able to give us a table spread from the sky?" someone blurted out irritably. "Yes, help us. We are very hungry and thirsty," another chimed in. "Be mindful of Allah! Do not ask for such things," Isa answered patiently. "Can you, or not? You are a prophet, aren't you. Yet even asking for food isn't granted. We're hungry, here." "I am a messenger of Allah. Do you doubt me?" "It's not that. We simply cannot bear the hunger." Their request was granted. Isa then prayed. He asked that Allah send down a table spread from the sky. "I will grant it," answered Allah. "But, if you are then ungrateful, I will punish you. A punishment more severe than has ever been inflicted upon anyone."
A Disciple's Betrayal Little by little Isa's preaching gained a following. One by one the Children of Israel declared their belief. Each day, Isa's followers grew more numerous. This state of affairs was certainly gratifying. Their preaching was not in vain. But, there were other parties who felt aggrieved, they were the priests and leaders of the Children of Israel. Their influence kept fading. Their words were no longer heeded. Because of this, they were very resentful. Their anger grew greater. At its peak, they devised a wicked plan. They planned to destroy his followers. A plan was then arranged. Several men were dispatched, they were assigned to seek help from the Roman authorities. Before the ruling king, they slandered him. It was said that Isa and his followers were plotting treason, that they intended to overthrow the king's rule. Instantly, the king was enraged, his face turned red. That news made him furious. Then, the king gathered his advisers, they discussed the report from the priests and leaders of the Children of Israel. "No one may shake my power," the king shouted. Whoever dares try anything, will be punished. Including Isa and his followers, they must be captured."
The incitement succeeded. The priests and leaders of the Children of Israel were overjoyed. Their effort was not in vain. In fact, one of them proposed a very wicked idea. Your Majesty, it would be best to simply kill Isa. If he is merely captured, his followers will later revolt. The proposal was accepted. The king immediately drew up a plan. Select soldiers were gathered, they were ordered to kill Isa. The priests and leaders of the Children of Israel then went home, their hearts were very glad. Their plan was proceeding smoothly. Before long, Isa would be finished off. But, the plot to kill him was found out. One of Isa's followers learned of it. The plan was immediately reported to Isa. So, Isa tried to save himself. He left at once. Now, he lived moving from place to place. From one location to another. Until finally, Isa hid in a certain place. For the time being, Isa was safe. His hiding place was unknown. But the Roman soldiers kept searching, they would not return until Isa was found. A problem then arose. One of Isa's disciples turned traitor, Judas was tempted by the lure of a reward. Judas was promised thirty dinars. The condition was, Judas had to reveal Isa's hiding place. Judas betrayed him, Isa's hiding place was disclosed, hearing that information, the Roman soldiers moved at once. Judas became their guide, they headed for Isa's hiding place. "You must keep your distance, gentlemen," Judas suggested. "Do not get too close. Do not let anything look suspicious. Act normal. If he is alerted, Isa could flee. It would be hard to find him again." At the front, Judas walked. His footsteps were very cautious. Some tens of metres behind, the Roman soldiers walked. Also accompanying them were several priests and leaders of the Children of Israel. Arriving at the place, Judas acted at once. He rushed in. The door was broken down. Isa's hiding place was searched. Those inside were shocked, Isa's followers were utterly startled. Judas's arrival was out of the ordinary. Something was clearly wrong.
"Run, run, hide, save yourselves!" Isa's followers shouted to one another. They warned each other. Especially once the Roman soldiers arrived, they were frightened, they scattered. Running haphazardly, with no clear direction or destination. Moments later, the Roman soldiers arrived. The door was already open, they burst in, they immediately began barking orders. "Stay where you are! Don't move!" the commander of the troops barked. "Search this place at once!" The soldiers spread out, they searched the hiding place. "There he is, Isa is here!" a soldier shouted. The others quickly surrounded the spot. That person was then seized and dragged away. Strangely, the one captured denied it. He struggled, his mouth would not stop shouting. "I am not Isa, I am not Isa, you have the wrong man!" "Hahaha ... No use denying it, no fugitive ever confesses. We won't be fooled," the commander scolded while laughing. That person kept being dragged. His shouts were ignored. Blows kept striking him one after another. It turned out that the one captured was Judas, not Isa. Judas got what was coming to him. His betrayal was repaid. Judas's body was covered in wounds, his face bruised. Worse still, several of the Children of Israel threw stones at him. Judas's shouting grew fainter and fainter. His voice was barely audible. "Heeelp ... I am not Isa. You have the wrong man," Judas's voice sounded pitiful.
Judas's cries were answered only with torment. Kicks and blows came one after another, striking him. Judas was helpless. His body was then dragged. Judas was taken to the cross. Judas was tortured by the crowd. In the end, Judas died on the cross.
---oOo---
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