Zakariya (AS) supplicates to Allaah (SWT) for a child, as he fears who will carry on the work of the religion after his death. Although this surah is named Maryam, it is also a narration of her extended family, which included Prophets Zakariya (AS) and Yahya (AS), as well as of other great prophets. In this way, it confirms the prophethood of Isa(AS), and hence the followers of the Christ are closer to Muslims in their beliefs. The Qur’an is unwavering in its defense of Maryam (AS) and has honored her by the frequent mention of the miraculous birth of her son, without a human father. This is a Makki Surah, named after the mother of Isa (AS).
