Story of Four Prophets Whose Prayers Were Responded

TEHRAN (IQNA) – There are numerous stories in the Holy Quran about prophets that can be studied from different viewpoints. One of the aspects is the way the prophets talked with God and put forward their demands.

The Noble Quran names four prophets who asked God for something and their request was granted.

The first prophet in this line is Noah. He invited people to monotheism for about 1,000 years but eventually cursed them as they kept rejecting his invitations: “So open between me and them an opening, and save me and the believers who are with me.” (Surah Ash-Shu'ara, verse 118) God accepted this request. “And (remember) Noah, when he supplicated to Us, We answered him, and We saved him and his nation from great distress.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 76)

The next prophet is Ayyub (Job). He lost his family and children and became so ill that nobody would approach him. “And Job when he called to his Lord: 'Affliction has befallen me, and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 83) This was met with God’s response: “We answered him and removed his affliction, and We gave his people, and those like them that were with them, mercy from Us, as a reminder to those who worship.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 84)

The third one is Jonah (Yunus). He is also called Dhul-Nūn [literally meaning owner of fish]. Yunus talked with God while he was trapped inside the belly of a fish. “And ThulNun (Prophet Jonah), he went away in anger thinking We had no power over him. But in the darkness he cried: 'There is no god except You. Exaltations to You! I was among the harmdoers.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 87) He confessed to his mistake and regretted cursing others. “We heard his prayer and saved him from grief. As such We shall save the believers.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 88)

Zechariah is the fourth prophet in this category. He was a brother-in-law of Imran, father of Hazrat Maryam (SA). Both Imran and Zachariah had become old and had no children while their wives loved to have babies. According to the Quran, one child was bestowed on each of these families. “(Remember) when the wife of 'Imran said: 'Lord, I have vowed to You in dedication that which is hidden inside me. Accept this from me. You are the Hearer, the Knower.” (Surah Al Imran, verse 35)

The request of the mother of Hazrat Maryam from God caused Zechariah to ask Allah for a child too.