JOHN THE BAPTIST (YAHYA)
John the Baptist (Yahya) was born during the reign of king Harrod who was a puppet monarch under the rulers of Rome. He was the son that God had promised to Zechariah in his old age. There had never been any one before him with that name. He had shown compassion to serve mankind right from his childhood. As he grew older, his conduct in the society was considered exemplary. He was kind hearted towards others and was obedient to his parents and elders. He lived strictly according to the Torah and urged others to follow it for their salvation. He gave baptismal rites to all those who listened to his call.
When Bani Israel laid blame on Mary over the virgin birth of Jesus (Issa), he bore witness of her piety and innocence. He affirmed the prophet hood of Jesus when he was appointed to his mission by God.
The Roman rulers disapproved the activities of John the Baptist and got him killed through king Harrod.
(Yahya is known in the Bible as John the Baptist).
References: The Qur’an in: Sura Ale Imran, An’am, Maryam and Anbiya’. 77
Aal-e-Qutub Aal-e-Syed Abdullah Shah Ghazi 