A prophet who was relative with jesus and a little older that martyred brutally.
Zachariah (PBUH) was old and his wife was barren and infertile, making John’s birth a miracle from God. John possessed a gift from God and was under His favor. God taught him knowledge and wisdom in childhood and chose him. He named him, and no one had ever borne the same name before him. However, when the news of the child arriving reaches Zachariah (PBUH), he is astonished (because of his age and barrenness) and therefore God tells him that this is easy for him, just as He had created him before. God provides a sign for Zachariah (AS) – that he cannot speak to anyone for three days. John was very kind and compassionate, and towards his parents, he was exceedingly polite, loving, and charitable. (According to some accounts, like Jesus (PBUH), he did not marry.) God sends John three greetings and blessings:
- The day he borned
- The day he died
- The day he will born and rise again

John and Zachariah (PBUH) were contemporaries. Before Jesus (PBUH), they preached the religion and faith of Moses (PBUH). Then, they became heralds and confirmed the message of Jesus (PBUH). They continued to promote the religion and invite people to repentance and piety until news arrived of the King’s lustful marriage (Herod, the ruler of Jerusalem, a descendant of Caesar Augustus) with his sister (Salome). (According to one account) This act was contrary to religious teachings. Therefore, John protested and offered counsel until Salome guided herself to Herod and declared that her condition for marrying Herod was to cut off the head of John. As a result, Herod ordered the execution of John’s head, which was sent to Salome as a gift. Thus, John (PBUH) is martyred in the pursuit of reviving religion, promoting good deeds, and forbidding evil. His martyrdom can also be likened to the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH) and his companions, because he rose up and their blessed heads were severed in the cause of reviving religion, promoting good deeds, and forbidding evil.”