According to section 3 in the work entitled אגרוןSayyidina Yahya or the Black Chief reclaims his position of rank amongst the prophets in the Quran.
He was, is, and always will be the spiritual head of the prophets. His name means life …what’s bigger than life? Leonardo Da’Vinci’s last and favorite painting was that of John the Baptist, and that’s not because he was eating insects and honey in the woods my friends. -Ace Knight founder of I Love Black Art
Here he wears the clothes and displays the symbols of his class before a background of a vast universe of shining stars, artfully depicted by the artist Toni L. Taylor, giving John a spiritual importance denied him by many centuries of scholarly neglect. It is fitting that his countenance be that of Ace Knight, one of the leaders–if not the foremost leader–of the movement to restore John to his true importance in religious history.
Quran. 61:6—The Praised One—Yahya Yuhanan aka John the Baptist
And when Jesus, son of Mary, said: “O children of Israel, I am God’s messenger to you, authenticating what is present with me of the Torahand bringing good news of a messenger to come after me whose name will be praised (ismuhu-Ahmad).” But when he showed them the clear proofs, they said: “This is clearly magic.”
The only time we find the arabic ismuhu read the same way with the proper recitation (tajweed) is in Q. 19:7 which reads: “O Zakariya! We give thee good news of a son: His name shall be Yahya (ismuhu-Yahya): on none by that name-sake (samiyyan) have We conferred distinction before.”
The prophecy in Q. 61:6 (ismuhu—ahmad/whose name will be praised) brought us to Quran 19: 7 (ismuhu—Yahya/on none by that name-sake have we confered distinction before), and in 19:7 we find the key word samiyyan. The only other place this arabic word is found in the whole of the Quran in that form is in 19:65 which reads:“The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and what is between them! So worship Him and maintain thou patience in His worship. Hast thou known any name-sake (samiyyan) for Him?
Comparing the two (19:7/19:65)it becomes apparent name-sake (samiyyan) for both God and John the Baptist/Yahya: incomparable, unmatched, unique; One of a Kind It is here his name is honored, raised, and praised at the highest level.
Samiyyan from the root smw: to be high/lofty, raised, name, attribute. Samawat:heights/heavens/rain, raining clouds. Ismun:mark of identification by which one is recognised. It is a derivation of wsm (pl. asma). —Concordance of the Sublime Quran
In the famous Arabic lexicon Lisan al-Arab, the root s m w means “elevation or highness.”No other prophetic name has been honored, raised, and praised to such a degree in the whole of the Quran, save Yahya—Yuhanan (John the Baptist)
Samiyyan Namesake (19th Chapter)
Authorized by God
The Black Prophet: Namesake—19:7
Allah: Namesake—19:65
1+9+7+1+9+6+5=38—3+8= 11
Quran 1:1: First Sign open’s with the Name of God the Source of Life
In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful —Divine Signature
Yahya: He lives, from the root hyy which means life . What is bigger than life?
*ATTN: Ahmad used as a proper name for Muhammad never existed, and it was always used as an adjective. The use of it as a proper name came long after Muhammad had left the earth.
Again: The prophecy in Q. 61:6 (ismuhu—ahmad/whose name will be praised) brought us to Quran 19:7. (1)st thing Yahya—Yuhanan said when he returned to Palestine by the River Jordan was Repent—(9) Chapter 9 of the Quran is named Repentance or The Turning (Tawbah from tabbato return, or turning. Simply turn the number 9 right or left and it becomes a 6—perfect order.
Ahmad—Yahya-Yuhanan—Paraclete
Quran 19:7:17/1+7=8–Quran 19:65=21/1+2=3—John 16:7:14/1+4=5
19:7:17/1+7=8 – 19:65=21/1+2=3—John 16:7:14/1+4=5
835Factors: 835 = 5 x 16:7 (Yahya 5X Quran./Paraclete 5xNewTestament.)
Paraclete is understood as taking the place of another (Jesus)
Jesus is mentioned 25X in the Quran. 2+5=7
8+3+5=16/1+6=7
Divine Signature of Authority 7
Now you read 16:7 instead of 19:7. Now place the biblical name Yuhanan/John to 16:7 and weread: “But truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the helper (paraclete) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
Gospel of John by itself—1+6+7=14/1+4= 5 (Yuhanan/Paraclete) all together: 1+6+7+1+4= 19 (Purity Maryam: Q. 19:5)
Cross reference with the Quran: 19:5 (Waliy/Protector/Helper) And, truly, I feared for my defenders after me. And my woman had been a barren woman. So bestow on me from that which proceeds from Thy Presence a protector” Prophet Zachariah asking God to send him down a divenly appointed protector. Someone to help Mary and ultimatley the sacred word, Jesus (kalimulah).
1+6+7=14/1+4= 5—Yuhanan (John) meaning God—Gracious. the number 5 is the number of God’s Grace. The significance of the number 5 in scripture is huge as it signifies the grace of God.
Here are a few examples of Gods grace and its connection with the number 5: There are 5 books of God’s Law (Genesis, Exodus, Levitcus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) Commomly refered to as the Pentateuch (Penta means five).
The ‘tabernacle in the wilderness’ profoundly reflects God’s grace in its use of the number 5. This tabernacle, whose design was given directly by God, contained five curtains (Exodus 26:3), fivebars (Exodus 26:26 - 27),five pillars and five sockets (Exodus 26:37) and an altar made of wood that was five cubits long andfive cubits wide (Exodus 27:1). The height of the court within the tabernacle was five cubits (Exodus 27:18)
The Hamsa symbol depicting an eye in a palm of an hand (5). It is said to be a protection from harm. Hamza is a universal protective sign as seen in various faiths.
5 is the number of the human being. The number 5 symbolizes the four limbs and the head that controls the limbs. Arm, Leg, Leg, Arm, Head (A-L-L-A-H-5) Prophet David took 5 smooth stones. It was the 5th stone associated with sacred power that defeated Goliath.
Paraclete is understood as one taking the place of another (Jesus)
The Paraclete is mentioned 5X in the New Testament, and John the Baptist/Yahya is mentioned 5X in the Quran.
5 multiplied within itself is 25 (Grace Upon Grace) Jesus is mentioned 25X in the Quran.
Hanan Continuous grace from Our Presence (Grace Upon Grace) Q.19:13: —Hanan—19+13=32/3+2=5 or 1+9+1+3=14/4+1=5—Yuhanan God—Gracious
Quran—Good News of Yahya (Life—Force) Q. 3:39/19:7—3+3+9+1+9+7=32/3+2= 5—Yuhanan God—Gracious
Yahya in Quran 19:7 is the Paraclete ofJohn 16:7—1+9+7+1+6+7=34/3+4= 7. The 7 stays the same in both books (Q.19:7/J.16:7) for it is the number of God’s authority.
The number 7 is the number of completeness and perfection (both physical and spiritual). It derives much of its meaning from being tied directly to God’s creation of all things. The word ‘created’ is used 7 times describing God’s creative work (Genesis 1:1, 21, 27 three times; 2:3; 2:4) In the Quran God creates the heavens and the earth and all that exists in six days and then he established himself on the throne of authority.
The Black Prophet Chief Yahya-Yuhanan
5 Key Words: Sayyid, Waliy, Hasur, Samiyyan, and Hanan
Chief, Protector, Concealer of Secrets, One of a Kind, God-Gracious
Chief, Protector, Concealer of Secrets, One of a Kind, God-Gracious
The Quran mentions the prophets as having special names and qualities. For example, Prophet Muhammad is called the Seal of the Prophets (Q. 33:40) and a mercy for the worlds (Q. 21:107). Abraham is called Imam (Q. 2:124), the friend of God (Q. 4:125), a model to the world (Q. 16:120), one who is forbearing and repentant (Q. 11:74), a monotheist (Q. 16:123). Isaac is also given the quality of an Imam (Q. 21:73) who has power of vision (Q. 38:45). Aaron is called a minister (Q. 20:29); he is blessed with eloquence (Q. 28:34) and he is sent with signs and manifest authority (Q. 23:45). David is called a vicegerent on the earth (Q. 38:26) who has power and wisdom (Q. 2:251); a man of strength (Q. 38:17). Solomon is a king (Q. 38:35); he is taught the speech of birds and is bestowed with all things (Q. 27:16). Joseph is a ruler (Q. 12:88) and one who interprets dreams and visions (Q. 12:21), a man of truth (Q. 12:46), concealed as a treasure (Q. 12:19). Jacob is also called Imam (Q. 21:73). He is given the power of vision (Q. 38:45). Jesus is called the Messiah (Q. 3:45). He spoke in the cradle (Q. 3:46) and is a sign to humanity and a mercy from God (Q. 19:21).
These are all prophets whose lives are familiar to us. What about the John the Baptist/Yahya? What have we been taught about this prophet who has been overlooked and misrepresented? One reason he has been overlooked is that there are five words used in the Quran to describe Prophet Yahya that have been misinterpreted in translations of the Quran.
The first misinterpreted word in relation to Prophet Yahya is sayyid. Prophet Yahya is referred to as a sayyid, chief in the Quran. The commentators have interpreted this to mean that he was a scholar of religious law, a wise man, a noble wise and pious man, and so forth. This was a prophet of God. Knowledge and wisdom were given to him by his Lord. The title given to Yahya by his Lord shows that Prophet Yahya is one who has spiritual authority over his people and not “noble” or “honorable” as this word is usually translated. Honor and nobility are good qualities, but they fail to indicate that Prophet Yahya was also given a role of leadership by his Lord. Yahya is the only prophetic name designated with this title in the Quran.
Moreover, why has the title of Sayyid not been exclusively reserved for the prophet Yahya as is the title Messiah for Isa/Jesus? If one were to say Messehu Muhammad, Muslims would quickly respond astagfurullah (seeking forgiveness as if one had committed a huge mistake). They would insist that this is an exclusive title for the son of Mary. Would it not be fair to ask why then is the title Sayyid, given by God, not exclusive for the prophet Yahya?
That being said, no one has the right to be called Sayyid in this meaning, not the so-called descendants of Muhammad, and most certainly not the Prophet Muhammad himself. This, in my opinion, would be a great injustice, Quranically speaking. It should also be noted that the word sayyid shares the same root as sud meaning “black.” I see Prophet Yahya as the Black Chief who has inherited the House of Jacob. He inherited a Spiritual Kingdom, not material wealth. He threatened not only the throne of Herod Antipas, but also the Jewish religious establishment. The word also signifies “greater or greatest in estimation, rank, or dignity” (aswadu/black excellence).
The second word that has been misinterpreted is waliy (Q. 19:5) which in this verse and many other places in the Quran means “protector” or “guardian,” rather than “heir” or “successor.” Waliy can also refer to the Levites, as they were Protectors/Guardians of the sacred precincts. In this specific case, Zechariah prayed to his Lord: And, truly, I feared for my defenders after me. And my woman had been a barren woman. So bestow on me from that which proceeds from Thy Presence a protector” In Q. 3:39, Zachariah’s prayer is answered, “God gives thee good tidings of Yahya—one who establishes the Word of God as true—a chief and concealer of secrets and a Prophet among the ones in accord with morality.“
Thus John became the waliy “protector” or “guardian” of Mary and ultimatly the sacred word, Jesus/Isa. It can also imply that John is safeguarding revelation as a whole. It is commonly thought that Zachariah was simply asking for a son; however, this misconception may be corrected by reading further on in the text. After receiving this good news, Zachariah asked, My Lord! How is it I will have a boy while, surely, I reached old age and my woman is a barren woman. He said: Thus, God accomplishes what He wills. Zachariah was asking how this would be possible as he had not even contemplated being blessed with a son in his old age, and that with a barren wife. Compare this with Mary who said, when she was given good news of a son, “How is it I will be with child when no mortal touches me” (Q. 3:47)
Both Zechariah and Mary were asking about the possibility of such a thing. If Zachariah were asking for a son, as has been suggested by scholars of Islam, than why did he ask such a question when God informed him of the impending birth? The truth is that Zachariah was not asking for a son explicitly. He was asking God to send him a divinely appointed protector, from the same place where Mary received her provisions (rizq); hence “bestow on me from that which proceeds from Thy Presence a protector.” (Q. 19:5, 3:38).
The third is the word hasur used in the Quran (3:39) which is usually translated as “chaste.” My research shows that the Arabic word hasur does not mean “chaste” with regard to Yahya; rather, it means a “concealer of secrets.” Why the mistake in translation and commentary? As there was no extensive information given in the Quran about the life of Prophet Yahya nor in the Traditions (Hadith), the commentators turned to Christian tradition and simply repeated what they found there. The commentators of the Quran have placed considerable emphasis on this word.
Al-Tabari interprets the word hasur to mean one who abstains from sexual intercourse with women. He then reports a Tradition on the authority of Said ibn al-Musayyab which has Prophet Muhammad commenting on this: “‘Everyone of the sons of Adam shall come on the Day of Resurrection with a sin (of sexual impropriety) except Yahya bin Zechariah (John the Baptist).’ Then, picking up a tiny straw, he continued, ‘this is because his generative organ was no bigger then this straw’ (implying that he was impotent).” Does this mean that even the prophets other than Yahya will be raised up with this sin of sexual impropriety? How can we accept that this was said by such a modest human being as the Prophet of Islam, comparing a straw to another prophet’s generative organ and perhaps implying that Yahya was impotent?
Another commentator, Ibn Kathir, a renowned Islamic scholar, rejects this view and adds: “This would be a defect and a blemish unworthy of prophets.” He then mentions that it was not that he had no sexual relations with women, but that he had no illegal sexual relations with them. Indeed, the whole discussion is unseemly. It is known that prophets of God are immune from major sins, so this statement makes no sense at all when interpreting the word hasur. In addition, I would like to mention the fact that in his commentary, Ibn Kathir says he (Yahya) probably married and had children. He said this on the basis of what was related in the Quran of the prayer of Zachariah.
There are several reasons why interpreting hasur in this context as “chaste” or “celibate,” as has been done by commentators, is a misinterpretation: First of all, there is another word in the Quran for “chaste” and that is muhsin. As God used a different word, hasur, it must imply something different. Secondly, God says in the Quran that Islam did not bring Monasticism, but that it was something that they (the Christians) invented. (Q. 57:27) Also: And, certainly, We sent Messengers before thee and We assigned for them spouses and offspring. And it had not been for a Messenger to bring a sign but with the permission of God. For every term there is a Book. (Q. 13:38) Would it be fair to ask if Prophet Yahya was a messenger of God?
God would not have sent a Prophet who was celibate. In addition, it is contrary to the famous exhortation in the Torah to “go forth and multiply.” Yahya’s father, Zechariah prayed for a protector who would provide descendants (dhurriyah) for his family: Zachariah called to his Lord, saying: “My Lord! Bestow on me good offspring from Thy Presence. Truly, Thou art hearing the supplication” (Q. 3:38) God gave him Yahya. God would not have sent a son to Zechariah who would not carry on the line of Jacob’s descendants because then God would not have answered the prayer of Zechariah. The word hasur is used once in the Quran and that is in regard to the Prophet Yahya.
A major Arabic-English lexicon, that of Edward William Lane (Taj al-Arus) states that when hasur is used alone, it means “concealer of secrets.” In his translation of Ibn al-Arabi’s Book of the Fabulous Gryphon, Elmore also translates the Arabic hasur as concealer of secrets. In the referenced passage, “chaste” would not have been appropriate.
The fourth word is samiyyan (One of a Kind). Again, another word that we need to pay attention to. It is used twice in the Quran, once in reference to Yahya (Q. 19:7) “O Zechariah! Truly, We give thee the good tidings of a boy. His name will be Yahya and We assigned it not as a namesake for anyone before.” The other time it is used is in reference to God. “The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and what is between them! So worship Him and maintain thou patience in His worship. Hast thou known any namesake for Him? (Q. 19:65/See Q. 61:6The Praised One)
Root letters smw to be high/lofty, raised, name, attribute. Samawat heights/heavens/rain, raining clouds. Ismun mark of identification by which one is recognised. It is a derivation of wsm (pl. asma). Ism stands for a distinguishing mark of a thing, sometimes said to signify its reality. —Concordance of the Sublime Quran
In the famous Arabic lexicon Lisan al-Arab, the root s m w means “elevation or highness.” No other prophetic name in the Quran has been given such praise by His Majesty.
The fifth word is hanan which means mercy or grace, which is part of the compound name Yu’hanan (in English “John”), meaning “God is Gracious.” The word hanan is used only once in the Quran (Q. 19:13) and that is in reference to Yahya: “and Our continuous mercy from that which proceeds from Our Presence and purity and he had been devout”. So he has been graced, so to speak, with continuous blessings.
The name Yuhanan means God’s—Grace. The number 5 symbolizes God’s—Grace.
*Yahya is mentioned five times in the Quran (Yuhanan/John—God Gracious (5).
The names Yahya and Yu’hanan are not the same as many assume. They have two entirely different roots. Hanan and the hannah both derive from the Semitic root h n n. While the word hannah means “mercy, grace, or tenderness,” the root word for Yahya is h y y. It means “life” or “he lives” (Life—Force)
One does not need to be a linguist to see the obvious difference. In addition, I would like also to mention that this name and attribute given to Prophet Yahya can also be found in Sabian (Mandean) literature. The Sabians (Mandeans) are mentioned in the Quran in verses (Q. 2:62), (Q. 5:69) and (Q. 22:17) and in their canonical prayer book we find Yahya Yu’hanna. It has been known that it was the practice of the Sabians to have two names, a real name and a special name. Both names Yahya from the Quran and Yu’hanan (John) from the bible are connected with the number 5.
According to the Sabians (Mandeans), this prophet’s real name was Yahya (he lives) and his lay name was Yuhanna (John). Prophet Yahya is the only one who was given this name, as the Quran clearly states: “O Zechariah! Truly, We give thee the good tidings of a boy. His name will be Yahya and We assigned it not as a namesake for anyone before.”
We are told by an early historian, Josephus, that Chief Yahya/John the Baptist was put to death because of his political importance. The belief that he was is probably related to the New Testament story of his beheading at the behest of Salome, a story the truth of which we reject. Josephus does not mention the manner of his death.
Others have stated that he was beheaded. If it be true that Chief Yahya was put to death by Herod Antipas on the suspicion of planning an insurrection as Josephus indicates, the punishment would not have been beheading. Under Roman law, only Roman citizens were sentenced to beheading. Any non-Roman citizen was sentenced to death by crucifixion for such activity.
This was the case with Jesus, a non-Roman citizen, being accused of treason and sentenced to crucifixion. In addition, we see that when Paul was sentenced to die, he pleaded that he was a Roman citizen so that he would be beheaded and not crucified (Acts 22:27-28).
Certainly, if it is the case that Chief Yahya’s followers were many, spread far and wide, as it has been reported by some, and that Josephus mentions that the Jews were greatly moved by his words, and that Herod Antipas feared that Chief Yahya’s influence over the masses would cause a rebellious uprising leading to a revolt by the Jews against the Romans (Antiquities 18:5.2 116-119), then this would be in accord with the practice of capital punishment of said criminals under Roman law. That is, that non-Roman citizens be crucified.
As far as his being beheaded by Antipas, now believed to be a fiction, we know that records show Herod the Great lost his power to execute anyone. It is also known that he had to bring those whom he wanted to execute to the Roman authorities as he had lost his title of “Caesar’s Friend.”
With that in mind, there is nothing whatsoever showing that this power to execute prisoners was ever restored to his heirs one of whom was Herod Antipas. If Antipas had wanted to execute Chief Yahya/John the Baptist, he most likely would have needed permission from Rome to do so. If this be true, then the punishment would have to have been crucifixion and not beheading as this was reserved for Roman citizens.
Would it be fair to say that the High Priest Caiaphas, who was endorsed by Rome, had a problem with this new Black Chief whom the masses were going to see by the River Jordan? Would it be fair to say that Chief Yahya/John the Baptist threatened not only the throne of Antipas, but also the Jewish religious establishment?
Would it be fair to say that both Antipas and Caiaphas conspired together to do away with Chief Yahya? The Sanhedrin and Antipas could not execute anyone should be kept in mind. Would it be fair to say that Chief/Yahya was arrested and brought before Pilate?
The Prophet Yahya could not have been beheaded as has been stated by Muslim and Christian scholars. In regards to Jesus in the Quran we read: Peace on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day I will be raised up again. (Q. 19:33)
The verse states that Jesus was given safety and security in these three situations. But what about the son of Zechariah? We find the same description for him as we find for Jesus, Peace on him the day he is born, the day he dies, and the day he is raised up again. (Q. 19:15)
How does the supposed beheading of this prophet fit with the above Quranic verse of one given peace by his Lord? We find in the commentary of Ibn Kathir that Yahya was also given safety and security in these three situations, but the book speciously ascribed to Ibn Kathir, Stories of the Prophets, agrees with the Gospel accounts of Chief Yahya’s being beheaded and the serving of his head on a platter.
How do we explain the beheading of this Prophet of God? How, then, is he one who was “safe and secure”? Are we to say that God saved Jesus, but abandoned Yahya? Is this divine justice?
Josephus’ account of the imprisonment and execution of Yahya/John the Baptist would place it in the middle of the fourth decade, say 35 or 36 AD and therefore years after the events of the supposed crucifixion of Jesus, not before.
In the New Testament: An Islamic Perspective, Crook writes, “Josephus’ evidence creates a colossal chronological problem of enormous consequences.”
Subsequently, Pontius Pilate and Caiaphas were both removed in 36 AD. Where does the supposed crucifixion of Jesus fit in here exactly? The two principal characters in the gospels responsible for allegedly crucifying Jesus were no longer in power (Roman governor Pontius Pilate–Ant. XVIII, iv, 2; Caiaphas the High Priest–Ant. XVIII, iv, 3).
Consider the following examples of the way God dealt with his prophets: “And, certainly, Noah cried out to Us. And how excellent were the ones who answer! And We delivered him and his people from tremendous distress. And We made his offspring—they, the ones who remain. And We left for him to say with the later ones: Peace be on Noah among the worlds. (Q. 37:79)
About Prophets Moses and Aaron: “And, certainly, We showed Our grace to Moses and Aaron. And We delivered them and their folk from the tremendous distress and helped them so that they, they had been the ones who are victors. And We gave them the manifest Book and guided them to the straight path. We left for them a good name with the later ones: Peace be on Moses and Aaron! (HQ 37:114-120)
About Prophet Lot: “Truly, he was of Our servants, ones who believe. And, truly, Lot was of the ones who are sent. We delivered him and his people, one and all, but an old woman of the ones who stay behind. Again, We destroyed the others.” (Q. 37:133-136)
About Prophet Jonah: “Then, the great fish engulfed him while he was one who is answerable. If he had not been of the ones who glorify, he would have lingered in expectation in its belly until the Day they are raised up.” (Q. 37:142-144)
All of them, plus Jesus, and Muhammad—as far as we know, all the prophets mentioned by name in the Quran were delivered from their enemies. Yet, the Prophet Yahya, whose name ironically means “He Lives”, is popularly supposed to have been put to death. Clearly, you can see how this story of the beheading creates an inconsistency with a text believed by muslims all over the world to be internally consistent.
It is my belief that Prophet Yahya was possibly put on the cross and not Jesus. However, he did not die on the cross. By God’s giving him the name of Yahya (“he who lives”) in the Quran and the Quranic fact that the Messiah was not crucified, but it appeared to the people as such, the Quran is telling us that that person was Chief Yahya (The Black Prophet).
Quran. 61:6—The Praised One—אגרון section 3
John the Baptist by Artist Toni L. Taylor
אגרון
MANIFESTO 13
Global News Centre Special Report
According to section 3 in the work entitled אגרון Sayyidina Yahya or the Black Chief reclaims his position of rank amongst the prophets in the Quran.
He was, is, and always will be the spiritual head of the prophets. His name means life …what’s bigger than life? Leonardo Da’Vinci’s last and favorite painting was that of John the Baptist, and that’s not because he was eating insects and honey in the woods my friends. -Ace Knight founder of I Love Black Art
-Shaykh Muhammad Nur Abdus Salam
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Quran. 61:6—The Praised One—Yahya Yuhanan aka John the Baptist
And when Jesus, son of Mary, said: “O children of Israel, I am God’s messenger to you, authenticating what is present with me of the Torahand bringing good news of a messenger to come after me whose name will be praised (ismuhu-Ahmad).” But when he showed them the clear proofs, they said: “This is clearly magic.”
The only time we find the arabic ismuhu read the same way with the proper recitation (tajweed) is in Q. 19:7 which reads: “O Zakariya! We give thee good news of a son: His name shall be Yahya (ismuhu-Yahya): on none by that name-sake (samiyyan) have We conferred distinction before.”
The prophecy in Q. 61:6 (ismuhu—ahmad/whose name will be praised) brought us to Quran 19: 7 (ismuhu—Yahya/on none by that name-sake have we confered distinction before), and in 19:7 we find the key word samiyyan. The only other place this arabic word is found in the whole of the Quran in that form is in 19:65 which reads:“The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and what is between them! So worship Him and maintain thou patience in His worship. Hast thou known any name-sake (samiyyan) for Him?
Comparing the two (19:7/19:65) it becomes apparent name-sake (samiyyan) for both God and John the Baptist/Yahya: incomparable, unmatched, unique; One of a Kind It is here his name is honored, raised, and praised at the highest level.
Samiyyan from the root smw: to be high/lofty, raised, name, attribute. Samawat: heights/heavens/rain, raining clouds. Ismun: mark of identification by which one is recognised. It is a derivation of wsm (pl. asma). —Concordance of the Sublime Quran
In the famous Arabic lexicon Lisan al-Arab, the root s m w means “elevation or highness.” No other prophetic name has been honored, raised, and praised to such a degree in the whole of the Quran, save Yahya—Yuhanan (John the Baptist)
Samiyyan Namesake (19th Chapter)
Authorized by God
The Black Prophet: Namesake—19:7
Allah: Namesake—19:65
1+9+7+1+9+6+5=38—3+8= 11
Quran 1:1: First Sign open’s with the Name of God the Source of Life
In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful —Divine Signature
Yahya: He lives, from the root hyy which means life . What is bigger than life?
*ATTN: Ahmad used as a proper name for Muhammad never existed, and it was always used as an adjective. The use of it as a proper name came long after Muhammad had left the earth.
Again: The prophecy in Q. 61:6 (ismuhu—ahmad/whose name will be praised) brought us to Quran 19:7. (1)st thing Yahya—Yuhanan said when he returned to Palestine by the River Jordan was Repent—(9) Chapter 9 of the Quran is named Repentance or The Turning (Tawbah from tabba to return, or turning. Simply turn the number 9 right or left and it becomes a 6—perfect order.
Ahmad—Yahya-Yuhanan—Paraclete
Quran 19:7:17/1+7=8–Quran 19:65=21/1+2=3—John 16:7:14/1+4=5
19:7:17/1+7=8 – 19:65=21/1+2=3 — John 16:7:14/1+4=5
835 Factors: 835 = 5 x 16:7 (Yahya 5X Quran./Paraclete 5xNewTestament.)
Paraclete is understood as taking the place of another (Jesus)
Jesus is mentioned 25X in the Quran. 2+5=7
8+3+5=16/1+6=7
Divine Signature of Authority 7
Now you read 16:7 instead of 19:7. Now place the biblical name Yuhanan/John to 16:7 and we read: “But truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the helper (paraclete) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
Gospel of John by itself—1+6+7=14/1+4= 5 (Yuhanan/Paraclete) all together: 1+6+7+1+4= 19 (Purity Maryam: Q. 19:5)
Cross reference with the Quran: 19:5 (Waliy/Protector/Helper) And, truly, I feared for my defenders after me. And my woman had been a barren woman. So bestow on me from that which proceeds from Thy Presence a protector” Prophet Zachariah asking God to send him down a divenly appointed protector. Someone to help Mary and ultimatley the sacred word, Jesus (kalimulah).
1+6+7=14/1+4= 5—Yuhanan (John) meaning God—Gracious. the number 5 is the number of God’s Grace. The significance of the number 5 in scripture is huge as it signifies the grace of God.
Here are a few examples of Gods grace and its connection with the number 5: There are 5 books of God’s Law (Genesis, Exodus, Levitcus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) Commomly refered to as the Pentateuch (Penta means five).
The ‘tabernacle in the wilderness’ profoundly reflects God’s grace in its use of the number 5. This tabernacle, whose design was given directly by God, contained five curtains (Exodus 26:3), five bars (Exodus 26:26 - 27), five pillars and five sockets (Exodus 26:37) and an altar made of wood that was five cubits long and five cubits wide (Exodus 27:1). The height of the court within the tabernacle was five cubits (Exodus 27:18)
The Hamsa symbol depicting an eye in a palm of an hand (5). It is said to be a protection from harm. Hamza is a universal protective sign as seen in various faiths.
5 is the number of the human being. The number 5 symbolizes the four limbs and the head that controls the limbs. Arm, Leg, Leg, Arm, Head (A-L-L-A-H-5) Prophet David took 5 smooth stones. It was the 5th stone associated with sacred power that defeated Goliath.
Paraclete is understood as one taking the place of another (Jesus)
The Paraclete is mentioned 5X in the New Testament, and John the Baptist/Yahya is mentioned 5X in the Quran.
5 multiplied within itself is 25 (Grace Upon Grace) Jesus is mentioned 25X in the Quran.
Hanan Continuous grace from Our Presence (Grace Upon Grace) Q.19:13: —Hanan—19+13=32/3+2=5 or 1+9+1+3=14/4+1=5—Yuhanan God—Gracious
Quran—Good News of Yahya (Life—Force) Q. 3:39/19:7—3+3+9+1+9+7=32/3+2= 5—Yuhanan God—Gracious
Yahya in Quran 19:7 is the Paraclete of John 16:7—1+9+7+1+6+7=34/3+4= 7. The 7 stays the same in both books (Q.19:7/J.16:7) for it is the number of God’s authority.
The number 7 is the number of completeness and perfection (both physical and spiritual). It derives much of its meaning from being tied directly to God’s creation of all things. The word ‘created’ is used 7 times describing God’s creative work (Genesis 1:1, 21, 27 three times; 2:3; 2:4) In the Quran God creates the heavens and the earth and all that exists in six days and then he established himself on the throne of authority.
The Black Prophet Chief Yahya-Yuhanan
5 Key Words: Sayyid, Waliy, Hasur, Samiyyan, and Hanan
Chief, Protector, Concealer of Secrets, One of a Kind, God-Gracious
News: The Black Prophet: Lives
אגרון
John the Baptist
Yahya—Yuhanan (5)
5 key words were collected
Sayyid, Waliy, Hasur, Samiyyan, and Hanan (5)
Chief, Protector, Concealer of Secrets, One of a Kind, God-Gracious
The Quran mentions the prophets as having special names and qualities. For example, Prophet Muhammad is called the Seal of the Prophets (Q. 33:40) and a mercy for the worlds (Q. 21:107). Abraham is called Imam (Q. 2:124), the friend of God (Q. 4:125), a model to the world (Q. 16:120), one who is forbearing and repentant (Q. 11:74), a monotheist (Q. 16:123). Isaac is also given the quality of an Imam (Q. 21:73) who has power of vision (Q. 38:45). Aaron is called a minister (Q. 20:29); he is blessed with eloquence (Q. 28:34) and he is sent with signs and manifest authority (Q. 23:45). David is called a vicegerent on the earth (Q. 38:26) who has power and wisdom (Q. 2:251); a man of strength (Q. 38:17). Solomon is a king (Q. 38:35); he is taught the speech of birds and is bestowed with all things (Q. 27:16). Joseph is a ruler (Q. 12:88) and one who interprets dreams and visions (Q. 12:21), a man of truth (Q. 12:46), concealed as a treasure (Q. 12:19). Jacob is also called Imam (Q. 21:73). He is given the power of vision (Q. 38:45). Jesus is called the Messiah (Q. 3:45). He spoke in the cradle (Q. 3:46) and is a sign to humanity and a mercy from God (Q. 19:21).
These are all prophets whose lives are familiar to us. What about the John the Baptist/Yahya? What have we been taught about this prophet who has been overlooked and misrepresented? One reason he has been overlooked is that there are five words used in the Quran to describe Prophet Yahya that have been misinterpreted in translations of the Quran.
The first misinterpreted word in relation to Prophet Yahya is sayyid. Prophet Yahya is referred to as a sayyid, chief in the Quran. The commentators have interpreted this to mean that he was a scholar of religious law, a wise man, a noble wise and pious man, and so forth. This was a prophet of God. Knowledge and wisdom were given to him by his Lord. The title given to Yahya by his Lord shows that Prophet Yahya is one who has spiritual authority over his people and not “noble” or “honorable” as this word is usually translated. Honor and nobility are good qualities, but they fail to indicate that Prophet Yahya was also given a role of leadership by his Lord. Yahya is the only prophetic name designated with this title in the Quran.
Moreover, why has the title of Sayyid not been exclusively reserved for the prophet Yahya as is the title Messiah for Isa/Jesus? If one were to say Messehu Muhammad, Muslims would quickly respond astagfurullah (seeking forgiveness as if one had committed a huge mistake). They would insist that this is an exclusive title for the son of Mary. Would it not be fair to ask why then is the title Sayyid, given by God, not exclusive for the prophet Yahya?
That being said, no one has the right to be called Sayyid in this meaning, not the so-called descendants of Muhammad, and most certainly not the Prophet Muhammad himself. This, in my opinion, would be a great injustice, Quranically speaking. It should also be noted that the word sayyid shares the same root as sud meaning “black.” I see Prophet Yahya as the Black Chief who has inherited the House of Jacob. He inherited a Spiritual Kingdom, not material wealth. He threatened not only the throne of Herod Antipas, but also the Jewish religious establishment. The word also signifies “greater or greatest in estimation, rank, or dignity” (aswadu/black excellence).
The second word that has been misinterpreted is waliy (Q. 19:5) which in this verse and many other places in the Quran means “protector” or “guardian,” rather than “heir” or “successor.” Waliy can also refer to the Levites, as they were Protectors/Guardians of the sacred precincts. In this specific case, Zechariah prayed to his Lord: And, truly, I feared for my defenders after me. And my woman had been a barren woman. So bestow on me from that which proceeds from Thy Presence a protector” In Q. 3:39, Zachariah’s prayer is answered, “God gives thee good tidings of Yahya—one who establishes the Word of God as true—a chief and concealer of secrets and a Prophet among the ones in accord with morality.“
Thus John became the waliy “protector” or “guardian” of Mary and ultimatly the sacred word, Jesus/Isa. It can also imply that John is safeguarding revelation as a whole. It is commonly thought that Zachariah was simply asking for a son; however, this misconception may be corrected by reading further on in the text. After receiving this good news, Zachariah asked, My Lord! How is it I will have a boy while, surely, I reached old age and my woman is a barren woman. He said: Thus, God accomplishes what He wills. Zachariah was asking how this would be possible as he had not even contemplated being blessed with a son in his old age, and that with a barren wife. Compare this with Mary who said, when she was given good news of a son, “How is it I will be with child when no mortal touches me” (Q. 3:47)
Both Zechariah and Mary were asking about the possibility of such a thing. If Zachariah were asking for a son, as has been suggested by scholars of Islam, than why did he ask such a question when God informed him of the impending birth? The truth is that Zachariah was not asking for a son explicitly. He was asking God to send him a divinely appointed protector, from the same place where Mary received her provisions (rizq); hence “bestow on me from that which proceeds from Thy Presence a protector.” (Q. 19:5, 3:38).
The third is the word hasur used in the Quran (3:39) which is usually translated as “chaste.” My research shows that the Arabic word hasur does not mean “chaste” with regard to Yahya; rather, it means a “concealer of secrets.” Why the mistake in translation and commentary? As there was no extensive information given in the Quran about the life of Prophet Yahya nor in the Traditions (Hadith), the commentators turned to Christian tradition and simply repeated what they found there. The commentators of the Quran have placed considerable emphasis on this word.
Al-Tabari interprets the word hasur to mean one who abstains from sexual intercourse with women. He then reports a Tradition on the authority of Said ibn al-Musayyab which has Prophet Muhammad commenting on this: “‘Everyone of the sons of Adam shall come on the Day of Resurrection with a sin (of sexual impropriety) except Yahya bin Zechariah (John the Baptist).’ Then, picking up a tiny straw, he continued, ‘this is because his generative organ was no bigger then this straw’ (implying that he was impotent).” Does this mean that even the prophets other than Yahya will be raised up with this sin of sexual impropriety? How can we accept that this was said by such a modest human being as the Prophet of Islam, comparing a straw to another prophet’s generative organ and perhaps implying that Yahya was impotent?
Another commentator, Ibn Kathir, a renowned Islamic scholar, rejects this view and adds: “This would be a defect and a blemish unworthy of prophets.” He then mentions that it was not that he had no sexual relations with women, but that he had no illegal sexual relations with them. Indeed, the whole discussion is unseemly. It is known that prophets of God are immune from major sins, so this statement makes no sense at all when interpreting the word hasur. In addition, I would like to mention the fact that in his commentary, Ibn Kathir says he (Yahya) probably married and had children. He said this on the basis of what was related in the Quran of the prayer of Zachariah.
There are several reasons why interpreting hasur in this context as “chaste” or “celibate,” as has been done by commentators, is a misinterpretation: First of all, there is another word in the Quran for “chaste” and that is muhsin. As God used a different word, hasur, it must imply something different. Secondly, God says in the Quran that Islam did not bring Monasticism, but that it was something that they (the Christians) invented. (Q. 57:27) Also: And, certainly, We sent Messengers before thee and We assigned for them spouses and offspring. And it had not been for a Messenger to bring a sign but with the permission of God. For every term there is a Book. (Q. 13:38) Would it be fair to ask if Prophet Yahya was a messenger of God?
God would not have sent a Prophet who was celibate. In addition, it is contrary to the famous exhortation in the Torah to “go forth and multiply.” Yahya’s father, Zechariah prayed for a protector who would provide descendants (dhurriyah) for his family: Zachariah called to his Lord, saying: “My Lord! Bestow on me good offspring from Thy Presence. Truly, Thou art hearing the supplication” (Q. 3:38) God gave him Yahya. God would not have sent a son to Zechariah who would not carry on the line of Jacob’s descendants because then God would not have answered the prayer of Zechariah. The word hasur is used once in the Quran and that is in regard to the Prophet Yahya.
A major Arabic-English lexicon, that of Edward William Lane (Taj al-Arus) states that when hasur is used alone, it means “concealer of secrets.” In his translation of Ibn al-Arabi’s Book of the Fabulous Gryphon, Elmore also translates the Arabic hasur as concealer of secrets. In the referenced passage, “chaste” would not have been appropriate.
The fourth word is samiyyan (One of a Kind). Again, another word that we need to pay attention to. It is used twice in the Quran, once in reference to Yahya (Q. 19:7) “O Zechariah! Truly, We give thee the good tidings of a boy. His name will be Yahya and We assigned it not as a namesake for anyone before.” The other time it is used is in reference to God. “The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and what is between them! So worship Him and maintain thou patience in His worship. Hast thou known any namesake for Him? (Q. 19:65/See Q. 61:6 The Praised One)
Root letters smw to be high/lofty, raised, name, attribute. Samawat heights/heavens/rain, raining clouds. Ismun mark of identification by which one is recognised. It is a derivation of wsm (pl. asma). Ism stands for a distinguishing mark of a thing, sometimes said to signify its reality. —Concordance of the Sublime Quran
In the famous Arabic lexicon Lisan al-Arab, the root s m w means “elevation or highness.” No other prophetic name in the Quran has been given such praise by His Majesty.
The fifth word is hanan which means mercy or grace, which is part of the compound name Yu’hanan (in English “John”), meaning “God is Gracious.” The word hanan is used only once in the Quran (Q. 19:13) and that is in reference to Yahya: “and Our continuous mercy from that which proceeds from Our Presence and purity and he had been devout”. So he has been graced, so to speak, with continuous blessings.
The name Yuhanan means God’s—Grace. The number 5 symbolizes God’s—Grace.
*Yahya is mentioned five times in the Quran (Yuhanan/John—God Gracious (5).
The names Yahya and Yu’hanan are not the same as many assume. They have two entirely different roots. Hanan and the hannah both derive from the Semitic root h n n. While the word hannah means “mercy, grace, or tenderness,” the root word for Yahya is h y y. It means “life” or “he lives” (Life—Force)
One does not need to be a linguist to see the obvious difference. In addition, I would like also to mention that this name and attribute given to Prophet Yahya can also be found in Sabian (Mandean) literature. The Sabians (Mandeans) are mentioned in the Quran in verses (Q. 2:62), (Q. 5:69) and (Q. 22:17) and in their canonical prayer book we find Yahya Yu’hanna. It has been known that it was the practice of the Sabians to have two names, a real name and a special name. Both names Yahya from the Quran and Yu’hanan (John) from the bible are connected with the number 5.
According to the Sabians (Mandeans), this prophet’s real name was Yahya (he lives) and his lay name was Yuhanna (John). Prophet Yahya is the only one who was given this name, as the Quran clearly states: “O Zechariah! Truly, We give thee the good tidings of a boy. His name will be Yahya and We assigned it not as a namesake for anyone before.”
Translation of The Sublime Quran was used in this section.
WAS JOHN THE BAPTIST BEHEADED?
We are told by an early historian, Josephus, that Chief Yahya/John the Baptist was put to death because of his political importance. The belief that he was is probably related to the New Testament story of his beheading at the behest of Salome, a story the truth of which we reject. Josephus does not mention the manner of his death.
Others have stated that he was beheaded. If it be true that Chief Yahya was put to death by Herod Antipas on the suspicion of planning an insurrection as Josephus indicates, the punishment would not have been beheading. Under Roman law, only Roman citizens were sentenced to beheading. Any non-Roman citizen was sentenced to death by crucifixion for such activity.
This was the case with Jesus, a non-Roman citizen, being accused of treason and sentenced to crucifixion. In addition, we see that when Paul was sentenced to die, he pleaded that he was a Roman citizen so that he would be beheaded and not crucified (Acts 22:27-28).
Certainly, if it is the case that Chief Yahya’s followers were many, spread far and wide, as it has been reported by some, and that Josephus mentions that the Jews were greatly moved by his words, and that Herod Antipas feared that Chief Yahya’s influence over the masses would cause a rebellious uprising leading to a revolt by the Jews against the Romans (Antiquities 18:5.2 116-119), then this would be in accord with the practice of capital punishment of said criminals under Roman law. That is, that non-Roman citizens be crucified.
As far as his being beheaded by Antipas, now believed to be a fiction, we know that records show Herod the Great lost his power to execute anyone. It is also known that he had to bring those whom he wanted to execute to the Roman authorities as he had lost his title of “Caesar’s Friend.”
With that in mind, there is nothing whatsoever showing that this power to execute prisoners was ever restored to his heirs one of whom was Herod Antipas. If Antipas had wanted to execute Chief Yahya/John the Baptist, he most likely would have needed permission from Rome to do so. If this be true, then the punishment would have to have been crucifixion and not beheading as this was reserved for Roman citizens.
Would it be fair to say that the High Priest Caiaphas, who was endorsed by Rome, had a problem with this new Black Chief whom the masses were going to see by the River Jordan? Would it be fair to say that Chief Yahya/John the Baptist threatened not only the throne of Antipas, but also the Jewish religious establishment?
Would it be fair to say that both Antipas and Caiaphas conspired together to do away with Chief Yahya? The Sanhedrin and Antipas could not execute anyone should be kept in mind. Would it be fair to say that Chief/Yahya was arrested and brought before Pilate?
The Prophet Yahya could not have been beheaded as has been stated by Muslim and Christian scholars. In regards to Jesus in the Quran we read: Peace on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day I will be raised up again. (Q. 19:33)
The verse states that Jesus was given safety and security in these three situations. But what about the son of Zechariah? We find the same description for him as we find for Jesus, Peace on him the day he is born, the day he dies, and the day he is raised up again. (Q. 19:15)
How does the supposed beheading of this prophet fit with the above Quranic verse of one given peace by his Lord? We find in the commentary of Ibn Kathir that Yahya was also given safety and security in these three situations, but the book speciously ascribed to Ibn Kathir, Stories of the Prophets, agrees with the Gospel accounts of Chief Yahya’s being beheaded and the serving of his head on a platter.
How do we explain the beheading of this Prophet of God? How, then, is he one who was “safe and secure”? Are we to say that God saved Jesus, but abandoned Yahya? Is this divine justice?
Josephus’ account of the imprisonment and execution of Yahya/John the Baptist would place it in the middle of the fourth decade, say 35 or 36 AD and therefore years after the events of the supposed crucifixion of Jesus, not before.
In the New Testament: An Islamic Perspective, Crook writes, “Josephus’ evidence creates a colossal chronological problem of enormous consequences.”
Subsequently, Pontius Pilate and Caiaphas were both removed in 36 AD. Where does the supposed crucifixion of Jesus fit in here exactly? The two principal characters in the gospels responsible for allegedly crucifying Jesus were no longer in power (Roman governor Pontius Pilate–Ant. XVIII, iv, 2; Caiaphas the High Priest–Ant. XVIII, iv, 3).
Consider the following examples of the way God dealt with his prophets: “And, certainly, Noah cried out to Us. And how excellent were the ones who answer! And We delivered him and his people from tremendous distress. And We made his offspring—they, the ones who remain. And We left for him to say with the later ones: Peace be on Noah among the worlds. (Q. 37:79)
About Prophets Moses and Aaron: “And, certainly, We showed Our grace to Moses and Aaron. And We delivered them and their folk from the tremendous distress and helped them so that they, they had been the ones who are victors. And We gave them the manifest Book and guided them to the straight path. We left for them a good name with the later ones: Peace be on Moses and Aaron! (HQ 37:114-120)
About Prophet Lot: “Truly, he was of Our servants, ones who believe. And, truly, Lot was of the ones who are sent. We delivered him and his people, one and all, but an old woman of the ones who stay behind. Again, We destroyed the others.” (Q. 37:133-136)
About Prophet Jonah: “Then, the great fish engulfed him while he was one who is answerable. If he had not been of the ones who glorify, he would have lingered in expectation in its belly until the Day they are raised up.” (Q. 37:142-144)
All of them, plus Jesus, and Muhammad—as far as we know, all the prophets mentioned by name in the Quran were delivered from their enemies. Yet, the Prophet Yahya, whose name ironically means “He Lives”, is popularly supposed to have been put to death. Clearly, you can see how this story of the beheading creates an inconsistency with a text believed by muslims all over the world to be internally consistent.
It is my belief that Prophet Yahya was possibly put on the cross and not Jesus. However, he did not die on the cross. By God’s giving him the name of Yahya (“he who lives”) in the Quran and the Quranic fact that the Messiah was not crucified, but it appeared to the people as such, the Quran is telling us that that person was Chief Yahya (The Black Prophet).
— Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar Resident Scholar Kazi Publications and first American woman to translate the Qur’an(See The Sublime Quran and The Concordance of The Sublime Quran) Laleh Bakhtiar Discusses Evolution of Islam
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