Overall meaning : Allah Almighty granted Zechariah the son the good news of whose birth He had already given him. Then, showing what He commanded Yahya (John) to do and mentioning the excellent qualities he had bestowed upon him, He says: ‘Yahya,’ Allah called out to him from on high when he grew up, ‘hold fast to the Torah by memorising its verses, understanding it, dutifully following its teachings and preaching it to others.’ We gave Him knowledge of the Book and the ability to render judgements according to it while he was still a child, as well as, by Our grace, compassion and purity; and he was ever obedient to Our commandments. He was kind to his parents and was neither haughty nor disobedient to His Lord or his parents. Peace be on him on the day he was born, on the day of his death and on the day he is raised to life on Resurrection Day.