There only, Zakariyya supplicated to his Lord, saying, “My Lord, grant me from Yourself a pure offspring. Indeed, You are All Hearing of supplication.” Then the angels called him while he was standing in prayer in the chamber, “Indeed, Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya, confirming a Word from Allah and [who will have] excellent character, chaste, and a prophet from among the righteous.” He said, “My Lord, how can I have a boy when I have reached old age and my wife is barren?” He [the angel] said, “Such is Allah; He does what He wills.” He said, “My Lord, make for me a sign.” He said, “Your sign is that you will not [be able to] speak to the people for three days except by gesture. And remember your Lord much and glorify [Him] in the evening and the morning.”