It is reported that Zakariyya (PBH) found with Maryam (PBH) winter fruits in summer and summer fruits in winter. This probably prompted him to pray for offspring in old age which is not the season for producing children. His prayer was accepted and the news of a son Yahya (PBH) was given to him. At this announcement, being a human being, he pointed out two impossibilities:

1. His extreme old age and

2. the barrenness of his wife. In reply to this he was informed that he and his wife would have a son in these existing conditions because Allah (SWT) does whatever He wills – He is not bound by His own rules which He can break whenever He wills to perform miracles. The sign of Zakariyya (PBH) and his wife having made fit to have son would be that he would not be able to talk for three days.