Zakariya was a priest and in charge of the temple of Jerusalem. In concealment, Zakariya was displaying his weakness to God. He was filled with anxiety as to who would uphold the higher duty, in the service of the Lord, to retain the purity of the faith among his people. Perhaps there were not many worthy people among the Israelites and other contemporaneous at that time to inherit such a role, that is to guide and judge the people in the light of the divine teaching.

"And give me a Minister from my family, Aaron, my brother; add to my strength through him, and make him share my task."
[Qur'an 20:29-32]

Both occasions were characterized by the search for a suitable person.

The prayer of Zakariya, likewise Moses' prayer in the beginning of the Israeli era, was not for worldly things or selfishness, but inspired by spiritual motives in obedience of the Lord.