Prophet Idris ( عليه السلام ): A Beacon of Wisdom and Knowledge

 

Prophet Idris ( عليه السلام ), a revered figure in Islam, holds a unique place in Islamic history. Though the Quran offers glimpses into his life, his legacy continues to inspire Muslims through traditions and interpretations. This blog delves into the story of Prophet Idris ( عليه السلام ), drawing upon the Quran and narrations from Sahih Muslim.

The Quranic Mention

The Quran mentions Prophet Idris ( عليه السلام ) twice, highlighting his piety and status:

• Surah Maryam (19:56-57): “And mention in the Book (the Quran) Idris. Verily! He was a man of truth (and) a prophet. And We raised him to a high station.”
• Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85): “And remember Ishmael, Elisha (Alyasa), Dhul-Kifl, and Idris – all were of the patient ones.”

These verses portray Prophet Idris ( عليه السلام ) as a truthful prophet, blessed with wisdom and piety. The Quran doesn’t elaborate on his life story, leaving details to be filled by Islamic traditions.

Narrations from Sahih Muslim

Sahih Muslim, a collection of authentic hadiths, provides some insights:

• A Prophet of Knowledge: One narration describes him as knowledgeable in various fields like astronomy, sewing, and writing. ([Sahih Muslim 4802]) This knowledge is seen as a gift from Allah (ﷻ) and a testament to his high station.
• A Steadfast Leader: Another narration mentions him as a ruler who guided his people towards worshipping Allah (ﷻ) and living a righteous life. ([Sahih Muslim 5922]) His leadership exemplifies the qualities of a just and pious ruler.

Interpretations and Legacy

Islamic scholars have interpreted these details, attributing various accomplishments to Prophet Idris ( عليه السلام ):

• The Father of Sciences: Some scholars consider him the founder of various disciplines due to his vast knowledge. This association emphasizes the importance of knowledge and learning in Islam.
• Taken Alive by Allah (ﷻ): A popular belief suggests that Prophet Idris ( عليه السلام ) was not subjected to death but was raised alive to a higher station. This belief reflects the concept of Allah’s (ﷻ) power and the potential reward for the righteous.

Prophet Idris ( عليه السلام ) as a Role Model

Despite the limited information, Prophet Idris ( عليه السلام ) serves as a role model for Muslims:

• Importance of Knowledge: His association with knowledge reminds Muslims to continuously seek knowledge and understanding.
• Upholding Truth and Piety: His life exemplifies the importance of living a truthful and pious life, even when faced with challenges.
• Strong Leadership: His leadership qualities inspire Muslims to strive for justice and righteousness in their own lives.

Conclusion

Prophet Idris ( عليه السلام ), though mentioned briefly in the Quran, holds a significant position in Islamic tradition. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of knowledge, piety, and righteous leadership. While details may be debated, his legacy continues to inspire Muslims towards a life dedicated to Allah (ﷻ).

Please note:

• Throughout the text, “( عليه السلام )” is an Arabic phrase meaning “peace be upon him” and is a way to show respect for prophets in Islam.
• Citations within square brackets refer to specific Hadith numbers from Sahih Muslim.