Who Was Prophet Idris (Peace Be Upon Him)?
Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) is one of Allah’s noble prophets. He is mentioned in the Quran as a truthful man and a prophet. Allah Almighty says:
"And mention in the Book Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet. And We raised him to a high station."
(Quran 19:56–57)
Some historical narrations state that Idris (peace be upon him) was the third prophet after Adam and Seth (Shith), and that he was among the earliest messengers to call people to the worship of Allah alone.
The Lineage of Prophet Idris and the Reason for His Name
The Lineage of Prophet Idris
According to historical and exegetical sources, his lineage is:
Idris ibn Yarid ibn Mahlail ibn Qinan ibn Anush ibn Seth (Shith) ibn Adam (peace be upon them all).
In some ancient traditions, Prophet Idris is identified as Enoch, the name found in certain Judeo-Christian scriptures.
It is also reported that he was born either in Babylon (Iraq) or Egypt, although no definitive evidence confirms his exact birthplace.
The Virtues and Status of Prophet Idris
The Prophet of Truth, Knowledge, and Wisdom
Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) was distinguished by wisdom, knowledge, and deep devotion to Allah. The Quran praises him and places him among the honored prophets.
He called his people to believe in Allah, abandon corruption, and remain committed to righteousness and good deeds.
The Achievements of Prophet Idris
The First to Write with the Pen
Some narrations describe Prophet Idris as the first person to write with the pen, making him closely associated with knowledge, learning, and the transmission of wisdom.
Other reports mention that he excelled in mathematics and geometry. However, these details come from historical reports and are not all established through authentic Islamic texts.
The First to Sew and Wear Stitched Clothing
It is also narrated that Prophet Idris was the first to sew clothes, while people before him commonly wore animal skins. This is considered one of the early developments in human civilization.
The Scriptures Revealed to Him
Some narrations state that Allah revealed thirty scriptures (suhuf) to Prophet Idris, through which he guided his people in matters of faith and worship. However, the details of these scriptures are not all confirmed by authentic evidence.
The Mission of Prophet Idris and His Stand Against Corruption
Calling to Monotheism and Fighting Injustice
Prophet Idris called his people to worship Allah alone and warned them against sin and following the path of Satan.
Some historical reports also mention that he confronted corruption and oppression and was among the earliest people to strive in the cause of Allah. However, these reports require careful verification and are not all authentically established.
The Story of Prophet Idris Being Raised to Heaven
The Meaning of "And We Raised Him to a High Station"
Allah says in the Quran:
"And We raised him to a high station."
Authentic hadiths confirm that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) met Prophet Idris in the fourth heaven during the Night Journey and Ascension (Isra' and Mi'raj).
As for the detailed stories describing how he was raised or his meeting with the Angel of Death, these accounts appear in some historical and exegetical works but are not all established with certainty.
Lessons from the Story of Prophet Idris
Knowledge and Obedience Lead to Honor
The story of Prophet Idris offers many valuable lessons, including:
- The importance of seeking knowledge and pursuing learning.
- Balancing worship with beneficial work.
- Remaining patient while calling others to goodness.
- Allah elevates those who have faith and remain obedient to Him.
For this reason, Prophet Idris continues to be remembered as a symbol of truthfulness, wisdom, and dedication to spreading goodness.
Prophet Idris in the Quran
Prophet Idris is mentioned in more than one place in the Quran, including:
"And mention in the Book Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet."
(Quran 19:56)
Allah also says:
"And Ishmael, Idris, and Dhul-Kifl—all were among the patient."
(Quran 21:85)
Who was Prophet Idris (peace be upon him)?
Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) was one of Allah's prophets, descended from Seth (Shith), the son of Adam. The Quran describes him as a truthful man and a prophet.
Was Prophet Idris the first person to write with the pen?
Some historical narrations state that he was the first to write with the pen, and he is widely associated with this achievement in Islamic historical literature.
Where was Prophet Idris born?
Historical narrations differ regarding his birthplace. Some say he was born in Babylon (Iraq), while others say he was born in Egypt.
To which heaven was Prophet Idris raised?
Authentic hadiths state that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) met Prophet Idris in the fourth heaven during the Night Journey and Ascension (Isra' and Mi'raj).
What were the most notable qualities of Prophet Idris?
He was known for his truthfulness, knowledge, wisdom, devotion, and his unwavering call to the worship of Allah alone.
