Prophet Idris (peace be upon him), known in English as Enoch, holds a revered position in Islamic teachings as one of the earliest prophets chosen by Allah to guide humanity. Idris is mentioned in the Quran and is honored for his profound wisdom, deep piety, and steadfast devotion to Allah. While the details of his life are sparse compared to other prophets, the Quran and Islamic tradition emphasize his exemplary character and his close relationship with Allah.
In Islamic tradition, Idris is often associated with knowledge, wisdom, and righteousness, and he is believed to have been a model of piety for his people. This article will explore the life and significance of Prophet Idris in Islam, his mention in the Quran, and the lessons that Muslims can learn from his life.
1. Who Is Prophet Idris?
Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) is considered one of the earliest prophets in Islam. He is mentioned briefly in the Quran but is highly regarded for his wisdom and devotion. According to Islamic belief, Idris was sent by Allah to guide his people toward righteousness and to teach them about the oneness of Allah.
While his life story is not as detailed as other prophets such as Noah or Abraham, Idris is believed to have lived during the early generations of humanity, after Prophet Adam and before Prophet Noah. He is considered the first prophet to be given knowledge of writing and sewing, and he is often associated with the development of certain skills and sciences that benefited early human civilization.
In English, Prophet Idris is often identified with Enoch, a figure mentioned in the Bible. However, Islamic sources focus on his unique role as a prophet who was granted high status by Allah due to his piety and wisdom.
2. Prophet Idris in the Quran
Prophet Idris is mentioned twice in the Quran, highlighting his piety and his elevated status among the prophets. Although the Quran does not provide detailed narratives about his life, these verses emphasize his righteousness and his special place in the eyes of Allah.
Idris as a Prophet and Righteous Man
In Surah Maryam (19:56-57), Allah mentions Idris among the prophets and praises him for his truthfulness and righteousness:
"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)
This verse refers to Idris as a man of truth and a prophet, indicating his integrity and his dedication to the message of Allah. The phrase "We raised him to a high station" is often interpreted as a sign of the special honor and rank that Allah granted to Idris due to his devotion and good deeds. Some Islamic scholars believe that this verse suggests that Idris was physically taken to the heavens during his lifetime, similar to the way Prophet Isa (Jesus) was raised by Allah.
Idris Among the Patient Prophets
In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85-86), Idris is mentioned alongside other prophets, such as Ishmael and Dhul-Kifl, as a symbol of patience and perseverance:
"And [mention] Ishmael and Idris and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient. And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous."
(Quran 21:85-86)
This verse highlights Idris’s patience and righteousness, two virtues that are central to the prophetic mission. By emphasizing his patience, the Quran reminds believers that the path of a prophet is often filled with challenges and that it requires steadfastness in the face of adversity.
3. The Virtues and Achievements of Prophet Idris
Although the Quran provides limited details about the life of Prophet Idris, Islamic tradition and interpretations of his story provide further insight into his character, virtues, and contributions to humanity. Idris is remembered for several key attributes:
1. A Man of Truth
Idris is described in the Quran as a man of truth (Siddiq), highlighting his honesty and integrity. Truthfulness is one of the most valued traits in Islam, and Idris’s commitment to the truth made him a model for his people. Muslims believe that being truthful in speech and action is a sign of a strong faith in Allah and a reflection of a righteous heart.
2. The First to Write with a Pen
Islamic tradition holds that Prophet Idris was the first person to write with a pen, making him a key figure in the development of written language and literacy. Writing is considered a divine gift that allowed humanity to record knowledge, pass down teachings, and preserve the message of Allah.
The introduction of writing is seen as a major advancement for early human civilization, as it enabled the preservation of wisdom, law, and spiritual guidance for future generations. In this way, Prophet Idris is credited with playing a significant role in the intellectual and cultural development of humanity.
3. Skilled in Knowledge and Science
In addition to his role as a prophet, Idris is believed to have been skilled in various forms of knowledge and science. He is sometimes associated with advancements in astronomy, mathematics, and tailoring, among other skills. This connection between Idris and scientific knowledge is reflective of the broader Islamic emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge as a means to better understand the world and fulfill one’s responsibilities as a servant of Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) famously said:
"Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim."
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
By attributing knowledge and skill to Prophet Idris, Islamic tradition underscores the importance of intellectual pursuits in the service of Allah and the betterment of society.
4. Patience and Perseverance
As highlighted in the Quran, Prophet Idris is remembered for his patience and perseverance. These qualities are essential for all prophets, as they faced tremendous challenges in delivering the message of Allah to their people. Idris’s patience is an important lesson for Muslims, reminding them to remain steadfast in the face of difficulties and to trust in Allah’s wisdom and plan.
4. The Ascension of Prophet Idris
One of the most significant aspects of Prophet Idris’s story is his ascension to the heavens. Islamic tradition holds that due to his righteousness and closeness to Allah, Idris was taken up to the heavens without experiencing death on Earth. This event is sometimes compared to the ascension of Prophet Isa (Jesus), who was also raised to the heavens by Allah.
The Quran’s mention of Idris being raised to a high station is often interpreted as a reference to this ascension. Some Islamic scholars believe that Idris continues to reside in the heavens, where he awaits the Day of Judgment, while others suggest that his ascension symbolizes his elevated spiritual status and proximity to Allah.
This story of ascension serves as a reminder of the rewards that await the righteous in the afterlife. It also emphasizes the special status that Allah grants to those who dedicate their lives to truth, justice, and piety.
5. The Lessons from the Life of Prophet Idris
The life of Prophet Idris, though briefly mentioned in the Quran, offers several important lessons for Muslims today. His dedication to truth, pursuit of knowledge, patience, and close relationship with Allah serve as powerful examples of how to live a righteous life.
1. The Importance of Truthfulness
Idris’s title as a man of truth highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. Muslims are encouraged to be truthful in their speech and actions, as truthfulness is a sign of faith and leads to success in this life and the Hereafter. The example of Idris reminds believers that living a life of truth brings honor and rewards from Allah.
2. The Pursuit of Knowledge
The association of Prophet Idris with writing and scientific knowledge underscores the Islamic value placed on the pursuit of learning. Islam encourages its followers to seek knowledge in all fields, as long as it benefits humanity and brings them closer to understanding Allah’s creation. Idris’s role as a pioneer of literacy and knowledge serves as an inspiration for Muslims to continually strive for intellectual and spiritual growth.
3. Patience in Adversity
Idris’s patience in the face of challenges is a reminder that life often involves difficulties, but perseverance and trust in Allah’s plan are key to overcoming these challenges. Muslims are taught to remain steadfast in their faith, even when faced with hardship, and to rely on Allah’s wisdom and guidance.
4. The Reward of Righteousness
The story of Idris’s ascension to the heavens illustrates the rewards that await those who live righteous lives and remain faithful to Allah. This story serves as a reminder that the ultimate reward for patience, devotion, and righteousness is not always immediate, but it is certain in the Hereafter.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Prophet Idris in Islam
Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) is remembered in Islam as a prophet of truth, knowledge, and patience. Though his story is mentioned briefly in the Quran, the lessons drawn from his life are significant. His dedication to truth and righteousness, his role in advancing knowledge, and his ascension to the heavens all highlight the rewards that come from living a life devoted to Allah.
Muslims today can take inspiration from the life of Idris by
upholding truth, seeking knowledge, practicing patience, and striving for righteousness in all aspects of life. The legacy of Prophet Idris serves as a timeless reminder of the values that define a life of faith and devotion in Islam.