5 Things Muslims Should Know About Prophet Idris (AS)

Prophet Idris, also known as Enoch in the Bible, is a very important figure in Islam. He is among the 25 Prophets mentioned in the Quran. He was from the 5th generation of Prophet Adam (AS) and the forefather of Prophet Nuh (AS). 

Prophet Idris is mentioned only two times in the Quran, and there are no detailed accounts of his life, including his upbringing. Despite his lesser-known status, he holds a remarkable place in Islamic history and tradition. Here are five things that many Muslims may not know about Prophet Idris.

5 Things Muslims Must Know About Prophet Idris

Here are five things which we as Muslims should know about Prophet Idris (AS):

1. He Was From the Fifth Generation of the Prophet Adam (AS)

Many interpretations and traditions state that Prophet Idris (AS) was born in Babylon, five generations after Prophet Adam (AS). He followed the religion of his ancestors, Prophet Adam (AS) and Prophet Sheeth (AS), who believed in Tawhid (Oneness of Allah). For the detailed story about Prophet Adam and the lessons we can learn from it, please checkout our blog on Islamic Story and Lessons from Adam (AS). 

Prophet Sheeth (AS) was the third son of Adam (AS). After his death, Allah (SWT) appointed Prophet Idris (AS) as the next messenger. By the time of his appointment, many people had already strayed from the righteous path, becoming deeply immersed in idol worship and sinful practices. 

Even his own community began to follow these misguided ways. Despite Prophet Idris's tireless efforts to guide them back to Allah (SWT), only a small number of people heeded his call. Ultimately, he left Babylon and journeyed to Egypt with the few who had returned to the path of righteousness.

2. He Was the First Person to Declare Jihad 

Prophet Idris (AS) was the first Prophet and Messenger to call for Jihad (striving in the way of Allah (SWT)). After the death of Prophet Sheeth (AS), a direct son of Prophet Adam (AS), the people began to stray from the path of righteousness. They started idol worshipping, which led to corruption and sinful practices becoming widespread. 

When Idris (AS) was appointed Prophet, he couldn’t stand all this, so at Allah's (SWT) command, he declared war against corruption and idol worshipping. Idris (AS) gathered an army of men and battled in the name of Allah (SWT) against the transgressors of the people of Cain and emerged victorious.

3. He Was the First to Write with a Pen

According to the historian Ibn Ishaaq, one of Prophet Idris's (AS) many unique attributes is that he was one of the first men to learn to write with a pen. He is also credited with a number of inventions, including his knowledge of astrology and mathematics. It was he who invented writing skills and introduced the basic format for writing.

Using this knowledge, he guided his people toward a righteous way of life, and his wisdom earned him great respect from his people. Even though the number of his followers was small, he continued to preach to them. 

As mentioned in the Quran:

“Indeed, he (Idris) was a man of truth and a prophet."

(Surah Maryam 19:56)

4. He Was Raised to the Heaven 

Idris (AS) was raised to heaven by Allah (SWT) during the last moment of his life. The story of being raised in heaven is very interesting. One day Prophet Idris (AS) was told by Allah (SWT) that he would receive the reward for all the good deeds done by people until his last breath. He was so happy to hear this, but he was near old age and could die soon. 

However, after hearing about Allah (SWT) he did not want to die soon he asked an Angel if he could speak with the Angel of Death to request more and to increase his deeds. The angel carried him on his back and flew him to the heavens. When they reached the fourth heaven, they met the Angel of Death who was coming down to the Earth. 

The angel who was carrying Idris spoke to the Angel of Death about Idris's wish. The angel of death asked, 

“Where is Idris?” 

He replied, 

"He's on my back." 

Angel of Death said, “How incredible!” Allah sent me to capture his soul in the fourth heaven. In my mind, I kept wondering how I could seize it while he was on Earth.”

Then the angel of death took Idris's soul in the fourth heaven and this exactly what is mentioned in the Quran as well:

“And We raised him (Idris) to a high station."

(Surah Maryam 19:57)

During the night journey of Isra and Miraj, the Prophet (PBUH) passed Prophet Idris (AS) on the fourth heaven. He narrated this event in the following Hadith:

"When I was brought up, I saw Idris in the Fourth Heaven"

(Al-Tirmidhi 3157)

5. He Was a Man of Patience and Righteousness

In the Quran, Allah (SWT) mentions Prophet Idris (AS) along with Prophet Ismail (AS) and Dhul-Kifl, highlighting their patience and righteousness:

"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.""

(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:85-86)

This verse emphasises that patience was a key characteristic of Prophet Idris. He stayed committed to his mission, guided people toward goodness, and endured challenges without losing faith in Allah. His patience and righteousness earned him a special place in Allah's mercy, making him a role model of perseverance and faith for Muslims.

If you want to share the story of Prophet Idris (AS) and other Islamic prophets with your children in a simple and fun way, check out Riwaya Islamic Children's Book Section. We have a great selection of Prophet storybooks that make learning easy and enjoyable. You'll also find Islamic books on various religious topics that can help your children understand these important teachings in a helpful manner. 

Conclusion 

Prophet Idris (AS) is an important figure in Islamic history. He is well-known for using a pen to write and spreading knowledge among his people. He was chosen as a Prophet during a time when idol worship and corruption were rampant, and he guided the people to the righteous path as best he could. 

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