Prophet Idris (AS)

Prophet Idris ( Enoch) is the third Prophet in Islam. He is mentioned twice in the Quran as a man of truth, a prophet, and one who was "raised to a high station". He was the first prophet to wage a holy war (jihad) against the transgressors. Hazrat Idrees (AS) is considered the great-grandfather of Noah and was sent between the era of Hazrat Adam and Nuh (AS).

What Does Idris Mean

The word Idrees is derived from the Arabic root Dars, which means "to study" or "to instruct." Hazrat Idris (AS) was not named this by accident. From a young age, Idrees was consumed by a love for the wisdom passed down from Hazrat Adam and Seth (AS). 

He did not merely memorize the revelation, but he studied it, analyzed it, and taught it. He was the first scholar-prophet, a man who realized that to know the Creator, one must understand His creation.

Prophet Idris Family Tree

Hazrat Idris (AS) is considered the third prophet in Islam. His family lineage places him as the great-grandfather of Prophet Nuh (Noah). His immediate family members are identified as:

• Father: Yarid (or Jared/Yared/Mahla'il)
• Mother: Barkanah (or Baraka bint Rashujal)
• Wife: Aadanah (or Edna bint Daniel)
• Son: Methuselah, who was the grandfather of Nuh (Noah) 

Birth and Early Life of Prophet Idris (Enoch)

Prophet Idris (Enoch) was born and raised in Babylon, present-day Iraq. He was raised in a righteous family that worshipped Allah alone, and from his youth, he displayed exceptional intelligence and devotion.

According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Idrees was born several generations after Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). Some traditions mention that he was born while Adam (AS) was still alive or shortly after his death.

Prophet Idris in the Quran

Hazrta Idris (AS) is mentioned in two places in the Quran, in Surah Al-Anbia and Surah Maryam. In Surah Al-Anbia, Allah states that;

وَإِسْمَـٰعِيلَ وَإِدْرِيسَ وَذَا ٱلْكِفْلِ ۖ كُلٌّۭ مِّنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ

And (remember) Ishmael, Idrees, and Zul-Kifl. They were all steadfast. (Al-anbya;85-86)

Here, Allah groups him with Ismail and Dhul-Kifl, specifically highlighting the quality of Sabr (Patience).

Also in Surah Maryam, Allah states;

وَٱذْكُرْ فِى ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ إِدْرِيسَ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ صِدِّيقًۭا نَّبِيًّۭا

“And mention in the Book (O Prophet, the story of) Idrees. He was surely a man of truth and a prophet.” (Surah Maryam:56–57)

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The Prophethood and Mission of Hazrat Idris (AS) 

For centuries, the children of Adam (AS) lived in obedience. However, a divide eventually formed. The righteous descendants of Hazrat Sheeth lived in the mountains, worshiping Allah, while the descendants of Qabil (Cain) lived in the valleys below.

Over time, the people of the valley became corrupted. Influenced by Iblis (Satan), they introduced music that distracted from worship, committed adultery, and eventually began to display violence and tyranny.

The Call to Prophethood

Prophet Idrees (AS) received divine revelation and was commanded to call people back to the pure worship of Allah. Allah chose him for prophethood during a period when humanity needed guidance. 

People had begun to deviate from the path of their father Adam (AS), introducing innovations in worship and engaging in practices that displeased their Creator.

The message of Idrees (AS) was straightforward and profound. He preached to people to worship Allah alone without partners, maintain justice and honesty in dealings, and prepare for the Hereafter through righteous deeds. 

He emphasized the importance of knowledge, contemplation of Allah's creation, and living a life of piety and devotion.

The Jihad of Prophet Idrees (AS)

In the history of Islam, the very first instance of an organized military struggle for the sake of Allah is attributed to Prophet Idrees (AS). He led an army against the corrupt and idolatrous followers of Qabil (Cain) after sin and transgression became widespread. 

He became the first person to organize and lead a military campaign (Jihad) strictly for the defense of the divine law and the preservation of Tawheed.

The Mobilization

Prophet Idrees realized that isolation was no longer a sufficient protection. The corruption was aggressive; therefore, the defense had to be active. 

The Organization of the Army

Hazrat Idrees (AS) did not lead a chaotic mob. As a man of science and order, he applied his intellect to warfare.

• Structure: He organized his followers into battalions and companies.
• Weaponry: Tradition states he improved the weapons available at the time, moving beyond simple stones and clubs to more effective tools for defense.
• Strategy: He taught them discipline. They were not fighting for spoils or anger, but they were fighting to establish Haqq (Truth).

The Result

Prophet Idrees was victorious. He defeated the corrupt forces, and for the first time in history, captives were taken. By defeating the aggressors, he re-established the boundaries between truth and falsehood.

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The Divine Ascension of Prophet Idris (AS)

The end of Prophet Idrees’s time on earth is unique among the Prophets and messengers in Islam. The Quran states that he was raised to a high station. Various interpretations exist among scholars about this status. 

Physical Ascension

Some classical scholars narrate that Prophet Idrees (AS) was physically raised to the heavens while still alive.  

A famous narration found in the stories of the Prophets describes a conversation between Idrees (AS) and an angel. Idris (AS), wishing to increase his good deeds, asked the angel if he could speak to the Angel of Death to delay his time. The angel agreed to carry Idrees on his wings to the heavens to intercede for him.

As they ascended, they passed the first, second, and third heavens. When they reached the Fourth Heaven, they encountered the Angel of Death descending. The angel carrying Hazrat Idrees said, 

“I have a request from Idrees regarding his life span. ‘The Angel of Death looked astonished and said, “Glory be to Allah! I was commanded to take the soul of Idrees in the Fourth Heaven, and I wondered how I could do that when he was on earth. But here he is.”

Thus, his soul was taken to the heavens, a unique honor signifying that he belonged more to the celestial realm than the terrestrial one.

Elevated Status

Other scholars interpret the verse metaphorically, understanding "high station" to mean an elevated rank and honor with Allah, both in this life and the Hereafter. This interpretation emphasizes his spiritual elevation through his devotion and righteousness.

Paradise During Life

Some traditions suggest that Prophet Idrees entered Paradise while still alive, making him one of the rare individuals granted this extraordinary privilege.

The Meeting with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

One of the most remarkable aspects of Prophet Idrees's story is his meeting with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during the Night of Miraj. According to the most authentic narrations, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) met Prophet Idrees in the fourth heaven.

Hazrat Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated from the Prophet (SAW) regarding the sacred Night Journey of the Miraj:

“Then he (Jibril) ascended with me to the fourth heaven... Then I met Idrees, and he said, 'Welcome, O righteous Prophet and righteous brother.' I asked (Jibril), 'Who is this?' He replied, 'This is Idrees.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 3207)

The Inventions and Innovations of Hazrat Idrees (AS)

Before Prophet Idrees, humanity lived a life of subsistence. They were believers, but their interaction with the material world was simple. Prophet Idrees was chosen by Allah not only to guide spirits but to elevate minds. Islamic tradition attributes several groundbreaking "firsts" to him, marking the first true renaissance in human history.

The First Pen

The most enduring legacy of Prophet Idris is the gift of literacy. He was the first to write with a pen. Before this, knowledge was oral, fragile, and easily lost. Idrees (AS) introduced the concept of writing and recording wisdom to ensure that the revelation and sciences could be preserved for posterity. 

He understood that the pen was a tool of the Divine, a concept later immortalized in the very first revelation of the Quran ("Who taught by the pen" - Surah Al-Alaq).

The First Tailor

Before Idrees (AS), humans covered themselves with simple animal skins or rough foliage. Hazrat Idrees (AS) was the first to harvest flax, weave threads, and sew tailored garments. It was an elevation of human dignity. 

It is narrated that he was a tailor by trade, and every time he inserted his needle into the fabric, he would say "SubhanAllah" (Glory be to Allah). He never finished a garment without his breath being moist with the remembrance of his Lord. This teaches us that even our worldly jobs can become worship if the intention and heart are connected to Allah.

The Astronomer 

Prophet Idrees was also gifted with the knowledge of the stars. He was the first to study astronomy, understanding the movement of celestial bodies to calculate time, seasons, and years.

The Urban Planner

Hazrat Idris (AS) was the first to establish organized cities. History records that over 180 cities were founded during his time, moving humanity from scattered settlements to organized and cooperative societies.

Weights and Measures

He is credited with introducing standardized systems of measurement, which facilitated fair trade and commerce. This innovation promoted justice in economic transactions and helped prevent exploitation. 

Lessons and Legacy of Prophet Idris AS’s Life 

The lives of prophets are role models for everyone. The story of Prophet Idrees carries profound lessons for believers:

The Value of Knowledge

 His contributions to writing, astronomy, and other sciences demonstrate that seeking beneficial knowledge is a noble pursuit in Islam. Knowledge serves both worldly and religious purposes.

Continuous Devotion

His unwavering commitment to worship teaches us the importance of consistency in our relationship with Allah. Quality and quantity in worship, when possible, bring one closer to the Creator.

Service to Humanity

Prophet Idrees combined spiritual devotion with practical service to humanity through his innovations and teachings. True piety includes benefiting others.

Patience in Calling to Truth

Listed among the patient ones in Surah Al-Anbiya, Prophet Idrees exemplified patience in delivering his message despite facing rejection and resistance.

Truthfulness

The Quran specifically describes him as "a man of truth" (siddiq), emphasizing that honesty and integrity are fundamental qualities of prophets and should be for all believers.

Prophet Idris Grave

According to Islamic scholars and traditions, the grave of Prophet Idris (AS) is not on earth. was taken bodily into heaven and did not experience death on Earth, which means there is no grave for him on Earth. 

Conclusion 

The story of Prophet Idrees (peace be upon him) stands as one of the most fascinating yet briefly mentioned accounts in Islamic tradition. Known as Enoch in the Judeo-Christian tradition, Prophet Idris holds a special place in the hearts of believers as a man of extraordinary devotion, wisdom, and divine favor. While the Quranic references to him are brief, the Islamic scholarly tradition has preserved a rich narrative of his life and contributions to humanity.