Al-Yasa (Elisha), the successor of the Prophet Ilyas

Al-Yasa (Elisha)

Mention in the Quran

"And mention Ismail, Al-Yasa and Dhul-Kifl; each of them is among the best."
— Quran, Surah Sad, verse 48

His Excellence

"And Ismail, Al-Yasa, Yunus and Lut. Each of them We favoured above the worlds."
— Quran, Surah Al-An'am, verse 86

His Mission

"Al-Yasa was sent as a prophet to the Children of Israel after Ilyas. He carried on his predecessor's mission, calling people to the worship of Allah alone and to the abandonment of idolatry."
— According to the commentaries of the scholars

His Link with Ilyas

"Al-Yasa was the successor of the prophet Ilyas (Elijah) and continued his mission of guidance and reform among his people. He was chosen by Allah for that noble task."
— According to the Islamic traditions

His Qualities

"He was among the best (al-akhyar), which points to his noble qualities, his piety and his excellent character. Allah raised him in rank among His chosen prophets."
— Based on verse 48 of Surah Sad

His Legacy

"His being named in the Quran alongside other noble prophets bears witness to his standing and to the worth of his message in the history of prophethood."
— Drawn together from the Quranic teachings

Important Note

This collection brings together a selection of authentic texts about the Prophet Al-Yasa (peace be upon him). The English translations are given as a guide.

  • Refer to the original Arabic texts
  • Consult the commentaries of the scholars
  • Study the historical context of each account
  • Check the authentic sources




Discover the story of Al-Yasa and the prophets of Islam

Al-Yasa is among the prophets of Islam named in the Quran. He is known in the Jewish and Christian traditions as Elisha, the disciple and successor of Elijah.

The Prophet Al-Yasa took up the mission of Ilyas among the Children of Israel. Allah tested him with the same hard trials: a people who had turned to idols, chiefs hostile to his message, and long years of preaching with little result. Through it all he never stopped calling them back to their Creator.

His steadfastness became an example for every believer. When those around him urged him to give up, Al-Yasa held firm. He kept repeating that everything comes from Allah and that guidance belongs to Allah alone.

The Quran names Al-Yasa among those whom Allah favoured above the worlds. His sincere devotion earned him a place among the best of the prophets. His story shows the reward of perseverance in adversity.

The teachings of Al-Yasa remind us that trials are part of life. They test our faith and our trust in Allah. Like the other accounts of the prophets of Islam, his story guides us through difficult times.

Muslims can draw on his steadfastness when they go through hard periods. Reciting supplications and reading the Quran helps to find the strength needed. The example of Al-Yasa teaches us that divine reward always follows perseverance in faith.

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Frequently asked questions

You may be wondering…

Who is the Prophet Al-Yasa in Islam?

Al-Yasa is a prophet sent to the Children of Israel. According to the commentators, he was the successor of the prophet Ilyas (Elijah) and carried on his mission: calling his people to worship Allah alone and to leave idolatry behind. The Quran names him among the best servants of Allah, without telling his life story.

Where is Al-Yasa mentioned in the Quran?

Al-Yasa is named twice in the Quran: in Surah Al-An'am (verse 86), alongside Ismail, Yunus and Lut, among those Allah favoured, and in Surah Sad (verse 48), with Ismail and Dhul-Kifl, where he is counted among the best (al-akhyar). No detailed account of his life appears there.

Is Al-Yasa the prophet Elisha of the Bible?

Most scholars say yes: Al-Yasa corresponds to Elisha, the disciple and successor of Elijah in the biblical tradition. Muslims, however, rely only on the Quran and the authentic traditions to know him, and hold that details related elsewhere should be taken with caution.

What is the link between Al-Yasa and Ilyas?

According to the commentaries of the scholars, Al-Yasa was the companion and then the successor of Ilyas. After Ilyas, he went on calling the Children of Israel to monotheism and to the reform of their ways. The two prophets are named together in the chronology of the 25 prophets of the Quran.

What is known of the life of the Prophet Al-Yasa?

Very little is established with certainty. The Quran does no more than name him among the chosen and righteous prophets. Scholars note that he had noble qualities, piety and excellent character, as his place among the best in Surah Sad indicates. Beyond that, it is best to stay cautious and keep to the authentic sources.