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Idris (Enoch), the prophet raised to a high station
Idris (Enoch)
Mention in the Quran
His Elevation
His Knowledge
His Truthfulness
His Excellence
His Mission
His Legacy
Important Note
This collection brings together a selection of authentic texts about the Prophet Idris (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
Idris: discover the remarkable story of this prophet of Islam
The Prophet Idris holds a particular place among the messengers Allah sent to mankind. Named twice in the Quran , this noble prophet is known for his wisdom and his exemplary piety. Muslim scholars generally agree that Idris corresponds to the prophet Enoch of the biblical tradition.
According to the Islamic texts, Idris lived several centuries after Adam and was among the first men to receive divine revelation. He taught his people the foundations of monotheistic faith and the principles of justice. This messenger of Allah was also known for his knowledge in several fields, in particular writing, astronomy and mathematics.
The Quran speaks of Idris as a man of truth and a prophet whom Allah raised to a high station. That elevation is read in different ways by the commentators. Some see in it an ascent to heaven while he was alive, while others read it as a raising of his spiritual rank.
The accounts relate that Idris constantly called his people to the worship of Allah alone and to leave polytheistic practices behind. He passed on the divine teachings with patience and wisdom, following the way of every prophet before and after him.
To learn more about all the prophets of Islam, Muslim Alim offers a wide range of resources. You can also read the hadiths that deepen our understanding of these noble messengers. Reading the Quran remains the primary source for discovering their authentic stories.
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ReadYou may be wondering…
Who is the Prophet Idris in Islam?
Idris is a prophet who lived after Adam and before Nuh, in the traditional order of the prophets. The Quran describes him as a truthful man (siddiq) and a prophet whom Allah raised to a high station (Surah Maryam, verses 56-57). He called his people to worship Allah alone and to leave idolatry behind.
Where is Idris mentioned in the Quran?
Idris is named twice: in Surah Maryam (verses 56-57), which praises his truthfulness and his elevation, and in Surah Al-Anbiya (verses 85-86), where he appears with Ismail and Dhul-Kifl among the steadfast whom Allah admitted into His mercy. The Quran gives no further detail about his life.
Is Idris the prophet Enoch of the Bible?
Most Muslim scholars hold that Idris corresponds to Enoch, an ancestor of Noah in the biblical tradition, of whom it is said that he walked with God and was taken up. This identification, widely accepted, is nevertheless not stated explicitly in the Quran or in an authentic hadith, which calls for some caution.
What does "We raised him to a high station" mean?
The commentators offer two readings. For some it is a spiritual elevation, a lofty rank with Allah. For others, Idris was raised to heaven while still alive. The hadith of the Night Journey, reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, states that the Prophet ﷺ met Idris in the fourth heaven, which supports his high rank.
Was Idris the first man to write?
Islamic tradition relates that Idris was the first to write with the pen, and that he had knowledge of astronomy and arithmetic. This comes from the accounts of the scholars rather than from the Quran or from certainly authentic hadiths; it is therefore passed on as a guide, not as an article of faith.