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Ilyas (Elijah), the prophet who fought the cult of Baal
Ilyas (Elijah)
His Excellence
His Mission
His People's Answer
His Perseverance
His High Rank
His Struggle Against Idolatry
Allah's Blessings
His Legacy
Important Note
This collection brings together a selection of authentic texts about the Prophet Ilyas (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
Ilyas, prophet of Islam: discover his inspiring story
Ilyas, known as Elijah in the Christian and Jewish traditions, holds an important place among the prophets of Islam. His story teaches us perseverance in the face of adversity and the importance of staying faithful to Allah despite hardship.
The Prophet Ilyas lived at a time when his people worshipped Baal, a pagan god. He preached to them tirelessly the message of monotheism, calling them to abandon their false beliefs and turn to the worship of Allah alone. Despite his constant efforts, most people refused to listen to his teaching.
Faced with his people's obstinacy, Ilyas called upon Allah to withhold the rain. A terrible drought then fell on the region for three years. That trial was meant to make the people think about their conduct and bring them to repentance.
The story of Ilyas is a perfect illustration of the challenges faced by the messengers of Allah. Like every prophet, he had to bear the mockery and hostility of those who rejected his message. His patience and his resolve remain an example for every believer who studies the stories of the prophets.
The Quran names Ilyas among the righteous messengers. His story reminds us that true faith sometimes calls for sacrifice, and that the way of Allah is not always easy to follow. To deepen your understanding of the Islamic teachings, you can also turn to the authentic hadiths or recite supplications to strengthen your bond with Allah.
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ReadYou may be wondering…
Who is the Prophet Ilyas in Islam?
Ilyas (Elijah) is a prophet sent to the Children of Israel at a time when his people worshipped the idol Baal. He called them to fear Allah and abandon that false god: Do you call upon Baal and leave the best of creators? (Surah As-Saffat, verse 125). His successor was the prophet Al-Yasa (Elisha).
What does the Quran say about Ilyas?
The account of Ilyas is in Surah As-Saffat (verses 123 to 132): Allah counts him among the messengers, records his call against Baal and his people's rejection, then greets him: Peace be upon Ilyas. He is also named in Surah Al-An'am (verse 85), with Zakariya, Yahya and Isa, among the righteous.
Who was Baal, the idol Ilyas fought?
Baal was an idol worshipped by Ilyas's people instead of Allah. According to the commentators, those people lived in the region of Baalbek, whose name is said to carry the trace of that cult. Ilyas reminded them that Allah is their Lord and the Lord of their earliest forefathers, but most of them called him a liar.
Is Ilyas the prophet Elijah of the Bible?
Yes; scholars hold that Ilyas corresponds to Elijah, the prophet who fought the cult of Baal in the biblical tradition. Some accounts related by the commentators speak of a drought of several years sent upon his people; those details are not in the Quran and are therefore passed on with caution.
Is the Prophet Ilyas still alive?
Some popular accounts claim that Ilyas is still alive, sometimes confusing him with Al-Khidr. However, no authentic text establishes this, and most scholars hold that he died like the other prophets, with the exception of Isa (Jesus), raised alive to heaven according to the Quran. It is best to keep to the reliable sources.