Who is Prophet Idris (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)? The Sincere Prophet of High Station
Prophet Idris (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known in the Judeo-Christian tradition as Enoch, is one of the revered 25 prophets mentioned by name in the Quran. He is a pivotal figure in early human history, praised by Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) for his truthfulness and patience.
His Lineage and the Status of Prophet Seth (Sheeth)
There is a scholarly discussion regarding Idris’s exact chronological position. He is a direct descendant of Adam (as) and the forefather of Prophet Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).
Many historians and scholars, such as Ibn Kathir, consider Adam’s (as) third son, Seth (شيث – Sheeth), to be his righteous successor who carried on the responsibilities of Prophethood after him. This would make Idris (as) the third prophet in this lineage (after Adam and Seth).
However, as you noted, the prophetic status of Seth (as) is not definitively detailed within the Quran itself. Much of his life story is derived from older scriptures and traditions (Isra’iliyyat). In Islamic tradition, while it is permissible to learn from these stories, they must be approached with caution:
- They can be narrated only if they do not contradict the Quran and Sunnah.
- They cannot be used to establish core Islamic beliefs or religious rulings (ahkam).
The Honored Status of Idris in the Quran
Regardless of the position of Seth, the Quran gives Prophet Idris (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) a clear and distinct honor. Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) does not detail his life story but singles him out in two separate passages to highlight the qualities that earned him his elevated position:
- He was a “Siddiq” (Man of Truth) and Prophet:وَٱذۡكُرۡ فِي ٱلۡكِتَٰبِ إِدۡرِيسَۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ صِدِّيقٗا نَّبِيّٗا (٥٦) وَرَفَعۡنَٰهُ مَكَانًا عَلِيًّا (٥٧)”And mention in the Book, Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth (Siddiqan), a prophet. And We raised him to a high station (makanan ‘aliyyan).”— (Surah Maryam, 19:56-57)
- He was among the Patient and Righteous:وَإِسۡمَٰعِيلَ وَإِدۡرِيسَ وَذَا ٱلۡكِفۡلِۖ كُلّٞ مِّنَ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ (٨٥) وَأَدۡخَلۡنَٰهُمۡ فِي رَحۡمَتِنَآۖ إِنَّهُم مِّنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ (٨٦)”And [mention] Ishmael and Idris and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient (min as-Sabirin). And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous (min as-Salihin).”— (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:85-86)These verses confirm his prophethood and his virtues, cementing his high rank in the sight of Allah.
Quranic Verses That Mention Prophet Idris (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)
The Quran honors Prophet Idris (as) by name in two key passages, cementing his status as a prophet of patience, truth, and high rank.1. Surah Maryam (Chapter 19, Verses 56-57)These verses establish his core attributes: truthfulness (Siddiq) and his unique ascension.
وَٱذۡكُرۡ فِي إِدۡرِيسَۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ صِدِّيقٗا نَّبِيّٗا (٥٦) وَرَفَعۡنَٰهُ مَكَانًا عَلِيًّا (٥٧)
(Wazkur fil Kitaabi Idrees; innahoo kaana siddeeqan Nabiyyaa. Wa rafa’naahu makaanan ‘aliyyan)English Translation: “And mention in the Book, Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth (Siddiqan), a prophet. And We raised him to a high station (makanan ‘aliyyan).”
2. Surah Al-Anbiya (Chapter 21, Verses 85-86)Here, he is grouped with other great prophets known for their steadfast endurance.وَإِسۡمَٰعِيلَ وَإِدۡرِيسَ وَذَا ٱلۡكِفۡلِۖ كُلّٞ مِّنَ ٱلصَّـٰرِينَ (٨٥) وَأَدۡخَلۡنَٰهُمۡ فِي رَحۡمَتِنَآۖ إِنَّهُم مِّنَ ٱlصَّٰلِحِينَ (٨٦)(Wa Ismaa’eela wa Idreesa wa Zal Kifli kullum minas saabireen. Wa adkhalnaahum fee rahmatinaa innahum minas saaliheen)
English Translation: “And [mention] Ishmael and Idris and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient (min as-Sabirin). And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous (min as-Salihin).”
The Contributions of Idris (as): A Pioneer of Knowledge
Beyond his deep piety, traditions hold that Prophet Idris (as) was a pioneer of human civilization and knowledge.
His Personal and Physical Attributes
Traditional accounts describe him as a well-built man with a strong, broad chest. He was said to be tall and handsome, speaking with a low, measured voice and always exuding an aura of calmness and composure.
A Studious and Intellectual Mind
His primary characteristic was his profound intellectual curiosity. He was not just a worshipper, but a mutafakkir—one who deeply ponders the vastness of the universe that his Creator made. He would contemplate the skies, the earth, the moon, the stars, and the intricate systems of the clouds, seeing in them the signs of Allah.
This intellectual nature was divinely guided, leading him to several “firsts” for humanity. As mentioned in classical commentaries (like the Tafsir of Maariful Qur’an), Prophet Idris (as) is widely credited as:
- The first man to learn how to write with a pen.
- The first to develop knowledge of mathematics and astrology (the observational study of stars, not fortune-telling).
- The first to sew garments, as people before him wore animal skins.
He was, in essence, the forefather of many of the sciences and skills that formed the basis of civilization.
Prophethood and the First ‘Jihad’ Against Corruption
His Prophetic Mission
According to classical Islamic tradition, Prophet Idris (as) was born during the lifetime of Prophet Adam (as) and was a student and follower of his uncle, Prophet Sheeth (Seth).
After the passing of Adam and Sheeth, Idris (as) inherited the mantle of prophethood. He was chosen to rule over the progeny of Adam (as) and guide them according to the divine laws. Due to his unwavering piety and sincerity as a servant, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) chose him not only as a Prophet but also as a Messenger.
The Rise of Corruption from Qabil’s Descendants
During his time, the righteous community established by Adam and Sheeth began to face its first major test. The descendants of Qabil (Cain), who had been driven out due to his sin, had strayed far from divine guidance. Sin, tyranny, and corruption began to spread rapidly from their communities, influencing others.
As a prophet, Idris (as) could not bear to watch his people, the children of Adam, fall prey to the growing influence of Shaitan (Satan) and the escalating moral decay.
The First Righteous Struggle (Jihad)
To preserve the faith and protect the innocent, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) instructed Prophet Idris (as) to call for a Jihad (a righteous struggle or striving) against the corrupt and tyrannical followers of Qabil.
This event is historically monumental. Prophet Idris (as) is recognized as the first prophet and messenger in history to organize a formal Jihad to combat widespread corruption and defend the divine law.
As commanded by Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), Prophet Idris (as) gathered an army from the faithful believers and marched to battle the corrupt forces, marking the first-ever organized defense of truth against falsehood in human history.
Victory and Continued Devotion
As the first prophet to lead a Jihad (righteous struggle), Prophet Idris (as) and his army of believers were granted a decisive victory by Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰىٰ) over the corrupt and tyrannical forces.
This victory allowed him to re-establish the pure worship of Allah and the rule of divine law. He continued his mission, teaching his people how to write, how to plan cities, and how to govern justly. Above all, his devotion to Allah was absolute, spending his days guiding his people and his nights in deep, personal worship.
The Ascension and “High Station” of Prophet Idris (as)
The most significant and debated event in Prophet Idris’s (as) life is his unique departure from this world. This is the event referenced in the Quran with the powerful statement: “And We raised him to a high station” (Surah Maryam, 19:57).
To explain how this occurred, many classical Quranic commentators (like Ibn Kathir) mention a narration from the People of the Book (Isra’iliyyat). This narration is presented here for its historical context—and Allah knows best.
According to this narration, Allah (سبحانه وتعالي) informed Prophet Idris (as) of a remarkable promise: that for as long as he lived, he would receive the reward equivalent to all the good deeds performed by every living human on Earth during his time.
Overjoyed by this blessing and his immense love for performing good deeds, Prophet Idris (as) desired to live longer to maximize this reward for Allah’s sake. Knowing his own life was nearing its end, he had a close friend among the angels. He asked this angel if it were possible to intercede with the Angel of Death (Malak al-Mawt) to request a delay so he could continue his worship.
The angel, stating that this was a matter for Allah alone, agreed to carry him to the heavens to make his request. The angel ascended with Prophet Idris (as) on his wing, passing through the first, second, and third heavens.
Upon reaching the fourth heaven, they encountered the Angel of Death. The angel friend explained the situation. The Angel of Death, surprised, replied that he had just received a command from Allah to take the soul of Idris (as) in the fourth heaven. In that very place, at that very moment, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وتعالى) commanded the Angel of Death to take his soul.
This narration is one interpretation of his “high station”—that his soul was taken not on Earth, but in the blessed abode of the fourth heaven, an honor unique among prophets.
Alternative Interpretations of the “High Station”Other scholars offer interpretations that do not rely on the Isra’iliyyat narration:
- A High Rank of Prophethood: Some commentators state that the “high station” is not a physical place but a reference to his high spiritual rank, his prophethood, and the honor of being mentioned in the Quran.
- The Ascension of Jesus (as): The most famous physical ascension is that of Prophet Isa (as). However, the verse for Idris (as) remains a testament to his unique honor in the sight of Allah.