Islam-beliefs

Story of Idris AS

Birth

Idris AS, in English Enoch, was born at the time of Adam AS and raised in Babylon following the teachings and religion of Prophet Adam (pbuh) and his son Seth (pbuh). Most scholars agreed that Idris AS was the 5th generation of the Prophet Adam. 

Qualities

Allah has praised Idris AS, describing him as being a prophet and truthful:

And mention in the Book, Idrees. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet. And We raised him to a high station(status). {Surah Maryam: Ayat 56-57}

Allah has also praised Idris AS, describing him as patient and righteous:

And [mention] Ishmael and Idrees and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient. And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous. {Surah Al-Anbya: Ayat 85-86}

From Sahih Al-Bukhari, we came to know as Muhammad(pbuh) described, when I went over the fourth heaven, there I saw Idris. Gabriel said (to me), ‘This is Idris; pay him your greetings.’ So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, ‘You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.’ {Sahih al-Bukhari 3887}

So he is in the fourth Heaven where Muhammad(pbuh) met him during his Mi’raj.

These are the authentic sources of information regarding Idris AS however we got few more details from various sources and let us try to discuss the points where most of the scholars agreed upon, Allah(swt) alam.

From authentic books, it is narrated from Wahab that Idris was a well-built tall man with a broad chest. He had scanty hair on his chest and spoke in a low voice. He kept quiet and hardly spoke. He is known as Idris because he used to teach about the magnanimity of Allah and the excellence of Islam. He was a Prophet and and Messenger of Allah(swt).

He called the people back to his forefathers religion, but only a few listened to him, while the majority turned away.

Prophet Idris AS and his followers left Babylon for Egypt. There he carried on his mission, calling people to what is just and fair, teaching them certain prayers and instructing them to fast on certain days and to give a portion of their wealth to the poor. It is reported that he was the 1st to invent the basic form of writing. Allah(swt) taught Idris how to write and he taught people how to write.