Idris (as) (means Interpreter) was the first of mankind to be granted Prophethood after Adam (as) and Sheeth (as). He was originally given the name of Hirmis Al Haramisah. Some scholars believe that he was born in Egypt, the city of Memphis[ii], while other say he was born in Babylon, a city in present day Iraq. During his lifetime, all the people worshipped Allah (swt) and idol worship had not started. However, a number of people committed many sins even though he asked them not to. He called the people back to his forefathers’ religion but only a few listened to him. So, he and his people left their hometown of Babylon and migrated for the sake of Allah (swt) to Egypt[iii].
When he first saw the Nile River, he said “Babilyun” which means: a river like your river, a large river, a blessed river. It is said that 188 cities were built during his era, the smallest of which was Ar Ruha. Idris (as) is the first to have studied wisdom and astronomy and many wise sayings are attributed to him.[iv].
According to Ibn Kathir, Idris (as) was the first to write with a pen and also on sand. Mua’wiya ibn Al-Hakam reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, among us are men who write script.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “There was a Prophet among the prophets who wrote script. Whoever writes according to his way is right.” [v].
Idris (as) fulfilled his mission to tell people to be fair and do things that were just. He taught them how to do the prayers, to fast on certain days and to give a part of their wealth to the less fortunate. He lived for three hundred and eight years.
| Idris (as)’s Wisdom |
| “There is no better way to thank Allah (swt) for His favours than to be kind and generous to His creation.” “When you invoke Allah (swt), make your intention sincere and pure.” “Wisdom is the life of the soul.” “Do not be jealous of people for the things that they have, for their enjoyment of these things is short-lived.” “Nothing can make one feel rich when one seeks to have more than the bare necessities.” |
He was taken up to the heavens by Allah (swt). Prophet Mohammad (saw) met him on the Isra wal Meraj journey, at the 4th heaven. When Jibril (as) and the Prophet (saw) passed by Idris (as), he said, ‘Welcome, O pious Prophet and pious brother’. The Prophet (saw), asked, ‘Who is he?’ Jibril (as) replied, ‘He is Idris’.
Download a printable version of this article, lesson plan as well as Comprehension Questions above.
[i] Surah Al Maryam 19:56
[ii] The Atlas of the Quran by Darussalam
[iii] Stories Of The Prophets by Ibn Kathir
[iv] The Atlas of the Quran by Darussalam
[v] Sahih Muslim
Alaq Academy 
Leave a comment