Name and Lineage: Idris (AS), known as Enoch in the Judeo-Christian tradition, is believed to be the great-grandfather of Nuh (Noah) and a descendant of Prophet Adam (AS) through his son Sheeth (Seth). His full name is often given as Idris ibn Yard ibn Mahla’il ibn Qinan ibn Anush ibn Sheeth ibn Adam.
He is mentioned in the Qur’an by name in two places:
“And mention in the Book, Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet.”
[Surah Maryam 19:56]
“And We raised him to a high station.”
[Surah Maryam 19:57]
“And Ismail and Idris and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient.”
[Surah Al-Anbiya 21:85]
Idris (AS) – His Character and Life
Idris (AS) was known for his truthfulness, patience, and devotion to Allah. He was the third Prophet after Adam (AS) and Sheeth (AS), and was the first person to be given Prophethood after Adam’s descendants had spread out across the Earth.
He was born during the lifetime of Adam (AS) and is reported to have met him and learned from him directly.
Knowledge and Wisdom
Idris (AS) was a man of deep knowledge and wisdom. Allah blessed him with many skills, and he was the first human to write with a pen. He was also knowledgeable in astronomy, mathematics, and medicine.
He is credited with introducing tailoring (sewing clothes) and teaching people how to stitch garments instead of wearing animal skins. Because of this, he is sometimes referred to as the father of tailoring.
He also called people to righteousness, truth, and worship of one God. He advised against corruption, evil deeds, and idolatry, which had started to spread after the time of Sheeth (AS).
Reforming Society
During his time, many people had gone astray, and sins were becoming common. Idris (AS) worked hard to bring people back to the path of Allah. He traveled far and wide to spread the message and reform society.
According to some narrations, angels would descend to Earth to listen to him, and many followed him, while others rejected his message.
He encouraged jihad against corruption, promoted justice, and taught about the afterlife, accountability, and divine reward and punishment.
Raised to a High Station
The Qur’an states:
“And We raised him to a high station.”
[Surah Maryam 19:57]
This verse has been interpreted in different ways by scholars.
According to a famous hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, when the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) went on the Isra and Mi’raj (the Night Journey and Ascension), he met Idris (AS) in the fourth heaven.
Some scholars interpret this “high station” as a literal elevation to the heavens, while others say it refers to his elevated status in faith and character.
Death of Idris (AS)
The exact details of his death are not clearly mentioned in the Qur’an or sahih hadiths. However, some reports, including those from Ibn Kathir and early tafsir sources, mention that Idris (AS) was taken up to the heavens and did not die a regular earthly death.
There is a narration where an angel took Idris (AS) up to the fourth heaven so he could observe the rewards of the righteous. While there, Allah commanded that his soul be taken there, making him die in the heavens.
However, these narrations are Isra’iliyat (narrations from Jewish or Christian sources adopted by early Muslims) and should be treated with caution. Still, they are often shared for the purpose of understanding the traditional story.
Legacy of Idris (AS)
Idris (AS) left a lasting impact on humanity. His legacy includes:
- Introducing writing and reading.
- Teaching mathematics and astronomy.
- Being a model of patience and righteousness.
- Emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge.
- Promoting reform and justice.
Muslims honor him as one of the early Prophets who laid the foundations for future generations of believers.
Summary of Unique Contributions of Idris (AS)
| Contribution | Detail |
|---|---|
| Writing | First to write with a pen |
| Tailoring | First to sew and wear stitched clothes |
| Science | Knowledge of astronomy and mathematics |
| Prophethood | Guided people against corruption |
| Ascension | Raised to the heavens (fourth heaven) |
