Ilyas (إلياس), also written as “Elias,” was a Prophet sent to Bani Israel (the children of Israel). Sometimes, he is also mentioned as Elijah. Out of more than one hundred thousand Prophets sent in different times to this world for the guidance of mankind, around 25 are mentioned by name in the Quran. That means Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ has mentioned the Prophets by name only those whom He wanted to be known, as mentioned in the 164th verse of Surah An-Nisa:

Translation

We revealed to the Messengers We have already told you of, and to the Messengers We have not told you of, and to Moses Allah spoke directly.

In that context, the Quran mentions different prophets on varying occasions. Accordingly, Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is mentioned twice by name in the Quran.

Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ in the Quran

The first mention of Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is in the 85th verse of Surah Al-An’am, as under:

Translation – And of his descendants We guided) Zakariya (Zachariah), Yahya (John), Isa (Jesus) and Ilyas (Elias): each one of them was of the righteous.

The second time Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is mentioned in the 123rd verse of Surah As-Saffaat:

Translation

Surely, Elias too was among the Messengers.

Hence, there’s no detailed mention of Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ available in the Quran. However, he has been mentioned alongside other Prophets as a righteous person and Prophet.

Family Background of Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ

While a limited mention is available in the Quran about the Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, most of the information about him is based on research work of earlier Islamic Scholars and Commentators. According to the traditions, the family line of Prophet Ilyas is as under:

  • Ilyas Ibn Adi
  • Ibn Shultam
  • Ibn Aphraem
  • Ibn Joseph
  • Ibn Isaac
  • Ibn Abraham

He came after the Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, whereas Prophet Alyassa became Prophet after his death. It is also believed that both Ilyas and Alyassa were cousins. Both cousins are believed to have spent considerable time in a cave, hiding from the King.

Prophethood of Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ

Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was sent to Israelites after Prophet Sulaiman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. King Ahab ruled the Kingdom of Israel at this time, followed by his son, King Ahazia. He is also referred to as the “Prophet of Desert.” He preached the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ and called upon the people to stop worshiping idols.

When he was sent to the Israelites, most people were distracted from the right path and started worshiping an Idol named Ba’al. In this context, it is believed that he specifically preached the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ to King Ahab and his wife Jezebel, as they were the key persons in spreading Idolatry. Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ asked his people, don’t’ you fear from the punishment of Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ. However, the majority of people did not pay any heed to his preaching.

This is mentioned in verses 124 to 132 of Surah As-Saffaat, as under:

Translation

  1. (Call to mind) when he said to his people: “Will you not fear Allah?
  2. Do you call upon Baal and forsake the Best of the Creators?
  3. Allah is your Lord and the Lord of your ancestors of yore.”
  4. But they denounced him as a liar, so they will surely be arraigned (for punishment),
  5. except Allah’s chosen servants.
  6. We preserved a good name for him among posterity.
  7. Peace be upon Elias.
  8. Thus We reward the good-doers.
  9. He was one of Our believing servants.

That’s the mention of the efforts and preaching of Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُin the Quran. There are no details about the reward to the followers of Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and the punishment to the disbelievers. Most of the information is based on the traditions and the commentaries of the scholars of the earlier days.

Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ Per Some Traditions

Based on various traditions, it is believed that during the time of Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, a severe drought hit the Israelites, resulting in many casualties. The disbelievers realized their attitude and turned towards Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, accepting his teachings. Then, on the specific prayer of the Prophet, Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ sent rain in abundance. However, soon, the disbelievers again got distracted and left the right path. The Prophet was disappointed in their behavior and prayed for his death.

There are many other stories and folklore associated with the Prophet Ilyas عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, such as his meeting Khidr. But these are just stories without concrete evidence or references from the Quran. Similarly, there is no mention of his death or place of burial.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR