Prophet Idris (peace be upon him)

Idris (peace be upon him) is among the earliest prophets mentioned in the Quran. He lived in the generations after Adam and Nuh — classical scholars identify him with the figure known as Enoch in the Abrahamic tradition — though the Quran does not give extensive narrative detail about his mission. Allah praises Idris in two passages of the Quran with remarkable concision. In Surah Maryam (19:56–57), Allah says: "And mention in the Book Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet. And We raised him to a high station." The phrase 'raised to a high station' has been interpreted by scholars as referring either to his exceptional spiritual rank, to his physical elevation to the heavens during his lifetime, or to both. The hadith literature includes a narration in Sahih al-Bukhari in which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, during the Night Journey, met Idris in the fourth heaven. Idris is also mentioned in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85–86) among a list of praised prophets: "And Ismail and Idris and Dhul-Kifl — all were of the patient. And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous." His inclusion in this list alongside great prophets underscores his high standing. Classical scholars such as Ibn Kathir note that Idris was among the first people to write with a pen, to tailor garments, and to study the science of the celestial bodies — practical knowledge placed in the service of worship and civilization. He is said to have been a student in the prophetic tradition of Adam and to have called his people to the pure monotheism that Adam had established. The life of Idris is a reminder that Islam's prophetic tradition stretches across all of human history, and that Allah never left a people without guidance. Though little detail is given about his specific mission or the people he was sent to, his elevation to a 'high station' and his inclusion among the patient and righteous prophets affirms his rank in the prophetic lineage.