Prophet Idris in Islam

Idris (peace be upon him) is one of the earliest prophets mentioned in the Quran. Classical scholars identify him with the figure known as Enoch in the Judeo-Christian tradition, and he occupies a distinctive place in Islamic history as one of the first human beings to receive prophethood after Adam (peace be upon him).

Quranic Mentions

Allah mentions Idris by name in two surahs of the Quran, both times with high praise.

In Surah Maryam, 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." (Quran 19:56–57)

Two qualities are highlighted here. First, he is described as a siddiq — a man of truth, one whose sincerity and faithfulness were absolute. This is the same title given to Abu Bakr al-Siddiq and to Maryam bint Imran, placing Idris in the highest category of human integrity. Second, he is described as a nabi — a prophet who received revelation from Allah.

The phrase "We raised him to a high station" (rafa'nahu makanan 'aliyya) has drawn significant scholarly discussion. Some, including Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, understood this as a reference to his elevated spiritual rank before Allah. Others, including Ibn Kathir in al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah, connected it to the narration of the Night Journey in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) met Idris in the fourth heaven, suggesting a literal, physical elevation.

In Surah al-Anbiya, Idris appears alongside other prophets in a passage of collective praise: "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." (Quran 21:85–86)

His inclusion in this group, characterized by patience (sabr) and righteousness (salah), confirms his standing among the greatest servants of Allah.

The Night Journey and the Fourth Heaven

In the hadith of al-Isra wal-Mi'raj recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) described ascending through the heavens with Jibril. Upon reaching the fourth heaven, he met Idris, who greeted him and said: "Welcome, O righteous prophet and righteous brother." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked Jibril who this was, and Jibril replied: "This is Idris."

This narration is the primary basis for the scholarly view that the "high station" mentioned in Surah Maryam refers, at least in part, to Idris being raised to the heavens. Whether this occurred during his earthly life or after his death is a matter the scholars discussed, with Ibn Kathir presenting both views without definitive resolution.

His Place in History

Ibn Kathir and other historians of the prophets placed Idris in the generations between Adam and Nuh (peace be upon them all). He is described as having lived during a period when the descendants of Adam still retained much of the original monotheistic guidance but were beginning to deviate. His mission, like that of every prophet, was to call his people back to the worship of Allah alone.

Classical sources attribute several civilizational firsts to Idris. Ibn Ishaq and others reported that he was the first to write with a pen, the first to sew garments (before him, people wore animal skins), and among the first to study astronomy and arithmetic. These are not presented as secular achievements but as knowledge granted by Allah to His prophet for the benefit of humanity. The connection between prophecy and the advancement of civilization is a recurring theme in Islamic historiography — prophets were not only spiritual guides but also bearers of practical knowledge that raised their communities.

Lessons from the Story of Idris

The Quranic treatment of Idris, though brief, carries several lessons.

First, it affirms that prophethood is a gift from Allah that stretches across all of human history. Allah did not leave early humanity without guidance. From the very first generations, prophets were sent to establish tawhid and direct people toward their Creator.

Second, the titles given to Idris — truthful, patient, righteous — represent the core qualities that define prophetic character. These are not qualities reserved for prophets alone but are held up as ideals for every believer to strive toward.

Third, the elevation of Idris to a "high station" demonstrates that Allah honors those who serve Him with sincerity. Rank before Allah is not a matter of wealth, lineage, or worldly power but of truthfulness and devotion.

Conclusion

Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) stands as one of the earliest links in the unbroken chain of prophetic guidance that runs from Adam to Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them all). Though the Quran provides only concise mention of him, the weight of what is said — truthful, a prophet, raised to a high station, patient, righteous, admitted into Allah's mercy — places him firmly among the most honored of Allah's servants. His story reminds us that the call to tawhid is as old as humanity itself, and that Allah has never left His creation without a guide.