Prophet Ilyas (Elijah, peace be upon him)

Ilyas (Elijah) in Islam

Ilyas (peace be upon him) is one of the noble prophets mentioned by name in the Quran. He was sent by Allah to the Children of Israel during a period of widespread idolatry and moral decay in the northern kingdom of Israel, after the golden era of Dawud and Sulayman (peace be upon them both). Most classical scholars, including Ibn Kathir and at-Tabari, identify him as the prophet known in biblical tradition as Elijah.

His Mission Against Baal Worship

The primary mission of Ilyas was to call the Israelites back to pure monotheism after they had fallen into the worship of Ba'l (Baal), a false deity worshipped by the pagan populations of the Levant. The people had abandoned the covenant of their forefathers and taken up idol worship under the influence of their corrupt rulers.

Allah records the words of Ilyas in Surah As-Saffat:

"And indeed, Ilyas was among the messengers. When he said to his people: 'Will you not fear Allah? Do you call upon Ba'l and leave the best of creators — Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers of old?'" (Quran 37:123–126)

This passage captures the essence of his da'wah: a direct confrontation with shirk and a call to recognize Allah alone as the Creator and Sustainer. The mention of Ba'l by name is significant, as it is one of the few pagan deities explicitly named in the Quran, highlighting the severity of the deviation that Ilyas was sent to correct.

The Rejection of His People

Despite his tireless efforts, the majority of his people rejected his message and persisted in their idol worship. The Quran states plainly:

"But they denied him, so indeed they will be brought for punishment — except the chosen servants of Allah." (Quran 37:127–128)

This verse confirms that while the masses turned away, a small group of sincere believers accepted the truth. Ibn Kathir notes in al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah that Ilyas faced fierce opposition from the ruling establishment, which had institutionalized Baal worship and persecuted those who called to the worship of Allah alone.

At-Tabari records in his Tarikh that Ilyas lived during the reign of Ahab (Akhab), a king of the northern Israelite kingdom whose wife promoted Baal worship among the people. The prophetic mission of Ilyas was thus not merely a spiritual calling but a direct challenge to the political order that had merged idolatry with governance.

Allah's Praise and Honor

Despite the rejection he faced, Allah honored Ilyas with lasting praise and a distinguished rank among the prophets:

"And We left for him favorable mention among later generations: 'Peace upon Ilyas.' Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, he was of Our believing servants." (Quran 37:129–132)

The phrase "Peace upon Ilyas" (Salamun 'ala Il-Yasin) is a divine salutation, placing him alongside Ibrahim, Musa, Harun, and Nuh, all of whom receive the same form of greeting in this surah. This is a mark of the highest honor from the Lord of the worlds.

Ilyas in Surah Al-An'am

Ilyas is also mentioned among a group of righteous prophets in Surah Al-An'am:

"And Zakariyya and Yahya and Isa and Ilyas — all were of the righteous." (Quran 6:85)

This verse places him in the company of prophets known for their piety, patience, and devotion. The grouping suggests a thematic connection: prophets who faced the rejection of their own communities yet remained steadfast in obedience to Allah.

Scholarly Discussion on His Fate

Some classical scholars have discussed whether Ilyas was taken up from the earth in a manner similar to Isa ibn Maryam. At-Tabari and Ibn Kathir both mention narrations suggesting that Ilyas may still be alive, with some reports linking him to al-Khidr as a companion in travels across the earth. However, these reports rely on chains that scholars have graded with varying degrees of acceptance.

Imam Ibn Kathir exercised caution regarding these narrations, noting that the confirmed position from the Quran is his status as a prophet and messenger, while matters beyond that belong to the realm of the unseen. The Athari approach is to affirm what the Quran and authentic Sunnah affirm and to withhold judgment on matters where the evidence is not decisive.

Legacy and Lessons

The story of Ilyas carries enduring lessons for the Muslim ummah. His confrontation with Baal worship is a reminder that the call to tawhid is the foundation of every prophet's mission, from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them all). His patience in the face of rejection, his refusal to compromise with idolatry, and his trust in Allah's justice exemplify the qualities that Allah praises in His servants.

The fact that Allah preserved his "favorable mention among later generations" is itself a fulfillment of divine promise. Centuries after his mission, Muslims across the world recite his name with respect and send peace upon him, confirming that the honor Allah grants His prophets is eternal and beyond the reach of those who rejected them.