Prophet Ilyas (Elijah, peace be upon him)

Ilyas (peace be upon him) was sent by Allah to the Children of Israel in the northern kingdom of Israel after the era of Dawud and Sulayman. He is identified by most classical scholars as corresponding to the prophet Elijah in the biblical tradition. His mission was to call the Israelites back to the worship of Allah alone and away from the worship of the idol Ba'l (Baal), to which they had fallen. The Quran records his mission in Surah As-Saffat (37:123–125): "And indeed, Ilyas was among the messengers. When he said to his people: 'Will you not fear Allah? Do you call upon Baal and leave the best of creators — Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers of old?'" The Israelites of his time rejected him and denied his prophethood. Despite their rejection, Ilyas persisted in his calling, warning them of the consequences of their idolatry. The Quran mentions that his people denied him while a small group of believers accepted his message. Allah praises Ilyas and affirms his rank among the prophets. The Quran says (Surah As-Saffat 37:129–132): "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." In the Islamic tradition, Ilyas holds a particularly revered place. Some scholars, based on hadith literature, suggest that he may still be alive — like Isa (who was raised to the heavens) and Khidr — fulfilling a special divine role until the Day of Judgment. However, these reports are the subject of scholarly discussion and are not matters of creed. What is confirmed by the Quran is his rank among the praised prophets, his steadfast mission against idolatry, and Allah's preservation of his honorable mention for generations to come.