Prophet Idris (Enoch)

Idris (peace be upon him), often identified in classical Islamic scholarship with the biblical Enoch, is among the earliest prophets mentioned in the Quran. His lineage in traditional sources traces back to Adam through his descendants before the great flood of Nuh. His name may derive from the Arabic root darasa (to study), reflecting the tradition that he was among the first people to pursue systematic knowledge, write with a pen, and teach the sciences to humanity. He was sent to the people of his era to call them to the worship of Allah alone at a time when the seeds of polytheism were first beginning to take root.

Allah honors him in Surah Maryam (19:56-57): "And mention in the Book, Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet. And We raised him to a high station (makan aliyyan)." Classical scholars such as Ibn Kathir understood this elevation as a literal raising to the heavens during his lifetime. The Prophet Muhammad ☪ confirmed this when he encountered Idris in the fourth heaven during the Night Journey and Ascension. Idris greeted him warmly, and the Prophet ☪ described him as one of the righteous brothers he was honored to meet.

In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85-86), Idris is placed alongside Ismail and Dhul-Kifl: "And [mention] 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 placement in this distinguished company establishes him among the greatest human beings who ever lived.

Classical Islamic historians and Quran commentators, including Tabari and Ibn Kathir, credit Idris with remarkable contributions to early human civilization: he was among the first to write with a pen, to sew and wear garments of cloth rather than animal skins, to study the movements of stars and develop early astronomy, and to establish systems of weights and measures. He is described as preaching in the lands of Egypt and elsewhere, calling people to the worship of Allah alone at a pivotal time in human spiritual history.

His entire life was characterized by patience, devotion to knowledge, and unwavering worship of Allah. The quality of siddiq (truthfulness) is explicitly attributed to him in the Quran, placing him in the company of the most truthful and sincere servants. He stands as a model of the scholar-prophet: a man who combined deep piety with the pursuit of beneficial knowledge and shared it with others. His elevated station is a divine confirmation that dedication to knowledge and righteous living in the service of Allah raises a person in rank both in this world and in the Hereafter.