Prophet Idris (PBUH)
As a result of the efforts of the Prophet Sheth (peace be upon him) some people began to believe in Allah. As the time passed they began to worship the statue of their prophet. They became polytheists, irreligious and faithless. They adopted indecent ways of life. Under such circumstances Allah sent the Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) for the reformation and guidance of those who had gone astray. The Holy Quran makes mention of him in the following Verse:
"Commemorate Idris in the Book, verily he was a man of truth and a Prophet and We raised him to a lofty station." (Surah 19: Verse 56)
Preaching and Opposition
The Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) preached monotheism. He directed his people to abandon idol-worship. He emphasized them not to be captivated by the love of wealth and property. He advised them to abstain from drinking wine and other intoxicants. Only a few men paid heed to his teachings but majority of the people opposed him bitterly. The Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) did not lose heart and continued preaching with unshakeable constancy. He is appreciated for his firm faith and forbearance in the following Verses of the Holy Quran:
"All (Isma'il, Dhul-Kifl and Idris) were men of constancy and patience. We admitted them into Our mercy, for they were of the righteous ones." (Surah 21: Verse 85-86)
Migration to Egypt
In spite of untiring efforts the Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) could not attain considerable success and felt disgusted with the indifferent attitude of the public. He was directed to migrate to Egypt and settle on the bank of the river Nile. He preached the religion of Allah among various tribes and admonished them to be good and civilized. Consequently he brought about a remarkable change in the moral and social life of the people.
Some Sayings of the Prophet Idris
His lectures were full of admonition and good advice. Some of his sayings are given below:
1. Do not feel jealous of the prosperity of others.
2. He who has unlimited desires, is deprived of the wealth of contentment.
3. One should be sincere in acts of devotion.
4. It is an act of grave sin to take false oaths.
5. Patience is a key to victory.
6. He who controls his passions, is fortunate. Only a good act will be a living intercessor before Allah on the Day of Judgment.
7. One who is desirous of attaining perfection in knowledge, should have no concern with immoral acts.
The Learned Prophet
The Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) was born one hundred years after the death of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). He was the first man who learnt to write. It is said that thirty portions of Allah's sacred scriptures were revealed to him. He was the inventor of the science of astronomy and arithmetic.
Death Event
The Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) was taken alive to Heavens at the age of 365 years. Ibn Jarir relates in Rauzatul Ahbab that the Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) was the special friend of one of the angels of heaven. The angel took him up into the heavens and when they arrived in the fourth heaven, they met the Angel of Death. The angel questioned the Angel of Death how many years there were remaining of the life of the Prophet Idris (peace be upon him). The Angel of Death said: Where is Idris because I have been commanded to end his life. The Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) then remained in the fourth heaven and he died in the wings of his angel friend who had taken him from earth. Mutwaslah was one of his distinguished son who made his mark.
Article Contributed by: itsIslam Staff |
