The Story of Prophet Idris عليه السلام in the Qur'an
Published: 23 April 2026
Prophet Idris عليه السلام was a truthful and devoted servant of Allah, remembered in the Qur’an for his sincerity, patience, and his commitment to knowledge and worship. Mentioned only briefly in the Qur’an, his life still shines with powerful lessons about living with integrity in a corrupt world, balancing worship with beneficial work, and aiming for a lofty station with Allah rather than status with people. Through Idris’s story, we learn that even a prophet whose details are mostly hidden can become a timeless example of truthfulness, discipline, and quiet steadfastness on the path to Allah.
وَاذْكُرْ فِي الْكِتَابِ إِدْرِيسَ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ صِدِّيقًا نَّبِيًّا
“And mention in the Book, Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet.
- Surah Maryam 19:56–57
A Noble Prophet Remembered for Truthfulness and Sabr
Idris عليه السلام is mentioned among the noble prophets whom Allah specially guided and chose, reminding us that truthfulness and patience are core qualities of those closest to Allah. In Surah Maryam, Allah describes Idris with just a few words, yet each word is full of meaning: صِدِّيقًا نَّبِيًّا – a man of great truthfulness and a prophet, someone whose inner state and outward message were both pure and sincere.
In Surah Al‑Anbiyāʾ, Idris is mentioned alongside other prophets as part of a group praised for their patience and righteousness: “And [mention] Ishmael, Idris and Dhul‑Kifl. All were of the patient. And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous.” (Al‑Anbiyāʾ 21:85–86) Through this, Allah connects Idris to a line of honoured messengers whose lives were marked by sabr and obedience, not comfort and ease.
Who Was Prophet Idris? Time, Name, and Mission
Muslim scholars mention that Idris عليه السلام lived in the early generations of humanity, most likely between Adam and Nuh عليهم السلام, at a time when people were beginning to drift away from the pure guidance they had received. Many scholars identify him with the biblical Enoch, and the name “Idris” is often linked to the root د‑ر‑س (dars), giving the sense of “one who studies” or “one who teaches,” hinting at his deep connection with knowledge.
His mission, like all prophets, was to call people back to worshipping Allah alone, to abandon corruption, and to live with taqwa and justice. In a time when people were becoming careless about Allah’s limits, Idris stood as a reformer who combined dedicated worship with practical leadership, guiding his people both spiritually and socially.
A Life of Knowledge, Writing, and Beneficial Work
One of the special aspects often mentioned about Idris عليه السلام is his strong connection to knowledge and learning. Many classical reports say he was among the first to write with a pen, and that he taught people to read, record, and preserve knowledge instead of letting it be lost. He is also described as someone to whom Allah revealed scriptures, making him a link in the chain of written guidance sent to humanity.
Some narrations mention that Idris taught people various beneficial crafts, such as tailoring and other skills that helped organise their daily lives. Rather than seeing worldly skills as separate from faith, he showed that working, building, and improving the world can all become acts of worship when done with sincerity and obedience to Allah. In this way, Idris’s legacy reminds students, workers, and professionals that seeking and sharing beneficial knowledge is a pathway to Allah’s mercy, not a distraction from it.
Standing Firm in a Corrupt Society
Although the Qur’an gives few narrative details, many scholars describe Idris عليه السلام as a prophet who stood up against corruption and injustice in his community. Some reports mention that he organised people, confronted wrongdoers, and worked to restore order and responsibility when people were becoming heedless of Allah and careless with each other’s rights.
Doing this required immense patience and courage. Idris lived among people who were drifting towards sin, yet he did not retreat into isolation. Instead, he combined worship, teaching, and active effort to improve society, showing us that true righteousness is not just about personal piety but also about striving to uphold goodness around us.
The Lofty Station: “And We Raised Him to a High Place”
The most famous description of Idris عليه السلام in the Qur’an is Allah’s statement: “And We raised him to a high station.” (Maryam 19:57) Scholars explain this in two main ways: that Allah raised him in rank due to his sincerity, patience, and devotion, and that He literally raised him to a high place in the heavens.
Many Islamic sources mention that during the Night Journey and Ascension (Al‑Isrāʾ wal‑Miʿrāj), the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ met Idris عليه السلام in one of the heavens, which is a sign of Idris’s honoured position with Allah. Whether we focus on his spiritual rank, his physical elevation, or both, the message is clear: a life of truthfulness, worship, and beneficial work leads to elevation with Allah, even if people in this world hardly know your name.
Patience, Quiet Devotion, and Returning to Allah
Idris عليه السلام is listed among “the patient” and “the righteous,” which tells us that his journey was not free of tests. Like the other prophets, he likely faced rejection, mockery, and difficulties from people who resisted his call, yet his defining traits remained honesty, consistency in worship, and perseverance on the straight path.
He did not become famous for long speeches or miracles that the Qur’an narrates in detail; instead, his greatness appears in how Allah speaks about his character: صِدِّيقًا نَّبِيًّا, patient, righteous, and raised to a lofty station. This teaches us that with Allah, who we are matters more than what people see, and that a lifetime of quiet, sincere devotion can be more valuable than moments of public recognition.
Lessons from the Story of Prophet Idris عليه السلام
- The honour of truthfulness: Idris was described first as صِدِّيق – a person of deep truth and integrity before being called a prophet, showing that honesty with Allah and people is the foundation of real success.
- Knowledge as a path to Allah: His connection to study, writing, and teaching reminds us that learning and sharing beneficial knowledge is a noble act of worship, not just a worldly pursuit.
- Balancing dīn and dunya: By teaching crafts and organising community life, Idris showed that serving Allah includes improving the world around us through skills, professions, and responsible work.
- Seeking a lofty station with Allah, not people: Idris is not widely known in detail, yet Allah tells us that his station is “high,” teaching us to aim for acceptance with Allah even if our efforts remain hidden from most people.
وَرَفَعْنَاهُ مَكَانًا عَلِيًّا
“And We raised him to a high station.”
— Surah Maryam 19:57
For every believer who quietly studies, works, teaches, and struggles to stay truthful in a difficult environment, the story of Idris عليه السلام is a gentle reminder that Allah sees, Allah remembers, and Allah can raise His servants to places far beyond what they ever imagined.
If you found this beneficial, also checkout: The Story of Prophet Zakariyya عليه السلام in the Qur’an.
