Prophets
Who was Prophet Ilyas? His life and story
A Prophet who opposed the idol Ba'l
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At a glance
- His call
- To worship Allah alone, warning against the idol "Ba'l"
- Who he opposed
- A people who worshipped an idol called "Ba'l"
- In the Quran
- In Surah As-Saffat (123-130) and Surah Al-Anam (85)
- Counted among
- The righteous and the sent messengers
- His rank
- Among the servants to whom Allah sent peace
Story summary
Ilyas (peace be upon him) is a Prophet who warned his people against worshipping an idol called "Ba'l" and called them to worship only one Allah. The Quran counts him among the sent messengers and the righteous. Although his people considered him a liar, Allah sent peace upon him and remembered him among His good servants.
Full story
The call against the idol Ba'l
Ilyas (peace be upon him) was one of the sent messengers. He said to his people, "Will you not fear Allah? Do you call upon Ba'l and leave the best of creators, Allah?" (As-Saffat, 123-125).
He warned people against worshipping an idol called "Ba'l" and called them to worship only the one Allah who creates and sustains. But his people considered him a liar and did not accept his call (As-Saffat, 127).
Allah's peace and his place among the righteous
Despite his people turning away, Allah did not abandon Ilyas (peace be upon him). The Quran honors his name and declares, "Peace be upon Ilyas!" (As-Saffat, 130). Allah rewards those who do good in this way.
In Surah Al-Anam, Allah also mentions him alongside Zakariyya, Yahya and Isa (peace be upon them) and states that all of them were among the righteous (Al-Anam, 85).
In the Quran
Ilyas (peace be upon him) is mentioned in two places in the Quran: Surah As-Saffat (123-130) narrates his call against the idol Ba'l and the peace Allah sent upon him, while Surah Al-Anam (85) mentions his name alongside other righteous Prophets. Since the Quran does not go into detail about his life, what we know of him is limited to these two places.
Lessons and wisdom
- Worshipping Allah alone is the foundation of every Prophet's call.
- People turning away does not diminish the worth of a caller to the truth.
- Allah honors His good servants and sends peace upon them.
Sources
This page is based on Quran verses and authentic hadith sources.
- QuranSurah As-Saffat, 123
This verse states that Ilyas (peace be upon him) was one of the sent messengers.
- QuranSurah Al-Anam, 85
This verse mentions Ilyas being counted among the righteous together with Zakariyya, Yahya and Isa (peace be upon them).
- Classical sourceTDV İslam Ansiklopedisi, "İlyâs"
Referenced for scholarly information about Prophet Ilyas's call and his place in the Quran.
Related Prophets
Other Prophets connected with this story.
Related dream interpretation
Meaning as a personal name
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this Prophet.
Who was Prophet Ilyas?
Ilyas (peace be upon him) is a Prophet who warned his people against worshipping an idol called "Ba'l" and called them to worship only Allah. The Quran counts him among the sent messengers and the righteous.Which idol did Prophet Ilyas oppose?
He opposed an idol called "Ba'l" that his people worshipped, and called people to worship only Allah, the Creator (As-Saffat, 123-125).Where is Prophet Ilyas mentioned in the Quran?
His name appears in Surah As-Saffat (123-130) and Surah Al-Anam (85). As-Saffat narrates his call and the peace Allah sent upon him, while Al-Anam mentions his place among the righteous.