Prophet Idris (A)
The Holy Qur'an says:
And mention Idris in the Book (Qur'an). He was a truthful person and a Prophet. And We raised him to a high station. (Quran 19:56-57)
Prophet Idris was the great-grandson of Prophet Sheeth and was born 100 years after the death of Prophet Aadam. He was the third Prophet of Allah.

Prophet Idris used to tell the people to worship Allah and not to commit sins. He was a clever man and taught the people many new skills. He was the first man to introduce the art of writing and showed people how to measure weights with a balance. He taught them about the movements of planets. He was the first man to make weapons for hunting and defence and he also taught people how to stitch clothes.

At the time of Prophet Idris there was a cruel king who had full control over the life and property of the people. One day the king went out of his capital for an outing.

On the way he saw a beautiful garden which he liked very much. He called the owner and told him to hand over the garden to him. The owner, who was a pious and God-fearing man, replied that the garden supported his family and he would not hand it over. The king offered to buy the land but the owner refused. The king then returned to his palace in an angry mood.

The king's wife was a mean woman. When she heard what had happened, she advised the king to call a few of his faithless friends as witnesses in the court. She asked them to swear that the owner of the garden was no longer a believer in God and furthermore, he was plotting against the king. When these liars gave evidence in the court the owner was called and accused of these crimes. Although he swore that he was innocent, the king did not listen to him and killed him. He then took the dead man's land for himself.

This murder by the greedy king displeased Allah and He commanded Prophet Idris to go to the king and say to him that, not only had he killed a pious man, but he had stolen his land and left his family penniless. Prophet Idris was also commanded to tell the king that Allah would punish him by taking his kingdom from him and destroy his capital and cause the flesh of his evil wife to be eaten by dogs.

When Prophet Idris brought this message to the palace, the king was furious and he told him, "It is better that you leave before you are killed by my hand." Prophet Idris left, but the queen decided to send some men after him and kill him.

Prophet Idris learnt that his life was in danger so he left the town and hid himself. He took shelter in a cave on a mountain and an angel used to provide him with food. He prayed to Allah saying, "O Lord! do not send your blessings on this town."

Prophet Idris's prayer was granted and Allah's punishment descended on the king. He lost his throne and died a shameful death. His capital was destroyed and his wife's flesh was eaten by wild dogs. The kingdom passed into the hands of another cruel king.

Twenty years passed after the disappearance of Prophet Idris. During this time not even a drop of rain fell and the people suffered terribly. They realised that their troubles were due to the curse of Prophet Idris and they prayed to Allah to forgive them.

Allah accepted their prayers and sent Prophet Idris back to the town. People gathered all around him and promised that they would obey him and worship Allah. He then prayed for rain and the drought ended.

Prophet Idris guided his people for many years. He was one Prophet who had the respect and love of all his people. Finally Allah raised him to the heavens where he is alive even today.