Hazrat Idrees (A.S.)

Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) was born during the lifetime of Prophet Adam (A.S.) and grew up among the followers of Shith (Seth), Adam's righteous son. He was raised in Babylon and followed the teachings and religion established by his predecessors, maintaining the pure monotheistic faith that had been revealed to Adam.

He was the forefather of Prophet Nuh (Noah, A.S.), one of the most significant figures in Islamic history. This lineage demonstrates the continuity of prophethood and the transmission of divine guidance through successive generations. Hazrat Idrees inherited not only the spiritual legacy of the early prophets but also their commitment to preserving knowledge and guiding humanity toward righteousness.

Hazrat Idrees was born during the lifetime of Prophet Adam (A.S.), making him one of the earliest humans to receive prophethood. He was raised in an environment of spiritual guidance, surrounded by the teachings of Adam and Seth, who had established the foundations of monotheistic worship.

As a sincere servant of Allah, Idrees was chosen as a prophet and messenger to guide the people of his time. Allah selected him for this noble responsibility because of his unwavering commitment to truth, his intellectual curiosity, and his deep devotion to the worship of the Almighty. His prophethood came at a critical time when the descendants of Adam were beginning to deviate from the straight path.

The Quran describes him as "Siddiq" (the truthful one) and emphasizes that Allah "raised him to a lofty station," indicating both his spiritual elevation and his position of honor among the prophets. This elevation was not merely ceremonial but reflected his profound understanding of divine wisdom and his ability to communicate Allah's message effectively to his people.

After the death of Seth, the people of Cain (Qabil) lost their spiritual guidance, and corruption began to spread rapidly throughout the land. Sin and transgression became rampant, and the people turned away from the worship of Allah toward idolatry and immoral practices. It was during this period of spiritual darkness that Hazrat Idrees was sent as a prophet to call people back to the path of righteousness.

Hazrat Idrees was the first prophet to call for Jihad (struggle) against corruption and evil. He gathered an army of believers and fought against the transgressors and those who opposed Allah's message. Under his leadership, the believers emerged victorious, demonstrating that truth ultimately prevails over falsehood. His mission was not only spiritual but also involved taking practical action against those who sought to spread corruption.

He preached monotheism, urged his people to abandon idolatry, and called them to worship Allah alone. His message was clear and powerful, emphasizing the magnanimity of Allah, the excellence of Islam, and the importance of living a righteous life. Despite facing opposition and resistance from those attached to their false beliefs, Idrees remained steadfast in his mission, never wavering in his commitment to Allah's cause.

Beyond his role as a spiritual guide, Hazrat Idrees was a pioneer in the advancement of human knowledge and civilization. He is credited with being the first person to write with a pen, an innovation that revolutionized the preservation and transmission of knowledge. This ability to record information allowed wisdom to be preserved for future generations and marked a significant milestone in human intellectual development.

According to Islamic tradition, fifty books were revealed to Hazrat Idrees, containing divine guidance and knowledge. These writings covered various aspects of wisdom, spirituality, and practical knowledge. His contributions to written knowledge established a foundation for the preservation of divine messages and teachings.

Hazrat Idrees was also the first to master the art of tailoring and sewing. Before his time, people wore animal skins as clothing. He introduced the craft of making clothes from woven fabric, a development that significantly improved human comfort and civilization. This practical innovation demonstrated that prophethood encompasses not only spiritual guidance but also the advancement of human welfare and progress.

His knowledge extended to astronomy and mathematics. He studied the stars and celestial bodies, developing an understanding of the cosmos that was remarkable for his era. He pondered the vastness of the universe, the movements of the heavens, and the mathematical principles underlying creation. This intellectual curiosity reflected his deep contemplation of Allah's creation and his desire to understand the signs of the Divine in the natural world.

Hazrat Idrees was renowned for his exceptional physical and moral qualities. He was described as a well-built man with a strong physique, a broad chest, and a low, commanding voice. Beyond his physical appearance, he possessed remarkable qualities of character that made him an exemplary figure for his people.

He was a man of profound truthfulness and sincerity. Every word he spoke was truthful, and his actions aligned perfectly with his words. This consistency between his inner beliefs and outer conduct made him a trusted guide and a role model for those who sought to follow the path of righteousness.

Hazrat Idrees emphasized patience and constancy in the face of adversity. He taught his followers to remain steadfast in their faith despite opposition and challenges. His teachings underscored the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of truth and the rewards that await those who remain patient in their devotion to Allah.

He pondered deeply about the magnanimity of Allah, the excellence of Islam, and the majesty and glory of the Creator. His teachings encouraged his followers to contemplate the signs of Allah in creation, to develop a deeper understanding of divine wisdom, and to recognize their place in the vast universe created by the Almighty. This contemplative approach to spirituality elevated the intellectual and spiritual consciousness of his community.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Hazrat Idrees' life is his ascension to heaven while still alive. The Quranic phrase "We raised him to a lofty station" is interpreted by Islamic scholars as referring to both his spiritual elevation and his literal ascension to the fourth heaven. This unique honor distinguishes him among the prophets and reflects his exceptional status in Allah's sight.

According to Islamic tradition, when Hazrat Idrees became old and knew that death was approaching, he asked a friend among the angels if he could speak to the Angel of Death to see if his death could be delayed. The angel informed him that this was a matter for Allah alone, but there was no harm in trying. Hazrat Idrees then rode on the angel's wing and ascended through the heavens.

As he ascended, he passed through the first, second, and third heavens. Upon reaching the fourth heaven, Allah commanded the Angel of Death to take his life. This event is confirmed in authentic hadith collections, including Sahih Bukhari (hadith 7517) and At-Tirmidhi (hadith 3157), where it is mentioned that when Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) undertook the journey of Isra and Mi'raj (the night journey and ascension), he met Hazrat Idrees in the fourth heaven.

This ascension is a testament to Hazrat Idrees' righteousness and his closeness to Allah. It demonstrates that his life was not merely a historical event but a spiritual reality that continues to inspire believers across generations. His elevation to the fourth heaven places him among the most honored of all prophets and messengers.

The legacy of Hazrat Idrees extends far beyond his lifetime, influencing the spiritual and intellectual development of subsequent generations. As the forefather of Prophet Nuh (A.S.), he established a lineage of prophethood that would continue through the ages. His teachings and example provided a foundation upon which later prophets would build their missions.

Hazrat Idrees demonstrated that prophethood encompasses both spiritual guidance and practical advancement. He showed that a prophet's role is not limited to preaching but includes taking action against corruption, advancing human knowledge, and improving the quality of life for his people. This holistic approach to prophethood influenced how subsequent prophets understood and fulfilled their missions.

His contributions to knowledge—particularly his pioneering work in writing, astronomy, mathematics, and tailoring—demonstrate that Islamic civilization values intellectual pursuits and practical innovation. The tradition of seeking knowledge and advancing human civilization became a cornerstone of Islamic culture, rooted in the example set by Hazrat Idrees.

For Muslims throughout history, Hazrat Idrees has served as an inspiration for truthfulness, patience, steadfastness, and the pursuit of knowledge. His life exemplifies the virtues that Allah values most in His servants: sincerity, devotion, courage in standing against corruption, and the commitment to advance human understanding and welfare.

The Quranic mention of Hazrat Idrees alongside other great prophets underscores his significance in the Islamic tradition. His story is a reminder that greatness in the sight of Allah comes not from worldly power or material wealth, but from truthfulness, sincere devotion, intellectual contribution, and unwavering commitment to the path of righteousness. His ascension to the fourth heaven and his meeting with Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) during the Mi'raj further emphasize his exalted status and the timeless relevance of his spiritual legacy.