Arabic Name: إِدْرِيس

English Name: Idris

Meaning: The name "Idris" is derived from the Arabic root "darasa" (درس) meaning "to study" or "to learn," reflecting his deep knowledge and wisdom.


Qur'anic Reference:

Surah Maryam (19:56–57)
Arabic:
وَاذْكُرْ فِي الْكِتَابِ إِدْرِيسَ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ صِدِّيقًا نَبِيًّا ﴿٥٦﴾
وَرَفَعْنَاهُ مَكَانًا عَلِيًّا ﴿٥٧﴾
Translation:
And mention in the Book, Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet. And We raised him to a high station.


Who Was Prophet Idris?

Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) is one of the earliest prophets sent by Allah after Adam. Islamic tradition holds that Idris was a wise, sincere, and devout man who was divinely chosen as a prophet to guide his people. Although not much is detailed in the Qur'an, he is widely respected for his intellect, piety, and perseverance.


Idris in Islamic Tradition

Though the Qur'an mentions Prophet Idris only twice, both instances emphasize his virtue and elevated rank. Islamic historians such as Ibn Ishaq, Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, and Ibn Kathir elaborate on his life using narrations passed down from early generations.

He is believed to have been born generations after Adam, possibly the great-grandfather of Prophet Nuh (Noah). Some reports suggest he was the first to write with a pen, introduce the sewing of clothes, and make astronomical observations.


Raised to a High Station

The most well-known verse about Idris says:
"And We raised him to a high station." (Maryam 19:57)

According to Tafsir Ibn Kathir, this high station could be a reference to:

1. His status in the sight of Allah


2. A physical ascension to the heavens — A narration in Sahih al-Bukhari (Mi'raj hadith) indicates that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) met Idris in the fourth heaven during the Night Journey (Miʿrāj).



Al-Qurtubi also interprets this verse as a dual honor: both a spiritual elevation and a literal ascension, similar to how Isa (Jesus) was raised.


Prophet Idris and Knowledge

The name Idris itself comes from the word "dars" which denotes studying. This reflects his character as a scholar and a man of deep learning. Scholars like Al-Zamakhshari describe him as a pioneer of sciences, perhaps the first to understand certain laws of astronomy, medicine, and writing.

He encouraged his people to seek knowledge, perform righteous deeds, and observe the worship of Allah. It's reported he was the first to teach tailoring, moving humanity away from using leaves or animal skins for clothing.


Idris' Call to Righteousness

Prophet Idris called his people to monotheism and righteousness. He warned against evil practices and urged repentance. His message echoed the earlier prophetic teachings — worship only Allah, do good, and prepare for the hereafter.

Although the Qur'an doesn't detail opposition from his people, narrations imply he preached with endurance and wisdom, characteristics praised by the scholars.


His Legacy According to Scholars

According to Imam Al-Suyuti in Tafsir al-Durr al-Manthur, Idris was among the earliest prophets who combined spirituality with practical sciences. He emphasized:

Patience in worship

Gratitude for knowledge

Discipline in action


Ibn Kathir states that he was the first prophet to legislate certain ethical rulings, and that Allah chose him for his truthfulness and dedication.


What Muslims Learn from Prophet Idris

1. Seek Knowledge as a Sacred Duty:
Idris symbolizes the integration of divine wisdom with intellectual pursuit. Muslims are encouraged to learn and teach beneficial knowledge, following his legacy.


2. Righteous Living is Always Rewarded:
He was raised because of his piety and patience. True honor comes from righteousness, not worldly status.


3. Sincerity Leads to Elevation:
Being ṣiddīq (utterly truthful) is not just about speaking the truth, but living with absolute sincerity to Allah.


4. Practice and Preach:
Like Idris, a believer must walk the talk — guiding others through actions as much as through words.