Ilyas (إِلْيَاس) — Stories of the Prophets

Ilyas (peace be upon him) was among the messengers (37:123). He called his people, asking, "Will you not fear Allah? Do you call upon Ba'l and forsake the best of creators, Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?" (37:124-126).

His people denied him, and so they were to be brought forth for punishment, except the sincere servants of Allah among them (37:127-128). Allah left for Ilyas a good remembrance among later generations, saying, "Peace be upon Ilyas" (37:129-130).

Allah confirms that Ilyas was among the believing, righteous servants (37:131-132). He is also named among the guided prophets favoured by Allah, in the company of Zakariya, Yahya, and Isa (6:85). The Qur'an keeps his account brief, focused on his central call to pure monotheism.

From the authentic Sunnah

Ilyas (Elijah) is counted among the messengers who called their people from the worship of Baʿl to Allah alone: "And indeed, Ilyas was among the messengers... Would you call upon Baʿl and leave the best of creators?" (37:123-125, and 6:85). His story is preserved in the Quran; there is no established ṣaḥīḥ hadith adding to it, and the reports identifying him with al-Khidr or with Idris are not authentic. We relate what the Quran affirms and stop there.

Key lessons

The core of every prophet's call is worship of Allah alone

Warning against idolatry in all its forms

The sincere servants of Allah are saved when others are punished

Allah honours His messengers with lasting good remembrance

Stories are drawn from the Quran and authentic hadith; unverified narrations (isra'iliyyat) and folk embellishments are avoided. For deeper study, consult the tafsir and a qualified scholar.