The Story of Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) is one of the most fascinating and enlightening narratives in Islamic history. Hazrat Idrees (A.S.), known as Enoch in Biblical tradition, was among the earliest prophets sent by Allah after Hazrat Adam (A.S.). He is mentioned in both the Holy Qur’an and Hadith, recognized for his exceptional wisdom, patience, and devotion to knowledge.
This article explores the life, teachings, and miracles of Hazrat Idrees (A.S.), along with the timeless lessons Muslims can learn from his noble example.
Who Was Hazrat Idrees (A.S.)?
Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) was the great-grandson of Prophet Shith (Seth) A.S., who was the son of Hazrat Adam (A.S.). According to Islamic tradition, Idrees (A.S.) was born many generations after Adam and lived in an era when humankind was still close to its origin. Society was simple but beginning to drift away from the pure worship of Allah.
Allah chose Idrees (A.S.) as a Prophet and Messenger to guide people back to righteousness, to teach them morality, and to lead them towards the worship of one true God.
He is mentioned twice in the Holy Qur’an:
“And mention in the Book, Idrees. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet. And We raised him to a high station.”
(Surah Maryam, 19:56-57)
This verse highlights two major qualities of Hazrat Idrees (A.S.): truthfulness and prophethood, and confirms the great honor Allah bestowed upon him.
Birthplace and Era
According to various Islamic historians and scholars, Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) lived in Babylon (modern-day Iraq). Some traditions state that he later migrated to Egypt, where he continued spreading Allah’s message.
He was born approximately 1,000 years after Prophet Adam (A.S.), during a time when humanity began expanding rapidly. People had started developing crafts, tools, and basic industries – but moral decay and disobedience to Allah were also on the rise.
Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) was chosen to restore the balance between material progress and spiritual faith.
Prophethood and Divine Mission
Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) was sent as a Prophet to guide people towards Tawheed (oneness of Allah) and to forbid shirk (polytheism). He invited people to live righteously, give charity, speak truthfully, and avoid sin.
He taught people that success in this world and the Hereafter lies only in obedience to Allah.
Unlike some later prophets who faced open rebellion, Idrees (A.S.)’s challenge was more subtle – people were becoming distracted by worldly gains and neglecting their spiritual duties. Through his wisdom and calmness, he reminded them that every blessing comes from Allah and that gratitude must always be shown through prayer and good deeds.
Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) – The First to Write with a Pen
One of the most remarkable facts about Prophet Idrees (A.S.) is that he was the first human to write with a pen.
Allah granted him great intelligence and knowledge. He learned how to use symbols and letters to record information, which became the foundation for written communication among humans. Because of this, he is often called the Father of Writing and Wisdom.
This divine gift allowed him to preserve knowledge, teach his people reading and writing, and record revelations and sciences – making him one of the most scholarly prophets in human history.
The First to Study Astronomy and Mathematics
Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) was not only a prophet but also a scientist, philosopher, and astronomer. Allah blessed him with deep understanding of the stars, the universe, and the measurement of time.
It is said that he was the first person to observe celestial bodies and to divide days into hours, months into days, and years into months. He introduced the concept of calendars, helping people track seasons for farming and worship.
He also taught tailoring – the skill of sewing clothes – making him the first person to sew garments using needle and thread. Before him, people used to wear animal skins. These contributions show how Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) improved human civilization with knowledge granted by Allah.
Migration from Babylon to Egypt
As time passed, many people in Babylon began to reject his message. When they ignored his guidance and continued wrongdoing, Allah commanded Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) to migrate to another land.
He gathered his small group of followers and moved to Egypt, where he continued to spread the message of truth. Upon arriving in Egypt, he preached:
“We must worship none but Allah, speak the truth, fulfil promises, and help one another in goodness.”
His community began to grow in faith and number. Egypt became a centre of knowledge and piety under his leadership. Many historians believe that the wisdom of Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) laid the foundation for the early civilisation that later flourished in that region.
Miracles of Hazrat Idrees (A.S.)
Allah blessed His prophets with miracles to confirm their truthfulness. Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) also performed several miracles by Allah’s permission:
- Deep Knowledge and Prophecy: He was able to understand heavenly signs and predict future events accurately.
- Long Life and Spiritual Ascension: Allah granted him a long and blessed life and raised him to a high station in the heavens.
- Master of Many Sciences: He was the first to combine spiritual wisdom with practical science – an extremely rare gift.
The greatest miracle of all was his ascension to the heavens (Mi‘raj), a divine honour mentioned in the Qur’an as “We raised him to a high station.
The Ascension (Mi‘raj) of Hazrat Idrees (A.S.)
According to Hadith and classical Islamic scholars, Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) was taken up to the heavens during his lifetime.
It is narrated that one of the angels was a close companion of Idrees (A.S.). One day, the Prophet expressed his wish to witness Paradise and the workings of the heavens. The angel sought Allah’s permission and took him upward through the skies.
When they reached the fourth heaven, Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) was met by the Angel of Death. Upon receiving the divine command, the Angel of Death took his soul in the heavens itself – fulfilling the verse:
“And We raised him to a high station.” (Surah Maryam 19:57)
This means that Idrees (A.S.)’s soul was honoured by Allah in the celestial realm – a sign of his piety, patience, and spiritual excellence.
Character and Qualities of Hazrat Idrees (A.S.)
Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) was known for his truthfulness, patience, and deep thinking. He preferred solitude and contemplation, spending long hours in ibadah (worship) and reflection.
He was gentle in speech but firm in principle. He inspired others not only through preaching but also through personal example. His daily routine combined work, worship, and wisdom, teaching his followers that true believers balance worldly responsibilities with spiritual devotion.
The Qur’an refers to him as “a man of truth and a prophet.” This short but powerful phrase summarises his entire personality – one rooted in honesty, sincerity, and dedication to Allah’s cause.
Death and Legacy
Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) did not die on earth like most people. Instead, as described earlier, Allah raised him to the heavens. His return and death will occur according to Allah’s will, but for now, his spiritual legacy remains eternal.
He left behind a legacy of knowledge, literacy, and discipline that became the backbone of early human progress.
Through him, Allah taught mankind the importance of recording knowledge, calculating time, sewing clothes, and living a balanced life between faith and reason.
Lessons from the Story of Hazrat Idrees (A.S.)
The Story of Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) offers profound lessons for every Muslim:
- Seek Knowledge: Idrees (A.S.) reminds us that learning is a form of worship. Knowledge leads us closer to Allah when used rightly.
- Work Diligently: He was a prophet who worked with his hands – a reminder that earning halal livelihood is part of faith.
- Be Patient: His patience with his people teaches us endurance in the face of rejection or difficulty.
- Value Truth: His title “a man of truth” shows that honesty is the foundation of piety.
- Balance Faith and Worldly Skills: He taught both religion and practical life – an example for Muslims to combine spiritual and worldly excellence.
- Aspire for Higher Spirituality: Allah raised him because of his sincerity. Strive for spiritual elevation through good deeds and remembrance of Allah.
Conclusion
The Story of Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) stands as a timeless example of how faith, intellect, and patience can shape the destiny of humanity. He was a man of vision – the first writer, the first tailor, and among the earliest astronomers.
Above all, he was a Prophet who lived in obedience to Allah, guided his people with compassion, and left behind a message of truth and perseverance.
Today, as we reflect on his life, we are reminded that knowledge without faith is hollow, and faith without action is incomplete. The life of Hazrat Idrees (A.S.) beautifully unites both – inspiring Muslims to live with purpose, wisdom, and unwavering belief in Allah’s plan.