Who is Prophet Idrees in the Quran?

Prophet Idrees ('alayhis-salam) is mentioned in the Quran as a truthful prophet (siddiqan nabiyyan) and one of the patient (min al-sabirin). Classical Islamic scholarship identifies him as the biblical Enoch and he is honored for being raised to a 'high station' by Allah.

Is the Prophet Idrees the same person as Enoch from the Bible?

The majority of classical and medieval Islamic scholars unanimously identify the Quranic Prophet Idrees with the biblical Enoch. This is based on his description as a truthful man of high station (Quran 19:57) which parallels the biblical account of Enoch being 'taken by God' (Genesis 5:24).

What does it mean that Allah raised Idrees to a 'high station'?

According to a hadith from the Prophet's (ﷺ) Night Journey (Mi'raj), and interpretations by scholars like Mujahid reported by Ibn Kathir, this 'high station' refers to Prophet Idrees being physically raised to the fourth heaven. Other scholars interpret it as an exalted spiritual rank and honor among humankind.

Prophet Idrees (Enoch) in Islam: The Patient & Truthful Prophet

Idrees

إدريس

Explore Verses Related to Idrees

🕋Maryam19:56 🕋Maryam19:57 🕋Al-Anbya21:85

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the Prophet Idrees (إدريس عليه السلام) is a revered prophetic figure mentioned in the Quran for his profound truthfulness (siddiq), prophethood (nabiyy), and exemplary patience (sabr). The majority of classical exegetes, including Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, identify him with the biblical Enoch. The Quran specifically honors him in Surah Maryam, stating, 'And We raised him to a high station' (19:57), a phrase widely interpreted, based on a hadith of the Mi'raj, as his physical ascension to the fourth heaven. A second mention in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85) groups him with other prophets renowned for their steadfast patience. The synthesis of these brief but powerful descriptions presents Idrees as one of the earliest prophets, who embodied the foundational virtues of sincerity and perseverance, earning him a unique and exalted rank from Allah.

📖 Quranic Context

Exemplar of truthfulness, patience, and high spiritual station. He is honored as one of the earliest prophets.

Described as a truthful prophet whom Allah raised to a high station, indicating his closeness to the Divine.

References: Mentioned by name in 19:56 and 21:85

💭 Theological Perspective

Represents humanity's potential for attaining high spiritual rank through patience and truthfulness.

His patience (sabr) is a model for enduring trials with steadfast faith.

A link in the chain of prophethood between Adam and Nuh, sent to guide humanity.

His 'high station' serves as an inspiration for believers to strive for spiritual elevation.

📜 Hadith Perspective

Mentioned in hadith concerning the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) Night Journey (Isra wal-Mi'raj), where he was met in the fourth heaven.

His presence in the fourth heaven during the Mi'raj.

Most classical scholars identify Prophet Idrees with the biblical figure Enoch, based on interpretations of Quranic verses and prophetic traditions.

💎 Deeper Insights

The Quran's description of Idrees as a 'Siddiq' (19:56) before calling him a 'Nabi' (Prophet) is a subtle linguistic honor. As explained by classical scholars, the rank of 'Siddiqiyyah' (profound truthfulness) is the essential foundation upon which prophethood is built. His story teaches that divine selection is preceded by personal spiritual integrity.

— Al-Qurtubi, Ibn Kathir

While many prophets are praised for patience, Idrees is placed in a unique group of 'Sabirin' in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85). Cross-referencing this with the fact that he was one of the earliest prophets before Nuh suggests his patience was of a foundational kind—persevering against the very first signs of widespread human deviation after Adam, without the precedent of past nations' destruction to warn his people.

— Al-Tabari, Al-Maududi