The Prophet Alyasa (Elisha, Peace be upon him) is mentioned briefly in the Quran in a few verses. Alyasa (Elisha) (Peace be upon him) was a prophet sent to the people of Israel after Prophet Ilyas (Peace be upon him) and was from the lineage of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) (Peace be upon him). Below are the mentions of Prophet Alyasa (Elisha) (Peace be upon him) in the Quran, along with their English translations and verse numbers.
Prophet Alyasa (Elisha, Peace be upon him) in the Quran:
1. Surah Al-An’am (6:86)
Arabic: وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَالْيَسَعَ وَيُونُسَ وَلُوطًا ۚ وَكُلًّا فَضَّلْنَا عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ
English Translation: “And Ismail and Alyasa (Elisha) and Yunus (Jonah) and Lut (Lot) – and each (of them) We preferred above the worlds.”
This verse lists Prophet Alyasa along with other prophets, highlighting their special status and favor in the sight of Allah.
2. Surah Sad (38:48)
Arabic: وَاذْكُرْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ وَالْيَسَعَ وَذَا الْكِفْلِ ۖ وَكُلٌّ مِّنَ الْأَخْيَارِ
English Translation: “And remember Ismail and Alyasa (Elisha) and Dhu al-Kifl, and all are among the excellent.”
This verse highlights Prophet Alyasa (Elisha) as one of the righteous and excellent individuals who were chosen by Allah.
3. Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85)
Arabic: وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِدْرِيسَ وَذَا الْكِفْلِ ۖ كُلٌّ مِّنَ الصَّابِرِينَ
English Translation: “And (mention) Ishmael and Idris and Dhu al-Kifl; all were of the patient.”
Although this verse does not directly mention Alyasa by name, some scholars link it to the same grouping of prophets mentioned in the previous verse, highlighting the patience and endurance of the prophets in the face of adversity.
Prophet Alyasa (Elisha) (Peace be upon him) is mentioned briefly but is always grouped with other highly esteemed prophets such as Ismail (Ishmael), Idris (Enoch), and Dhu al-Kifl (Peace be upon All). This indicates his high status and the special favor bestowed upon him by Allah. While the Quran does not provide detailed narratives of his life, other Islamic traditions, and commentaries shed light on his role as a successor to Prophet Ilyas (Elijah) (Peace be upon him) and his mission to guide the people of Israel.
The Alyasa (Peace be upon him) continued the mission of his predecessor, Prophet Ilyas (Peace be upon him), and was a patient and righteous leader. Like many prophets, he faced challenges in guiding a rebellious people but remained steadfast in his duties.
Prophet Alyasa (Elisha) (Peace be upon him) is considered one of the prophets sent by Allah to guide the Israelites. His name, Alyasa (اليسع) in Arabic, corresponds to the Biblical prophet Elisha, and he is believed to have been the successor of Prophet Ilyas (Elijah, peace be upon him). Both Alyasa and Ilyas lived during a period when the Israelites had turned away from the worship of Allah and were engaging in idolatry and moral corruption. Their task was to bring the Israelites back to the path of monotheism.
Prophet Alyasa was from the lineage of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph, peace be upon him) and lived in a time of significant challenges for the people of Israel.
Successor to Prophet Ilyas (Elijah) (Peace be upon him):
Alyasa (Peace be upon him) became the prophet after Prophet Ilyas (Peace be upon him). Prophet Ilyas (Peace be upon him) was sent to the people of Israel when they had strayed far from the teachings of Allah, worshipping Baal, a pagan deity. The efforts of Prophet Ilyas had some effect in reforming a few of the people, but many remained rebellious and continued their idol worship. As Prophet Ilyas grew older, Allah appointed Alyasa to continue his mission. Alyasa was known for his devotion and commitment to the path of Allah, even in the face of adversity.
When Prophet Ilyas was taken by Allah, Alyasa assumed the role of leading the Israelites. He continued the struggle to guide them toward righteousness and the worship of the One True God. Like his predecessor, Alyasa faced many difficulties in trying to steer the Israelites away from corruption and polytheism. Nevertheless, he remained patient and persistent.
Also, read Story of Prophet Sulayman(Solomon) (Pbuh)