Mentions of Prophet Ilyas (Pbuh) in the Quran
1. Surah Al-An’am (Chapter 6), Verse 85
Arabic: وَزَكَرِيَّا وَيَحْيَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَإِلْيَاسَ ۖ كُلٌّ مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
Transliteration: “Wa Zakariyyā wa Yaḥyā wa ʿĪsā wa Ilyās, kullun mina aṣ-ṣāliḥīn.”
English Translation: “And Zechariah and John and Jesus and Elias – and all were of the righteous.”
2. Surah As-Saffat (Chapter 37), Verses 123-130
Verse 123:
Arabic: وَإِنَّ إِلْيَاسَ لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ
Transliteration: “Wa inna Ilyās lamina l-mursalīn.”
English Translation: “And indeed, Elias was among the messengers.”
Verse 124:
Arabic: إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِ أَلَا تَتَّقُونَ
Transliteration: “Idh qāla liqawmihi alā tattaqūn.”
English Translation: “When he said to his people, ‘Will you not fear [Allah]?'”
Verse 125:
Arabic: أَتَدْعُونَ بَعْلًا وَتَذَرُونَ أَحْسَنَ الْخَالِقِينَ
Transliteration: “A-tadʿūna Baʿlan wa tadharūna aḥsana al-khāliqīn.”
English Translation: “Do you call upon Ba’l and leave the best of creators – “
Verse 126:
Arabic: اللَّهَ رَبَّكُمْ وَرَبَّ آبَائِكُمُ الْأَوَّلِينَ
Transliteration: “Allāha rabbakum wa rabba ābā’ikumu l-awwalīn.”
English Translation: “Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?”
Verse 127:
Arabic: فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَإِنَّهُمْ لَمُحْضَرُونَ
Transliteration: “Fa kadhdhabūhu fa-innahum lamuhḍarūn.”
English Translation: “But they denied him, so indeed, they will be brought [for punishment],”
Verse 128:
Arabic: إِلَّا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ الْمُخْلَصِينَ
Transliteration: “Illā ʿibāda Allāhi l-mukhlaṣīn.”
English Translation: “Except the chosen servants of Allah.”
Verse 129:
Arabic: وَتَرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ فِي الْآخِرِينَ
Transliteration: “Wa taraknā ʿalayhi fī l-ākhirīn.”
English Translation: “And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations:”
Verse 130:
Arabic: سَلَامٌ عَلَىٰ إِلْ يَاسِينَ
Transliteration: “Salāmun ʿala Ilyāsīn.”
English Translation: “Peace upon Elias.”
The story of Prophet Ilyas (also known as Elias in the Bible) is narrated in the Islamic tradition as one of guidance, monotheism, and warning to those who strayed from Allah’s path.
Background:
Prophet Ilyas (PBUH) is believed to be a descendant of Prophet Harun (Aaron) (PBUH), the brother of Prophet Musa (Moses) (PBUH). Allah sent him to guide the people of the northern kingdom of Israel, particularly the inhabitants of Baalbek (present-day Lebanon). The people of this region had fallen into idol worship, particularly the worship of Baal, a pagan god.
The People of Baal:
The people of Baal had turned away from worshiping Allah and were deeply involved in the worship of an idol named Baal. Prophet Ilyas was sent to call them back to monotheism (Tawhid), reminding them that only Allah is the true God. He admonished them for their false practices and called them to repentance, offering them salvation if they obeyed Allah.
His Message:
Ilyas (PBUH) repeatedly warned his people about the consequences of their idol worship. He urged them to abandon the worship of Baal and reminded them of the favors and blessings Allah had bestowed upon them. He emphasized that only Allah has control over all things and that Baal was a powerless creation.
In the Qur’an, Ilyas’ message to his people is summarized as:
“Will you not fear Allah? You call upon Baal and forsake the Best of creators, Allah, your Lord, and the Lord of your forefathers?”
— Surah As-Saffat (37:124-126)
Despite his efforts, most of the people rejected Ilyas’ (PBUH) message. They continued to worship Baal, and their arrogance led them to mock and oppose the prophet.
The Punishment:
Due to the people’s persistent disobedience and arrogance, Allah withheld rain from them, causing a severe drought and famine. The people eventually suffered as a consequence of their actions, but many still refused to repent and turn to Allah.
The Faithful Believers:
While the majority of the people rejected Prophet Ilyas (PBUH), there were a few righteous individuals who believed in his message and continued to worship Allah. These believers were steadfast in their faith, and Ilyas prayed for them.
Ilyas’ (PBUH) Ascension:
According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ilyas’ mission continued until Allah took him up into the heavens, granting him an honorable place. Some scholars believe that Prophet Ilyas (PBUH) did not die a natural death and that he was raised to heaven, similar to Prophet Isa (Jesus) (PBUH). Islamic sources also indicate that Prophet Ilyas is one of the few prophets who continue to live in a hidden state, known as ghayb.
Also, read the Story of Prophet Sulayman(Solomon) (Pbuh)