Prophet Alyasa (Elisha in English), peace be upon him, is one of the prophets named in the Qur’an. He is mentioned only twice, briefly, but in the company of some of the greatest prophets and with high praise. This guide explains exactly what the Qur’an says about Prophet Alyasa, why so little detail is given, and what we can learn from how the Qur’an honours him.
Prophet Alyasa in the Qur’an
The Qur’an names Alyasa in two places:
“And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot – and all [of them] We preferred over the worlds.”
— Qur’an 6:86, Saheeh International
“And remember Ishmael, Elisha and Dhul-Kifl, and all are among the outstanding.”
— Qur’an 38:48, Saheeh International
In both verses he is named alongside other prophets, including Isma‘il (Ishmael) and Yunus (Jonah), and described as preferred by Allah and among “the outstanding”.
Why Does the Qur’an Say So Little?
The Qur’an is not a history book that records every detail of every prophet’s life. It tells some stories at length and mentions other prophets briefly, focusing on guidance rather than biography. The Qur’an itself says that some messengers’ stories were related to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and others were not (4:164).
Many stories about Elisha circulate from the Bible and other sources. Because they are not found in the Qur’an or authentic hadith, we have not presented them as Islamic teaching. For detailed questions, please consult a qualified scholar.
Lessons from Prophet Alyasa
Honour Without Fame
Editorial reflection. We know very little about the life of Alyasa, yet the Qur’an calls him “among the outstanding”. Real worth is known to Allah, whether or not people remember the details of a life.
Faith in the Unseen Details
Believing in all the prophets is part of Islamic faith, including those whose stories we are not told. Muslims honour every prophet named in the Qur’an, and the brevity of some accounts is a reminder to take our knowledge from reliable sources.
Keeping Good Company
In both verses Alyasa is listed with other righteous prophets. The company a person keeps is part of how they are remembered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prophet Alyasa the same as Elisha?
Yes. Alyasa is the Arabic name of the prophet known in English as Elisha.
How many times is Prophet Alyasa mentioned in the Qur’an?
Twice: in Surah Al-An‘am (6:86) and Surah Sad (38:48), both quoted above.
Was Alyasa a student of Ilyas?
This is commonly stated in Islamic and Biblical literature, but the Qur’an does not describe their relationship. Read what the Qur’an says about Prophet Ilyas.
Keeping the Qur’an’s Words in View
Many families keep a verse or supplication from these stories at home as a daily reminder. Our dua collection, including the Dua of Yunus design, offers instant digital downloads supplied as high-resolution JPEG files for printing at home or at a local print shop; no physical item is shipped. Custom designs, such as a verse from Surah Maryam, can be requested.
