Prophet Ilyas (Elias or Elijah in English), peace be upon him, is one of the messengers named in the Qur’an. His story is told briefly in Surah As-Saffat, where he calls his people away from the worship of an idol named Ba‘l and back to Allah alone. This guide explains what the Qur’an says about Prophet Ilyas, what it does not say, and the lessons his message holds for today.
Prophet Ilyas in the Qur’an
“And indeed, Elias was from among the messengers,”
— Qur’an 37:123, Saheeh International
“When he said to his people, “Will you not fear Allāh?”
— Qur’an 37:124, Saheeh International
“Do you call upon Baʿl and leave the best of creators -”
— Qur’an 37:125, Saheeh International
“Allāh, your Lord and the Lord of your first forefathers?””
— Qur’an 37:126, Saheeh International
His people rejected him, but the Qur’an notes that Allah’s chosen servants among them were saved, and that he was remembered well by later generations (37:127–129).
“”Peace upon Elias.””
— Qur’an 37:130, Saheeh International
Among the Righteous
“And Zechariah and John and Jesus and Elias – and all were of the righteous.”
— Qur’an 6:85, Saheeh International
Here Ilyas is named alongside Zakariya, Yahya and Isa (Jesus).
What the Qur’an Does Not Say
Some popular stories about Ilyas, including accounts of him being taken up to the heavens in a chariot of fire, come from the Bible and other traditions, not from the Qur’an or authentic hadith. We have not presented those details as Islamic teaching. Where the Qur’an is brief, it is safer to reflect on what it does say than to fill the gaps with unverified stories.
The Message of Prophet Ilyas
The heart of his message is a single question: “Will you not fear Allah?” He asked his people why they would call on an idol and leave “the best of creators”, the Lord of their forefathers. It is the same call to Tawheed, the worship of Allah alone, made by every prophet.
Lessons from Prophet Ilyas
Idols Can Take Many Forms
Ba‘l was a physical idol. Editorial reflection. Today, people can give money, status or approval the place in their hearts that belongs to Allah. The question “Will you not fear Allah?” is still relevant.
Tradition Is Not Proof
Ilyas reminded his people that Allah was “the Lord of your first forefathers”. Following inherited customs is not a reason to abandon the truth.
A Good Name Lasts
The Qur’an sends peace upon him (37:130). Standing for the truth, even when rejected, earns a lasting good remembrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prophet Ilyas the same as Elijah?
Ilyas is the Arabic name of the prophet known in English as Elias or Elijah. The Qur’an’s account is brief and focuses on his call to worship Allah alone.
Where is Prophet Ilyas mentioned in the Qur’an?
In Surah Al-An‘am (6:85) and Surah As-Saffat (37:123–132).
Is Prophet Ilyas related to Prophet Alyasa?
They are often mentioned together in Islamic literature. The Qur’an names Alyasa (Elisha) separately in 6:86 and 38:48. It does not describe their relationship, so we have not added details that cannot be verified.
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.
