Surah Maryam, Ayah 56

Mentioning Idris

Allah complimented Idris for being a truthful Prophet and He mentioned that he raised him to a high station. It has previously been mentioned that in the Sahih it is recorded that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ passed by Idris on the night of the Isra (Night Journey) and he (Idris) was in the fourth heaven. Sufyan reported from Mansur that Mujahid said,

وَرَفَعْنَاهُ مَكَاناً عَلِيّاً

(And We raised him to a high station.) "This means the fourth heaven." Al-Hasan and others said concer- ning Allah's statement,

وَرَفَعْنَاهُ مَكَاناً عَلِيّاً

(And We raised him to a high station.) "This means Paradise."

وَاذْكُرْ‌ فِي الْكِتَابِ إِدْرِ‌يسَ

"And mention in the Book (the story of) Idris." - 19:56.

Sayyidna Idris (علیہ السلام) lived one thousand years before Sayyidna Nuh (علیہ السلام) and was among his ancestors. (Ruh ul-Ma` ani with reference to Mustadrak al-Hakim). He was the first Prophet after Sayyidna Adam (علیہ السلام) and Allah Ta’ ala bestowed upon him thirty books. (Abi zar- Zamkhashari). Sayyidna Idris (علیہ السلام) was the first man who was given the knowledge of astrology and mathematics through a miracle, (Bahr ul-Muhit). He was also the first man who learnt how to write with a pen, and also the first who invented stitching of cloth, people used to wear animal skins instead of clothes before his time. He also invented measurement tools for the first time. Making of weapons also started in his time and he used them in his wars - the Holy wars : جھاد)Jihad) against the descendents of Qabil (بنو قابیل) (Bahr ul-Muhit, Qurtubi, Mazhari, Ruh ul-Ma ani)

Moses, while on his way from Midian to Egypt, passed by the Mount of Tur where God honoured him with prophethood. In every period in the past God selected his messengers (prophets) and entrusted them with His messages. These messages were always sent through the Angel Gabriel. But, in the case of Moses, he was given exceptional treatment, as God talked directly to him. Moreover, Moses was granted a special provision in that God appointed another prophet, Aaron, to assist him. The reason for this special consideration might have been the exceptional circumstances under which he was required to perform his prophetic mission: on the one hand, he had to confront a tyrant, Pharaoh, and on the other, the community of Jews, which had reached the last stage of degradation. God’s Mercy and Help in such abundant measure are bestowed only on His prophets, though God favours his other faithful subjects in the same manner, albeit in varying degrees. God inspires them with divine guidance so that they may perform the task assigned to them. He instills His ideas in their minds. He arranges for them special support the like of which is not available to anybody under ordinary circumstances.