Elias (Ilyas)
Etymology and Translations
Ilyas (إلياس) is the Arabic equivalent of Elias, a name derived from the Hebrew אֵלִיָּהוּ (Eliyahu), which translates to “My God is Yahweh”. In Turkish, he is referred to as Ilyas.
Identity and Role in Islam
Elias, or Ilyas, is a revered prophet in Islamic tradition. His story and prophethood are acknowledged in the Quran, where he is portrayed as a fervent preacher of truth and righteousness. Refusing to conform to popular idolatry, Elias strongly denounced the worship of the sun god Baal and relentlessly called his people back to the worship of Allah, advocating for monotheism.
Comparison to Other Biblical Figures
In Islamic theology, Elias is often compared to other significant prophetic figures like Zachariah, John, and Jesus due to their shared attributes of righteousness, dedication to truth, and spiritual leadership. These prophets are similarly highlighted in Islamic texts for their unwavering commitment to guiding their communities towards piety and rightful living.
Contributions and Legacy
Elias’ ardent opposition to idol worship underscores Islam’s emphasis on avoiding shirk (associating partners with Allah). As part of the righteous, Elias’ legacy continues to inspire Muslims to uphold monotheism and shed idolatrous practices.
Qur’anic References
- Elias is mentioned within the Quran, primarily in Surah As-Saffat (37:123-132), where his relentless efforts to guide his people are conveyed, portraying him as a steadfast figure of faith against overwhelming odds.
Books for Further Study
- “Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir – An Islamic scholar’s comprehensive narrative on the lives of various prophets, including Ilyas.
- “Prophets in the Quran: An Introduction to the Qur’an and Muslim Exegesis” by Brannon M. Wheeler – A critical approach for better understanding the roles and significance of prophets in the Quran.
- “The Qur’an with Annotated Interpretation in Modern English” by Ali Ünal – Offers accessible insights and interpretations about Elias/Ilyas and other prophetic figures.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Elias (Ilyas) stands as a paradigm of unwavering faith, dedicated to maintaining the sovereignty of Allah’s worship against widespread belief in false deities. His narrative in the Quran encourages Muslims to embody similar steadfastness in practice and belief.
Elias’ legacy in Islamic theology exemplifies righteousness, serving as a timeless reminder of the importance of monotheistic devotion and the denunciation of idolatry.
By studying his life and contributions, one gains deeper insights into the coherently shared morals among major prophets in both Islamic and other Abrahamic traditions. The portrayal of Elias fortifies the continuity pursuit of truth and unwavering belief in the face of adversity.
