Idrīs (ادريس)
Etymology and Translation
The name Idrīs (ادريس) originates from the Arabic root dars, meaning “to instruct” or “to study.” It reflects the prophet’s reputation for knowledge and teaching. In Turkish, the name is similarly transliterated as İdris.
Qur’anic References
Idrīs is mentioned twice in the Qur’an:
- Sūrah 19:57 (Maryam): “Commemorate Idrīs in the Book; he was a man of truth and a prophet, and We raised him to a lofty place.”
- Sūrah 21:85: “And Ishmael, and Idrīs, and Ẕū al-Kifl—all steadfast in patience.”
Identity and Lineage
Islamic scholars hold varied views about Idrīs’s exact identity:
- Al-Baiḍāwī and others suggest he was a descendant of Shīth (Seth) and a forefather of Noah, equating him with Enoch (Hebrew: חֲנוֹךְ Chanoch meaning “consecrated”).
- Idrīs is said to have lived 100 years after Adam’s death and to have received 30 portions of divine scriptures.
Contributions and Legacy
Idrīs is acclaimed for several pioneering contributions:
- Invention of Writing: The first person to learn and employ writing.
- Knowledge of Sciences: Recognized for inventing the sciences of astronomy and arithmetic.
Ascension to Heaven
The Qur’anic phrase “raised him to a lofty place” has given rise to various interpretations among commentators:
- Jalālān and others: Assert that this phrase means Idrīs dwells in one of the higher heavens, potentially the fourth, sixth, or seventh.
- Ibn Jarīr’s Account: Relays a story from Rauḍat al-Aḥbāb that Idrīs’s close angelic companion took him to the heavens, where Idrīs met the Angel of Death and remained in the fourth heaven upon his death.
Scholarly Interpretations
Some scholars have posited connections between Idrīs and other prophetic figures:
- Idrīs and Elijah (Ilyās): There’s speculation that Idrīs and Elijah could be the same, although traditional accounts more commonly equate Idrīs with Enoch.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir: Offers comprehensive Islamic narratives of all major prophets including Idrīs.
- “The Prophets: Their Lives and Stories According to Islamic Tradition” by Syed Mahmud-un-Nasir: Provides detailed descriptions of prophets’ lives mentioned in the Qur’an.
- “Quranic Studies: Sources and Methods of Scriptural Interpretation” by John Wansbrough: A critical study of the Qur’anic text and interpretation.
Takeaways
- Idrīs is acknowledged in Islam as a prophet known for his wisdom, knowledge, and enduring patience.
- His identity and lofty status in Islamic theology are subject to various interpretations and rich narratives.
- Understanding Idrīs’s role requires exploring both the Qur’anic text and traditional Islamic scholarship.
Conclusion
Idrīs (ادريس) stands as a figure of profound wisdom and divine favor in Islam. His supposed contributions to early human knowledge and his extraordinary status in the heavens underscore his importance. The various scholarly interpretations and narratives associated with him reflect the depth and diversity of Islamic tradition. For those seeking a deeper understanding, examining both the Qur’an and traditional Islamic texts would be most beneficial.
By exploring these facets of Idrīs’s story, we gain insight not only into his significance but also the broader tapestry of prophetic tradition in Islam.
