Prophet Ilyas (A.S.)
Quran References:
Prophet Ilyas (AS) is mentioned 3 times in the following Ayats in the Quran:
(Quran, 6:85, 37:123, 37:130)
Mission of Prophet Ilyas (AS):
Prophet Ilyas (AS) was sent to the people of Baalbek (Ancient Syria, now Lebanon). He invited them to worship Allah SWT and forbid them from an idol called Ba’l.
However, no matter how hard he tried, the residents of the city refused to give up their idol worship.
Despite their rejection, Allah SWT still honoured Ilyas (AS) as a righteous, believing servant.
Rejection and Persecution:
When Ilyas (AS) called his people to worship Allah alone, they denied and rejected him.
The people of Baalbek even wanted to kill him, so Prophet Ilyas (AS) ran away and hid from them.
It is reported that Prophet Ilyas (AS) hid from the king for a period of ten years.
His Return After the King’s Death:
When Allah destroyed the king, Prophet Ilyas (AS) came out from hiding and tried explaining to the new king about the teachings of Allah SWT.
The king accepted Islam and so did many of his people. However, around ten thousand of his people refused to believe so the king had them executed.
Allah SWT mentioned in the Quran what Ilyas (AS) told the residents of city: ‘Do you invoke Ba’l and forsake the best of creators Allah, your Lord and your Lord of the forefathers.’ (Quran, 37:125-126)
The Quran on Prophet Ilyas (AS):
Allah SWT mentions in the Quran that Ilyas (AS) is a Prophet and Messenger of Allah: ‘And indeed, Ilyas was one of the messengers.’ (Quran, 37:123)
Allah says that Ilyas (AS) called his people to worship Allah alone as mentioned in the Ayat mentioned above.
In the Quran, it states that the people of the city rejected Ilyas (AS): ‘They denied him, so they will certainly be brought to punishment.’ (Quran, 37:127)
However, unlike the tribes of another nations, the Quran does not state the punishment that they have.
Allah SWT also praises Ilyas (AS) and says in the Quran: ‘Peace be upon Ilyasin.’ (Quran, 37:130) and ‘Indeed, he was among Our believing servants.’ (Quran, 37:132)