Prophet Idris — The Truthful Prophet

Idris in the Quran

Allah mentioned Prophet Idris among the prophets in several places but did not narrate a detailed story. He described him in Surah Maryam:

«وَاذْكُرْ فِي الْكِتَابِ إِدْرِيسَ إِنَّهُ كَانَ صِدِّيقًا نَّبِيًّا»

"And mention in the Book, Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet." (Maryam 19:56)

And in Surah Al-Anbiya:

«وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِدْرِيسَ وَذَا الْكِفْلِ كُلٌّ مِّنَ الصَّابِرِينَ × وَأَدْخَلْنَاهُمْ فِي رَحْمَتِنَا إِنَّهُم مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ»

"And [mention] Isma'il and Idris and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient. And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous." (Al-Anbiya 21:85-86)

The Four Descriptions of Idris

1. Siddiq (Truthful): One who has reached perfection in truthfulness. Truthfulness is an essential requirement of prophethood — every prophet must be characterized by truthfulness and protected from lying and treachery.

2. Nabi (Prophet): He was a prophet of Allah sent to several nations.

3. Sabir (Patient): He faced severe hardship and great harm from his people, and was tested with various types of affliction. He met all of this with gratitude and acceptance.

4. Salih (Righteous): One of the highest praises in the Quran. The righteousness of prophets is more complete than the righteousness of saints (awliya).

Raised to a High Station

«وَرَفَعْنَاهُ مَكَانًا عَلِيًّا»

"And We raised him to a high station." (Maryam 19:57) — an elevation of rank and honor, not merely physical place.

His Lineage

Ibn Kathir said: He is Idris ibn Yard ibn Mahlael ibn Qaynan ibn Anush ibn Shith ibn Adam. His name in previous scriptures is "Enoch" (Hanukh). He is in the direct lineage of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

He was the first to be given prophethood after Shith (Seth), who received prophethood after Adam. Shith is not mentioned by name in the Quran because his prophethood was a continuation of his father's.

Key Vocabulary