Islamic History

Episode No. 9

Hazrat Idris (Alaihissalam)

Hazrat Idris (Alaihissalam) is a famous Prophet. He was born in the city of Babylon approximately one hundred years after the passing of Hazrat Adam (Alaihissalam) and one thousand years before Hazrat Nuh (Alaihissalam). He acquired knowledge from Hazrat Sheeth (Alaihissalam). Hazrat Idris (Alaihissalam) is the inventor and founder of astronomy, arithmetic, sewing, weights and measures, weapon making, and the art of writing and books. Many languages were spoken during his era; Allah Almighty taught him all the languages, so he used to converse with people in their own language. In the Holy Quran, he is mentioned as a very truthful and patient Prophet. He was granted a high status of closeness to Divine proximity. Historians have described his character as serious in conversation and quiet by nature; he kept his gaze on the ground while walking and repeatedly signaled with his index finger while talking. He spent his entire life in dawah (preaching) and propagation of Islam.