Definition and Meaning:
Elisha, known in Arabic as “al-Yasa” (الْيَسَعُ), is a prophet acknowledged in Islam and other Abrahamic religions. The Qur’an lists Elisha alongside Ishmael, Jonah, and Lot as individuals favored and chosen by God for guidance along the straight path. Elisha inherited the prophetic mantle from Elijah (Elias or Ilyās in Arabic), serving as an exemplar of faith, constancy, and patience. He is celebrated for his dedication and steadfastness in the face of adversity.
Etymology:
The name Elisha comes from the Hebrew name אֱלִישַׁע (Elishaʿ), which translates to “My God is salvation” or “God is my salvation” in English.
Background, Historical Facts, and Dates:
Elisha’s inception into the biblical narrative is detailed in the Hebrew Bible’s Second Book of Kings. His period of prophecy is associated with the 9th Century BCE during a turbulent era for the Kingdom of Israel.
- Succession: Elisha took the mantle from Elijah, which the Bible narrates around the 9th Century BCE.
- Miracles: Both the Bible and Hadith literature mention miraculous acts by Elisha, including healing the sick and multiplying food.
- Death: Elisha’s death is dated variably in religious traditions, but his post-mortem miracles are also chronicled.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
- Islamic Perspective: The Islamic tradition highlights Elisha (al-Yasa) for his righteousness, wisdom, and resolute faith amidst suffering.
- Christian and Jewish Perspective: In the Bible, Elisha is recognized for continuing Elijah’s mission, performing miracles, and helping maintain the faith of Israel during difficult times.
Synonyms/Aliases:
- al-Yasa (Arabic)
- Eliseus (Latin)
Related Terms:
- Elijah (Ilyās): Elisha’s mentor and predecessor in prophetic duties.
- Prophets: A broader term including all God-chosen messengers.
- Miracles: Supernatural acts attributed to prophets like Elisha.
Exciting Facts:
- Miracle of Olive Oil: Biblical accounts tell of Elisha helping a widow by supernaturally increasing her oil to pay her debts.
- Resurrection: Elisha is famed in both biblical and Qur’anic traditions for his miraculous deeds, including the resurrection of the son of the Shunammite woman in the Bible.
Quotations: “Then came to him (Elijah) the word of the LORD, saying, ‘And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room’” (1 Kings 19:16 KJV).
“And We gave him Elisha, and Zakariya, Isa (Jesus), and all were righteous in the sight of their Lord” (Qur’an 6:86).
References:
- The Holy Qur’an: Translation and Commentary by Abdullah Yusuf Ali.
- The Bible, King James Version.
- Stories of the Prophets by Ibn Kathir.
Suggested Literature:
- “Prophets in Islam” by Daniel William Brown.
- “Great Women of Islam” by Mahmood Ahmad Ghadanfar.
- “Elijah and Elisha: The Crisis of Prophecy” by W. A. B. Jones.
Translations of Elisha:
- Arabic: اليسع (Al-Yasa)
- Urdu: الیّسع
- Turkish: Elyasa
- Indonesian: Eliaşa
- Persian: اَلْیسَع
Inspirational Thought for Today: “The stories of the Prophets inspire us to hold steadfast in our faith and to seek God’s guidance amidst life’s challenges.”
Farewell, Nuruddin Al-Rashid
