Unveiling the Legend of IDRĪS (ادريس): The Enigmatic Prophet ✨
IDRĪS (ادريس) is an extraordinary figure in Islamic theology with intriguing narratives and towering scholarly contributions.
Etymology and Background
The name Idrīs (ادريس) is often thought to be derived from the Arabic verb dars, meaning “to instruct,” illustrating his profound knowledge and teaching prowess. Idrīs is equated with Enoch from the Bible (Hebrew: חֲנוֹךְ, “Consecrated”).
Idrīs is cited twice in the Qurʾān: Surah Maryam (19:57) and Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85) emphasizing his truthfulness, prophethood, and lofty status.
Scholarly Contributions and Mystical Ascension
Idrīs is acknowledged for his innovations in writing, astronomy, and arithmetic—marking him as a polymath of his era. Commentaries such as those by Al-Baiẓāwī position him as a descendant of Shīs̤ (Seth) and an ancestor to Noah.
The narrative transcends earthly bounds, with exegeses like those by the Jalālān describing Idrīs’s ascension to dwell in the celestial realms—particularly the fourth, sixth, or seventh heaven—depending on differing scholarly interpretations. This ascent, often compared to Enoch’s biblical rapture, cements his celestial prominence.
Cultural Parallels and Distinctions
Across cultures, Idrīs symbolizes a confluence of judeo-christian and islamic thought. While Jewish and Christian traditions reference Enoch’s righteousness and divine ascension, Islamic lore embellishes his scholarly ascensions, further adding dimensions of prophecy and wisdom.
Synonyms and Related Terms:
- Enoch: Idrīs’s counterpart in Biblical scripture.
- Shīs̤ (Seth): A forefather celebrated in pre-Islamic and Islamic lore.
- Prophet: A messenger chosen by divine order, equipped with unique missions and guidance.
- Ascension: The act of rising to a higher, often divine, realm.
Quirky Facts
- First Scribe: Idrīs is often credited as the first human to wield the pen, transforming human communication.
- Celestial Companions: Ancient tales recount that Idrīs was escorted by a heavenly friend to meet the Angel of Death in the fourth heaven.
Notable Echoes in Literature:
Al-Ghazali, in his philosophical teachings, reveres Idrīs for establishing vital intratextual links between knowledge and divine revelation.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
“Commemorate Idrīs in the Book; verily he was a man of truth and a Prophet, and we raised him to a lofty place.” — Qurʾān, Surah Maryam (19:57)
Inspirational Farewell
“Every moment of knowledge gained transforms us just as Idrīs’s divine ascension marks the eternal quest for wisdom—a journey that bridges earthly ecstasies with heavenly grace.” — Hassan Al-Hadid
For further enrichment:
- Qurʾān Tafsir by Al-Baiẓāwī and Jalālān
- ‘Sefer Hekhie’ - Related Jewish texts on Enoch
- ‘Alchemy of Happiness’ - Al-Ghazali
- ‘Legends of the Patriarchs and Prophets’ - Sabine Baring-Gould
