20. The Story of Prophet Ilyas (AS)
The Story of Prophet Ilyas (AS)
A Prophet to the People of Ba’al
Prophet Ilyas (AS), also known as Elijah in other traditions, was sent by Allah to guide the people of Israel who had fallen into the worship of idols, particularly a false god called Ba’al. The people had turned away from the worship of the one true Allah and began to bow down to these idols, forgetting the guidance of their forefathers. They lived in a time of great disobedience and sin, and Prophet Ilyas (AS) was chosen by Allah to call them back to the path of righteousness.
Calling the People Back to Allah
Ilyas (AS) began his mission by standing in front of the people and calling them to abandon their idol worship and return to the worship of Allah alone. He said to them:
“Will you not fear Allah? Why do you call on Ba’al and leave the best of creators, Allah?”
(Qur’an 37:125-126)
Despite his efforts, the people rejected his message and continued to worship Ba’al. They even mocked Ilyas (AS) for trying to change their ways. But Ilyas (AS) was determined to guide them, and he continued to remind them of the greatness of Allah and the consequences of their actions.
The Challenge of the Idol Worshippers
One day, Ilyas (AS) challenged the worshippers of Ba’al to a contest to prove whose god was the true God. He asked them to bring their idols and offer a sacrifice to them, while he would call upon Allah. The true God would be the one to send down fire to consume the sacrifice.
The people agreed, and they gathered their idols and prepared their offerings. The priests of Ba’al prayed and called upon their god, but nothing happened. Then, it was Ilyas’s (AS) turn. He called upon Allah, and immediately, a great fire descended from the sky and consumed his sacrifice.
Seeing this miracle, the people were astonished, and many of them recognized the truth. They cried out, “There is no god but Allah!” But despite the clear evidence, some people remained stubborn and refused to follow Ilyas (AS).
The Test of Patience
After this event, Prophet Ilyas (AS) faced even more hardship. The people who still worshipped Ba’al became angry and plotted to kill him. Ilyas (AS) fled from them, but he did not give up on his mission. Allah continued to support him and guided him on his journey.
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✦ Lessons from the Story of Prophet Ilyas (AS): 1. The Importance of Tawhid (Monotheism): Ilyas (AS) preached the oneness of Allah and warned against the dangers of idol worship. His story teaches us to keep our faith focused on Allah alone and to avoid the distractions of worldly idols, whether physical or metaphorical. 2. Patience in the Face of Rejection: Despite facing rejection and threats, Ilyas (AS) remained patient and steadfast in his mission. This teaches us the value of patience and perseverance when spreading the message of truth, even when others do not listen. 3. Trust in Allah’s Power: The miracle of the fire coming from the sky to consume Ilyas’s (AS) sacrifice is a reminder that Allah has control over everything, and He is the true source of all power. This teaches us to have complete trust in Allah’s abilities, especially when we face challenges in life. 4. The Consequences of Ignoring Allah’s Message: The people who rejected Ilyas (AS) and continued to worship idols faced the consequences of their actions. This serves as a reminder of the importance of following Allah’s guidance and not turning away from His commands. |
Prophet Ilyas (AS) as a Symbol of Patience and Perseverance
Prophet Ilyas (AS) is remembered for his unwavering commitment to calling people to the worship of Allah, despite the challenges and dangers he faced. His story encourages us to stay firm in our faith, trust in Allah’s plan, and never give up on spreading goodness and truth.
REFERENCE:
Ibn Kathir, Stories of the Prophets;
Translated and adapted by Umme Abdul Rahman’
Graduate Alim/Alimah.
Founder & Director of imsjeddah.com.