Prophet Idris: Wisdom and Devotion

In this article, we will learn who Prophet Idris was and why he is so important. We will see what the Quran and authentic Hadith say about him, share some of his wise sayings, and understand how classical scholars have described his contributions. Through Idris's example, we aim to appreciate how Islam's message of wisdom and devotion has been part of human history from the very beginning. His life story and character can inspire us to seek truth, pursue knowledge, and stay devoted to Allah in our own lives.

Who Was Prophet Idris?

Prophet Idris (ﷺ) is revered in Islam as one of the very early prophets, coming soon after Prophet Adam and his son Seth. In fact, Islamic tradition commonly identifies Idris with the Biblical prophet Enoch, placing him in the generations not far removed from Adam ****. This means Idris lived in ancient times when humanity was still young. Some historians even say Idris was born while Adam was still alive, linking the very first prophet with one of his pious descendants ****. Through this connection, we see Islam's belief that from the dawn of humanity, God provided guidance through chosen messengers.

Idris's lineage traces back to Adam, and he is often said to be the great-grandfather of Prophet Noah. Living in a time of early human civilization, Idris carried forward the teachings of monotheism and righteousness that Adam had taught. He called his people to worship one God and to live morally, at a time when many were forgetting or straying from Adam's message. According to historical Islamic accounts, Idris was born in Babylon, a center of early human population, and grew up among people who were learning how to live in organized communities. He followed the pure teachings of Adam and Seth. When Idris began his mission of Dawah (inviting people to Allah's path), only a small group of people listened to him while the majority turned away from the truth. Undeterred by the people's indifference, Idris persisted with patience.

Eventually, as the community's resistance grew, Idris decided to move to another land by the will of Allah. It is said that Prophet Idris and his faithful followers migrated to Egypt to escape the hostility and make a fresh start ****. In Egypt, Idris continued spreading Allah's message. He taught the people about justice and goodness, encouraging them to do what is right and avoid evil. He introduced certain practices of worship that might sound familiar to Muslims today. For example, Idris taught people to pray and to remember Allah regularly. He also instructed them to fast on certain days and to give a portion of their wealth to the poor ****. These acts (prayer, fasting, and charity) are core pillars of Islamic practice, showing that the spirit of Islam (submission to God and caring for others) was present from the earliest generations. Idris's efforts helped establish communities built on faith in Allah, compassion, and ethical living, even in those ancient times.

Through these teachings and his personal example, Prophet Idris became known as a man of truth and devotion. He guided people at a critical stage in human history, reminding them of Allah's guidance when it was in danger of being forgotten. All four major schools of Islamic thought, and indeed all Sunni scholars, hold Idris in the highest esteem as a genuine prophet of Allah. There is no disagreement about his prophethood or virtues, Muslims unanimously honor Idris as a righteous messenger who conveyed the same message of Tawheed (oneness of God) and goodness that all prophets preached. By knowing who Idris was, we appreciate Islam's continuity: from Adam to Idris to Noah and onward, every prophet reinforced the same fundamental truth. Now, let's see what the Holy Quran tells us about Idris, and how Allah Himself praises this noble prophet.

Prophet Idris in the Quran

Although Prophet Idris is mentioned only briefly in the Quran, those mentions are powerful. The Quran highlights Idris's truthfulness, prophethood, and high status given by Allah. One key reference is in Surah Maryam (Chapter 19), where Allah instructs Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to remember Idris in the scripture:

"And mention in the Book, Idris. Indeed, he was truthful, a prophet. And We raised him to a high station." (Quran 19:56-57)

In these two verses, Allah packs a lot of praise for Idris. First, Idris is called "Siddiqan Nabiyyan" in Arabic, translated here as "truthful, a prophet." The word Siddiq means a person of utmost truthfulness and sincerity, someone who firmly believes in the truth and never lies. Calling Idris truthful shows his integrity and strong faith. He was honest with his people and completely loyal to Allah's message. Being described as a prophet confirms that Idris received revelation from Allah and was chosen to guide others. So, in just a few words, the Quran establishes Idris's character (truthful) and his role (a prophet of God).

The next part, "We raised him to a high station," is especially intriguing. Allah elevated Prophet Idris to a makanan 'aliyyan, a high place or lofty position. Scholars of tafsir (Quranic commentary) have discussed what this means. Some explain it as a metaphor for Idris's high rank in piety and closeness to Allah. In other words, Idris reached a very noble spiritual status due to his devotion. Other scholars take it more literally, saying it refers to Idris actually being raised up by Allah to the heavens or some elevated place. Islamic tradition in fact holds a story (which we will discuss soon) about how Idris was taken up into the heavens by an angel as an honor from Allah for his devotion. In either case, the Quranic phrase clearly shows that Idris was special and honored among human beings. The only other prophet mentioned with a similar honor of being raised up is Prophet Jesus (Isa), whom Muslims believe was lifted to the heavens by Allah. So this verse suggests that Idris, like Jesus later, received an extraordinary honor. It harmonizes with the Biblical statement about Enoch ("And he was not, for God took him"), which Muslims believe corresponds to Idris. The Quran here confirms that Allah indeed "took him up" or granted him an exalted place, demonstrating how Islam preserves earlier truths while clarifying them in its own way.

Another reference to Idris in the Quran appears in Surah Al-Anbiya (Chapter 21), which appropriately is a chapter named "The Prophets." In a section of that surah, Allah lists several prophets, highlighting their virtues. Idris is included in this noble list:

"And [mention] Ishmael and Idris and Dhul-Kifl; all were of those who are patient. And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous." (Quran 21:85-86)

Here, Prophet Idris is grouped with Prophet Ishmael (Ismail) and a figure named Dhul-Kifl, and Allah says "all were of those who are patient." Patience, or sabr in Arabic, is a key virtue in Islam. By saying Idris was among the patient, the Quran tells us that he endured difficulties with steadfastness. We know from Idris's story that he preached to people who largely ignored or opposed him. It surely required great patience and perseverance to continue guiding his community despite the lack of support. Idris did not give up or lose hope; he remained steadfast in delivering Allah's message. This quality of patience is something all prophets had, and Idris is specifically mentioned as an example of it. It's a reminder for us as well, to stay patient and faithful even when times are tough or when others don't immediately listen.

The verse continues, "And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous." Being admitted into Allah's mercy means these prophets received His grace, forgiveness, and blessings. Idris, Ishmael, and Dhul-Kifl all attained Allah's special mercy due to their sincere service. Calling them "the righteous" (Arabic: salihin) confirms that they lived virtuous lives and earned Allah's pleasure. Although Idris's story isn't told in detail in the Quran, this verse assures us that he succeeded in his mission in Allah's eyes, he was righteous and enveloped in mercy.

In summary, the Quran paints a beautiful portrait of Prophet Idris in just a few lines: He was truthful, a prophet, patient in adversity, righteous in deeds, and highly honored by Allah's grace. For Muslims, these verses are enough to establish a deep respect and love for Idris. Even without a long narrative, the Quran's words inspire us. We learn that a devoted servant of Allah, even in humanity's early days, upheld truth and patience and was raised in rank by Allah. It shows that qualities like honesty and endurance are always valued by God, no matter the era. Now, to further enrich our understanding, we will look at what the Hadith and Islamic tradition say about Idris, which complement the Quranic account with some fascinating details.

Idris in Hadith and Islamic Tradition

The Hadith literature (records of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)'s sayings and actions) also acknowledge Prophet Idris, though not in great quantity. One of the most significant mentions comes from the extraordinary event of Al-Isra' wal-Mi'raj, the Night Journey and Ascension of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). In this miraculous journey, the Prophet (ﷺ) traveled through the heavens and met several earlier prophets. Idris was among those he encountered. According to an authentic hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari, when the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) ascended to one of the higher heavens, he met Prophet Idris. The hadith describes the meeting as follows:

"Then we ascended to the fourth heaven ... There I met Idris and greeted him. He said, 'You are welcomed, O brother and Prophet.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari)

In this scene, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is relating how Angel Gabriel escorted him up through the levels of heaven. On reaching the fourth heaven, they find Idris. Idris warmly greets Muhammad (ﷺ) like a brother, recognizing him also as a prophet of God. The greeting "O brother and Prophet" is very meaningful. It shows the bond of brotherhood between all the prophets, they share the same faith and mission, even though they came in different times. Idris calling Muhammad (ﷺ) a brother highlights the unity of God's messengers. Despite the thousands of years between them, they stand together in one brotherhood of prophethood. This hadith also subtly confirms Idris's high status, since he is present in the lofty heavens among great figures. In another narration found in Sahih Muslim, it is said the Prophet (ﷺ) met Idris in the fourth heaven as well, which is consistent with the above. (Some other narrations mention Idris in a different heaven, but all authentic sources agree that Idris was encountered during the Mi'raj.)

For Muslims, this meeting is a beautiful reminder that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was welcomed and honored by previous prophets like Idris, Jesus, Moses, Abraham and others during the Night Journey. It reinforces that the message of Islam is a continuation of the same truth that Idris and all prophets taught. The respect and affection they showed each other is a model of unity and respect among believers as well.

Beyond this encounter, we do not have many hadiths where Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) directly narrates Idris's life story. However, Islamic tradition, drawn from the Quran, hadith contexts, and early historians' writings, gives us additional insights into Idris's remarkable contributions to human civilization. Many scholars have described Idris as not only a devout worshiper, but also a pioneer of certain useful skills and sciences. For example, it is widely held in classical scholarship that Idris was the first human being to write with a pen ****. Before Idris's time, people had not developed writing; knowledge was passed orally. Allah blessed Idris with the insight to use a pen (or stylus) to record information. This was a monumental advancement, writing is the foundation of preserving knowledge. It's very interesting to note here that the first verses Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) were "Read in the name of your Lord... Who taught by the pen". Many commentators say this alludes to Idris being the first to write. So, from an Islamic perspective, writing (one of the keys to civilization) was taught by a prophet and was part of divine mercy to mankind.

Idris's contributions didn't stop at writing. Scholars say that Prophet Idris introduced the art of sewing and tailoring clothes as well ****. During his era, people's clothing was probably very simple, possibly animal skins or rough wraps. Idris was the first to sew clothing with a needle and thread, making well-fitted shirts and garments. This not only made life more comfortable but also showed modesty and dignity. It might seem like a small thing today, but imagine a world with no stitched clothes! Idris's skill was a huge benefit and is another example of how prophets improved daily life.

Idris is credited with being the first to study the stars and astronomy ****. He observed the night sky, learned about the movements of heavenly bodies, and used that knowledge for the benefit of his people. This could include understanding seasons, navigation, and time-keeping by looking at the stars, important knowledge for agriculture and travel in ancient times. Because of this, later generations even referred to Idris as a great philosopher or scientist. In fact, some historical writers (especially outside mainstream texts) equated Idris with "Hermes Trismegistus," a legendary figure of wisdom, due to his association with astronomy and other sciences. While such identifications are speculative, they underscore Idris's reputation as a wise scholar of natural knowledge.

To summarize these contributions: Idris was the first to use a pen to write, the first to sew clothing, and the first to study the movements of the stars . These advancements show that, in Islam, there is no conflict between religious guidance and scientific or practical knowledge, in fact, Allah often sent prophets with both spiritual wisdom and useful skills for their people. Idris embodies this combination of faith and reason, being both a devout man of God and a teacher of beneficial knowledge. Muslims see this as part of the beauty of Islam: it encourages seeking knowledge and developing skills as a form of worship and gratitude to God.

Islamic tradition also preserves a fascinating story about how Idris's devotion earned him the extraordinary honor that the Quran hinted at, being raised to a high station. This story comes from early commentators and illustrates Idris's pious desire to do even more good deeds. According to one narration, Allah informed Prophet Idris through revelation that Idris would get a special reward: every day, the reward of all the good deeds done by mankind in that day would be given to Idris as well. This was an immense bounty from Allah, essentially multiplying Idris's own reward by the number of people on Earth! Idris was very happy to hear of Allah's favor, but instead of relaxing, it made him even more eager to worship Allah. He thought to himself: if the reward is so great each day, how wonderful it would be if I could live longer to accumulate even more of these rewards for the hereafter. His love for worship was such that he wanted to maximize his time doing good deeds.

Prophet Idris then had a friend among the angels. (We know from the Quran that angels would sometimes descend to converse with prophets or carry out tasks; for example, Angel Gabriel was the messenger to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).) Idris confided in his angel friend, expressing his wish to have a longer life to increase his accumulation of good deeds. He asked the angel if he could speak to the Angel of Death on Idris's behalf, to see if his life could be extended. The Angel of Death (Malak al-Mawt) is the angel tasked with ending people's time on Earth when Allah commands. It was a bold request, but Idris's intention was sincere, he only wanted a longer life to serve Allah more.

So the angel friend said, in essence, "Hop on," and carried Prophet Idris on his wings up from Earth into the heavens to meet the Angel of Death. The angel flew with Idris through the layers of heaven until they encountered the Angel of Death in the fourth heaven. The angel then asked the Angel of Death about Idris's lifespan, seeking to negotiate more time. The Angel of Death replied (to paraphrase): "Where is Idris? I was actually sent to take his soul, but I wondered how I would do that while he was on Earth, since Allah commanded me to collect Idris's soul in the fourth heaven."

It turned out that by coming up to the fourth heaven at that moment, Idris was exactly where he needed to be for his life to end as Allah had decreed. The Angel of Death then took Idris's soul in the fourth heaven, and thus Idris died in a very elevated place. According to this narration, this is the meaning of Allah's words, "We raised him to a high station." Allah orchestrated events so that Idris's life ended in the heavens, granting him an especially honorable departure from the world ****. Idris's wish to increase his good deeds was fulfilled not by living longer on Earth, but by Allah bringing him up to heaven and taking him into the next life, where his reward was already immense and secure.

This story, while not found in the Quran or a Sahih hadith, is recorded by early Islamic scholars as an Isra'iliyyat (a narration coming originally from Judaeo-Christian sources or early interpreters like Ka'b al-Ahbar). Muslims do not consider such stories as absolute fact unless confirmed by Quran or Hadith, but many scholars have related it to illustrate the Quranic verse about Idris. Whether one takes it literally or as a moral tale, the lesson remains profound: Prophet Idris was so devoted to Allah that he always aimed to do more for God's pleasure, and Allah in turn blessed him in extraordinary ways. Idris's devotion and ambition in worship are something for us to admire.

Even without that story, we know from the Quran that Allah "admitted Idris into His mercy." Idris is therefore in Paradise, enjoying the eternal reward of his faith and good works. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) meeting him during the Mi'raj is a further testament to Idris's honored status in the afterlife. Thus, Islamic tradition completes the picture of Idris: he was a truthful prophet who guided his people, a pioneer of knowledge and civilization, a model of patience, and a passionate worshiper of Allah who attained a special nearness to Him.

Wisdom from Prophet Idris

Prophet Idris was not only a man of learning and devotion, but also a source of wise guidance. Many wise sayings are attributed to Idris in Islamic literature, reflecting the depth of his understanding and piety. These sayings sound like proverbs and offer ethical and spiritual lessons that are valuable for all of us. Here are a few famous examples of Idris's wisdom:

• "Happy is he who looks at his own deeds and appoints them as pleaders to his Lord."
• "None can show better gratitude for Allah's favors than he who shares them with others."
• "Do not envy people for what they have, as they will only enjoy it for a short while."
• "He who indulges in excess will not benefit from it."
• "The real joy of life is to have wisdom."

According to scholars, these gems of wisdom were among the teachings of Prophet Idris ****. Let's briefly reflect on each one. The first saying encourages self-reflection and accountability: rather than relying on empty words, we should let our deeds "plead" for us before Allah. In other words, live righteously such that your actions speak in your favor when you stand before God. The second saying is about gratitude, true thankfulness for Allah's blessings is shown by sharing and helping others, not by hoarding what we have. Idris is teaching generosity and social responsibility here, which is very much in line with Islamic values like charity (Zakat and Sadaqah).

The third advice warns us not to envy others, because worldly possessions and status are temporary. This is a reminder that everything in life is transient and ultimately belongs to Allah, so envy is both futile and destructive to one's peace of mind. Islam similarly teaches contentment (qana'ah) and focusing on one's own blessings. The fourth saying advises against excess. Whether in consumption, spending, or even worship practices, going to extremes is not beneficial. Islam emphasizes moderation and balance in life, being neither wasteful nor stingy, neither too strict nor too negligent. Idris's words capture that principle: excess can ruin the goodness in things. Finally, the last line about wisdom being the true joy of life highlights the immense value of knowledge and understanding. To Idris, joy wasn't in material luxury or shallow entertainment, but in gaining wisdom, especially the wisdom that leads one to know Allah and lead a meaningful life. This reflects the Islamic belief that intellectual and spiritual fulfillment is far more important than physical pleasures.

All these sayings attributed to Idris are remarkably relevant today. They encourage us to examine ourselves, to be grateful and generous, to avoid jealousy, to live moderately, and to cherish wisdom. They show that Idris's wisdom was practical and ethical, aimed at making individuals righteous and communities caring. It's also worth noting that these values reappear throughout Islamic teachings: the Quran and Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)'s hadiths consistently promote the same ideals. That shouldn't surprise us, because as a prophet, Idris taught the same universal truths that Islam has always upheld.

By preserving such nuggets of wisdom from Idris, Islamic tradition humanizes this ancient prophet and makes his lessons accessible. We can almost imagine Idris advising his people with these words thousands of years ago, and we can take the same advice to heart now. In a way, Idris's voice is still with us, guiding anyone who reflects on these wise words. This is part of the beauty of Islam: it connects us with the best guidance of all prophets, so that even the wisdom from humanity's earliest teachers remains alive in our collective memory.

Lessons and Significance for Muslims Today

The life and legacy of Prophet Idris hold many lessons for Muslims (and indeed for everyone) today. Even though Idris lived in a very ancient time, the values he embodied are timeless. By reflecting on Idris's story, we can reinforce our own faith and character in several ways:

• Commitment to Truth and Faith: Idris was "truthful" and devout. In our daily lives, we should strive to be truthful in speech and sincere in faith, just as Idris was. This means being honest with ourselves and others, standing firm on our beliefs, and not compromising our integrity. In a world where dishonesty can sometimes seem rampant, Idris's example reminds us that truthfulness is a prophetic quality and always the right path.

• Patience and Perseverance: When we face challenges or when our efforts to do good are not immediately appreciated, we can recall Prophet Idris's patience. He preached to people who mostly ignored him, yet he didn't falter. As Muslims, we are often called to be patient - whether it's patience in worship, patience with life's trials, or patience with people around us. Idris's label as one of "those who are patient" in the Quran highlights that patience is a key to righteousness. We learn that success may not come overnight, but steadfast patience leads to Allah's mercy and reward.

• Seeking Knowledge and Wisdom: Idris valued knowledge - he pioneered writing and studied the stars. This encourages us to actively seek beneficial knowledge. Islam places a high importance on learning; the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim." Idris's contributions to writing and science show that gaining understanding of Allah's creation and developing skills are part of our service to Allah. In modern times, Muslims can take inspiration from Idris to excel in both religious and worldly knowledge, whether it's learning the Quran or studying technology, as long as it's used for good. Wisdom ('hikmah') is a gift from Allah, and "whoever is given wisdom is given a great good" (Quran 2:269). Idris had that wisdom, and we should pursue it too - finding joy in learning and applying knowledge wisely.

• Balancing Worldly Life and Spirituality: Idris taught about sharing wealth with the poor and likely lived a simple, moderate life. He neither indulged in excess nor abandoned the world entirely; he found a balance. For us, living in a consumer-driven era, Idris's approach teaches moderation. Enjoy Allah's blessings, but don't let them lead you to excess or distract you from your soul's well-being. Use your blessings to help others and invest in your hereafter. Idris literally "sent forth" good deeds for his hereafter every day, which is a reminder to make each day count spiritually.

• Zeal for Worship: Perhaps one of the most moving lessons from Idris is his zeal to please Allah. If we consider the story of Idris wanting to extend his life only to do more good, we see a heart that truly loves doing virtuous deeds. How do we approach our acts of worship? Do we hurry through prayers, or do we cherish them? Idris inspires us to elevate our devotion - to pray with attentiveness, to fast with sincerity, to give charity happily. The more we love Allah, the more we'll seek opportunities to worship Him and do good, just as Idris did. And Allah, in His mercy, rewards even the desire to do good. It's possible we cannot match Idris in piety, but we can aim to increase our worship gradually and make the most of the time Allah gives us.

• Trust in Allah's Plan: Idris did everything he could to serve Allah, and Allah took care of him. Even being "raised to a high station" can be seen as a result of Idris's trust and effort in Allah's cause. In our lives, after we put in our best effort in doing what's right, we should trust Allah's plan for us. Sometimes we might wish for a certain outcome (like Idris wished to live longer for more worship), but Allah knows better what is truly good for us. Perhaps something we desire is not what we actually need. The story of Idris shows that Allah's plan was even better for him than what he had in mind. Trusting Allah leads to contentment and relief from anxiety. It's part of our Aqeedah (belief) to accept Qadr (divine decree). We believe that if we're doing our best to be righteous, Allah will raise us in honor - if not in this world, then certainly in the hereafter, which is what ultimately matters.

Another significant point when we talk about Idris (Enoch) is how Islam's view compares to other perspectives. In the Bible, Enoch is mentioned very briefly as a righteous man taken by God, without much context. Outside of that, some non-canonical books (like the Book of Enoch) spun various legendary tales about him that many people aren't even aware of or don't consider authentic. In contrast, Islam's portrayal of Idris is clear and highly honorable: he is a prophet of God, a man of truth, and a model of virtue. Islam basically takes the mystery around Enoch and gives us a respectful understanding: he was an early prophet guiding humanity. This is part of Islam's inclusive approach to previous figures, rather than viewing Enoch/Idris as a mythical or obscure character, we firmly include him among the prophets we respect and love. Every Muslim believes in Idris as one of the prophets (as mentioned in the Quran). This shows the continuity of guidance in Islam: even a figure that might be almost forgotten in other traditions is given his due recognition in the Quran. For those comparing religions, this is a compelling point, Islam completes the picture of earlier revelations and persons. It doesn't dismiss prophets from outside the line of Abraham or Moses; it confirms them if they were truly sent by God.

consider the logical beauty in the Islamic narrative: from the beginning of humanity (Adam) through the generations (Idris and others) to later prophets, God's message and moral guidance were always there. Islam rejects the idea that early humans were left without guidance or that civilization advanced purely by chance. Instead, Allah provided prophets like Idris to teach essential skills (reading, writing, law) and to keep people on the right moral track. This makes sense to a believer, a compassionate God would not abandon early mankind in darkness. So Idris's story reflects God's continuous mercy. It also bridges faith and reason: Islam honors religious prophets as the bringers of knowledge and civilization, not as opponents of it. In a time where some see conflict between religion and science or progress, Idris stands as a symbol that true religion uplifts knowledge and human progress, all while maintaining spiritual purity.

Finally, the unity of the prophets that we saw in the Mi'raj story carries a lesson for us as an ummah (community). If Idris and Muhammad (peace be upon them) can greet each other as brothers, it reminds Muslims to hold a sense of unity and brotherhood/sisterhood with all believers. We might be from different cultures or times, but Islam links us just as a common mission linked the prophets. Remembering prophets like Idris also helps cultivate respect for the breadth of our religious heritage, Islam isn't just about one prophet or one era; it's a universal message that spans all time. When we explain Islam to others (dawah), mentioning figures like Idris can highlight that Islam honors and includes prophets that others know of (like Enoch) but perhaps have nearly lost touch with. It's a beautiful bridge for understanding that Islam truly is the religion of all prophets.

Conclusion

Prophet Idris's life may seem far removed from us, buried in the mists of prehistory, but his wisdom and devotion continue to light our way as Muslims. In the Quran, Allah immortalizes Idris as a truthful and patient prophet, one whom He specially honored. In the Hadith, we see Idris among the ranks of the blessed in heaven, warmly greeting our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Through the lens of Islamic scholarship, Idris emerges as a man who not only preached faith, but also advanced his people in learning and crafts, and lived by profound ethical principles.

The story of Idris is a shining thread in the grand fabric of Islam. It teaches us that from the very start of humanity, Allah's guidance was present, guiding people to worship one God, to seek knowledge, to help one another, and to live morally. Idris exemplified these teachings in word and deed. He showed integrity when many around him went astray. He showed perseverance in the face of apathy. He used intellect and skills to benefit his community. And above all, he remained devoted to Allah, longing to increase in goodness until his last breath.

As Muslims today, we can take inspiration from Prophet Idris (ﷺ) in our own journey. In our homes, workplaces, and schools, we should remember to be truthful and fair, for Idris was Siddiq, truthful. When life tests our patience, we recall that Idris succeeded by patience and trust in Allah's plan. When we sit down to learn or pick up a book, we can smile knowing this tradition of knowledge is part of our prophetic heritage, going all the way back to Idris who first took up the pen. When we pray or give charity, we're practicing acts of devotion that Idris himself taught and practiced in ancient times. This continuity is comforting and empowering: we are never alone or unprecedented in our struggles; the prophets paved the way and showed the ideals to strive for.

In a practical sense, reflecting on Idris encourages us to move forward with a balanced focus on both faith and learning. We should nurture our souls with prayer and remembrance of Allah, and also sharpen our minds and skills to contribute positively to the world. The wisdom of Idris, gratitude, contentment, moderation, and the pursuit of wisdom, can improve our character and relationships here and now. And spiritually, his devotion reminds us to seek Allah's pleasure in all that we do. We might not be able to achieve the same legendary feats as Idris, but we can certainly follow his footsteps in being humble, curious, kind, and steadfast servants of God.

In giving dawah (inviting others to Islam), the example of Idris can be very appealing to mention. It shows that Islam honors great figures known across cultures and that Islam stands for knowledge and righteousness from the earliest days. It also demonstrates the universality of Islam's message, a message that has been consistent from Prophet Idris's era to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)'s era, and to our era today. This continuity and consistency are part of the truth and beauty of Islam, showing it truly is the natural religion meant for all humanity.

In conclusion, Prophet Idris (Enoch) is a brilliant example of wisdom and devotion in the Islamic tradition. His memory encourages us to be wise, grateful, and upright. His life assures us that Allah rewards the sincere, sometimes in wondrous ways. As we move forward in our own lives, we can carry Idris's legacy by seeking the "real joy" he spoke of, the joy of gaining wisdom and living in harmony with Allah's guidance. May we be among those who, like Prophet Idris, are truthful, patient, and deserving of Allah's mercy. Ameen.

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