The story of Prophet Ilyas (Elijah in English) is mentioned in the Quran, and it shares similarities with the biblical narrative. Prophet Ilyas is known for his unwavering commitment to monotheism and his struggles against the idolatry prevalent in his time. Here is a summarized version of the story:
1. Confrontation with King Ahab: Prophet Ilyas was sent to the Kingdom of Israel during the reign of the wicked King Ahab. Ahab and his wife Jezebel promoted idolatry and had turned many people away from the worship of the one true God. Ilyas was tasked with calling the people back to monotheism and denouncing the worship of false gods.
2. The Contest on Mount Carmel: To demonstrate the futility of idol worship, Ilyas proposed a contest on Mount Carmel. He challenged the priests of the idol Baal to invoke their deity to send down fire upon a sacrifice. Despite their fervent prayers, the priests were unsuccessful. In contrast, when Ilyas invoked Allah, fire descended from the sky and consumed his sacrifice, confirming the truth of his message.
3. Ilyas's Flight to Mount Sinai: Following the contest, Ilyas faced threats from Jezebel, who sought to kill him. In fear for his life, Ilyas fled to Mount Sinai (Jabal Musa), where he sought refuge in a cave. There, Allah communicated with him, reassuring him and instructing him on his mission.
4. Ilyas and the Widow of Zarephath: During his time in hiding, Ilyas encountered a widow in the town of Zarephath. Despite the widow's poverty, Ilyas asked her for food. In an act of faith and obedience, she shared her last meal with him. As a reward for her generosity, Allah miraculously sustained the widow's food supply throughout the famine.
5. Ilyas's Ascension: The Quran mentions that Ilyas was taken up to the heavens (ascended) without experiencing death. This miraculous event is a sign of Allah's power and a demonstration of the special status granted to certain prophets. The exact nature of Ilyas's ascension is not detailed in the Quran but is often mentioned in Islamic tradition.
6. Legacy: Prophet Ilyas is revered in Islam for his dedication to monotheism and his courage in confronting the forces of idolatry. His story is cited as an example of unwavering faith, trust in Allah's guidance, and the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity.
The story of Prophet Ilyas is found in the Quran in Surah Al-Anbya (21:73-75) and Surah Sad (38:48-50). It continues to serve as a source of inspiration for believers, encouraging them to uphold the principles of monotheism and resist the temptations of false ideologies.
