Idris (prophet)
Ancient prophet identified with Enoch and Hermes Trismegistus.
Idris (إدريس) is an ancient prophet mentioned in the Quran. Muslims regard him as the second prophet after Adam and the third prophet to appear in the Quran. Islamic tradition consistently identifies Idris with the biblical Enoch, and many classical and medieval Muslim scholars also equated him with Hermes Trismegistus.
The Quran describes Idris as "trustworthy" and "patient," and states that he was "exalted to a high station." Because of these and other parallels, he is traditionally placed among the early generations of Adam, between Adam and Noah. This unique status inspired many later stories and traditions in Islamic folklore.
According to a hadith narrated by Malik ibn Anas in Sahih Muslim, during Muhammad's Night Journey, he encountered Idris in the fourth of the seven heavens. Over time, traditions around Idris expanded his role beyond prophet to include philosopher and mystic. Later Sufis such as Ruzbihan Baqli and Ibn 'Arabi reported meeting Idris in their spiritual visions.
The name Idris may derive from the Arabic root *darasa*, meaning "to study," giving it the sense of "interpreter." This meaning gained general acceptance because of Idris's interpretive and mystical role. By the eighth century, Muslim sources held that Idris had two names—Idris and Enoch—and some stated that his true name was Enoch, with "Idris" being an Arabic title reflecting his devotion to studying the sacred books of his ancestors Adam and Seth. Classical Quran commentators like Al-Baydawi said he was called Idris from *dars* (study) because of his knowledge of divine mysteries.
Idris is mentioned twice in the Quran. In Surah Maryam (19), God says: "Also mention in the Book the case of Idris: He was a man of truth (and sincerity), (and) a prophet: And We raised him to an exalted place." In Surah al-Anbiya (21), Idris is praised alongside Isma'il and Dhu al-Kifl as men of constancy and patience, admitted to God's mercy.
Later Muslim writings say Idris was born in Babylon (in present-day Iraq). Before receiving divine revelation, he followed the rules revealed to Prophet Seth. When he grew older, God bestowed prophethood on him, but many people committed sins despite his warnings. Idris left Babylon with some followers, who asked where they would find a place like it. He replied, "If we immigrate for the sake of Allah, He will provide for us." They reached Egypt and the
- name
- Idris (إدريس)
- also_identified_as
- Enoch, Hermes Trismegistus
- mentioned_in
- Quran (surahs 19 and 21)
- role
- Prophet, philosopher, mystic
- known_for
- Being raised to a high station; identified with Enoch; associated with writing, astronomy, and weights and measures
Lore & Background
According to later Muslim writings, Idris was born in Babylon, in present-day Iraq. Before receiving Divine Revelation, he followed the rules revealed to Prophet Seth. When Idris grew older, God bestowed Prophethood on him. During his lifetime, the people were not yet Muslims. Idris left Babylon because many people committed sins despite his urging. Some of his people accompanied him to Egypt, where they saw the Nile River. Islamic literature narrates that Idris was made a prophet at around 40 and lived when people had begun to worship fire. Exegesis states that he divided his time: three days preaching, four days devoted to worship.
Reader's Guide
Idris holds a unique status in Islamic tradition as a prophet, philosopher, and mystic. He is described in the Quran as 'trustworthy' and 'patient' and was 'exalted to a high station.' This exaltation is elaborated in a hadith from Sahih Muslim, where during Muhammad's Night Journey, he encountered Idris in the fourth heaven. The traditions around Idris inspired later Sufis, including Ruzbihan Baqli and Ibn 'Arabi, who mentioned encountering him in spiritual visions. His identification with Enoch and Hermes Trismegistus linked him to ancient wisdom, and he was credited with being among the first to use a pen, observe stars, and set scientific weights and measures. Early commentators attributed thirty portions of revealed scripture to him. The name Idris may mean 'interpreter,' consistent with his interpretive and mystical role.
Did You Know?
- Idris is the third prophet mentioned in the Quran, after Adam.
- Islamic tradition unanimously identifies Idris with the biblical Enoch.
- Many classical and medieval Muslim scholars held that Idris and Hermes Trismegistus were the same person.
- According to a hadith in Sahih Muslim, Muhammad encountered Idris in the fourth heaven during the Night Journey.
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