Prophet Idris (Enoch), Peace Be Upon Him

First: The Life and Status of Prophet Idris

Dear brothers and sisters,

In our first khutbah, we spoke about our father Adam, peace be upon him. In the second, we spoke about his two sons, Cain and Abel. Today, we continue our journey with another noble prophet from the descendants of Adam: Prophet Idris, peace be upon him.

Allah mentions him in the Holy Quran:

Allah says:

“And mention in the Book, Idrees. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet. And We raised him to a high station.”

(Surah Maryam, 19:56–57)

Imam Ibn Kathir mentions that Idris was also known as Enoch. He was among the early prophets after Adam, peace be upon him.

There are several historical reports about his life. Some scholars mentioned that he was a tailor and that he was among the first people to write with a pen.

Allah also says:

“And [mention] Ishmael and Idrees and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient. And We admitted them into Our mercy. Indeed, they were of the righteous.”

(Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:85–86)

These verses show us three great qualities of Prophet Idris:

Patience.

Righteousness.

Being among those whom Allah admitted into His mercy.

His Meeting with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

One of the great honors of Prophet Idris is that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ met him during the Night Journey and Ascension, Al-Isra wal-Mi’raj.

According to authentic narrations in Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ met Idris in the fourth heaven.

Second: Lessons from the Life of Prophet Idris

Lesson One: The Importance of Knowledge

Some historical reports describe Idris as someone who wrote with a pen.

Regardless of whether this report is historically established, Islam clearly teaches us the importance of knowledge and education.

Allah says:

“Who taught by the pen – Taught man that which he knew not.”

(Surah Al-Alaq, 96:4–5)

We should encourage our children to read, learn, and seek beneficial knowledge. A strong community is built through faith, education, and hard work.

Lesson Two: Respect Every Honest Profession

Some classical scholars mentioned that Idris worked as a tailor.

This reminds us that honest work is honorable. No lawful profession should be looked down upon.

Whether someone is a doctor, teacher, businessman, worker, or craftsman, what matters is honesty, sincerity, and responsibility.

Lesson Three: Truthfulness in Our Words and Actions

Allah described Idris as:

“Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet.”

Truthfulness is not just about speaking the truth. It also means keeping our promises, fulfilling our responsibilities, and being honest in our dealings with others.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise.”

(Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

Lesson Four: Patience During Difficult Times

Allah described Idris and the other prophets mentioned in Surah Al-Anbiya as people of patience.

We need patience in worship, in raising our children, in our family relationships, and when facing life’s difficulties.

Never give up doing what is right simply because it is difficult.

Lesson Five: True Honor Comes from Righteousness

Allah says that He raised Idris to a high station.

This teaches us that true honor does not come from money, fame, or social position. It comes from faith and righteousness.

Allah says:

“Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.”

(Surah Al-Hujurat)

So let us never judge people by their wealth, appearance, or position. Their true worth is known to Allah.

Third: Conclusion

Dear brothers and sisters,

The story of Prophet Idris may be brief in the Quran, but the lessons are great.

He reminds us of the importance of truthfulness, patience, righteousness, and seeking knowledge.

Let us follow these values in our daily lives. Let us be honest with Allah and with people, work hard, seek beneficial knowledge, and remain patient through every hardship.

May Allah make us among the truthful, the patient, and the righteous.

May Allah guide our children, bless our families, and admit us into His mercy.

Ameen.