HISTORY OF HAZRAT IDRIS A.S

HISTORY OF HAZRAT IDRIS A.S

Hazrat Idris (a.s.) was the grandson of Hazrat Adam (a.s.). and the successor of HazratSheeth (a.s.). Hazrat Adam (a.s.) had appointed Hazrat Sheeth (a.s.) as his successor.When Qabeel (Kane) learnt of this, he came to Sheeth (a.s.) and threatened to kill himlike he had done to Habeel (Abel). It is narrated by Ibne Athir and Tabari, both renownedSunni historians, that Hazrat Adam (a.s.) cautioned Hazrat Sheeth (a.s.) to conceal hisknowledge and his appointment as successor, lest Qabeel murders him out of his jealousyas he had done to Habeel. Hazrat Sheeth (a.s.) followed his father's counsel and continuedto guide the people in dissimulation (Taqaiyya). The Almighty revealed fifty scripturesupon him. According to Mas'oodi, the famous historian, twenty nine of these were repleteonly with glorification and praises of Allah, the Almighty. He lived for 912 years.The prophethood of Hazrat Idris (a.s.) was marked with tireless endeavours of invitingthe people towards the worship of Allah and restraining them from evil deeds.

He also prophesied the raising of prophets in the future, especially the advent of the seal of  prophets, Hazrat Muhammed al-Mustafa (s.a.w.s) about whom he said, "He (s.a.) will bean epitome of every virtue and excellence and his religion will be such that it will reformhumanity and secure salvation for the people."The period of Hazrat Idris's prophethood witnessed the rule of a tyrant and oppressiveking who exercised complete power over the life and property of his subjects. One day hecame out of his palace for a stroll and after a while reached a beautiful garden. He likedwhat he saw and was overwhelmed with greed to possess that piece of land. He inquiredfrom his ministers about the owner of that place. They informed him that it belonged to areligious person, giving his name and whereabouts.

The King ordered that he be broughtto him at once. As it turned out that individual was Hazrat Idris (a.s.) When the latter wassummoned before him, the tyrant demanded, "Give your land to me!" Hazrat Idris (a.s.)replied, "My family needs it more than you." But the king persisted, "If you cannot give itfree, sell it to me." But Idris (a.s.) declined. The king returned, infuriated and incensed bythe fact that Idris (a.s.) did not submit to his demand. He resorted to his evil machinationsto occupy that land.The King's consort was an evil, profane woman, with no regard for scruples. When shewitnessed the King in a disturbed state of mind, she sought the reason.

He told her abouthis encounter with Idris (a.s.). That vile woman's scheming mind conjured up a plan. Shesummoned some evil-minded persons and told them to go to the King to testify falselythat Idris (a.s.) had betrayed the religion of the King and had turned a renegade. With this,she anticipated that Idris (a.s.) would be punished with death and the piece of land wouldthen come to the King.