Have you ever wondered about the first prophet to write in Islam? Every prophet has something remarkable that your kids and most probably you will always relate to their story!
Today, we talk about Prophet Idris (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known as Enoch in English. Prophet Idris was one of the earliest prophets. He holds a special place in Islam, as Allah has blessed him with wisdom, knowledge, and remarkable abilities.
Prophet Idris is known as the first to write, innovate, and teach. So why not learn from the first innovator in Islam and embrace these wonderful lessons about faith, learning, and creativity?! Let's get started
Prophet Idris: The First to Write and Innovate
Think about it: if people didn't know how to write back then, how could we have all the history we know today? Allah SWT blessed Prophet Idris with knowledge; thus, he became known as the first person to hold a pen and write with it.
In a time when people didn’t yet know how to write, Idris brought this incredible skill to his people. Through writing, he preserved knowledge and taught others how to communicate more effectively. This skill of writing became a valuable tool that helped spread wisdom, history, and important messages.
Prophet Idris was mentioned twice in the Quran:
- "And mention in the Book, Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet. And We raised him to a high station." (Qur'an 19:56-57)
- "And [mention] Ishmael and Idrees and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient." — (Qur'an 21:85)
He was also mentioned in the Hadith.
Mua’wiyyah ibn al-Hakam reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, among us are men who write by script.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “There was a prophet among the prophets who wrote by script. Whoever writes according to his way is correct.” (Sahih Muslim 537)
For kids, learning about Prophet Idris’s skill in writing is an exciting reminder that writing is a powerful way to share knowledge and ideas. Now you might be wondering, How did he teach others? Let's find that out!
The Wisdom and Teachings of Prophet Idris in Babylon
There is not much information about Prophet Idris's life and prophethood in the Quran. Most of the information about him can be found in the Islamic scholars. According to these traditions and commentaries, he was born in Babylon, in the fifth generation of Prophet Adam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ.
His mission, just like all the prophets, was to lead his people in worshipping Allah SWT and living righteous lives.
Prophet Idris didn't just collect facts and write them down. He taught people to understand the importance of faith, gratitude, and devotion. For kids, his example shows that learning is not just about reading books or memorizing lessons.
It is about understanding the meanings and how we can pass them down to other people. As a parent, you can think about how you can engage your kids in learning with the best online games
The great thing about Prophet Idris is that his contributions went beyond writing and teaching. Keep reading.
Prophet Idris the Innovator: Weaving and Craftsmanship
Prophet Idris was also known for his craftsmanship, specifically for weaving. He was the first person to make clothes out of woven fabric.
Before Prophet Idris (AS), people wore clothing made from animal skins or unstitched fabrics. That was uncomfortable. When he introduced the art of sewing and crafting clothes, he helped his people wear more covering and protective clothes.
It is said that he remembered Allah SWT with every stitch. He was the perfect example of finding the best ways to blend his work and community service with the worship and remembrance of Allah SWT.
His creativity in developing this skill made life easier for his community. It allowed others to learn new ways to support themselves. In this way, Prophet Idris shows the value of working with one’s hands and finding practical solutions to everyday problems.
For children, this part of Prophet Idris’s life is a beautiful example of how Allah gives us unique abilities, and when we use these gifts to help others, we can make the world a better place.
The Amazing Ascension of Prophet Idris to Heaven
One of the most fascinating aspects of Prophet Idris’s life is his ascension to the heavens. Allah granted Prophet Idris an exceptional honor. He has raised him to a high station and taken him up into the heavens. This journey was both a reward for his faith and devotion and a symbol of his closeness to Allah.
“Anas bin Malik narrated that Allah’s Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When I was brought up, I saw Idris in the Fourth Heaven.” Sahih Muslim 162a
According to traditions, one day, Prophet Idris (AS) was told by Allah (SWT) that he would receive the reward for all the good deeds done by people until he died.
Prophet Idris was so happy to hear this, but he was old and close to death, so he asked an angel if he could speak with the angel of death to request more time to earn all those blessings.
The angel carried him on his back and flew him to heaven. When they reached the fourth heaven, they met the Angel of Death, who was coming down to the earth.
So this angel told the angel of death, “Idris is asking if you could make him live longer?
“So the Angel of Death said, “And where is Idris?
“He said, “He is on my back.”
So the Angel of Death said, "Amazing.”
Angel asked, “What’s amazing?”
Angel of Death said, “Allah (swt) ordered me to take the soul of Idris in the fourth heaven, and I wondered how I was going to do this. I was amazed. Subhan Allah, Allah (swt) made it happen.”
Then the angel of death took Idris's soul into the fourth heaven. That's how interpreters explain this verse of the Quran about his high station
“And we raised him (Idris) to a high station." (Surah Maryam 19:57)
While we don't know the full details or how true these narrations about Idris’s ascension are, what truly matters is what this event represents. Prophet Idris’s life was a testimony to faith and trust, and Allah rewarded him in a way that showed His favor and mercy.
For kids, this incredible story of Prophet Idris being raised to the heavens reminds us of the blessings that come with true devotion. It teaches children to keep their faith strong, knowing that Allah rewards those who are sincere in their worship and steadfast in their actions.
You can teach your children about many Islamic values through fun, engaging activities to keep them hooked and interested.
Finally, let’s reflect on the many lessons that Prophet Idris’s life offers to us all.
Islamic Lessons from Prophet Idris's Story for Children
The story of Prophet Idris is filled with valuable lessons that children can carry with them throughout their lives. Here are some important takeaways:
- The Power of Knowledge: Idris’s story highlights that learning is a powerful tool. It can help us understand Allah’s creations better and make a positive impact on our communities.
Encourage kids to be curious and seek knowledge, just as Idris did and said, "The real joy of life is to have wisdom.”
- Observation is a great way to get closer to Allah. Prophet Idris (AS) was a keen observer. He used to contemplate the vast universe, the sky, the moon, the sun, etc.
He also reflected on human behavior. He got closer to Allah because the more we look around us, we realize how blessed we are with Allah's creations and blessings. Today, all kids do is watch TV and play video games.
- Importance of Character: Character significantly shapes our reputation. It also affects our worldly behavior and our spiritual journey. To be a good, kind, and righteous human being (just like the Prophet Idris) is essential for success in this life and the hereafter.
- Being Creative and Resourceful: One of the quotes attributed to Prophet Idris goes as follows: “None can show better gratitude for Allah’s favors than he who shares them with others.” Prophet Idris didn't just limit his mission to spiritual matters.
He also taught valuable skills that changed history. From writing to weaving and craftsmanship, he showed the importance of using talents and skills in ways that benefit others. In this way, he should also show gratitude and thankfulness for Allah's blessings. Kids can be inspired to use their creativity to help those around them.
- Worship and Supplication: Remind your kids that it is important to maintain a strong connection with Allah through worship, prayers, and supplication, no matter how busy our lives may be.
- The Rewards of Devotion: Idris’s ascension to heaven is a beautiful reminder of how Allah rewards those who always worship and remember him sincerely.
This is a lesson for kids that when they obey Allah and keep their remembrance and prayers, they can feel peace, happiness, and closeness to Him. As Prophet Idris said, “Happy is he who looks at his deeds and appoints them as pleaders to his Lord."
Conclusion:
Prophet Idris’s story is a unique and powerful one to share with your kids. It teaches them about the importance of faith, knowledge, and devotion. It can also spark their curiosity and creativity. His life is a reminder that by seeking knowledge, helping others, and remaining steadfast in our beliefs,
We can grow closer to Allah and live fulfilling lives. Discuss these values with your kids; ask them what they think of them and how they can apply them in their lives. You can also suggest activities like practicing writing skills or learning something new together, inspired by Idris’s love for knowledge.
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