The Story of Prophet Idris عليه السلام and the Angel of Death
Prophet Idris عليه السلام was among the earliest prophets sent to humanity. The Quran describes him in just a few words, but those words carry weight:
“And mention Idris in the Book. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet. And We raised him to a high station.” (Surah Maryam 19:56–57)
Idris was known for deep worship, wisdom, and discipline. He taught people writing, knowledge, and justice. His days were filled with remembrance of Allah, and his nights with devotion. The angels knew him not as a distant name on earth, but as a soul whose deeds rose daily to the heavens.
According to narrations mentioned by scholars of tafsir, the Angel of Death once came to Idris in human form.
Idris recognized him and spoke with calm clarity.
“You are the Angel of Death,” Idris said.
“Yes,” the angel replied.
Idris then asked something unusual. Not out of fear, but out of longing.
“I wish to see how souls are taken, and how death truly feels, so I may increase in gratitude and obedience.”
By Allah’s permission, the Angel of Death carried Idris through the heavens. Idris saw wonders unseen by human eyes: angels in constant worship, realms ordered by divine command, and a reality far greater than the world he had left behind.
When they reached a high station, the Angel of Death received a command. Idris’s soul was to be taken there.
In that elevated place, between earth and heaven, Idris met his end. His soul was taken gently, and he was honored in a way no ordinary servant is. This is what many scholars understood from the verse: “We raised him to a high station.”
Whether every detail of this encounter is literal or symbolic, the message is clear.
Idris did not fear death.
He prepared for it.
He wanted to understand it so he could worship Allah better.
The Lesson
Death is not punishment for the righteous.
It is a meeting.
It is a transition.
It is an honor when a life is lived in truth.
Prophet Idris عليه السلام teaches us that elevation does not come from power or fame, but from consistency in faith, sincerity in worship, and honesty with Allah.
A short mention in the Quran.
A towering rank in the sight of Allah.
That is the legacy of Idris عليه السلام.
Aal-e-Qutub Aal-e-Syed Abdullah Shah Ghazi 