Ilyas (Elijah)
إلياس
The prophet Elijah in Islam - a powerful figure barely mentioned in the Quran, yet whose biblical ministry of confronting false worship has profound implications.
Elijah in the Quran: Barely Mentioned
Elijah (Ilyas) is mentioned only twice by name in the Quran, making him one of the least discussed prophets despite his significant role in biblical history. The Quran briefly notes he called people away from Baal worship—but provides no details about his powerful ministry.
"And indeed, Ilyas was from among the messengers. When he said to his people, 'Will you not fear Allah? Do you call upon Ba'l and leave the best of creators?'"
Elijah in the Bible: The Confronter of False Worship
In the Bible, Elijah is one of the most dramatic prophets, known for his powerful confrontations with idolatry and false worship. His story is found primarily in 1 Kings 17-21 and 2 Kings 1-2.
Key Events:
- •Mount Carmel Showdown: Elijah challenged 450 prophets of Baal. Fire from heaven consumed his sacrifice, proving God's power (1 Kings 18:38-39).
- •Taken to Heaven: Elijah never died - taken up in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11).
- •Prophecy of Return: Malachi prophesied Elijah's return before the Day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5).
- •Transfiguration: Appeared with Moses and Jesus, confirming his significance (Matthew 17:3).
Elijah vs. Baal Worship
The Quran mentions Elijah calling people away from "Ba'l" (Baal) - a pagan deity. But who was Baal, and what was his worship like?
Baal Worship Included:
- • A central stone shrine that was kissed and venerated
- • Circumambulation (walking in circles) around the shrine
- • Moon god worship (Baal was associated with the moon)
- • Pre-Islamic Arabian tribes worshipped a version called "Hubal"
Uncomfortable Parallels:
Scholars have noted similarities between pre-Islamic Arabian paganism and certain Islamic practices. The Kaaba housed 360 idols before Islam, including Hubal (a form of Baal). The black stone was venerated and kissed, and circumambulation was practiced. The crescent moon remains Islam's primary symbol. While Islam claims to reject such paganism, it retained many of its physical practices and locations.
Elijah's Central Message
"How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him."— 1 Kings 18:21
Elijah's ministry was about confronting false worship and calling people to the one true God - not through rituals at stone shrines, but through genuine relationship with the living God who answers by fire.
His challenge remains relevant today: examine what you worship. Is it the God who reveals Himself and demonstrates His power, or is it a system of rituals around ancient shrines?
Questions to Consider
- 1.Why is a prophet who powerfully confronted stone worship barely mentioned in Islam, which centers on veneration of a stone shrine?
- 2.Elijah demonstrated God's power through answered prayer and fire from heaven. What demonstrations of power validate Islam's claims?
- 3.How did practices similar to Baal worship (stone veneration, circumambulation, moon symbolism) become part of Islam if Muhammad rejected paganism?
- 4.Elijah was taken to heaven without dying. Why would Islam, which denies Jesus' resurrection, have no problem with this miracle?
- 5.If Elijah was truly a Muslim prophet, why does his ministry contradict key Islamic practices?