The Prophet Ilyas (Elijah): A Linguistic and Theological Journey in the Arabic World39

The figure of Elijah, known in Arabic as Ilyas (إلياس), stands as a powerful testament to the interconnectedness of Abrahamic faiths. Revered across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, his story transcends time, language, and cultural boundaries. While his narratives are rich and detailed in the Hebrew Bible and Christian tradition, his presence in the Arabic-speaking world, primarily through Islamic scriptures and scholarly interpretations, offers a distinct and fascinating lens through which to understand this iconic prophet. As a language expert, this exploration will delve into the linguistic transformation of his name, his theological portrayal within the Quran and Islamic tradition, and his enduring cultural significance in the Arabic sphere, providing a comprehensive analysis of Elijah's journey into the heart of Arabic thought and spirituality.

The journey of Elijah's name from its Hebrew origins to its Arabic form is a compelling linguistic case study. In Hebrew, the name is Eliyahu (אֵלִיָּהוּ), meaning "My God is Yahweh," a profound declaration embedded within his very identity, reflecting his central mission to uphold monotheism against polytheistic worship. This name underwent a natural process of phonetic adaptation as it entered Aramaic, Greek (Elias), and subsequently Arabic. The Arabic form, Ilyas (إلياس), preserves the core consonantal structure while adapting to the phonological rules of the Semitic language. The initial "E" sound often transforms into "I" in Arabic transliteration, and the "h" sound, particularly at the end of a syllable, is frequently softened or dropped, or integrated differently. This linguistic bridge is common for many biblical figures, such as Moses (Hebrew: Moshe, Arabic: Musa), Jesus (Hebrew: Yeshua, Arabic: Isa), and Abraham (Hebrew: Avraham, Arabic: Ibrahim), illustrating a shared linguistic heritage that transcends religious divides and facilitates cross-cultural understanding of these sacred narratives. The name Ilyas thus functions as a crucial linguistic and cultural signifier, immediately recognizable to Arabic speakers as referring to the revered prophet.

Within the Islamic tradition, the Prophet Ilyas is acknowledged as one of God's righteous messengers. Unlike the extensive biographical accounts found in the Books of Kings in the Hebrew Bible, the Quran’s references to Ilyas are concise yet powerful, focusing on his core mission and unwavering piety. He is mentioned explicitly in two chapters of the Quran. In Surah Al-An'am (6:85), Ilyas is listed among a revered group of prophets and righteous individuals, underscoring his esteemed status: "And Zachariah and John and Jesus and Ilyas – all were among the righteous." This collective mention places him firmly within the prophetic lineage recognized by Islam, aligning him with other prominent figures who preached monotheism.

The most detailed, albeit still brief, account appears in Surah As-Saffat (37:123-132), where his story is presented as a paradigm of prophetic steadfastness:
"And indeed, Ilyas was among the messengers. When he said to his people, 'Will you not fear God? Do you call upon Ba'l and abandon the best of creators—God, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?' But they denied him, so indeed, they will be brought [for punishment], except the chosen servants of God. And We left for him [commendation] among later generations: 'Peace upon Ilyas.' Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, he was among Our believing servants."
This Quranic passage highlights several key aspects of Ilyas's prophetic identity in Islam. Firstly, it reaffirms his status as a "messenger" (rasul), indicating a divinely appointed role to convey God's message. Secondly, it explicitly identifies his primary struggle: challenging his people's idolatrous worship of Ba'l (Baal) and calling them to the exclusive worship of Allah (God). This struggle against polytheism (shirk) and the promotion of absolute monotheism (tawhid) is a recurring theme for all prophets in Islam. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes his rejection by his people and the subsequent promise of divine punishment for their defiance, while reserving commendation and peace for Ilyas himself and "the doers of good." The phrase "Peace upon Ilyas" (سلام على إلياس) serves as a profound blessing and an enduring recognition of his righteousness, ensuring his legacy of faith and steadfastness.

Islamic exegetes (mufassirun) and historians have traditionally sought to elaborate on these concise Quranic references by drawing upon various sources, including early Islamic traditions and what are known as Isra'iliyyat – narratives originating from Jewish and Christian traditions. While Islamic scholars often approach Isra'iliyyat with caution, sifting them for compatibility with Islamic principles, these stories have contributed to a broader understanding of Ilyas's life, including his miracles, his challenges to King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, and his eventual ascension. However, it's crucial to note that these detailed narratives are not considered canonical scripture in Islam in the same way the Quran is; rather, they serve as supplementary historical or illustrative material. The core Islamic emphasis remains on Ilyas's message of monotheism and his exemplary piety, rather than the specific, dramatic miracles often associated with his biblical counterpart.

A particularly intriguing aspect of Ilyas’s presence in some Islamic traditions, especially within Sufism, is his occasional association with Al-Khidr (Arabic: الخضر, "The Green One"). Al-Khidr is a mysterious and immortal figure mentioned in the Quran (Surah Al-Kahf 18:60-82) as a wise guide encountered by Moses. Some traditions suggest that Ilyas and Al-Khidr are both immortal, living on earth until the end of time, meeting annually, and offering spiritual guidance to worthy individuals. This connection, while not universally accepted within mainstream Islam, elevates Ilyas beyond a historical prophet to a mystical, ever-present spiritual mentor. In these esoteric interpretations, Ilyas embodies a form of hidden knowledge (ilm al-ladunni) and represents an eternal spiritual presence, offering succor and wisdom to those seeking deeper truths. This adds a unique layer to his reception in certain Arabic spiritual circles, especially among Sufi orders that emphasize direct spiritual experience and guidance from living saints.

Comparing the Islamic portrayal of Ilyas with the biblical Elijah reveals both significant overlaps and distinct differences. Both traditions venerate him as a prophet of God who fiercely championed monotheism against idolatry. The core conflict with Baal worship is common to both narratives. However, the biblical narrative in 1 Kings 17-19 and 2 Kings 1-2 is far more elaborate, replete with vivid miracles: calling down fire from heaven, raising the dead, prophesying drought and rain, and his dramatic ascension into heaven in a chariot of fire. While some Islamic traditions mention certain miracles attributed to Ilyas, the Quran itself does not detail these, focusing instead on his message and his unwavering faith. The ascension narrative, while present in some Islamic interpretations (often through Isra'iliyyat), is not as central or dogmatically defined as it is in the Bible. In Islam, the concept of a prophet being "taken up" to heaven is primarily associated with Prophet Muhammad's Mi'raj (night journey and ascension) and Prophet Isa's (Jesus') ascension.

Eschatological roles also differ. In Judaism, Elijah's return precedes the coming of the Messiah. In Christianity, John the Baptist is identified as the "Elijah who is to come," and some traditions anticipate a future return. In Islam, while Jesus (Isa) has a prominent role in the end times (returning to defeat the Dajjal, the Antichrist), Ilyas himself does not have a clearly defined, universally accepted eschatological role in mainstream theology, beyond the mystical association with Al-Khidr for some. His primary significance remains anchored in his historical prophetic mission and his exemplary steadfastness.

The cultural and spiritual impact of Ilyas in the Arabic-speaking world extends beyond theological texts. His name, Ilyas, is a common male given name, reflecting the enduring reverence for him as a prophet. While direct shrines or widespread pilgrimage sites specifically dedicated to Ilyas are not as prominent as for some other prophets (like Ibrahim or Musa), the reverence for him is implicit in the general Islamic veneration of all prophets. In some local traditions, certain ancient sites, particularly those associated with the Levant, might be anecdotally linked to Prophet Ilyas, although these are often based on local folklore rather than established historical or religious consensus. His story serves as a moral paradigm, teaching steadfastness in faith, courage in confronting falsehood, and unwavering trust in God, lessons that resonate deeply within Islamic ethics and daily life.

Furthermore, in Arabic literature and poetry, references to Ilyas sometimes appear, symbolizing wisdom, fortitude, and divine connection. Poets might invoke his name to signify a spiritual quest, a defiance against injustice, or the attainment of profound spiritual insight. The figure of Ilyas, especially when conflated with Al-Khidr in mystical poetry, embodies the concept of a hidden saint, a source of perennial wisdom available to those who seek it with sincerity. This rich tapestry of references solidifies his place not just in religious doctrine but also in the broader cultural imagination of the Arabic world.

In conclusion, the Prophet Elijah, known as Ilyas in Arabic, is a figure of profound significance in the Arabic-speaking world, primarily through the lens of Islamic faith. His linguistic journey from Hebrew Eliyahu to Arabic Ilyas is a testament to the shared Semitic heritage and the cross-cultural transmission of sacred narratives. While the Quranic account is concise, it powerfully establishes his identity as a righteous messenger who staunchly advocated for monotheism against idolatry. Islamic scholarship, though sometimes drawing on external traditions, maintains a focus on his core prophetic message and exemplary piety. His occasional association with Al-Khidr in Sufi thought adds a mystical dimension, portraying him as an immortal spiritual guide. Ilyas's legacy in the Arabic world is one of unwavering faith, courage in the face of adversity, and an enduring symbol of divine guidance. He stands as a revered prophet, a linguistic bridge, and a testament to the enduring power of shared spiritual heritage that continues to inspire and inform the hearts and minds of millions in the Arabic-speaking world. His presence reinforces the deep interconnections of the Abrahamic traditions and his timeless message continues to resonate as a call to truth and singular devotion to God.

2025-10-28

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