Prophet Elijah (Ilyas)

Elijah was a descendant from Aaron. He was appointed as a Prophet of Israel, following the death of Prophet Solomon. Solomon's kingdom was divided when he died. The current king of Israel was Ahab, had reverted to materialism. The entire kingdom had fallen to a wave of evil and corruption. People who tried to teach the oneness of Allah we're tortured and killed.

According to Al-Hafiz Abu Al-Qasim Ibn Asaker, Elisha was Ibn Adi, Ibn Shultam, Ibn Aphraem, Ibn Joseph, Ibn Isaac, Ibn Abraham. It was said that he was the cousin of Elijah. Other sources said also that he had been hiding with Elijah in a cave in Mount Qasium to escape from the King of Ba'alabak, and when Elijah died, he Elisha succeeded him as a prophet among his people.

"And remember Our slaves, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, (all) owners of strength (in worshipping Us) and (also) of religious understanding. Verily, We did choose them by granting them (a good thing ) the remembrance of the home (in the Hereafter and they used to make the people remember it, and also they used to invite the people to obey Allah and to do good deeds for the Hereafter). And they are in Our Sight, verily, of the chosen and the best! And remember Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl, all are among the best. (Ch 38:45-48 Quran).

Ibn Ishaaq said that Elisha was sent to the children after Elijah . He lived among his people, calling them to Allah and abiding by the message and laws of Elijah until he passed away. Then dissension rose among them, and events took momentum. Sins increased everywhere, and the tyrants increased and killed the prophets.

Elijah had been trying effortlessly to teach the people. He told them of the Punishment that would overtake the kingdom. He added that their false gods would be powerless to stop it. The people paid no heed to his warnings never changing their ways.

Ahab had his neighbor killed, even though he was a pious man and had never done any harm. Ahab took the land of his slain neighbor, as his own. It was a lush garden of fruit. Elijah scolded the king for his behavior and warned him that a punishment from Allah would come if he did not return the land back to the slain man's orphan. Surly Allah will have Ahab slain in the same garden. Ahab told Elijah that he should hold his tongue, least he have him arrested and tortured, for making threats against the king.

The prophecy of Elijah came about. It began with the son of the Ahab becoming ill. Elijah frustrated by the behavior of the king asked the king "why did he not pray to his best idol for the recovery of his son." Ahab was so insulted by the Elijah's words that he sent for his guards to take him, torture, and kill him.

Elijah fell into prostration praying to Allah for His help. As the palace guards entered his chamber they fell dead. The prophecy of Elijah continued the whole kingdom came under a drought. Famine swept the people of Ahab's kingdom. Continuing for three years. Elijah pleaded to Allah "show mercy to the famine stricken people". The people had felt the strength and authority of Allah. The people asked to be forgiven.

Allah sent rain down to the land ending the draught. Elijah was directed by god to inform Elisha that he was to be his successor. Elijah vanished in the protection of Allah.

It was shortly after that a monarch from a neighboring kingdom came and conquered the land. Ahab and his wife we're slain in the garden, that they had stolen years before. May peace be upon Elijah.