Bismillah,
Every worthwhile mission requires resilience.
Resilience by definition mean-
“the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties”
In this blog post, we delve into the life and legacy of Prophet Ilyas (AS), reflecting on his resilience in adversity, and dedication to his mission.
Background:
Ilyas (AS) also known as Elijah in the Judeo-Christian tradition, was chosen by Allah (SWT) to guide a community plagued by idolatry and moral decay.
He lived during an era where the Israelites were practicing polytheism and deviated from their forefathers’ practices.
The Israelites worshipped the pagan deity Baal.
Prophethood:
Prophet Ilyas (AS) fearlessly confronted the idolaters, calling them to abandon false beliefs and worship the One true God.
Despite facing persecution and opposition, he remained steadfast in delivering Allah’s message of divine unity.
Ilyas (AS) continued on his mission until the Israelites were punished by Allah (SWT).
Legacy:
Ilyas (AS) left a profound legacy of faith and resilience.
His unwavering commitment to monotheism and truth served as a beacon of hope amidst societal corruption, inspiring generations to uphold righteousness and devotion to Allah (SWT).
Allah (SWT) honoured Ilyas (AS) in the Qur’an (see verses below).
Application Today
Prophet Ilyas (AS) continues to inspire believers to uphold faith, resilience, and devotion to Allah’s guidance.
His life serves as a timeless example of unwavering commitment to truth and monotheism.
We all have different goals in our careers, health, and relationships.
But we all have one universal goal; to enter Jannah (Insha’Allah)!
We must strive towards our worldly goals, despite the struggles that we may face.
We must be resilient during hardships in our finances, health, and relationships.
Just like Ilyas (AS) struggled with relaying the message of Islam to the Israelites.
But more importantly, we must struggle in our long-term goal (Jannah), despite the resilience we may day to day.
May we emulate Ilyas’ (AS) virtues in our own lives, striving to uphold unwavering resilience, and commitment to Allah (SWT) and our goals.
Ameen!
37:123
وَإِنَّ إِلْيَاسَ لَمِنَ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ ١٢٣And Ilyas was indeed one of the messengers.
37:124
إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِۦٓ أَلَا تَتَّقُونَ ١٢٤˹Remember˺ when he said to his people, “Will you not fear ˹Allah˺?
37:125
أَتَدْعُونَ بَعْلًۭا وَتَذَرُونَ أَحْسَنَ ٱلْخَـٰلِقِينَ ١٢٥Do you call upon ˹the idol of˺ Ba’l and abandon the Best of Creators—
37:126
ٱللَّهَ رَبَّكُمْ وَرَبَّ ءَابَآئِكُمُ ٱلْأَوَّلِينَ ١٢٦Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?”
37:127
فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَإِنَّهُمْ لَمُحْضَرُونَ ١٢٧But they rejected him, so they will certainly be brought ˹for punishment˺.
37:128
إِلَّا عِبَادَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْمُخْلَصِينَ ١٢٨But not the chosen servants of Allah.
37:129
وَتَرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرِينَ ١٢٩We blessed him ˹with honourable mention˺ among later generations:
37:130
سَلَـٰمٌ عَلَىٰٓ إِلْ يَاسِينَ ١٣٠“Peace be upon Ilyas.”
SURAH AS-SAFFAT (V 123-130)