Prophet Ilyaas (A.S)

Prophet Ilyaas (A.S) was from the family of Prophet Haroon (A.S) Allah sent him to the twon of Ba’labak, west of Damascus, to call its people to the way of Allah and to forbid them from worshiping idols.

The people of Ba’labak were idol-worshippers. They had forgotten the teachings of their prophets that Allah is One and He has no partner. They made these idols with their own hands out of stones and wood. Their favorite idol was called Ba’l. Even the king of Ba’labak worshipped Ba’l. They had festivals and fairs in its honor. People came from everywhere to celebrate its fake greatness. The town of Ba’labak was named after this idol.

There were huge gathering in different seasons of the year for the worship of Ba’l. Many temples were built for the purpose. They lit fires around the idol and burnt perfumed articles in it. Sometimes human sacrifices were also offered to the idol. The idol of Ba’l was entirely made of gold sixty feet in height, having four faces. Five hundred servants were employed to look after the idol.

Ilyaas (A.S) informed them of the Message of Allah. He told them that Allah is the Only Creator and the Lord of everything. He was a very noble person. The greed of the wealthy people made Ilyaas (A.S) very sad.  He pleaded with the wealthy people to obey Allah, but they hardly listened to him. Soon they become upset with prophet Ilyaas (A.S) and his message. Some evil people decided to kill him.

When Ilyaas (A.S) learnt of their evil plot, he became very sad. This group of evil people included the king of Ba’labak and his own wife. Ilyaas (A.S) decided to leave the place. One night, he left the town quietly and took refuge in a cave in a mountain far away from the evil people of Ba’labak. The cave become his new home. He lived there by himself and spent his time praying to Allah.

As the time went by, the town of Ba’labak was in the grip of famine. The people of Ba’labak were in panic. They did not know what to do. The famine lasted for a long time. Finally, they set out to find Ilyaas (A.S) to see if he could help them. They looked for him everywhere but they could not find him. However, just when they gave up hope, Allah commanded Ilyaas (A.S) to return to Ba’labak.

Ilyaas (A.S) told his people, “The famine has come to you as a sign from Allah. It is a warning. You rejected me. You rejected Allah’s commands. You are a very stubborn people. This drought is a punishment from Allah for not obeying His commands.” Some of his people said, “O Ilyaas (A.S), we understand what you say! We accept Allah as he One and Only Creator. We are grateful to Allah for leading us out of darkness.”

Ilyaas (A.S) prayed to Allah for rain. Allah responded to his prayer and the rain fell. The fields of Ba’labak became green again.

The people of Ba’labak were grateful for the changes in their fortunes. Prophet Ilyaas (A.S) followers began to increase. He began to gain popularity. But still many of the people of Ba’labak refused to obey Him. They rejected him. They were not prepared to listen to him.

They once again planned to kill him. Ilyaas (A.S) again left the town. He returned Ba’labak after the death of the king. He continued to teach the Message of Allah until he passed  away.