The prophet Ilyas (AS) was one of the chosen messengers of Allah that was sent to guide the people of Bani Isra’il. His task was to invite the people to worship Allah alone, and to warn them against associating partners with Him, especially that of the false deity Baal.
No matter how hard he tried, his people would not give up their false beliefs, and ultimately, they paid for it with their lives. Prophet Ilyas (AS) was rejected, exiled, and tried; through it all, he continued to proclaim his faith and believe in his mission.
Allah mentions him in the Quran:
“And indeed, Ilyas was one of the messengers. When he said to his people, ‘Will you not fear Allah? Do you call upon Baal and abandon the Best of creators—Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?’”
(Surah As-Saffat 37:123-126)
The Corrupt Nation of Baalbek
The city is called Baalbek (in present-day Lebanon) where Prophet Ilyas (AS) was sent. The people had fallen so deeply into idolatry that they worshipped Baal, a false deity they thought ruled fertility, rain, and prosperity.
- They made huge temples to honour Baal.
- They were sacrificing animals and praying to their made-up god.
- They turned away from worshiping Allah.
Their deviation was not just religious but also moral; they practiced corruption, dishonesty, and injustice. Two centuries had gone by, and they had to be brought back on track with the message of Allah and His Oneness.
The Call to Monotheism
Prophet Ilyas (AS) faced the major corruption of his time and called on his people to worship one Allah Almighty only.
His message was singular, simple, and powerful:
- Worship of the one and only God, Allah, the creator of everything.
- Denounce Baal and other false deities.
- Do not incur Allah’s punishment unless you repent and return to righteousness.
But rather than heed him, his people mocked him, spurned his entreaty, and insisted on worshipping Baal.
The Quran describes their defiance:
“But they denied him, so they will certainly be brought [to punishment]. Except for the chosen servants of Allah.”
(Surah As-Saffat 37:127-128)
The Prophet continued to warn and encourage them, but they did not listen and refused to change, and eventually a great trial was sent to them.
The Divine Punishment: Drought and Famine
Because the inhabitants of Baalbek depended on Baal for procreation and rain, Allah challenged them by ceasing the rain, bringing upon them a fierce drought and hunger.
- Their land went dry.
- Their crops failed.
- Their livestock died.
- Famine and misery engulfed the city.
This was a direct message from Allah, demonstrating that Baal was useless and that the rain and provisions were in Allah’s command.
But in their anguish, they would not accept the truth.
The Rejection and Exile of Prophet Ilyas (AS)
The people of Baalbek gathered and, despite repenting, the leaders of Baalbek blamed Prophet Ilyas (AS) for their destruction, and they sought to kill him.
Terrified for his life, he fled the city and went into hiding.
- He roamed the wilderness in search of cover.
- Allah shaped his life and took care of him.
He kept praying and asking Allah for guidance.
His exile challenged his patience and reinforced his faith, yet he never wavered in his mission.
The Destruction of Baalbek
Prophet Ilyas (AS) returned again to Baalbek after a long period of suffering and warnings.
He arrived there only to discover that the people were still involved in idolatry and met with corruption.
- They had not yet repented.
- They had not reformed.
- They were obstinate in disbelief.
Therefore, Allah punished them with a Portion of Punishment.
- An awful storm fell upon the land and annihilated the unbelievers.
- Only a handful of righteous followers of Ilyas (AS) were spared.
Their tale serves as a cautionary tale about what happens when we reject Allah’s guidance.
The Legacy of Prophet Ilyas (AS)
Throughout this time, Prophet Ilyas (AS) stood firmly devoted to Allah without ever swaying on what is right, even when faced with rejection, adversity, and exile. His life teaches us:
- Truly believing is to remain resolute, even when the world turns against you.
- There will be the destruction of idolatry and corruption.
- Indeed, Allah Most High will always protect and take care of His righteous servants
- If one understands the warning, he must not wait, or God knows best.
Allah honored Prophet Ilyas (AS) in the Quran by ranking him with righteous messengers:
“And We left for him (a good mention) among later generations: ‘Peace be upon Ilyas!’ Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, he was one of Our believing servants.”
(Surah As-Saffat 37:129-132)
Conclusion
Prophet Ilyas (AS) was a courageous caller to Tawheed. He preached, constantly attacked and by society, showing no sign of despair and never lost hope in his vision. His story is a strong reminder for every believer to cling to the truth, to have trust in Allah’s plan, and to remain steadfast in faith even if you face adversity. May peace be upon Prophet Ilyas (AS) and all the prophets of Allah. Ameen.
