The Story of Prophet Al-Yasa (Elisha) AS

Elisha’s Mention in the Quran
The Family History of Elisha
Connection to Prophet Ilyas (Elijah)
Elisha’s Mission
His Death and Aftermath

Elisha’s Mention in the Quran

Prophet Al-Yasa (Elisha) AS is praised in the Quran as one of the chosen and excellent servants of Allah. He is mentioned twice by name.

“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)

He is also mentioned in Surah Al-An'am alongside other noble Prophets:

“And Ismail (Ishmael) and Al-Yasa (Elisha), and Yunus (Jonah) and Lut (Lot), and each one of them We preferred above the 'Alamin (mankind and jinns of their times).” (Ch 6:86 Quran)

The Family History of Elisha

According to Al-Hafiz Abu Al-Qasim Ibn Asaker, his full lineage is Al-Yasa (Elisha), Ibn Adi, Ibn Shultam, Ibn Aphraem, Ibn Joseph (Yusuf), Ibn Isaac (Ishaq), Ibn Abraham (Ibrahim) (PBUT). It was said that he was the cousin of Prophet Ilyas (Elijah).

Connection to Prophet Ilyas (Elijah)

Historical sources state that Al-Yasa grew up under the mentorship of Prophet Ilyas (Elijah) AS. During the time when the King of Ba’alabak and his people were persecuting Prophet Ilyas, Al-Yasa hid with him in the mountains and caves (such as Mount Qasium). He was a devoted companion and student. When Ilyas passed away (or was raised up by Allah), Al-Yasa succeeded him as the prophet among the Children of Israel.

Elisha’s Mission

Ibn Ishaaq said that Al-Yasa (pbuh) was sent to the Children of Israel after Ilyas (pbuh). He lived among his people, calling them to Allah and abiding by the message and laws of the Torah. He urged them to remain steadfast on Monotheism and to avoid the idol worship (of Ba'al) that had previously corrupted them.

During his lifetime, the Israelites generally obeyed him and followed the right path. He ruled them according to the Shariah of the Torah, and it is said that Allah supported him with various miracles to prove his prophethood, similar to those of Prophet Jesus (Isa), such as healing the sick, though these specific details are found more in Israelite traditions than Islamic texts.

His Death and Aftermath

Prophet Al-Yasa (AS) continued to guide his people faithfully until he passed away. After his death, a great dissension rose among the Children of Israel. Events took momentum, and sins increased everywhere. The people abandoned the teachings of Al-Yasa, and as a punishment for their disobedience and corruption, Allah allowed tyrants to overpower them. These tyrants killed many prophets who came after him, leading to a dark period in the history of the Israelites until Allah sent further guidance.

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