Episode 2

Episode 2: Among the Very Best of the Chosen

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The second time the Qur'an mentions Ilyasa is in Surah Sad, again beside prophets and named among the very best. Allah said, "And remember Isma'il, Al-Yasa', and Dhul-Kifl — and all are among the outstanding" (Qur'an 38:48). The word "al-akhyar" means the chosen and the best. So from two places the Qur'an gives Ilyasa two combined praises: he was "preferred over the worlds" (6:86) and is "among the very best" (38:48). Those two qualities are already proof of his noble standing. As for the details of Ilyasa's life, the Qur'an does not narrate them. Accounts circulate in history and tafsir works that Ilyasa succeeded Prophet Ilyas in his call and continued his struggle among the Children of Israel. But in honesty, such accounts come from reports/tradition (some of them Isra'iliyyat) that cannot be verified, and are not part of revelation. We mention them as tradition — not held to be certain, nor hastily denied — while holding to what is clear from the Qur'an. Reflection: the titles "the best" and "the preferred" are the fruit of obedience and steadfastness. Ilyasa, like Dhul-Kifl, reminds us that many noble servants have stories Allah did not narrate to us, yet their rank remains high before Him — and that is more than enough. Source & Note: the core evidence is from the Qur'an, 38:48 and 6:86. The account that Ilyasa succeeded Prophet Ilyas comes from historical/tafsir reports and some Isra'iliyyat; per the established rule we relay it with a clear marker — not used as evidence and not affirmed as certain — because the Qur'an and authentic Sunnah do not detail it.