Not much is known about Elias in Islamic history and Arab's traditions. Commentators say this and that without showing some surety or evidences of themselves. Elias is mentioned twice in the holy Qurän; (S 37:123) and (S 6:85). According to Qurän he was a righteous man, and a prophet of God, sent to warn his people who were idolaters worshipping the idol BAAL, instead of worshipping Allah, Who is the best of Creators. His people rejected his Divine Mission, and belied him.

      Most probably Elias is the Biblical Israelite prophet who challenged against the idol BAAl, and eventually made people to kill the idol's 450 custodians and priests the story of whom has been cited in the Bible; 1-Kings. A Quotation of the said Biblical story we offer to our dear readers as follows:-

      The name of prophet in the Bible is not Elias. It is Elijah. He challenged severely against BAAL and its worshippers, in favour of YAHOVAH the Lord of Israel. King of the Israelites who was colled AHAB, accused Elijah of being an agitator and trouble maker. Elijah too accused Ahab of betraying Israelite kingdom by supporting idolatry and the large group of Baal prophets who were numbered no less than 450 men and women.

      In his combat with Baal, Elijah gave one bull to the 450 prophets of Baal, and took one for himself who was then the only apostle of the Only one God of Israel, in order to offer the bulls as sacrifice for their gods; they for Baal, and he for the God of Israel.

      Then Baal's sacrifice remained on the altar untouched, but a fire came down from the sky and burned the sacrifice that Elijah had offered to the Lord of israel. So Elijah became triumphant over the 450 priests of Baal who were all supported by the king Ahab, and also by his queen Jezebel. He managed to rouse and stir up the believers against the priests, and ordered them to be slayed:- (1ِKINGS 18:40)

      Elijah oredred:- ``Seize the priests of Baal and don't let them get away.''

      The people seized them all, and Elijah led them down to the river Kishon, and killed them.

      Then the queen JEZEBEL threatened Elijah saying:- ``May the gods (BAAL) strike me dead if by this time tomorrow I don't do the same thing to you that you did to the prophets of Baal.'' (1ِKINGS 19:2-3)

      Elijah then fled to Sinai, the holy mountain. There he complained to God, saying:-

      ``The people of Israel have broken their covenant with You, torn down your altars, and killed all you prophets. I am the only one left, while they are trying to kill me too.'' (1ِKINGS 19:14)

      Yahovah (Allah) promised to help Elijah against his enemies, and ordered him to go to Damascus, to do certain anointments. God said to him:-

      ``I will leave only, seven thousands of the Israelites alive who are loyal to me and have not bowed to Baal or kissed his idols.''

      Elijah then found a believing helper named Elisha the son of Shaphat, and took him also for his successor.

      After many adventures, Elijah and his helper went at the bank of the river Jorden, when suddenly a chariot of fire appeared from the sky which was pulled by horses of fire! (2ِKINGS 2:11) The chariot passed between them and Elijah was taken up to heaven by a whirlwind!

      Elisha saw the ascent of Elijah, and cried saying:-

      ``My father! My father! Mighty defender of Israel! You are goneِand he never saw Elijah again.''

TRANSLATOR'S NOTE