The correct answer is Hazrat Idrees A.S. In Islamic history and theology, Hazrat Idrees (A.S) is celebrated as the first individual to handle the pen and master the art of writing. He is traditionally identified as the great-grandson of Hazrat... Read More
The correct answer is Hazrat Idrees A.S. In Islamic history and theology, Hazrat Idrees (A.S) is celebrated as the first individual to handle the pen and master the art of writing. He is traditionally identified as the great-grandson of Hazrat Sheeth (A.S) and the great-great-grandson of Hazrat Adam (A.S). His name, "Idrees," is widely believed by scholars to be derived from the Arabic word dars, which means "to instruct" or "to study," signifying his immense devotion to the scriptures of his predecessors and the divine knowledge bestowed upon him by Allah.
Before the era of Hazrat Idrees (A.S), human communication and the preservation of knowledge relied almost entirely on memory and oral transmission. The introduction of writing was a revolutionary advancement that allowed for the systematic recording of divine revelations, commercial transactions, and ancestral lineages.
Islamic traditions suggest that Hazrat Idrees (A.S) was granted this skill as a miracle to help organize his society and preserve the laws of monotheism. By using the pen (Qalam), he was able to document the Sahifas (scrolls) revealed to Hazrat Adam (A.S) and Hazrat Sheeth (A.S), ensuring that the core tenets of faith were not lost or distorted over generations. This early form of literacy laid the groundwork for future civilizations to develop complex legal and educational systems.
The contributions of Hazrat Idrees (A.S) extended far beyond the written word. He is often described as a polymath of the ancient world. Beyond writing, he is credited with being the first to sew and wear tailored clothes; prior to his time, humans typically wore animal skins for protection. This shift toward tailoring represented a significant leap in human culture and hygiene.
Furthermore, historical accounts in Islamic literature, such as those by Ibn Kathir, mention that Hazrat Idrees (A.S) possessed deep knowledge of celestial movements. He is said to have understood the science of astronomy and mathematics, using these tools to calculate time and understand the seasons. This was essential for the agricultural societies of the time, allowing them to better manage their resources and plan for the future.
The Quran honors Hazrat Idrees (A.S) with high praise, describing him as a man of truth (Siddiq) and a Prophet. In Surah Maryam, Allah mentions: "And mention in the Book, Idrees. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet. And We raised him to a high station." This "high station" is often discussed in the context of the Isra and Mi'raj (The Night Journey), where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) met Hazrat Idrees (A.S) in the fourth heaven.
His legacy is one of intellect and observation. He was a Prophet who taught his people that worship is not only found in prayer but also in the pursuit of knowledge and the improvement of the human condition. By teaching his followers how to write, he empowered them to communicate across distances and time, effectively beginning the recorded history of the world. His life serves as a reminder that literacy and education have been central to the prophetic mission since the earliest days of humanity.
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