This article is being presented on the Book of Enoch and Prophet Hazrat Idris (AS) from an Islamic perspective. This article is in a descriptive, comparative and exploratory manner and its purpose is to clarify what is the status of the Book of Enoch in Islam, who was Prophet Hazrat Idris (AS), and where there are similarities or differences between the two traditions.
What is the Book of Enoch?
The Book of Enoch is an ancient religious text that is considered a part of a Jewish religious literature (Pseudepigrapha). The Book of Enoch is not a part of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), but it was given importance in some ancient Jewish and Christian groups. In particular, the Ethiopian Christian Church still considers it sacred today.
The book of Enoch was probably written at various times between the 3rd century BC and the 1st century AD and was later compiled. It includes topics such as angels, jinn, resurrection, heaven and hell, astronomy, and the end of humans.
Status of the Book of Enoch in Islam
According to Islamic belief:
- Only those books are considered to be revelations that are mentioned in the “Quran and Sunnah”.
- The Book of Enoch is neither considered revelation nor an authentic inspired book in Islam.
- Islamic scholars consider it to be “Israelite”, i.e., traditions that come from Jewish or Christian sources.
This means that:
- It can be viewed as history or comparative study.
- But “beliefs, Sharia or principles of faith are not based on it”.
Hazrat Idris (AS): Islamic Introduction
In Islam, Hazrat Idris (AS) was a great prophet who was mentioned in the Holy Quran.
Mention in the Quran
Hazrat Idris (AS) is mentioned in the Quran in two places:
- Surah Maryam (19:56–57)
- “And mention Hazrat Idris (AS) in the Book, for he was a true prophet, and We raised him to a high station.”
- Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85–86)
- Where he is counted among the patient and the righteous.
The Quran does not give details of his life, but it makes clear his truthfulness, prophethood, and high station.
Compatibility of Hazrat Idris (AS) and Enoch
According to most Muslim commentators and researchers:
Enoch of the Bible and Hazrat Idris (AS) of Islam may be the same person.
Reasons:
- Both are descended from Hazrat Adam (AS).
- Both are said to have been “raised to the heavens”.
- Both are described as having knowledge and wisdom.
However, this application is not definitive, but rather a scholarly and historical opinion.
Main topics of the Book of Enoch
The Book of Enoch consists of several parts, some of the most important of which are as follows:
1) The rebellion of the angels (Watchers)
i. The Book of Enoch states that:
- Some angels (called Watchers) descended to earth,
- Had relations with human women,
- And from them “giant creatures (Nephilim)” were born.
- ii) Islamic point of view:
- In Islam, “angels” are infallible” and do not disobey.
- Therefore, this concept “contradicts Islamic belief”.
- Some commentators consider it a metaphor for jinn or humans, but the Quran does not support this.
2) Astrology and the occult sciences
In the Book of Enoch, angels are attributed with having taught humans:
- The knowledge of the stars,
- Magic,
- Weapon-making,
- Jewelry and cosmetics.
Islamic position:
- Knowledge itself is not forbidden, but
- “Magic and divination” are prohibited in Islam.
- Attributing evil to any prophet or angel is not accepted.
3) Resurrection, Heaven and Hell
In the Book of Enoch:
- Scenes of the resurrection,
- The end of the good and the bad,
- Heaven and hell are described in detail.
This aspect:
- Has “partial similarities” with Islamic beliefs,
- But there are clear differences in the details,
- And there are exaggerations or unclear concepts in many places.
Israelite and Islamic Principles
Islamic scholars have given three principles about Israelite:
- That which is “in accordance with the Quran and Hadith” → acceptable
- That which is “clearly contrary” → unacceptable
- That which is neither in accordance nor contrary → neither confirmation nor denial
Most of the traditions of the Book of Enoch fall into the “third or second level”.
The Book of Enoch in Urdu Islamic Literature
In Urdu:
- There is “no complete Islamic translation” of the Book of Enoch.
- In some places “Urdu translations by Christians or Orientalists” are found, but they do not represent the Islamic point of view.
- In Islamic books, it is usually mentioned in a “critical or comparative manner”.
Useful Urdu Islamic Books:
- Stories of the Prophets (Ibn Kathir, Urdu translation)
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Urdu)
- Tadbar-e-Quran
- Urdu Research Articles on Israelite
Abstract
- The Book of Enoch is not an authentic or inspired book in Islam.
- Hazrat Idris (AS) was a true prophet mentioned in the Quran.
- The compatibility of Enoch and Idris (AS) is possible, but not certain.
- The Book of Enoch can only be seen for “historical and comparative study”.
Islamic beliefs are based on “Quran, Sunnah and Ijma”, not on non-authentic texts.