Prophet Al-Yasa (Arabic: اليسع) is a prophet mentioned in the Quran and Islamic tradition, believed to have been sent to the Israelites following Prophet Ilyas (Elijah). Though the Quran references him briefly, Islamic scholars have elaborated on his life and mission through tafsir and hadith literature. His story parallels that of Elisha in the Hebrew Bible, who was known for his miracles and continuation of Elijah's prophetic work.
This article explores Al-Yasa's lineage, era, mission, Quranic references, miracles, and the theological perspectives surrounding him in Islam, as well as comparisons with biblical accounts.
## Lineage and Era
Prophet Al-Yasa is traditionally considered a successor to Prophet Ilyas (Elijah) and is believed to have lived during the 9th century BCE in the northern kingdom of Israel. Islamic sources do not provide detailed genealogical data, but he is often linked to the prophetic lineage of the Children of Israel. His era corresponds to a time of widespread idolatry and social injustice among the Israelites, necessitating renewed prophetic guidance (Quran 38:48).
Classical tafsir, such as that of Ibn Kathir, identifies Al-Yasa as a prophet sent to continue the mission of Ilyas, emphasizing the continuity of monotheistic preaching in a period marked by moral decline.
## Mission and Location
Al-Yasa's mission was to call the Israelites back to the worship of Allah alone and to abandon the worship of Baal and other idols, which had become prevalent. His preaching focused on repentance, righteousness, and adherence to divine commandments. He operated primarily in the northern kingdom of Israel, where idolatry was widespread.
His role was to sustain the spiritual revival initiated by Ilyas, reinforcing the message of Tawhid (monotheism) and preparing the community for future prophetic guidance. Islamic tradition holds that he was steadfast in the face of opposition and that his efforts were instrumental in preserving the prophetic legacy among the Israelites.
## Quranic References
Prophet Al-Yasa is mentioned explicitly in two Quranic verses:
- Surah Sad (38:48): "And remember Ishmael, Elisha and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient." (Quran 38:48) - Surah Sad (38:45): "[Mention] when We gave to David and Solomon knowledge, and they said, 'Praise [is due] to Allah, who has favored us over many of His believing servants.'"
Though Al-Yasa is mentioned briefly, the Quran honors him among the [prophets](/dashboard/wiki/iblis-shaytan-his-origin-fall-and-mission) known for their patience and steadfastness. The Quran does not elaborate on his specific miracles or stories but includes him in the list of righteous servants of Allah.
Classical tafsir, such as Ibn Kathir, expands on these references by linking Al-Yasa to the continuation of prophetic missions after Ilyas.
## Miracles and Key Stories
The Quran does not detail specific miracles of Al-Yasa, but Islamic tradition and tafsir attribute several miracles to him, often paralleling those of the biblical Elisha. These include reviving the dead, healing the sick, and providing sustenance miraculously.
For example, Ibn Kathir's tafsir mentions that Al-Yasa was granted the ability to perform miracles similar to those of Ilyas, such as causing rain to fall and curing illnesses. However, these accounts are derived from Isra'iliyat (Jewish and Christian traditions) and are treated cautiously by scholars.
No authentic hadith explicitly detail his miracles, and thus, Islamic scholarship emphasizes his role as a prophet and teacher rather than focusing on miraculous acts.
## Descendants and Legacy
Islamic sources do not provide detailed information about the descendants of Al-Yasa. Unlike some other [prophets](/dashboard/wiki/iblis-shaytan-his-origin-fall-and-mission), there is no significant tradition regarding his family or progeny.
His legacy lies primarily in his prophetic mission to uphold monotheism and guide the Israelites during a turbulent period. He is revered as part of the prophetic chain that maintained the message of Allah until the advent of [Prophet Muhammad](/dashboard/quran/genealogy/prophet-muhammad) (peace be upon him).
His mention in the Quran alongside other prophets emphasizes the continuity and unity of the prophetic message.
## Sunni and Shia Perspectives
Both Sunni and Shia traditions recognize Al-Yasa as a prophet, though he is not a central figure in either sect's [theology](/dashboard/wiki/creation-of-the-heavens-and-earth). Sunni tafsir generally accept the Quranic mention at face value and incorporate Isra'iliyat cautiously to fill narrative gaps.
Shia scholars also acknowledge Al-Yasa but tend to focus more on [prophets](/dashboard/wiki/iblis-shaytan-his-origin-fall-and-mission) with direct links to the Ahl al-Bayt. There is no significant doctrinal dispute regarding his prophethood or mission.
Both traditions agree on his role as a patient and steadfast prophet who continued the message of monotheism among the Israelites.
## Biblical Parallels
Al-Yasa is widely identified with the biblical prophet Elisha, the disciple and successor of Elijah. The Hebrew Bible attributes numerous miracles to Elisha, including raising the dead, multiplying food, and healing lepers (2 Kings 2–13).
Islamic tradition shares the view that Al-Yasa continued Ilyas's mission, paralleling Elisha's role. However, the Quranic narrative is more concise and focuses on his prophetic status rather than detailed stories.
Scholars note that while the Islamic portrayal is less detailed, it aligns with the biblical emphasis on Elisha's role as a miracle-working prophet who upheld monotheism.