Elisha; A Prophet with Miracles Similar to Those of Jesus
As a prophet, he managed to invite a large number of Bani Isra’il people to monotheism. Alyasa or Elisha was a prophet of Bani Isra’il. His full name was al-Yasa ibn al-Akhtut ibn al-Ajuz. He was a student of Ilyas and became a prophet after him.
There are many stories narrated about these two great prophets. According to one, a Bani Isra’il woman who had a son named al-Yasa ibn al-Akhtut, allowed Ilyas who was running away from enemies into her house. As a sign of appreciation, Ilyas prayed for al-Yasa who was severely ill and he was healed. Seeing this miracle, al-Yasa believed in Ilyas and accompanied him.
Some say Ilyas and al-Yasa were relatives, perhaps cousins. After the death of Ilyas, al-Yasa invited people to worshipping God.
There are many miracles attributed to al-Yasa. For example, like what Jesus (AS) did, he is said to have walked on water, brought the dead back to life, and healed the blind and those suffering from leprosy.
Al-Yasa’s name is mentioned twice in the Quran, in Surahs Al-An’am and Saad. According to a verse in Surah Al-An’am, he is a descendant of Abraham (AS) but it does not say whether or not he is from Bani Isra’il. In Surah Saad, he has been praised along with two other prophets, Ismail (AS) and Dhu al-Kifl.
In the Torah, he is mentioned as Elisha, the son of Shafat. Elisha in Hebrew means savior and Shafat means a judge. Elisha had a high position and was steadfast, according to the Old Testament.
When al-Yasa wanted to choose a successor, he said one will be able to accept this responsibility who fasts in the day, prays at night, and never gets angry during judgment. He mentioned these conditions three times and in all three cases a young man accepted them. On the third day, al-Yasa chose him as his successor and when the young man fulfilled his promise, God praised him and named him Dhu al-Kifl.
There are two graves, one in Saudi Arabia and one in Turkey that are said to be the place where al-Yasa was buried.
