Genealogists believe that Elias (An-Nashabi) was the son of Ibn Ya-Sin, son of Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron - or son of Elazar, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron - recall Aaron was the brother of Moses, and a prophet himself.

He was sent to the people of Balbek, west Damascus, who began to worship an idol they called Bal. He taught them the way of Allah, the truth and advised them against worshipping idols.

However, his people did not take heed of his warnings and instead tried to kill him. He was forced to flee and hide. One narration says he hid in a cave for 10 years until another king took over and destroyed the previous king. Elias preached to this new king, that he should worship his Creator alone and follow His way. Many accepted his message but the new king killed them all.

This story is mentioned in the verses below.

And Elias was indeed one of the messengers.37:123

˹Remember˺ when he said to his people, “Will you not fear ˹Allah˺?37:124

Do you call upon ˹the idol of˺ Ba’l and abandon the Best of Creators—37:125

Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?”37:126

But they rejected him, so they will certainly be brought ˹for punishment˺.37:127

But not the chosen servants of Allah.37:128

We blessed him ˹with honourable mention˺ among later generations:37:129

“Peace be upon Elias.”37:130

Indeed, this is how We reward the good-doers.37:131

He was truly one of Our faithful servants.37:132

Elias is also mentioned in Surah Al-An'am.

Likewise, ˹We guided˺ Zachariah, John, Jesus, and Elias, who were all of the righteous.6:85