Enoch (Idris): The Ancient Sage Who Bridged Worlds in the Akbarnama
Published on 4/17/2024
The Akbarnama, Abu'l Fazl's monumental chronicle of Emperor Akbar's reign, is far more than a simple historical record. It's a tapestry woven with philosophy, theology, and accounts of ancient wisdom, all serving to contextualize the divine nature of Akbar's sovereignty. Within its early pages, amidst discussions of creation and lineage, we encounter a figure revered across traditions: Enoch, known in the Islamic tradition as Idris.
Abu'l Fazl presents Idris not just as a prophet, but as a pivotal figure in the transmission of knowledge and the establishment of civilization after the time of Adam.
The Rise of a Lawgiver
Idris is introduced as the distinguished son of Jared, born after the passing of Adam. Though chronologically later than his siblings, he surpassed them in intellect and spiritual understanding. The Akbarnama hails him as the first lawgiver since Seth, tasked with guiding humanity in the ways of divine worship and righteous living.
His role wasn't confined to spiritual matters alone. Idris is credited with introducing fundamental arts and sciences to mankind. While some traditions attribute all knowledge to Adam, the prevailing view presented here is that astronomy, writing, spinning, weaving, and sewing were innovations brought forth by Enoch. This highlights his practical impact on early human society, laying the groundwork for more complex civilizations.
The Teacher and the Triple Hermes
Enoch's pursuit of wisdom led him to study under great teachers. The text mentions Agathodæmon of Egypt, referred to as Uria the Second (Seth being the first Uria, meaning 'teacher' in Syriac). Such was Enoch's mastery that he himself earned the lofty title of Harmasu-l-haramasa (Hermes of Hermeses) or Trismegistus, becoming known as the third Uria.
His mission was universal. He is said to have summoned mankind to worship God in seventy-two languages, demonstrating a profound understanding of diverse peoples and their need for guidance. He founded numerous cities, with the city of Roha (Edessa) being noted as the least among them, signifying the vast scale of his civilizing efforts.
Idris taught according to the capacities of different tribes and ranks, guiding them towards reverence for the Great Light – the Sun. He prescribed festivals, particularly when the Sun entered Aries, recognizing these celestial movements as moments of special dignity and manifestations of divine favour. This reverence wasn't sun-worship itself, but an acknowledgment of the Sun as a primary source of light and bounty, a visible symbol of the Divine.
A Legacy in Stone and Spirit
Perhaps one of the most intriguing attributions to Idris in the Akbarnama is the construction of the pyramids of Egypt, referred to as the Domes of Haraman. These colossal structures were not merely tombs but intended as repositories of knowledge, depicting all the arts and their tools so that this wisdom could be recovered if ever lost. This portrays Idris as a preserver of human achievement against the ravages of time and forgetfulness.
Abu'l Fazl also references the tradition, noted by Abū Ma'shar of Balkh, of three preeminent Hermes figures throughout history, with Idris (Harmasu-l-haramasa) being the first, followed by Hermes of Babylon and Hermes of Egypt (teacher of Esculapius). This places Enoch at the very beginning of a lineage of great philosophers and scientists, reinforcing his foundational importance.
Wisdom and Departure
Among the notable sayings attributed to Enoch is a profound observation on virtue: "The three most excellent things are truth when angry, bounty when poor and mercy when strong." This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates a high moral standard, emphasizing integrity and compassion even under challenging circumstances.
The accounts of his departure from the world vary, with different ages cited. However, the narrative focuses less on the specifics of his death and more on his enduring legacy as a figure who brought light, order, and knowledge to the early world.
Why Enoch Matters in the Akbarnama
By detailing the life and contributions of Enoch (Idris), Abu'l Fazl connects Akbar's era to a deep, ancient wellspring of wisdom and divine guidance. It's not just about lineage; it's about the continuation of a spiritual and intellectual tradition. Enoch's role as a lawgiver, a scientist, a civilizer, and a revealer of divine mysteries serves as a precedent for the ideal ruler – a figure who governs justly, fosters knowledge, and understands the deeper truths of existence. In the context of the Akbarnama, this subtly elevates Akbar's own perceived role as a universal sovereign and a patron of diverse wisdom traditions.
Enoch's story, as told through this historical lens, reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge, the establishment of just laws, and the reverence for the divine are threads that connect humanity across vast stretches of time, a legacy that the Akbarnama seeks to preserve and celebrate.