Idrees

Idrees is derived from the Arabic root d-r-s, a root whose central meaning is to study, to read carefully, to learn by repetition, and to interpret. This same root gives rise to madrasa (school, place of study), dars (lesson), and tadris (teaching). The form Idrees itself is understood as a verbal noun or intensive form suggesting one who studies deeply and persistently. Some classical Arabic scholars have also suggested a connection to the Hebrew name Enoch (Hanokh), though the Arabic derivation from d-r-s is the more commonly cited etymology in Islamic scholarly tradition. The long vowel in the second syllable, written as 'ee' in this South Asian romanisation, is the characteristic feature that distinguishes Idrees from Idris, the shorter form prevalent in the Arab world. This distinction in spelling reflects real differences in pronunciation across Muslim communities: South Asian Muslims tend to favour the elongated form Idrees, while Arabic-speaking communities use Idris. Both forms refer to the same Quranic prophet. The name has been in continuous use since the early centuries of Islam, preserved by the reverence accorded to the prophet in Islamic religious education, ensuring its transmission from generation to generation across diverse Muslim cultures.

In Islamic tradition, the Prophet Idrees holds a unique and exalted position. He is mentioned twice in the Quran, praised as a man of truth and a prophet raised to a high station. According to Islamic tradition, Idrees was the first human to write with a pen and was known for his mastery of astronomy, mathematics, and craftsmanship, credited with inventing the art of sewing and the use of weights and measures. This association with knowledge and the intellectual arts has made the name particularly popular among scholarly and education-minded Muslim families. The belief that Idrees was taken up to heaven while still alive, paralleling the biblical account of Enoch, adds a layer of extraordinary spiritual prestige to the name. In South Asia, where the form Idrees is most common, the name is often chosen by families who see education and learning as religious duties. It carries an implicit blessing for the child to grow into a person of wisdom, intellectual honesty, and closeness to God.