What is it about?
The prophet Elijah is important in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Druze, Bahai, and other religions . A figure from the Old Testament, Elijah is identified with both John the Baptist and Jesus in the New Testament. In Islam, he is identified with Khidr. In Judaism, Elijah is considered the forerunner of the messiah. In the Old Testament, Elijah is known for rising dead people and for not having died but been "taken up" himself. These features have contributed to the miraculous and messianic status of Elijah and he is considered a "life-giver" in all traditions. The figure of Elijah, venerated in many world religions can be a binding figure between the various, often competing religious traditions.
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Why is it important?
The figure of Elijah, venerated in many world religions can be a binding figure between the various, often competing religious traditions.
Perspectives
I came to studying Elijah while visiting the various places where he is venerated in Haifa. This fascinating figure brings about positive energies across religious traditions that are often competing.
Lieve Teugels
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This page is a summary of: The Shifting Image of Elijah the Prophet in Text and Iconography, March 2026, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004754867-013.
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