Allah (swt) says: "And Elias (Elijah) was also one of the Messengers; when he said to his people:'Will you not fear Allah? Do you invoke Baal, and forsake the Best of creators? Allah, your Lord, and the Lord of your fathers of yore?' But they disbelieved him, so they will be summoned; except for the sincere slaves of Allah. And We left praise for him among generations in later times. Peace be upon Elias. Thus do we reward those who do right; for he is indeed one of Our believing slaves." (37: 123-132)

Ilyas was sent to the people of Baalbek, west of Damascus. He called people to the way of Allah and forbid them to worship an idol called Baal. His people did not listen to him and tried to kill him. He fled from them and hid from the king of his people in a cave for ten years. When his kingdom was destroyed and was overtaken by another king, Ilyas came out from his hiding. He went to the new king and presented him the devine religion of Islam. The king did not accept it but a huge number of people became believers. They were killed to their last man by the order of the king.