Elisha's Mission
And remember Our slaves, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, (all) owners of strength
(in worshipping Us) and (also) of religious understanding. Verily, We did
choose them by granting them (a good thing, - i.e.) the remembrance of the
home in the Hereafter and they used to make the people remember it, and
also they used to invite the people to obey Allah and to do good deeds for
the Hereafter. And they are in Our Sight, verily, of the chosen and the
best! And remember Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl, all are among the best."
Surah 88: 45-48
Ibn Ishaaq said that Elisha was sent to the children of Israel after Elijah . He lived among his people, calling them to Allah and abiding by the message and laws of Elijah until he passed away. Then dissension rose among them, and events took momentum. Sins increased everywhere, and the tyrants increased and killed the prophets.
The Family History of Elisha
According to Al-Hafiz Abu Al-Qasim Ibn Asaker, Elisha was Ibn Adi, Ibn Shultam,
Ibn Aphraem, Ibn Joseph, Ibn Isaac, Ibn Abraham. It was said that he was
the cousin of Elijah. Other sources said also that he had been hiding with
Elijah in a cave in Mount Qasium to escape from the King of Ba'alabak, and
when Elijah died, he Elisha succeeded him as a prophet among his people.
From the book Stories of the Prophets
Written by Al-Imam Ibn Khathir, 701-774 AH (1301-1372 C.E)
Translated by Sheikh Muhammad Mustapha Geme'ah, Al-Azhar