Elias is a prophet mentioned briefly in the Qur'an (Q 6:86, 37:123-132). He is identified with the Biblical prophet Elijah, who fiercely opposed a king of Israel named Ahab (reigned ca. 869-850 B.C.E.). See I Kings 16:31 - II Kings 2:18. In the Biblical account, Ahab promoted the worship of Baal, a Phoenician storm God responsible for bringing seasonal rains. Elijah predicted a three-year drought, thus defying Baal's ability to bring rain. At the end of the three years he challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest, to see whether Baal or the LORD (Yahweh) would send fire to burn up an offering.