In his youth, Ilyas was known for his piety. Ilyas's mother, Bi Safiya, used to say to him, "Ilyas, I feel the aroma of the holy Companions in you," referring to the companions of the Islamic prophet, [[Muhammad] (صلي الله عليه وسلم)]. Sometimes, placing her hand on his back, she would say, "How is it that I see figures resembling the holy companions moving along with you?" The Islamic scholar Mehmud Hasan remarked, "when I see Mohammad Ilyas, I am reminded of the holy companions." Eagerness and enthusiasm for faith were ingrained in Ilyas's nature
