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The Prophets in Islam
In Islam there are 25 prophets revealed to us in the Quran however the total number is in the several thousands as we believe God has sent a messenger to every nation as seen in the following verse: "We sent a messenger to every community, saying, ‘Worship God and shun false gods.’ Among them were some God guided; misguidance took hold of others. So travel through the earth and see what was the fate of those who denied the truth." Quran 16:36. With the final messenger being Prophet Muhammed being the seal of the prophets and a source of guidance till the Day of Judgement.
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Learning about the prophets in Islam is important for several reasons:
1. Spiritual Guidance: Prophets in Islam are believed to be chosen by God to convey His message to humanity. Studying their lives and teachings can provide valuable spiritual guidance and inspiration for Muslims, helping them to develop a deeper understanding of their faith and a stronger connection with God.
2. Moral and Ethical Values: The stories and teachings of the prophets often contain valuable lessons about moral and ethical behavior. By learning about their actions and choices, Muslims can gain insights into how to lead a virtuous and righteous life.
3. Role Models: Prophets are considered exemplary individuals who embodied the highest moral and spiritual qualities. Learning about their lives and character can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for Muslims to strive for personal growth and self-improvement.
4. Understanding the Quran: The Quran, the holy book of Islam, often references the stories and messages of various prophets. Understanding the context and background of these references can enhance a person's comprehension of the Quran and its teachings.
5. Unity of Faith: Knowledge of the prophets and their messages helps reinforce the unity of faith among Muslims. It serves as a reminder that Islam is part of a broader Abrahamic tradition, with commonalities shared with Judaism and Christianity, which also revere many of the same prophets.
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In summary, learning about the prophets in Islam is not only a religious duty but also a means to enrich one's spiritual and moral life, enhance their understanding of Islamic teachings, and learn of their struggles and appreciate the value of patience and trust in Allah. It can promote personal growth and strengthen the bonds of community among Muslims, as well as facilitate dialogue and understanding between people of different faiths.
Disclaimer: Below we aim to cover the story of the prophets in some detail but are not covered extensively. We aim to cover the main aspects of each prophet and lessons to learn while providing additional resources to learn about that Prophet in greater detail.
Prophet Adam
Prophet Adam (A.S.) is one of the 25 prophets mentioned in the Quran and the first man descended by Allah to earth. He lived for about 1000 years after creation and was equipped with the intellect to learn, observe, and understand things. Allah gave Adam knowledge of the nature and reality of all things, and he informed the angels about the creation of Adam as the human. The angels did not disagree with Allah's decision nor have envy for the Children of Adam but questioned Allah on his decision to create a creature with free will. Allah's response was "Indeed, I know that which you do not know" means that the benefit of creating this type of creature outweighs the harm that they have no knowledge of. Prophet Adam was created directly from clay, taken from various parts of the world with some clay being white and others dark and red, and his soul was immediately blown by the Almighty Himself.
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Adam, the first human being and the first prophet, was also the first prophet to pass away from this world, after having lived for approx. thousand years. Before his death, Adam reassured his children that Allah would not leave man alone on earth but would send prophets to guide them. The prophets would have different names, traits and miracles but they would be united in one thing: the call to worship Allah alone. This was Adam‘s bequest to his children. Adam finished speaking and closed his eyes. Then the Angels entered his room and surrounded him. When Adam recognized the Angle of Death among them, he smiled and was in a state of peace. Then Angels took Adam’s soul away. According to different narrations, the day Prophet Adam died was Friday. Then they washed and enshrouded him and put a nice scent on him and dug his grave. They put Adam in the grave and then covered the grave with mud-brick. Thus teaching mankind how to bury the dead. According to different narrations, Eve died one or two years after the death of Prophet Adam and was buried near him.
Prophet Sheeth
Prophet Sheeth is considered a prophet in Islam, but his story is not extensively detailed. He is believed to be the son of Prophet Adam and Hawwa. His prophethood involved calling people to worship the one true God and to live righteously. Prophet Sheeth was a wise and pious individual who guided his community in the worship of God and the practice of good moral and ethical values. His legacy is primarily remembered for his adherence to the message of monotheism and righteousness passed down from his father.
Prophet Idris
Prophet Idris was the third Prophet in Islam and was born during the lifetime of Prophet Adam. He ruled the progeny of Adam and introduced the art of reading and writing to mankind. He was a sincere servant of Allah and was elected as the ruler over the children of Adam. Prophet Idris called for Jihad against the corrupt followers of Qabil (Cain) and emerged victorious. He received the rewards of all good deeds performed by man each day until his last breath, and his soul was taken in the fourth heaven. After his death, corruption began to increase rapidly again. The Qur’an mentions two verses that are a testament to his character: Wazkur fil Kitaabi Idrees and Wa Ismaa’eela wa Idreesa wa Zal Kifli kullum minas saabireen. There are some quotes and sayings that are not mentioned in the text, and some of them are not quoted for the sake of brevity.
Prophet Noah
The story of Prophet Nuh (Noah) in Islam revolves around his mission to guide his people away from idolatry and toward the worship of the one true God. After the death of previous prophets, including Prophet Idris, people began to worship idols, misled by Satan's whispers. Eventually, Allah chose Nuh as a prophet to guide the idolaters back to the path of monotheism.
Nuh, a patient and eloquent messenger, preached to his people for 950 years. He explained the mysteries of the universe, emphasized the oneness of Allah, and warned against idol worship. Some people embraced Islam, while the affluent rejected it.
The wealthy leaders demanded that Nuh dismiss his humble followers, but he refused, emphasizing that material possessions were insignificant to Allah. The disbelievers insulted Nuh, but he remained steadfast, conveying Allah's messages with sincerity.
Over time, the number of disbelievers grew, and Nuh realized that no one else from his people would embrace Islam. He prayed to Allah to rid the earth of the disbelievers. Allah accepted his plea, and Nuh was instructed to build an ark. He and his followers embarked on the ark, accompanied by pairs of animals and birds.
Heavy rains flooded the earth, and the disbelievers perished. Nuh's son refused to board and was also lost. When the floodwaters receded, the ark landed on Mount Judi, and Allah blessed Nuh and his followers. They thanked Allah and observed a day of fasting in gratitude for their salvation.
This story highlights Nuh's unwavering patience and dedication to his mission, even in the face of rejection, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of idolatry and the importance of monotheism in Islam.
Prophet Hud
Prophet Hud is considered one of the prophets of God in Islam. He was sent by Allah to guide the people of 'Ad, an ancient Arabian civilization. Despite Hud's sincere efforts, the people rejected his message and continued their idolatrous practices. Allah's divine punishment was decreed, decimating the 'Ad people and their civilization. Hud and those who had believed in his message were spared from the destruction. The story of Prophet Hud serves as a warning against arrogance, pride, and rejection of God's guidance.
Prophet Salih
Prophet Salih, a descendant of Prophet Nuh, was sent by Allah to guide the people of Thamud, who had become powerful and arrogant. They were known for building extravagant structures as symbols of their wealth and power. Despite warnings from Prophet Saleh about monotheism and humility, they embraced materialism, even worshiping their wealthy elite.
Prophet Saleh was a respected figure in Thamud society, known for his wisdom and virtue. Allah bestowed prophethood upon him, and he urged his people to worship Allah alone. However, most rejected his message, clinging to their ancestral idols.
To prove his authenticity as a prophet, the Thamud challenged Prophet Saleh to bring forth a miraculous she-camel from a massive rock. By Allah's miracle, the she-camel emerged, attracting some to Islam but leaving many in disbelief.
As Islam spread, the Thamud grew resentful and eventually plotted to kill the she-camel. Their act of defiance escalated as they mocked Prophet Saleh's warnings.
Prophet Saleh, realizing their defiance, warned them of a three-day respite before Allah's punishment. The people scoffed and plotted to assassinate him.
Following Allah's guidance, Prophet Saleh and his followers left Thamud. Soon afterward, a series of natural disasters, including thunderbolts and earthquakes, struck, annihilating the entire tribe and its fortified mountain dwellings.
The disbelievers of Thamud faced the consequences of their arrogance and disbelief as they perished, while Prophet Saleh and the believers were saved by Allah's grace. Prophet Saleh later migrated to Palestine, where he lived until his death.
The story of Prophet Saleh serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of arrogance, materialism, and rejecting divine guidance. It underscores the importance of monotheism and humility before Allah and the ultimate fate of those who persist in disbelief.
Prophet Lut
Prophet Lut, the nephew of Prophet Ibrahim, lived in a society marked by extreme corruption and depravity. Despite the moral decay around him, Lut remained faithful to Ibrahim's message and was eventually chosen by Allah as a prophet and messenger to the people of Sodom.
Sodom was a prosperous but wicked city, notorious for its criminal activities and, most prominently, homosexuality. The inhabitants openly practiced and celebrated these immoral behaviors.
Prophet Lut settled in Sodom, hoping to guide his people to the path of righteousness. He urged them to worship Allah and cease their sinful ways, particularly homosexuality. However, the people rejected his message, accusing him of personal gain.
Lut's warnings fell on deaf ears, and the people of Sodom plotted to drive him out of the city. Seeing no converts to Islam after years of preaching, Lut prayed for Allah's support and protection for himself and his family.
Meanwhile, Allah sent three angels to Prophet Ibrahim to deliver glad tidings of a wise son. When the angels continued to Sodom in the guise of handsome men, Lut's daughter, a believer, informed her father of their arrival.
Lut welcomed the guests but feared for their safety due to the city's evil reputation. He discreetly guided them to his home to protect them from the lustful intentions of the men of Sodom.
Lut's wife, a non-believer, exposed the presence of the guests to the people of the city. The men of Sodom gathered at Lut's door, demanding access to the guests for their wicked desires.
Lut offered his daughters for lawful marriage, but the men refused. The angels revealed their true identity and struck the men blind, sparing Lut and his family.
Allah commanded Lut to leave the city with his family before morning, except his wife, who would face punishment. As dawn broke, a cataclysmic event befell Sodom, with a loud cry and stones of hard clay raining down, destroying the entire city and its corrupt inhabitants.
Lut, with his daughters, left the city and reunited with his uncle Ibrahim. They continued to spread Allah's message until Lut's death.
Today, the site of Sodom serves as a reminder of Allah's wrath, and the story of Prophet Lut highlights the consequences of extreme moral decay and disobedience to divine guidance.
Prophet Ibrahim
Prophet Ibrahim, known as Abraham in the Judeo-Christian tradition, is a central figure in Islam, revered as one of the most significant prophets. His story, detailed in the Quran, offers important lessons about monotheism, faith, and unwavering devotion to Allah.
Ibrahim's journey begins in ancient Mesopotamia, where he was born into a society steeped in idolatry and polytheism. However, even from a young age, Ibrahim questioned these beliefs and sought the truth about the existence of God.
His deep quest for knowledge led him to monotheism, and he became a devoted worshipper of the one true God, Allah. Ibrahim's unwavering faith and determination to follow the path of monotheism made him a chosen prophet.
One of the most significant events in Ibrahim's life is his confrontation with his father and his people regarding their idol worship. He attempted to guide them to the truth, but they adamantly rejected his message. In response, Ibrahim destroyed the idols, except for the largest one, placing the axe in its hand.
Ibrahim's dedication to Allah extended to his family. He prayed for righteous descendants, and Allah granted his request. His wife, Sarah, miraculously gave birth to his son, Ishaq (Isaac), who later became a prophet. Ibrahim also fathered another son, Isma'il (Ishmael), through his second wife, Hagar, who is believed to be the ancestor of the Arab people.
One of the most profound tests of Ibrahim's faith came when Allah commanded him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isma'il, in a dream. Without hesitation, Ibrahim prepared to fulfill Allah's command, demonstrating his absolute submission and devotion. However, before he could carry out the act, Allah provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice, showcasing Ibrahim's unwavering faith and obedience.
Ibrahim's hospitality and generosity are also emphasized in Islamic tradition. He warmly welcomed guests, who were angels in disguise, and received the news of the impending birth of a son, Ishaq, through his wife Sarah, despite her old age.
Throughout his life, Prophet Ibrahim faced numerous trials, including migration and conflict with oppressive rulers. His unwavering faith, devotion to Allah, and submission to His will made him a role model for Muslims. Ibrahim's legacy is celebrated annually during the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, where Muslims reenact his actions and follow his example of submission to Allah.
In summary, Prophet Ibrahim is a central figure in Islam, known for his unwavering monotheistic faith, devotion to Allah, and willingness to undergo severe tests to demonstrate his submission to God's will. His story serves as a source of inspiration and guidance for Muslims, emphasizing the importance of faith, devotion, and trust in Allah.
Prophet Ismail
The story of Prophet Isma'il (Ishmael) in Islam highlights his role as a significant prophet in Islamic tradition. He was the eldest son of the Prophet Ibrahim and his wife Hagar, and was born in response to a divine promise from Allah. They settled in the barren valley of Mecca, which later became the site of the Kaaba, the sacred house of worship in Islam. Allah tested Ibrahim's faith by commanding him to sacrifice his beloved son, but a ram was provided as a substitute sacrifice. They also helped rebuild and establish monotheistic worship in Mecca. As a prophet, his specific teachings and messages are not extensively documented in the Quran or Hadith. He is believed to be the ancestor of several Arab prophets and the forefather of the Arab people. His lineage is highly regarded in Islam and he is remembered as one of the honorable prophets in the Abrahamic tradition. The Kaaba in Mecca remains a central and sacred site for Muslims worldwide.
Prophet Ishaq
The story of Prophet Ishaq (Isaac) in Islam highlights his role as a prophet and his significance in the lineage of the Abrahamic prophets. He was the second son of Ibrahim and Sarah, and his birth was a fulfillment of Allah's divine promise. He became a prophet like his father and brother Isma'il, and played a crucial role in the covenant between Allah and his descendants. His lineage includes several prominent prophets, including Jacob and Joseph. Despite not extensively mentioned in Islamic texts, his story underscores the importance of divine promises, faith, and prophethood in Islam. His descendants, known as the Israelites, became recipients of divine guidance and scripture through prophets like Moses and others. His story is a testament to Allah's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
Prophet Yaqub
Prophet Yaqub's story in Islam highlights his role as a prophet and his place in the lineage of the Israelite prophets. He was born to Ishaq and Rebekah after facing infertility and fulfilled Allah's promise to his parents. He had a sibling rivalry with Esau, but received the blessing of prophethood and leadership from his father. He migrated to Canaan and had twelve sons who became the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel. He lost and eventually reunited with his son Joseph, who later became a high-ranking official in Egypt. His name "Israel" was given to him by Allah after a night of wrestling with an angel. His legacy emphasizes themes of faith, patience, and familial relationships. His descendants, known as the Children of Israel or the Israelites, would later receive divine guidance through prophets like Moses and others. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of faith in Allah, family ties, and fulfilling divine promises.
Prophet Yusuf
The story of Yusuf (Joseph) is a tale of a beloved son of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob), who had 11 other brothers. Yusuf had a dream that he would be great, which made his brothers jealous. They plotted to get rid of him, eventually throwing him into a well and convincing their father that a wolf had killed him. In reality, Yusuf was taken by a caravan to Egypt and sold as a slave to a man named Al-Azeez.
Yusuf's honesty and wisdom led to him being placed in charge of Al-Azeez's household. However, when Al-Azeez's wife tried to seduce him, Yusuf refused and was falsely accused of wrongdoing. His innocence was eventually proven, but he was imprisoned for a time.
In prison, Yusuf gained a reputation for interpreting dreams and correctly interpreted the dreams of two fellow inmates. When the king of Egypt had a perplexing dream, Yusuf was called upon to interpret it. He advised the king to store food during years of plenty to prepare for years of famine.
Yusuf's brothers came to Egypt to buy provisions during the famine, not recognizing him. He tested them and eventually revealed his identity, forgiving them for their past betrayal. Yusuf's family was reunited, and his father's sight was miraculously restored.
The lesson from Yusuf's story is one of patience, faith, and trust in Allah's plan. Despite facing adversity and betrayal, Yusuf remained steadfast and continued to do good, ultimately achieving greatness and reuniting with his family. His story highlights the importance of maintaining faith and resilience in the face of challenges.
Prophet Musa
The story of Prophet Musa is a significant and well-documented narrative in Islam, found throughout various chapters of the Quran. Musa was born during a time when Pharaoh ruled Egypt, and he became aware of the injustice and oppression suffered by the Israelites. Allah appointed him as a prophet and instructed him to confront Pharaoh and demand their release. When Pharaoh continued to defy Musa's calls, Allah sent a series of plagues as signs of His power. After enduring multiple plagues, Pharaoh finally agreed to let them go, and Musa received the revelation of the Torah (Tawrat) from Allah. The story emphasizes themes of faith, perseverance, the struggle against oppression, and the importance of obeying Allah's guidance. His story is a source of inspiration and moral lessons for Muslims, illustrating the power of faith in the face of adversity.
Prophet Sulayman
The story of Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) in Islam begins with his lineage, being the son of Prophet Dawud (David). Sulaiman learned from his father's vast wisdom and occasionally joined him in important matters. One day, Prophet Dawud posed a series of challenging questions to his 19 sons, to which Sulaiman provided insightful answers. Impressed by his wisdom, Prophet Dawud appointed Sulaiman to succeed him as king and prophet.
Sulaiman's reign was marked by Allah's blessings and miracles. He beseeched Allah for a kingdom that no one else would ever have, and Allah granted his request. Sulaiman had the ability to control the wind, communicate with animals, and command the jinn. He built the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and made a pilgrimage to Makkah.
One day, Sulaiman learned of a remarkable water channeling mechanism in Yemen and sought to replicate it in his own land. He sent a Hoopoe bird to find water underground. When the bird didn't return immediately, Sulaiman became impatient and vowed to punish it. The bird later returned with news of a powerful queen named Bilkis in Sheba (Saba) who ruled over a prosperous kingdom.
Sulaiman sent a letter to Bilkis, inviting her to Islam. Bilkis consulted her advisors, and they decided to send gifts to Sulaiman to gauge his power. Sulaiman declined the gifts, emphasizing that what Allah had given him was better. He displayed his mighty army, which included humans, animals, and jinn, to Bilkis's messengers.
Bilkis decided to meet Sulaiman in person. Sulaiman's miracle occurred when he asked his army, "Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?" One jinn offered to bring it within the twinkling of an eye, but Sulaiman waited for an even faster offer. Another jinn brought Bilkis's throne almost instantly. Bilkis was impressed and accepted Islam.
Sulaiman's reign continued, marked by his wisdom and the display of Allah's miracles. He emphasized that only Allah had knowledge of the unseen. Even his death was a lesson in this regard. He passed away while leaning on his staff, unnoticed by his people and the jinns who were working for him in a mine. His death was revealed when an ant nibbled his staff, causing his body to fall.
The story of Prophet Sulaiman in Islam showcases his wisdom, humility, and the miracles granted to him by Allah. It teaches lessons about the importance of relying on Allah's knowledge and power and the consequences of impatience.
Prophet Isa
Prophet Isa, born to Maryam (Mary), was a special child, conceived miraculously, seen as a demonstration of Allah's divine power and ability to create without the need for human procreation. He grew up to become a prophet and messenger of Allah, preaching monotheism to the people of Israel. His life was marked by numerous miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead.
However, Isa's message faced opposition from religious authorities who viewed him as a challenge to their power. They plotted against him and accused him of blasphemy.
The Quran attributes various miracles to Isa, including the ability to heal the sick, cure the blind, and even bring the dead back to life with Allah's permission. These miracles served as signs of his prophethood.
In Islam, it is believed that Isa was not crucified, as is commonly believed in Christianity. Instead, Allah raised him to the heavens, where he will remain until his eventual return to Earth before the Day of Judgment.
Muslims hold Isa in high regard as a prophet and messenger of Allah but do not attribute divinity to him. They believe in the oneness of God (tawheed) and that all prophets are human servants of Allah.
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Prophet Shu'aib (Jethro): Prophet Shu'aib, known as Jethro in some traditions, was a righteous prophet sent by Allah to guide the people of Madyan, who were known for their dishonesty in trade. He called them to worship one God and practice justice in their dealings. When they rejected his message, Allah's punishment descended upon them, while Prophet Shu'aib and his followers were saved. Learn more here.
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Prophet Ayyub (Job): Prophet Ayyub (Job) was a righteous and patient servant of Allah who faced severe trials and hardships, including the loss of his health, wealth, and family. Despite his suffering, he remained steadfast in his faith and patience, never once complaining against Allah. Eventually, Allah rewarded his unwavering patience and restored his health, wealth, and family, making him an example of patience and faith for all believers. Learn more here.
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Prophet Dhulkifl (Ezekiel): Prophet Dhulkifl, often identified with the biblical figure Ezekiel, was a prophet of wisdom and guidance sent by Allah. He is not extensively mentioned in Islamic tradition, but he is believed to have preached to the Israelites, urging them to turn to Allah and mend their ways. Dhulkifl's message emphasized repentance and righteousness, and his legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of following divine guidance. Learn more here.
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Prophet Harun (Aaron): Prophet Harun (Aaron) was chosen by Allah as a prophet and a companion to his brother, Prophet Musa (Moses), during the mission to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of Pharaoh in Egypt. Harun played a crucial role in conveying Allah's message to Pharaoh and assisting Musa in his mission. He also temporarily led the Israelites during Musa's absence on Mount Sinai but faced challenges when some Israelites succumbed to idolatry by creating a golden calf. Learn more here.
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Prophet Dawud (David): Prophet Dawud (David) in Islam was a prophet and king chosen by Allah. He is renowned for his victory over the giant Goliath (Jalut), symbolizing the triumph of faith over brute strength. As a king, he ruled with justice and received divine revelations, including the authorship of the Psalms (Zabur), while his repentance and devotion to Allah exemplify his enduring legacy in Islamic tradition. Learn more here.
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Prophet Ilyas (Elias): Prophet Ilyas (Elias) is a respected figure in Islam, known for his unwavering monotheism and dedication to Allah. He was sent as a prophet to the Israelites, calling them to worship the one true God and reject idolatry. One of the notable events in his story is his confrontation with the idol-worshipping King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, where he challenged them to turn away from false gods, emphasizing the importance of monotheism and righteousness. Learn more here.
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Prophet Alyasa (Elisha): Prophet Alyasa (Elisha) is a prophet recognized in Islamic tradition, often associated with miracles and divine blessings. He followed in the footsteps of his predecessor, Prophet Ilyas (Elias), and continued the message of monotheism and faith in Allah. His story in Islam highlights instances of miraculous healing and providing sustenance to the needy, emphasizing the power of Allah's blessings through his chosen prophets. Learn more here.
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Prophet Yunus (Jonah): Prophet Yunus (Jonah) is known for his story of being swallowed by a giant fish. He was sent by Allah to the people of Nineveh to call them to repentance, but when they rejected his message, he left in frustration and boarded a ship without the permission of Allah. During a storm at sea, he was thrown overboard and swallowed by the fish, where he prayed for forgiveness. Allah then commanded the fish to release him, and Yunus was cast ashore, after which the people of Nineveh repented and turned to Allah. Learn more here.
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Prophet Zakariya (Zachariah): Prophet Zakariya (Zachariah) was a righteous and elderly prophet who served in the Temple of Jerusalem. Despite his old age and his wife's infertility, Allah granted them a son named Yahya (John) through divine intervention. Zakariya's story emphasizes the power of prayer, trust in Allah's wisdom, and the significance of righteous offspring in the fulfillment of Allah's plan. Learn more here.
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Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist): Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist) was the son of Prophet Zakariya (Zachariah) and was born miraculously to his elderly parents. He grew up to become a prophet known for his ascetic lifestyle, calling people to repentance, and preparing the way for the coming of Prophet Isa (Jesus). Yahya was ultimately martyred for his prophetic mission, and his story illustrates the importance of righteousness and preparation for the arrival of divine guidance in Islam. Learn more here.