The Prophets in Islam were extraordinary individuals sent by Allah (SWT) to various civilizations throughout history to spread the message of Allah (SWT) and to be role models for their respective people.
From Adam (AS) to Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) there has been a Prophet for every nation. Quran mentions only 25 Prophets by name but many Muslim scholars believe there were many more. According to Hadiths, there were 124,000. A Hadith narrated by Abu Dzar al-Ghifari R.A:
“I asked the Prophet PBUH: “What is the number of the anbiya’?”, he answered: “124, 000 numbers of people”. I then asked, “How much of them is the Rasul?”, then he answered, “313, and that is already more than a few”.
(Sahih Ibn Hibban (361))
Today we will discuss brief details about all the 25 Prophets mentioned in the Quran which were sent by Allah (SWT) to guide humanity towards a righteous path. Let's get started.
Who Are Prophets in Islam?
Prophets are special individuals chosen by Allah (SWT) to communicate his message to the people of the earth. The Quran mentions 25 names of Muslim prophets along with stories and how they accomplished their mission.
“We have sent revelation to you [Prophet] as We did to Noah and the prophets after him, to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon- to David We gave the book [of Psalms]- to other messengers We have already mentioned to you, and also to some We have not. To Moses God spoke directly”.
(Surah Nisa:163-164)
Islam's prophets all preached the message of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) to their people who were busy worshipping idols or practising other religions. Some prophets also received divine books from Allah (SWT) that outlined the laws and commandments on how to lead the way of life and these are also knonw as 'Messengers'.
25 Prophets in Islam
The Quran mentions 25 Names of Muslim Prophets that were selected by Allah (SWT) to spread his message to mankind. Among these are:
1. Adam (AS)
In the beginning, Adam (AS) and Hawwa (Eve) were the first humans on Earth, and Adam is considered to be the father of all human beings. Adam (AS), and Hawwa, were created by Allah (SWT)
from clay and given free authority in Paradise by Allah (SWT). According to the Prophet (PBUH):
"Indeed Allah Most High created Adam from a handful that He took from all of the earth. So the children of Adam come in according with the earth, some of them come red, and white and black, and between that, and the thin, the thick, the filthy, and the clean."
(Tirmidhi 2955)
The Almighty Allah (SWT) told Adam and Hawwa that they may have whatever they desire, but He prohibited them from eating the fruit of one particular tree in Paradise, which they disobeyed, resulting in their sin. Consequently, Allah (SWT) punished them by sending them to Earth, where they both learned how to cultivate crops, bake, and survive.
2. Idris (AS)
Idris (also known as Enoch) was born in Babylon. When he reached the age of majority, he received the Revelation, and Allah (SWT) endowed him with prophetic status. As mentioned in the Quran:
"Also mention in the Book the case of Idris: He was a man of truth (and sincerity), (and) a prophet: And We raised him to a lofty station."
(Surah Maryam: 56-57)
Despite his warnings not to commit sins, Idris left Babylon after witnessing the people commit them despite his warnings. Some individuals joined Idris, and they left Babylon for Egypt. He spent a considerable amount of time preaching, worshipping, and researching Adam and Eve's ancestors. His wisdom is widely acknowledged, and he is generally regarded as the first man to write with a pen.
3. Nuh (AS)
Nuh's (AS) (also referred to as Noah's) came from tenth generation Adam (AS). He was sent to the people of Babylon during the time when idol worshipping and corruption was rampant. Allah (SWT) conveyed to him the message that if his people were not educated to recognise Him as the one true God, a great disaster would occur. As part of his duties, Nuh (AS) carried the message of Allah (SWT) to the people, warning them that they would suffer punishment if they continued to worship several gods. However the people never listenend to him except a few only. Then afterward the punisment came in the form of 'Great Flood' that destroyed everything and erased the non believers from the earth.
In order to preserve life - including the lives of those who eventually listened to him - Nuh constructed an ark on the command of Allah (SWT). In preparation for the Great Flood, which Allah (SWT) warned would occur, he admitted a pair of every type of animal in the ark to preserve their species. Then after flood Nuh (AS) continued living with the people who did believed in his message and inhabited the earth.
4. Hud (AS)
Hud was sent to the people of Ad who lived in the southern part of the Arabian peninsula. Hud was devoted to Allah (SWT) and believed in his oneness, but at that time he was alone in his beliefs. While he attempted to convince people that there was only one God, they refused to listen to him, mocking Hud and Allah's (SWT) message. After all the mockery, Allah (SWT) unleashed a thunderstorm and destroyed the people Ad.
5. Saleh (AS)
Allah (SWT) chose Saleh (AS) to help guide the Thamud people. It was a tribe that settled in Al-Hijr, now known as Madain Saleh (the city of Saleh) in northern Arabia. The people of Thamud refused to believe him until he performed a miracle.
Allah (SWT) gifted the people of Thamud a she-camel, but the people of Thamud hamstrung the camel and killed her. Saleh (AS) warned them that as a consequence of their actions and disbelief. Allah (SWT) sent a severe punishment for them in the form of an earthquake which destroyed the entire valley.
6. Ibrahim (AS)
Ibrahim (known as Abraham) is regarded as one of the greatest Prophets, and it is his devotion to Allah (SWT) that is honoured by Muslims every year when sacrificing lambs, goats, and cows at Eid-ul-Adha. Ibrahim (AS) was born in ancient Mesopotamia (Iraq) when people used to worship idols. In his youth, he rejected idolatry and firmly believed there was only one true God who created all the universe and not these lifeless stones.
As a result of his beliefs he was thrown into a fire pit by his people but he survived miraculously by the mercy of Allah (SWT). Soon he left Mesopotamia and started living in Cannan (Palestine) with his family. He is known to be the father of the monotheistic religions known to the world today (Judaism, Christianity, Islam).
It was Allah's (SWT's) command when Ibrahim (AS) decided to sacrifice his son, Ismail, whom he held dearest to his heart. Having discussed it with Ismail, Ibrahim agreed that it was an act of obedience to Allah (SWT) that should be followed. In the end, Allah (SWT) spared Ismail's life by exchanging him for a sheep, revealing the entire incident to be a test. He was blessed with another son named Ishaaq (Isaac) later on in life after Ismail (AS).
Ibrahim (AS) also constructed the ‘Kaabah’ on the command of Allah (SWT) with his son Ismail which eventually became known as the ‘Qibla’ for Muslim prayer. He is known to be an ancestor of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) through his son Ismail.
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7. Lut (AS)
Lut (AS) (known as Lot) was a nephew of Ibrahim (AS) and was sent by Allah (SWT) to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah in order to promote monotheism and inform the people about the sinfulness of homosexuality as well as acts of violence and lust. People did not listen to his warnings about this heinous sin, and as a result, fire rained down from the sky on both cities which destroyed everything and killed all the inhabitants of the city.
Lut escaped from the city before the disaster stuck along with a few of his followers. His wife also refused to follow him and was eventually turned into a stone.
8. Ismail (AS)
Ismail (AS) was born to Hagar and Ibrahim. He followed in his father’s footsteps, promoting the word of Allah (SWT). Prophet Ibrahim yearned for a child with his first wife Sarah. After some time Sarah proposed that her handmaid Hagar marry Ibrahim (AS) in hopes of getting blessed with a child and it eventually happened when Allah (SWT) blessed them with their first son Ismail (Ishmael).
Eventually, Ibrahim left Ismail and Hagar in a desert valley (today known as Makkah) on Allah’s (SWT) command where they found a Zamzam well after their supplies of dates and water ran out. The ritual of ‘Sa'ee’ done during Hajj and Umrah is associated with Hagar who ran seven between the Safa and Marwa mountains in hopes of finding water. Ismail (AS) is the ancestor of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH).
One day Allah (SWT) asked Ibrahim to sacrifice Ismail and he immediately agreed to do so thereby demonstrating Tawakkul (trust in Allah (SWT)). However, at the last moment, Allah (SWT) replaced Ismail with a sheep and revealed that it was all just a test for both of them.
9. Ishaq (AS)
As the second son of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Prophet Ishaq (Isaac) was the half-brother of Prophet Ishmael. Ishaq's (AS) life is not detailed in the Quran, but reliable Quranic commentators mention that Ibrahim wished to see Isaac married when he felt his life was nearing its end.
As Ishaq (AS) was not to marry a Canaanite bride, since they were pagans, he asked his servant to select a bride for him in Haran, Iraq.
The servant chose Rebekah Bint Bethuel, and after Isaac married her, she gave birth to twins, named Esau (Al Eis) and Yaqub (Jacob).
10. Yaqub (AS)
Yaqub (also known as Jacob) is an important prophet who appears 16 times in the Qur'an. Prophet Yaqub had 12 sons. His first 10 sons were to his first wife Lia (Leah ) while Yusuf and Binyamin were born to his second wife named Rahil (Rachel). According to the Quran, the original twelve tribes of Bani Israel were formed from the twelve sons of Yaqub.
When Yusuf (AS) was thrown into a well by his brothers it took a serious toll on him and he cried so much that resulted in his blindness. He continued living with his sons and one day he asked them to go to Egypt to bring some food and in doing they found Yuusf (AS). Yusuf (AS) gave his brothers a piece of cloth and asked them to cast it over their father's face so his blindness and grief would go away. He eventually met Yusuf after almost 40 years.
11. Yusuf (AS)
The Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) was Yaqub's (Jacob's) beloved son, who had 11 other sons. He was dearly loved by his father, and this created jealousy among his brothers, so they threw him in a well as a punishment for their jealousy. It is believed that he was picked up by travellers and sold as a slave in Egypt.
In Egypt, King Minister Al-Azeez bought Yusuf (AS) and asked his wife Zulaikha to take care of him. He grew up to be a beautiful boy and was also blessed with wisdom by Allah (SWT). During this time Allah (SWT) tested him a second time when Zulaikha approached him with ill intentions to seduce but he remained steadfast despite the temptation.
After this Zulaikha makes false accusations against Yusuf (AS) and has him imprisoned. While in prison he is granted the ability to interpret dreams. When he interpreted the King dream as related to a famine that was about to come he was impressed by this and called on Yusuf (AS) to meet him but Yusuf (AS) refused by saying that until or unless his innocence is not proved he would not leave. So the king called Zulaikha and chained her where she confessed her crime. After proving his innocence he was freed and the King gave control of the granaries. While being in charge of granaries he was reunited with his family and father Yaqub (AS) after 40 years.
12. Ayyub (AS)
The Prophet Ayyub ( known as Job) was greatly blessed by Allah (SWT), as he was a man of great strength and health, owned large plots of land, owned abundant livestock, and was surrounded by a righteous and beautiful family. He was also a community leader who was highly respected and beloved by his people.
Allah (SWT) tested Ayyub (AS) for a long period, but he did not abandon his conviction in the Almighty, and the Almighty rewarded him for his unwavering belief and obedience. His wealth and properties were taken away from him. All of his children died. All of his crops were destroyed by a devastating drought, and all of his animals died as a result of thirst, hunger, and illness. He was left without possessions after his servants were taken away by raiders.
Despite being severely ill and suffering from severe pain, he never complained or wavered in his devotion to Allah (SWT). Eventually, as a reward for his patience, he gained everything back and in more abundance than before.
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13. Shuaib (AS)
The prophet Shuaib (also known as Jethro) was sent to the Midianite community to preach the word of Allah (SWT), warning the people that if they continued their fraudulent practices, they would be punished severely. Due to the failure of the people to listen, their community was destroyed. Among the prophets, Shuaib (AS) is considered to be the most insightful.
14. Musa (AS)
The Quran mentions Musa, (also known as Moses), more than any other individual. Several parallels have been drawn between him and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He was born to a Hebrew slave in Egypt at the time when the Israelites were suffering from the oppression and tyranny of the Pharaohs.
The Israelites only served as slaves to the Pharaoh and Egyptians, and they were forced into labour for little or no pay. They were treated as lowly citizens who had no rights. Allah (SWT) sent Musa to free the people of Bani Israel from the rule of Pharaoh and bring them peace and prosperity.
Musa (AS) is one of the few Prophets who were bestowed with a Holy Book called Taurat (Torah) and a Shariah known as the 10 commandments for the people of Israel.
15. Harun (AS)
As the brother of Musa, Harun (also called Aaron) was the first high priest of the Israelites. Together with his brother Prophet Musa, he worked for the liberation of the children of Israel.
While Musa was away on Mount Sinai to receive Allah’s command he was in charge of the people of Israel. The people became impatient for Musa's return and started building a ‘Golden Calf’ to worship, while Harun tried to stop them but he was unsuccessful. As a result, Allah (SWT) ordered the killing of all the individuals of Israel who were involved in this practice.
His story teaches us the consequences of going against Allah's (SWT) commands and worshipping idols and why this is (Shrik) strictly forbidden.
16. Dhul-Kifl (AS)
After Harun, Dhu'l-Kifl came, who is also known as Ezekiel in Biblical traditions, although he is sometimes referred to as Isaiah, Joshua, or Obadiah. The story of Dhul-Kifl (Khizar) is somewhat mysterious and is one of the less-known prophets. The Quran mentions him twice as a testimony to his moral character in Surah Sad verse 48 and Surah Al-Anbiya verse 85-86.
Quran also mentions the story of the meeting between Dhul-Kifl (AS) and Prophet Musa. When Allah (SWT) told Musa about someone more wise and knowledgeable than him then he immediately set off to meet him. Allah (SWT) told him that he would meet Dhul-Kifl at the intersection of two seas and that he should carry a fish to guide him to him.
17. Daud (AS)
The Prophet Daud (also known as David) was one of the most influential Prophets of Allah (SWT). Until his last breath, he devoted his life to worshipping Him. After the passing of Prophets Musa and Harun, the Children of Israel needed a guide which is why Allah (SWT) sent him for this purpose. Also, he is the father of Prophet Sulaiman (AS).
He served as a soldier for King Talut and defeated Jalut (Goliath). He is noteworthy since he received the Zabur (biblical psalms) and was one of the few prophets to receive a book.
18. Sulaiman (AS)
Sulaiman (also known as Solomon) was the youngest of the three sons of Dawud (David). As part of Allah's (SWT's) blessings on Sulaiman (SA), he was granted the ability to converse with animals and rule over Jinn. His kingdom was unlike any other and he governed it with justness. It is widely believed that he was one of the greatest rulers of all time.
Quran briefly mentions the story of Sulaiman (AS) and Queen Sheeba and how he was able to convince her to worship Allah (SWT) instead of the sun.
19. Ilyas (AS)
Prophet Ilyas (also known as Elijah or Elias), was born in Israel's northern kingdom, at a time when the people worshipped the ancient God Baal. Ilyas explained the existence of Allah (SWT) to the worshipers of Baal. As a loyal servant of Allah (SWT), he always defended the name of Allah (SWT).
In the Quran, he is mentioned only twice, once in Surah Al-An'am ayat 84-88 and once in Surah As-Saffatayat 123-132). Nevertheless, these verses provide insight into his character from which we can learn.
20. Al-Yasa (AS)
The prophet Al-Yasa, (also known as Elisha), succeeded Ilyas as an elected prophet of Allah (SWT). The Qur'an mentions him briefly, but he is believed to possess miraculous powers, such as walking on water, reviving the dead, and healing the sick. It is believed that he was raised by Ilyas.
Similar to Prophet Ilyas, he is mentioned in the Quran in two different places: Surah Al-An'am, Ayats 84-87, and Surah Sad, Ayats 48-50.
21. Yunus (AS)
Prophet Yunus (also known as Jonah) was sent by Allah (SWT) to Nineveh, a city inhabited by idol worshippers. It was Yunus' task to inform the people of Nineveh that Allah (SWT) is the only God and to guide them in the right direction.
Having been rejected by Nineveh, Yunus (AS) departed in search of a community that would accept Allah (SWT), against Allah's (SWT) will. It is believed that Allah (SWT) turned the sky red above Nineveh and unleashed a fierce storm. As the people of the city fell to their knees, they pleaded for mercy, and Allah (SWT) granted their request.
As Yunus (AS) travelled by boat, a storm blew in. To save the boat from getting drowned one man had to be sacrificed and Yunus knew that it had to be him and this was his punishment by Allah (SWT) for leaving Nineveh. He eventually dived and was swallowed by a large whale. He repented to Allah for forgiveness and the whale spat him out after a few days. As his story illustrates, Allah showers His mercy upon those who are sincere in their repentance.
22. Zakariyya (AS)
Zakariyya (known as Zechariah) was the father of Yahya (John the Baptist), who became the guardian of Mary, the mother of Isa (Jesus). His story is discussed in detail in Surah Al-Imran. Prophet Zakariya and his wife were firm believers of Allah (SWT) and used to worship him day and night and performed good deeds. Due to this Allah (SWT) blessed them with a son despite their old age.
Yahya, their son, was not an ordinary child. While still a child, he was given the gift of wisdom and instructed to follow the Torah. His compassion and mercy toward others were evident, as was his sympathy.
23. Yahya (AS)
Yahya (also known as John the Baptist), the son of Zakariyya, was informed by Allah (SWT) about the arrival of Isa (Jesus). He became a Prophet at a very young age and started preaching the divine message.
He lived a life of devotion to Allah (SWT), was also described as a gentle being, and did nothing against the will of Allah (SWT).
24. Isa (AS)
Isa (known as Jesus) is a Prophet in Islam and is said to be the last Prophet sent to guide the People of Israel. He was born to the virgin Mary. Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) came and gave her the glad tidings of the birth of her son. This birth is considered a miracle.
Allah (SWT) granted Isa the ability to perform many miracles, such as raising the dead, giving sight to the blind, turning a clay statue of a bird into a live one, and many more.
Isa (AS) in Islam is different from Jesus in the Christian Bible by the fact that he is not considered to be the son of God nor was he crucified in the Quran and he will return in the end times (Qiyama). Isa holds a special place in the Islamic faith as he is mentioned 78 times in the Quran directly or indirectly. The Gospel is said to have been revealed to Isa by Allah (SWT).
25. Muhammed (PBUH)
The final prophet of Islam is Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Allah (SWT) sent him to confirm what the prophets before him had taught. He is known as khatam-un-nabiyeen (seal of Prophets) meaning there will be no Prophet after him.
Muhammad (PBUH) received Allah's (SWT) teachings over a period of 23 years through the Quran, which he recited exactly as Allah's (SWT) words. In Makkah, he began preaching but was soon met by hostilities from the locals, who rejected his message and continued to worship idols. He and his followers fled to Medina as soon as these hostilities began, where they were warmly welcomed.
Muhammad (PBUH) returned to Makkah some years later. This time he was respected by the people who had persecuted him previously, and allowed him and his followers to practise their religious beliefs free of harassment or any trouble.
Conclusion
These are the 25 Names of Muslim Prophets mentioned in the Quran along with a brief description of each of them. Prophets were generally sent from time to time to different tribes, civilizations, and cities who had forgotten the message of Allah (SWT). Those who didn’t follow the Prophet's instructions were often met with punishment to serve as a warning for others.
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