Prophets in Islam

  Believing in the prophets

Prophets are the best of creation chosen by God  [Allah] ﷻ [ jalla jalāluhu: Great is His Majesty] to receive and deliver a revelation.  

 “The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], ‘We make no distinction between any of His messengers.’ And they say, ‘We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to you is the [final] destination.’” Qurʾān: The Cow [Al-Baqarah] 2:285 

The divinely appointed role as prophet is to guide people to the religion of Islām (submission to only one God). Prophets warn against the consequences of denying Allah ﷻ, inform people of the unseen, and to encourage us to faith, with promises of divine forgiveness, mercy and eternal paradise.

 There are twenty-five honoured prophets mentioned in the Qurʾān. All prophets are free from any deficiency or imperfection, as Allah ﷻ created them to be the most excellent role models for all of mankind.

Prophets and Messenger:

●       A prophet receives revelation but is not given a new scripture or law.

●       A messenger receives a new sacred law and scripture to deliver.

Scholars have distinguished between the terms ‘messenger’ and ‘prophet’. The term ‘prophet’ refers to a free man who has received an existing message. The role of a prophet is to preach this existing message (previously sent to a messenger) without a new book or new regulations in order to guide people to Allah ﷻ. 

The term ‘messenger’ [rasūl] refers to a man to whom Allah ﷻ revealed a sacred law which he was then ordered to preach. The revelation received by the messengers included a scripture and a consequent legal system (such as the Torah [Tawrāt], Book of Psalms [Zabūr], Gospel [Injīl] and the Qurʾān).

 From this we learn that every messenger is a prophet, but not every prophet is a messenger.  Belief in the prophets is compulsory for every Muslim as it is the fourth upholding pillar of our faith [īmān].  

2.0 What was the duty of prophets?  

Prophets were sent to various communities to serve the same noble purpose which was to guide people, call them to the oneness of Allah ﷻ, and to teach people to worship Him ﷻ alone.

 “And we sent not before you any messenger except that we revealed to him that: There is no deity except Me, so worship Me.” Qurʾān: The Prophets [Al-ʾAnbiyāʾ] 21:25

Prophets were not the sons of God. They were the honourable servants of Allah ﷻ .

 “And they say, ‘The Most Merciful has taken a son.’ Exalted is He! Rather, they are [but] honoured servants.” Qurʾān: The Prophets [Al-ʾAnbiyāʾ] 21:26 

This clear message of divine unity has been carried by all prophets from Adam(p.b.u.h)   [ʿalayhi salām: Peace be upon him] to the final Prophet Muhammad ﷺ [ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wasallam: May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him].

“We made all of them leaders, guiding others by our command, and we inspired them to do good and keep up the prayer, and to give alms: they were our true worshippers.” Qurʾān: The Prophets [Al-ʾAnbiyāʾ] 21:73 

In the times of the prophets, the leaders of society would belittle the messengers of Allah ﷻ in the hope of maintaining their power and authority over people. They mocked them, called the messengers liars and accused them of fabricating stories, reciting poetry, or practicing magic. 

Allah ﷻ says in the Quran:

“And we sent our messengers in succession: whenever a messenger came to a community, they invariably called him a liar, so we destroyed them one after the other and made them into cautionary tales. Away with the disbelievers!”  Qurʾān: The Believers [Al-Muʾminūn] 23:44

In response, Allah ﷻ supported his messengers with miracles to prove the truth of their message and to remove any false claims made against them.  

“But they say, ‘The revelation is [but] a mixture of false dreams; rather, he has invented it; rather, he is a poet ’. So, let him bring us a sign just as the previous [messengers] were sent

[with miracles].’” Qurʾān: The Prophets [Al-ʾAnbiyāʾ] 21:5

3.0 How many prophets and messengers were there?

Scholars mention that Allah ﷻ sent around 124,000 prophets to guide humanity across different times and places. The exact number is known only by Allah ﷻ.

According to a narration [ḥadīth] by Abu Dharr, the Prophet ﷺ said that there have been 315 messengers, out of which 25 are mentioned in the Qurʾān. 

“And indeed, we have sent messengers before you. Some of them we have related to you their stories. And some of them we have not related to you their stories.” Qurʾān: The Forgiver [Ghāfir] 40:78    

3.1 – Ulul Azm

Ulul Azm (أولو العزم) refers to a special group of five Prophets in Islam who were distinguished by their exceptional patience, strength, and unwavering determination in delivering the message of Allah. They faced severe trials, long-lasting opposition, and rejection from their people, yet they remained steadfast and committed to calling others to worship Allah alone. Because of their endurance and firmness, Allah raised their status and made them examples of resilience and faith for all believers.

The five Ulul Azm Prophets are Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad ﷺ. Each of them carried a major responsibility and, in many cases, was given divine law to guide their communities. Allah highlights their perseverance in the Qur’an, saying: “So be patient, as were those of determination among the Messengers” (Qur’an 46:35). Their lives teach believers—especially new converts—the importance of patience, trust in Allah, and remaining firm upon faith during times of difficulty.

 4.0 The wisdom of sending prophets

As believers, we have the responsibility of abiding by Allah’s ﷻ laws and refraining from disobedience.  Ultimately, those who are obedient in the service of Allah ﷻ are rewarded with Paradise, and those who are disobedient to Him ﷻ are punished in the Hereafter. 

“They were messengers bearing good news and warning, so that mankind would have no excuses before God, once the messengers had been sent. God is almighty and all wise.” Qurʾān: The Women [An-Nisāʾ] 4:165

 These laws were taught to nations by messengers of Allah ﷻ. If Allah ﷻ had not sent His ﷻ prophets and still punished the unbelievers for their disobedience, they would have said: “Our Lord, why did you not send a messenger to us, so that we might have followed Your signs before we were humiliated and put to disgrace?”  Qurʾān: Ta-Ha [Ta-Ha] 20:134  

 So, in His ﷻ infinite Wisdom and Knowledge, Allah ﷻ sent human messengers to deliver  His guidance to mankind. Many would question why Allah ﷻ never sent angels to carry out the responsibility of a prophet. Allah mentions this objection in the Quran:

“And they say, ‘What is this messenger that eats food and walks in the markets? Why was there not sent down to him an angel so he would be with him a warner?’” Qurʾān: The Criterion [AlFurqān] 25:7

Allah ﷻ created the sublime angels who never disobey Him ﷻ. They glorify Him ﷻ constantly and carry out His ﷻ commandments without fail. This is contrary to humans to whom Allah ﷻ has given the freedom to make choices (to choose between obedience and disobedience). 

Angels are created from light, and  none of mankind was granted the strength to see them in their true form except Prophet Muhammad ﷺ , who was blessed with both physical and spiritual capacity to do so. 

Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ  first encounter of seeing an angel was Gabriel [Jibrīl] (p.b.u.h) in his angelic state (other prophets had only  been able to see him in a human form). This event left Prophet Muhammad ﷺ trembling as he returned to his home. 

Allah ﷻ chose human prophets to teach, communicate and deliver the message of Allah ﷻ. If prophets had been angels, humans would have complained of their inability to see them in their real form. Angels do not possess human qualities or activities such as sleeping, eating, drinking or marrying. All of which are important for showing us how to live and have excellent etiquette in all aspects of our lives.   

“And if We had made him an angel, We would have made him [appear as] a man, and We would have covered them with that in which they cover themselves.” Qurʾān: The Cattle [Al Anʿām] 6: 9

As Muslims, we follow and emulate the teaching and practices carried out by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.  These practices are known as the Sunnah, essential for us as the Prophet ﷺ is the best role model for all humanity. 

In the Qurʾān, Allah ﷻ praises the excellence of His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ as a perfect example for mankind to follow.          

“The messenger of God is an excellent model for those of you who put your hope in God and the

Last day and remember Him often.” Qurʾān: The Combined Forces [Al-Aḥzāb] 33:21

Following the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is a path to Allah’s ﷻ eternal Love, mercy, forgiveness and Paradise.   

“Say, if you love God, follow me, and God will love you and forgive you your sins. God is most forgiving, most merciful.” Qurʾān: Family of Imran [Al-E-ʿImrān] 3:31

From the prophetic ways [sunnah] we are taught about the diet, manners and etiquette of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This is the second source of knowledge that comes after the Qurʾān for Muslims. These noble and exemplary ways of the Prophet ﷺ have been made easier to emulate because he was a human.

The perfection of the character of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was narrated by his wife, Aisha [May Allah be pleased with her], in a tradition [ḥadīth]:  

Qatadah reported: I said to Aisha, “O mother of the believers, tell me about the character of the

Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him.” Aisha said, “Have you not read the

Qurʾān?” I said, “Of course.” Aisha said, “Verily, the character of the Prophet of Allah was the Qurʾān.”    Source: Ṣaḥih̄ ̣ Muslim 746

The first prophet in Islam was Adam (p.b.u.h) who is the father of mankind. The last prophet in Islam was Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who was sent to all creation. There will be neither a prophet nor messenger to come after him.  Even when Prophet Jesus [ʿĪsā ] (p.b.u.h) comes to earth at the end of time to kill the Antichrist [Dajjāl], he will be following Islām,  the religion of Prophet Muhammad  ﷺ .   

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

“and I am the last prophet, there is no prophet after me.” [Jamiʿ al-Tirmidhī: Ḥadīth 2219].

 “He was the seal of the prophets.” Qurʾān: The Combined Forces [Al-Aḥzāb]33:40     

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, ﷺ said: “Verily, the parable of myself and the prophets before me is that of a man who built a house, perfected it, and beautified it, except for the place of one brick at its cornerstone. The people walk around it and are amazed by it, and

they say: Why is this brick not placed? Thus, I am the brick and I am the seal of the Prophets.”                                 Ṣaḥih̄ ̣ al-Bukhāri ̄3342, Ṣaḥih̄ ̣ Muslim 2286

 5.0 The 25 prophets mentioned in the Qurʾān

Eighteen of these prophets are mentioned in the chapter entitled, Cattle [al Anʿām].  Others are mentioned in other chapters across the Qurʾān, including some which are named after particular prophets.

 The 25 Prophets Mentioned in the Qurʾān

6.0 The messengers of Allah sent with Holy Book   

It is mentioned in the holy Qurʾān that there are four messengers who had holy books revealed to them, and they are:

Moses [Mūsa] (p.b.u.h) who came with the Torah [Tawrāt]; David [Dāwūd] (p.b.u.h) who came with the Book of Psalms [Zabūr]; Prophet Jesus [ʿĪsā] (p.b.u.h) who came with the Gospel [Injil]̄ and finally, the seal of prophets, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who came with the Qurʾān.

7.0 What are the necessary attributes for being a prophet? 

Truthfulness  

Prophets and messengers are always truthful and are incapable of lying.

 Trustworthiness (honesty)

Allah ﷻ has protected his prophets (inwardly and outwardly) from impermissible or disliked actions. Prophets are loyal with the highest moral integrity towards Allah ﷻ and towards people. It is essential for them to be truthful in order for them to uphold the tremendous responsibility of conveying the message of Allah ﷻ to the people.

Conveyance (delivery)

Prophets convey the message given to them by Allah ﷻ and are incapable of concealing any part of it. 

Intelligence  

Allah ﷻ has given knowledge to his prophets in order to bring clear proof against those who oppose them.

7.1 Human qualities which do not decrease prophets in their lofty rank:

Prophets are of course humans with qualities and actions that we all share such as hunger, thirst, fatigue, marriage, minor illness, selling and purchasing goods; however these do not lead to any deficiency or imperfection of any kind. 

8.0 Some miracles of the prophets                         

The Qurʾān contains many stories from previous prophets, nations and people. Through these stories, timeless lessons are conveyed to help us distinguish right from wrong, reflect on the majesty of Allah ﷻ, and recognize His Mercy.  Allah ﷻ says in the Quran:

“There is a lesson in the stories of such people for those who understand. This revelation is no fabrication: it is a confirmation of the truth of what was sent before it; an explanation of everything; a guide and blessing for those who believe.” Qurʾān: Joseph [Yusuf] 12:111

In the Qurʾān, Allah ﷻ explains that every prophet was sent with a miracle as proof of his truthfulness and divine mission. The Holy Qurʾān states that no miracle can occur by any human, including prophets, except by the permission of Allah ﷻ.

 These miracles granted to the prophets were greater than the peak of knowledge in a particular area, or discipline of a given time. For example, in the era of Prophet Musa(p.b.u.h) witchcraft, tricks and sorcery were at their peak, and therefore, Allah ﷻ equipped Prophet Musa (p.b.u.h) with the miracle of being able to turn his stick into a snake and being able to split the Red Sea. Such wonders were beyond human capacity and served to manifest the supreme power of the Creator ﷻ.

8.1 The miracle of Prophet Musa (p.b.u.h)

Prophet Musa (p.b.u.h) is the most-mentioned prophet in the Holy Qurʾān.  He(p.b.u.h) was born at the time of Pharaoh [Firʿawn], and was granted miracles by Allah ﷻ to lead the people away from falsehood and sorcery. The Qurʾān reveals his story from infancy to his final days.  

 “We recount to you [Prophet] part of the story of Moses and Pharaoh, setting out the truth for people who believe.”  Qurʾān: The Stories [Al-Qasas] 28:3

As previously mentioned, Musa (p.b.u.h) was commanded by the will of Allah ﷻ to throw his stick, which then turned into a snake:

 “He threw it down and – lo and behold! – it became a fast-moving snake.” Qurʾān: Ta-Ha [TaHa] 20:20

Allah says:   

“We do this to show you some of our greatest signs.” Qurʾān: Ta-Ha [Ta-Ha] 20:22 

“The leaders among Pharaoh’s people said, ‘This man is a learned sorcerer!’” Qurʾān: The Heights [al-ʾAʿrāf] 7:109 

The Pharaoh challenged Prophet Musa (p.b.u.h) against the most learned sorcerers of his time.

The sorcerers asked the Pharaoh what victory they would receive if they were to win. The

Pharaoh responded by saying:   

 “and he replied, ‘Yes, and you will join my inner court.’” Qurʾān: The Heights [al-ʾAʿrāf] 7:114

The sorcerers were ready to challenge Prophet Musa (p.b.u.h) and asked if he would like to throw first. Musa(p.b.u.h) responded:   

 “He said, ‘You throw,’ and they did, casting a spell on the people’s eyes, striking fear into them, and bringing about great sorcery.” Qurʾān: The Heights [Al-A’raf] 7:116

These sorcerers were trained in deceiving and tricking the people.

 Musa(p.b.u.h) then threw his staff which became a serpent that devoured all the magicians’ instruments right before their eyes. They were truly humiliated and defeated by the power of Allah ﷻ and they knew that this was beyond any human power or sorcery. Immediately they fell in prostration to Allah ﷻ:

We revealed to Musa, “Throw your staff.” Then of a sudden, it began to swallow all that they had concocted. (117) Thus the truth prevailed, and what they were doing became a nullity. (118) So, they were overcome then and there and turned humiliated. (119) The sorcerers could not but fall in prostration. 30 (120) They said, “We believe in the Lord of the worlds, (121) The Lord of Musa and Harun.” (122) Pharaoh said, “You have believed in him before my permission. Undoubtedly, this is a plot you have designed in the city, so that you may expel its people from it. Now you shall know (its end). (123) I will cut off your hands and your legs from opposite sides. Then I will crucify you all together.” (124)   Qurʾān: The Heights [alʾAʿrāf] 7: 117-124

In great anger, the Pharaoh put them to death because they had believed without asking his permission. Yet the sorcerers had gained pure certainty of belief knowing that this was not mere sorcery, but a miracle from Allah ﷻ. They were willing to sacrifice their lives away in exchange for believing in the Lord of Truth ﷻ.

8.2 Miracles of Prophet Jesus [ʿĪsā] عليه السلام                        

Unlike other prophets who performed miracles, Prophet Jesus [ʿĪsā] (p.b.u.h) himself was a miracle born miraculously to the virgin mother Mary(p.b.u.h) [Maryam, may Allah be pleased with her].  Maryam(p.b.u.h) was a virtuous woman who strove in the way of Allahﷻ.  A whole Qurʾānic chapter has been named after her, upholding her piety and noble stature as she left her family and chose a life of prayer, reflection, and complete devotion to Allah ﷻ.  Angel Jibreel (p.b.u.h) came to Maryam(p.b.u.h) one day with a message from Allah ﷻ, giving tidings of her pregnancy to come. Maryam(p.b.u.h) was confused and fearful of what society would think of her having a child alone when she had not been unchaste.

“And remember the one who guarded her chastity, so we breathed into her through our angel,

Gabriel, making her and her son a sign for all people.” Qurʾān: The Prophets [Al-Anbiya] 21:91

“She went back to her people carrying the child, and they said, Mary! You have “done something terrible!” Qurʾān: Mary [Maryam] 19:27

 Maryam(p.b.u.h) was a firm believer in Allah ﷻ; Allah ﷻ loved her and promised her a sign that would defend her against the harshness of society. 

“She pointed at him. They said, ‘How can we converse with an infant?’” Qurʾān: Mary [Maryam] 19:29

 Allah ﷻ sent Maryam (p.b.u.h) the miracle of Jesus [ʿĪsā](p.b.u.h), an infant who had the ability to speak on her behalf, and to prove her innocence. 

“[But] he said: ‘I am a servant of God. He has granted me the scripture; made me a prophet.’”Qurʾān: Mary [Maryam] 19:30

Prophet Jesus [ʿĪsā](p.b.u.h) was unique in being the only prophet who took his lineage from his mother Maryam (p.b.u.h). He was blessed with many miracles which Allah ﷻ granted to him to prove to his nation the truth of the religion [dīn] of Islam. One of these was being able to breathe life into a clay bird;  another was the ability to heal the blind, and the greatest miracle of all was being able to bring the dead back to life, all of which were done by the permission of Allah ﷻ.

 “He will send him as a messenger to you with a sign from your Lord: I will make the shape of a bird for you out of clay, then breathe into it and ,with God’s permission, it will become a real bird; I will heal the blind and the leper, and bring the dead back to life with God’s permission; I will tell you what you may eat and what you may store up in your houses. There truly is a sign

 for you in this – if you are believers.” Qurʾān: Family of ʿImran [Al-ʿImrān] 3:49

 Through these great miracles, shown to the people of Jesus [ʿĪsā] (p.b.u.h), some hearts were turned to the religion [dīn] of Allah ﷻ .  However, most disbelievers were blind to the manifest signs of their Creator ﷻ .  

“God said ‘Jesus, I will take you back and raise you up to me: I will purify you of the disbelievers.

To the Day of Resurrection, I will make those who follow you superior to those who disbelieved.

Then you will all return to Me and I will judge between you regarding your differences.’” Qurʾān:

Family of ʿImran [Al-ʿImran] 3:55

 As Muslims we believe that Prophet Jesus [Īsa] (p.b.u.h) has been raised to Allah ﷻ and will be brought back at the end of time to kill the antichrist [Dajjāl]. Prophet Jesus’ [Īsa’s] (p.b.u.h)role will be to remove all unfairness and bring peace and happiness to the world.

8.3 Miracle of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the honourable Messenger of Allah ﷻ, sent to the whole of creation. There will be neither a prophet nor a messenger after him. At a time of sin and corruption, mankind experienced Allah’s ﷻ mercy through Muhammad ﷺ.  Allah ﷻ tells us in the holy Qurʾān:

    “And we have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a mercy to the worlds.” Qurʾān: The

Prophets [Al-ʾAnbiyāʾ] 21:107

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not only come to the Arabs to guide them, but rather he came for the guidance of all of mankind, humans and jinns. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had many names however, the name Muhammad was the highest in ranking placed alongside the name of  Allah ﷻ in the testimony of faith [shahāda].

“And we raise your reputation high.” Qurʾān: The Relief [Al-Sharh] 94:4

 The call to the five daily prayers [aḏān] contains this testimony of faith [shahāda] which is a regular reminder for believing servants, confirming our belief in One God, and that Muhammad ﷺ is Allah’s ﷻ messenger, highlighting his ﷺ tremendous worth and importance as a pole of guidance for creation.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the Qurʾān, the words of Allah ﷻ to reveal to his nation.  The Qurʾān itself is an existing miracle of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ sent down as proof (for those seeking the truth) to mankind till the end of time. In it, Allah ﷻ reveals to us some of the miracles related to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ such as: the miraculous night journey [ʾIsrāʾ walMiʿrāj] revealed in the Qurʾānic chapter, ‘The Night Journey’ [Al-ʾIsrāʾ] and the splitting of the moon revealed in the chapter entitled ‘The Moon’ [Al-Qamar]. 

Other miracles of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ are in the form of written narrations [aḥādīth]  of events which the  companions of the Prophet ﷺ [Ṣaḥāba] (p.b.u.h), radiallāhu-ʿanhum, may Allah be pleased with them] saw with their own eyes.  Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was an unlettered man who had never read a book, nor had he written anything. 

“Before this, you did not read any book, nor did you write anything with your hands.” Qurʾān:

The Spider [Al-ʿAnkabūt] 29:48

This recitation of Qurʾān was taught to Muhammad ﷺ by Angel Jibreel(p.b.u.h) and this only came from Allah ﷻ. This is shown to us in the Quran, when Allah states:

“He does not speak from his own desires.” Qurʾān: The Star [An-Najm] 53:3

 “The Qurʾān is nothing less than a revelation that is sent to him.” Qurʾān: The Star [An-Najm] 53:4

“It was taught to him by [an angel] with mighty powers.” Qurʾān: The Star [An-Najm] 53:5

The Qurʾān is the most perfect book known to mankind and is free from any limitations. It came at a time when poetry and the Arabic language were at their peak of eloquence.  Allah ﷻ challenged all the top writers of Arabic literature to compete in writing a book as perfect as the Qurʾān; no human could ever compete with the words of Allah ﷻ nor write anything like it.  

“Say, if mankind and the jinn gathered in order  to produce the like of this Qurʾān, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to help each other.” Qurʾān: The Night Journey [Al-ʾIsrā] 17:88

And the Qurʾān remains a miracle for all times. Today, as science and technology continue to advance rapidly, researchers are discovering that the scientific knowledge they are now uncovering has already been written in the Qurʾān – whether this knowledge points to the human body, the creation of the universe and its mysteries, or the plants and other living organisms. 

“Glory be to Him Who created all the pairs of things that the earth produces, as well as themselves and other things they do not know about.” Qurʾān: Ya-Seen [Ya-Seen] 36:36

 And yet, even with all this progress in science, we are still limited in our knowledge of the Universe. This verse is proof that there is still so much more to uncover.

Conclusion

To conclude, the prophets and messengers are the finest role models for us, teaching us correct behavior and etiquette in every aspect of life. Each was sent with miracles best suited to the skills and expertise of their time. The greatest of all miracles is the Quran, revealed to Allah’s ﷻ perfect servant- the final Prophet, Muhammad ﷺ, the seal of the Prophets- sent as a guidance and mercy for all mankind. 

“There is indeed a good model for you in the Messenger of Allah – for the one who has hope in

Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah profusely.” Qurʾān: The Combined Forces [AlAḥzāb]33:21

9.0 Click here to find out more information on the Miracles of the Qurʾān on our website.

11.0 Bibliography 

1.      Tarsin, A., & Yusuf, S. Being Muslim.  

2.      Abdullahi Abdalle (Al – Bukhari), M. (2015). Salvation of the Generation from Error & Guidance of the Youth to Excellence.

3.      Salih Farfur, M. (2010). The Beneficial Message and The Definitive Proof.