Stories of the Prophets

Adam is the first human being and the first prophet of Allah. Created from clay and honored with the divine breath, he was established as Allah's vicegerent on earth. His descent from paradise after the trial with Iblis marks the beginning of human history.

Idris is the second prophet of Islam, celebrated as the first to write with a reed pen and to introduce the sciences of calculation, astronomy, and sewing. Allah raised him to a high station, and he is mentioned in the Quran as a man of truth and patience.

Noah is the third prophet and one of the five "Ulu al-Azm" — the prophets of firm resolve. He preached to his people for nine hundred and fifty years, called for the abandonment of polytheism, and was saved with the believers by the divine ark during the universal Flood that swept the earth.

Hud was sent to the powerful people of 'Aad, builders of cities with tall pillars. Despite his calls to tawhid, they persisted in arrogance. Allah sent against them a destructive wind for seven nights and eight days.

Salih was sent to the people of Thamud, carvers of houses in the rocks. Allah granted him the she-camel as a miraculous sign. When Thamud slaughtered her, the punishment struck them after three days, exactly as Salih had announced.

Ibrahim is the father of the prophets and the model of total submission to Allah. From the destruction of idols to the trial of fire, from the sacrifice of his son to the building of the Kaaba, his entire life was an act of worship. Allah took him as a close friend.

Lut, Ibrahim's nephew, was sent to the people of Sodom, who practiced abominable acts never committed before them. Despite his repeated calls, they refused. Angels came to warn him, and Allah destroyed the cities, overturning them and raining stones down upon them.

Ismail, the eldest son of Ibrahim and Hajar, grew up in the desert of Mecca after being left there as an infant by Allah's will. He became the ancestor of the Arabs and co-founded the Kaaba with his father. His acceptance of sacrifice is the supreme model of submission.

Ishaq, son of Ibrahim and Sara, was born following a miraculous announcement from the angels when his parents were very old. He became a prophet in Canaan and father of Yaqub, continuing Ibrahim's prophetic chain through the Israelite line.

Yaqub, son of Ishaq, received the name Israil (Servant of Allah). His life was marked by the trial of separation from his beloved son Yusuf, a separation that lasted decades. His exemplary patience and faith are the heart of Surah Yusuf.

Yusuf is the only prophet whose entire story is the subject of a complete surah. From his brothers' jealousy at the bottom of a well, to an Egyptian prison, to the office of vizier, his life is a masterpiece of faith, chastity, and forgiveness.

Ayyub was the wealthiest and most pious man of his time. Allah tested him by successively depriving him of his possessions, his children, and his health. For eighteen years, he endured with sublime patience, calling upon Allah without ever despairing.

Shu'ayb was sent to the people of Madyan, a trading nation that defrauded scales and corrupted markets. His message combined Tawhid and economic justice. Despite his great eloquence — which earned him the title Orator of the Prophets — his people rejected him and were destroyed by an earthquake and a thunderous blast.

Musa is the most frequently mentioned prophet in the Quran — one hundred and thirty-six times. Born under a Pharaoh who killed the male children of the Hebrews, saved by the waters of the Nile, raised in the very palace of the oppressor, he received the prophetic mission at Mount Sinai and freed the Banu Israil from slavery through ten miracles. He is the one to whom Allah spoke directly.

Harun is the brother and prophetic companion of Musa. Renowned for his eloquence where Musa had a stutter, he was appointed vizier and spokesman for the mission. Together they confronted Pharaoh. During Musa's absence at Sinai, Harun tried in vain to stop the Banu Israil from worshipping the golden calf. He died before entering the Promised Land.

Dhul-Kifl is briefly mentioned in the Quran among the patient and virtuous prophets. His precise identity is debated: some scholars identify him with Ezekiel, others with Elisha, or with an otherwise unknown prophet. His title means "the one who took on a responsibility" or "the one doubled in reward," indicating a promise kept to Allah.

Dawud was at once prophet, king, and craftsman. A young shepherd without armor, he killed Goliath with a sling and became king of Palestine. Allah gave him the Zabur (Psalms), taught him to make iron armor, and made the mountains and birds sing along with him. He is the model of the believer who combines nightly devotion, political strength, and justice.

The son of Dawud, Sulayman inherited the prophetic kingdom and surpassed his father in miraculous powers. Allah subjected the wind, the jinn, and the birds to him, and gave him understanding of the languages of animals. His reign in Jerusalem was the most splendid in the history of the Banu Israil. His exchange with the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis) is one of the most captivating accounts in the Quran.

Ilyas was sent to the Banu Israil, who worshipped the idol Ba'al. He called them to Tawhid with firmness. The Quran cites him among the excellent prophets and confirms divine peace upon him even in the Hereafter. Islamic traditions link him to the accounts of Elijah in the Hebrew Bible.

Al-Yasa' succeeded Ilyas in prophethood among the Banu Israil. He is mentioned twice in the Quran among the excellent prophets. Islamic traditions link him to Elisha of the Hebrew Bible, disciple and successor of Elijah. His mention in two distinct lists of remarkable prophets confirms his high rank before Allah.

Yunus was sent to Nineveh but left his mission before receiving permission to do so. He boarded a ship, was thrown overboard during a storm, and was swallowed by a great fish. In the belly of the whale, he called upon Allah in the darkness — this supplication is one of the most powerful in the Quran. Allah answered him and Yunus was cast up on the shore. He returned to Nineveh, where a hundred thousand people converted.

Zakariyya was a priest of the Temple in Jerusalem and Maryam's guardian. Old and childless, his wife being barren, he called upon Allah in a deeply moving secret prayer to grant him an heir. Allah answered his prayer and announced to him the birth of Yahya — a biological miracle that foreshadows the birth of Isa.

Yahya was born of a miracle — son of Zakariyya, very elderly, and a barren mother. Allah granted him wisdom from childhood. He is described in the Quran as Sayyed (master/lord), Hasur (chaste), and confirmer of the Word of Allah (Isa). He was martyred by King Herod according to tradition. The Quran addresses him with peace three times: at his birth, his death, and his resurrection.

Isa was born without a father, to a virgin, Maryam — a miracle the Quran compares only to the creation of Adam. He spoke in the cradle to defend his mother's honor. He received the Injil (Gospel) and performed numerous miracles. Islam rejects his crucifixion and affirms his elevation, alive, to Allah. He will return at the end of time.

Muhammad ﷺ is the last and the Seal of the Prophets — the messenger to whom the Quran was revealed, a perfect guide and mercy to the worlds. Born an orphan in Mecca, he received revelation at forty and endured thirteen years of persecution before the Hijra to Medina. He unified the Arab tribes under Tawhid, built the first Islamic community, and achieved the liberation of Mecca without bloodshed.