One of the most beautiful parts of the Qur’an is that it introduces us to the lives of the prophets who came before the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Each of them carried the message of Tawheed (the oneness of Allah) and guided their people with wisdom, patience, and sacrifice. By learning about these prophets, Muslims can take lessons for their own lives, strengthen their faith, and appreciate the history of revelation.
But who exactly are the prophets mentioned in the Qur’an? Let’s take a closer look.
Prophets in Islam
In Islam, a prophet (nabi) is a chosen servant of Allah who receives revelation to guide his people. Some prophets were also messengers (rasul), meaning they were given a new law or scripture. Muslims believe that Allah sent many prophets throughout history, possibly in the thousands, but the Qur’an mentions twenty-five of them by name.
Allah says:
“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut (false gods).’” (Surah An-Nahl 16:36)
This shows that prophets were sent to every nation, even if their names are not all recorded in the Qur’an.
The 25 Prophets Mentioned in the Qur’an
Here is the list of prophets whose names appear in the Qur’an:
Adam (AS) – The first human and prophet.
Idris (AS) – Known for his wisdom and patience.
Nuh (Noah) (AS) – Preached for centuries and built the Ark.
Hud (AS) – Sent to the people of ‘Ad.
Saleh (AS) – Sent to the people of Thamud.
Ibrahim (Abraham) (AS) – The friend of Allah, father of prophets.
Lut (Lot) (AS) – Preached against immorality.
Isma‘il (Ishmael) (AS) – Son of Ibrahim, known for his obedience.
Ishaq (Isaac) (AS) – Son of Ibrahim, father of Ya‘qub.
Ya‘qub (Jacob) (AS) – Also called Israel, father of the twelve tribes.
Yusuf (Joseph) (AS) – Known for his beauty, patience, and story of hardship.
Shu‘ayb (AS) – Sent to the people of Madyan.
Ayyub (Job) (AS) – Example of patience during suffering.
Dhulkifl (AS) – A prophet of righteousness and patience.
Musa (Moses) (AS) – The one to whom the Torah was revealed.
Harun (Aaron) (AS) – Brother of Musa, a helper in his mission.
Dawud (David) (AS) – King, prophet, and recipient of the Zabur (Psalms).
Sulayman (Solomon) (AS) – Known for wisdom and ruling with justice.
Ilyas (Elias) (AS) – Preached against idol worship.
Al-Yasa (Elisha) (AS) – Successor of Ilyas, continued his mission.
Yunus (Jonah) (AS) – Known for the story of the great fish.
Zakariyya (Zechariah) (AS) – A prophet of devotion.
Yahya (John the Baptist) (AS) – Son of Zakariyya, known for purity.
‘Isa (Jesus) (AS) – Messenger of Allah, born miraculously, given the Injil.
Muhammad (ﷺ) – The final prophet and messenger, seal of the prophets.
These twenty-five prophets cover a long timeline in human history, from the creation of Adam (AS) to the final revelation brought by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Lessons from the Prophets
The Qur’an does not tell us every detail of their lives, but it shares their most important struggles and lessons. Some of the lessons we learn include:
Patience in hardship: Like Ayyub (AS), who never lost faith despite great suffering.
Trust in Allah: Like Musa (AS), who led his people across the sea.
Purity and obedience: Like Isma‘il (AS), who submitted to Allah’s command alongside his father.
Forgiveness: Like Yusuf (AS), who forgave his brothers despite their betrayal.
Calling to truth: Like all prophets, who reminded their people to worship Allah alone.
Allah tells us that these stories are not just history, but guidance:
“Indeed, in their stories there is a lesson for those of understanding.” (Surah Yusuf 12:111)
Why Learning About the Prophets Matters
Learning about the prophets strengthens our Iman (faith) and connects us to the chain of guidance that Allah has sent throughout human history. It reminds us that all prophets carried the same message: to worship Allah alone and live a life of righteousness.
By studying their lives, Muslims gain inspiration to face their own challenges with patience, sincerity, and hope in Allah’s mercy.
Conclusion
The Qur’an mentions twenty-five prophets by name, from Adam (AS) to Muhammad ﷺ. Each of them carried a message of truth, patience, and devotion to Allah. Their lives are lessons for us to stay firm in faith and live with sincerity. As Muslims, remembering their stories helps us walk on the straight path and keep our hearts connected to Allah.
Insha’Allah, may we be among those who learn from their guidance and follow in their footsteps.
Keep Exploring the Stories of the Prophets
If you wish to learn more about the prophets, their stories, and the wisdom they left for us, then visit Online Islamic Institute. They offer premium paid courses for all ages, covering Qur’an, hadith, and Islamic history in an easy-to-understand way.
Explore their courses here: https://onlineislamicinstitute.org/ and insha’Allah, you will find knowledge that benefits both your heart and mind.
JazakAllahu khair for reading. May Allah increase us in knowledge and love for His prophets. Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.