The Prophets in the Qur'an: All 25 Named Prophets and Their Stories
The 25 prophets named in the Qur'an, from Adam to Muhammad, with verses for each, how a prophet differs from a messenger, and lessons from their stories.
What this guide covers
The Qur'an names twenty-five prophets, from Adam to Muhammad, a total that Ibn Kathir reaches by adding Dhul-Kifl, whom several commentators counted among them. The Qur'an also says that Allah sent messengers it does not name, so twenty-five is a teaching count rather than a limit. Muslims believe in all the prophets without distinction, regard Muhammad as the Seal of the Prophets, and read their stories for lessons in patience, trust in Allah and forgiveness.
Scope: An introduction for beginners to the prophets named in the Qur'an, using verses from the site's verified corpus, identified hadith and attributed scholarly explanations. It does not retell every story, settle questions on which scholars differ or give any ruling or fatwa; study the stories with a qualified teacher and a recognised tafsir.
Key takeaways
- The Qur'an names twenty-five prophets, from Adam to Muhammad; eighteen appear together in 6:83-86.
- Qur'an 40:78 and 4:164 say some messengers were not named, so twenty-five is a teaching count, not a total.
- Muslims believe in every prophet and make no distinction between them in faith (2:285, 2:136).
- A common scholarly explanation is that every messenger (rasul) is a prophet (nabi), but not every prophet is a messenger.
- Muhammad is the Seal of the Prophets (33:40), and five are commonly named as the messengers of firm resolve.
- The prophets' stories teach patience, trust in Allah and forgiveness.

A line of stone markers across the desert, each pointing the way to the next, recalls how messengers were sent to people one after another. The guide below lists the prophets named in the Quran and what their stories teach.
AI illustrationThe Qur'an names twenty-five prophets, from Adam to Muhammad. In his commentary on Qur'an 4:164, Ibn Kathir lists twenty-four of them by name and adds that several scholars of tafsir also counted Dhul-Kifl, which gives the familiar total of twenty-five. Eighteen of them appear together in one passage, Qur'an 6:83-86, from Abraham to Lot.
The other seven, Adam, Idris, Hud, Salih, Shu'ayb, Dhul-Kifl and Muhammad, are named elsewhere. The table gives each name as it is usually transliterated from Arabic, the common English form where one exists, and two verses where the English translation used on this site names him. Some translations, including the one shown on Quran.com, render Idris as Enoch.
| Name in the Qur'an | Common English name | Where the Qur'an names him |
|---|---|---|
| Adam | Adam | 2:31; 3:33 |
| Idris | Rendered Enoch in some translations | 19:56; 21:85 |
| Nuh | Noah | 71:1; 6:84 |
| Hud | No agreed English equivalent | 11:50; 7:65 |
| Salih | No agreed English equivalent | 11:61; 7:73 |
| Ibrahim | Abraham | 19:41; 4:125 |
| Lut | Lot | 6:86; 37:133 |
| Ismail | Ishmael | 19:54; 2:127 |
| Ishaq | Isaac | 19:49; 37:112 |
| Yaqub | Jacob | 19:49; 2:132 |
| Yusuf | Joseph | 12:4; 6:84 |
| Ayyub | Job | 21:83; 38:41 |
| Shu'ayb | No agreed English equivalent | 11:84; 7:85 |
| Musa | Moses | 19:51; 4:164 |
| Harun | Aaron | 19:53; 6:84 |
| Dhul-Kifl | No agreed English equivalent | 21:85; 38:48 |
| Dawud | David | 4:163; 38:17 |
| Sulayman | Solomon | 27:15; 6:84 |
| Ilyas | Elijah (Elias) | 6:85; 37:123 |
| Al-Yasa' | Elisha | 6:86; 38:48 |
| Yunus | Jonah | 10:98; 37:139 |
| Zakariyya | Zechariah (Zachariah) | 19:2; 6:85 |
| Yahya | John | 19:12; 6:85 |
| Isa | Jesus | 3:45; 6:85 |
| Muhammad | Muhammad | 33:40; 48:29 |
Yes. The Qur'an says plainly that it does not name every messenger: Qur'an 40:78 and 4:164 say that Allah told the Prophet about some messengers and not about others. Qur'an 35:24 adds that every nation has had a warner, and 16:36 that a messenger was raised in every nation to call people to serve Allah. Twenty-five is therefore a teaching count of the prophets the Qur'an names, not a total.
Scholars also differ over some figures the Qur'an mentions. The views below are attributed to the sources cited, and a teacher can explain the evidence each side relies on.
- Dhul-Kifl is praised among the steadfast and the chosen (21:85, 38:48); Ibn Kathir mentions him after his list, noting that several commentators counted him among the prophets.
- Luqman, after whom Surah 31 is named, was given wisdom (31:12); Ibn Kathir reports that the early generations differed and that most held he was a righteous servant, not a prophet.
- Al-Khidr, the servant of Allah whom Musa meets in Surah Al-Kahf (18:65), is not named in the Qur'an; a SeekersGuidance answer reports that scholars differed, with Ibn Hajar citing Ibn Atiyya that most held he was a prophet and others, such as al-Qushayri, calling him a saint.
- Dhul-Qarnayn, the ruler in Surah Al-Kahf (18:83), is described in a SeekersGuidance article as a righteous ruler whom most scholars did not consider a prophet.
Belief in all of Allah's messengers is part of Muslim faith, and the Qur'an rules out accepting some while rejecting others. Qur'an 2:285 describes the Messenger and the believers as believing in Allah, His angels, His scriptures and His messengers, saying that they make no distinction between any of His messengers. Qur'an 2:136 tells Muslims to affirm what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes, and what Moses, Jesus and the prophets received from their Lord.
Ibn Kathir explains the phrase in his commentary on 2:285: believers do not differentiate between the prophets by believing in some and rejecting others, but hold all of them to be truthful and rightly guided. This does not mean every prophet had the same rank, since Qur'an 2:253 says Allah caused some messengers to excel others. In Sahih al-Bukhari 3443 the Prophet described the prophets as brothers with one father and different mothers, whose religion is one.
Scholars have differed over whether the two words mean different things, and those who distinguish them explain the difference in more than one way. An IslamQA answer, which holds that there is a difference, gives the best-known view in the words of al-Khattabi: both receive revelation, but the messenger (rasul) is the one commanded to convey it, so every messenger is a prophet (nabi) but not every prophet is a messenger.
The same answer cites other scholars who say that a messenger brings a book or a new law, often to a people who reject the truth, while a prophet calls people to the law of an earlier messenger, as the prophets of the Children of Israel judged by the Torah. Qur'an 22:52 speaks of both a messenger and a prophet being sent, and Qur'an 19:51 and 19:54 describe Musa and Ismail as each being a messenger and a prophet.
They are five messengers commonly singled out for their patience and determination: Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa and Muhammad. Qur'an 46:35 tells the Prophet to be patient as the messengers of firm resolve were patient, without naming them; Ibn Kathir, commenting on that verse, identifies these five and notes that the Qur'an names them together in 33:7 and 42:13.
Qur'an 33:7 describes the solemn covenant Allah took from the prophets, naming the Prophet, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus son of Mary, and 42:13 says the religion ordained for the believers is the one commended to Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Ibn Kathir's commentary on 33:7 calls them the five mighty messengers with strong resolve.
It means he is the last of the prophets, completing the line that began with Adam. Qur'an 33:40 says that Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but the messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets. In Sahih al-Bukhari 3535 he compared the prophets before him to a fine house with one brick missing from a corner, and said: I am that brick, and I am the last of the prophets.
Britannica's article on Islam likewise explains that Muslims regard Muhammad as the last of a series of prophets, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Solomon and Jesus, whose message completes the earlier revelations. Qur'an 61:6 records Jesus giving good tidings of a messenger who would come after him, whose name, Ahmad, is rendered as the Praised One in the translation used on this site.
The Qur'an tells these stories to guide and strengthen its readers. Qur'an 12:111 says there is a lesson in their history for people of understanding, and 11:120 says the stories of the messengers are told to make the Prophet's heart firm. The examples below show some of the qualities the stories teach.
Ibn Kathir, commenting on Ayyub, says he was made an example so that people beset by trials would not think Allah had stopped caring for them, and so that they could take him as a model of patience in accepting what Allah decrees.
- Patience: Ayyub called on his Lord, the Most Merciful, in his affliction and was restored (21:83-84), and Allah says, We found him steadfast (38:44).
- Forgiveness: when the brothers who had wronged Yusuf stood before him, he told them they had nothing to fear that day and prayed that Allah would forgive them (12:92).
- Trust: when Ibrahim was thrown into the fire, Allah commanded it to be coolness and peace for him (21:69), and Ibn Abbas reports that his words were: Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs (Sahih al-Bukhari 4563).
- Turning back to Allah: Yunus, called Dhu'n-Nun in 21:87, cried out in the darkness that there is no god but Him and confessed his wrong, and Allah saved him (21:87-88).
- Perseverance: Nuh remained among his people for a thousand years less fifty, calling them to Allah (29:14).
Six chapters carry a prophet's name: Yunus (10), Hud (11), Yusuf (12), Ibrahim (14), Muhammad (47) and Nuh (71). Surah Maryam (19) is named after Maryam, the mother of Isa, and tells of Zakariyya, Yahya, Isa, Ibrahim, Ishaq, Yaqub, Musa, Harun, Ismail and Idris, while Surah Al-Anbiya (21), whose title means the Prophets, gathers many of their stories in one chapter.
Reading one of these surahs from beginning to end is a good way to meet the prophets in the Qur'an's own words. Surah Yusuf, which the Qur'an introduces as the best of narratives (12:3), follows Yusuf from his childhood dream (12:4) to his reunion with his family (12:100).
Quran passages in this guide
Read each complete verse below in Arabic and the identified English interpretation. Follow the context link before drawing conclusions from an isolated verse.
Al-An'aam 6:83. Abraham given Allah's argument against his people.
وَتِلْكَ حُجَّتُنَآ ءَاتَيْنَـٰهَآ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ ۚ نَرْفَعُ دَرَجَـٰتٍ مَّن نَّشَآءُ ۗ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ حَكِيمٌ عَلِيمٌ ٨٣
That is Our argument. We gave it unto Abraham against his folk. We raise unto degrees of wisdom whom We will. Lo! thy Lord is Wise, Aware.
Al-An'aam 6:84. Isaac, Jacob, Noah, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses and Aaron named.
وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُۥٓ إِسْحَـٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ ۚ كُلًّا هَدَيْنَا ۚ وَنُوحًا هَدَيْنَا مِن قَبْلُ ۖ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِهِۦ دَاوُۥدَ وَسُلَيْمَـٰنَ وَأَيُّوبَ وَيُوسُفَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَهَـٰرُونَ ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ٨٤
And We bestowed upon him Isaac and Jacob; each of them We guided; and Noah did We guide aforetime; and of his seed (We guided) David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the good.
Al-An'aam 6:85. Zachariah, John, Jesus and Elias named.
وَزَكَرِيَّا وَيَحْيَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَإِلْيَاسَ ۖ كُلٌّ مِّنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ ٨٥
And Zachariah and John and Jesus and Elias. Each one (of them) was of the righteous.
Al-An'aam 6:86. Ishmael, Elisha, Jonah and Lot named.
وَإِسْمَـٰعِيلَ وَٱلْيَسَعَ وَيُونُسَ وَلُوطًا ۚ وَكُلًّا فَضَّلْنَا عَلَى ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ ٨٦
And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot. Each one (of them) did We prefer above (Our) creatures,
Al-Ghaafir 40:78. Messengers told about and messengers not told about.
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلًا مِّن قَبْلِكَ مِنْهُم مَّن قَصَصْنَا عَلَيْكَ وَمِنْهُم مَّن لَّمْ نَقْصُصْ عَلَيْكَ ۗ وَمَا كَانَ لِرَسُولٍ أَن يَأْتِىَ بِـَٔايَةٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ فَإِذَا جَآءَ أَمْرُ ٱللَّهِ قُضِىَ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَخَسِرَ هُنَالِكَ ٱلْمُبْطِلُونَ ٧٨
Verily We sent messengers before thee, among them those of whom We have told thee, and some of whom We have not told thee; and it was not given to any messenger that he should bring a portent save by Allah's leave, but when Allah's commandment cometh (the cause) is judged aright, and the followers of vanity will then be lost.
An-Nisaa 4:164. Messengers mentioned and not mentioned; Allah spoke to Moses.
وَرُسُلًا قَدْ قَصَصْنَـٰهُمْ عَلَيْكَ مِن قَبْلُ وَرُسُلًا لَّمْ نَقْصُصْهُمْ عَلَيْكَ ۚ وَكَلَّمَ ٱللَّهُ مُوسَىٰ تَكْلِيمًا ١٦٤
And messengers We have mentioned unto thee before and messengers We have not mentioned unto thee; and Allah spake directly unto Moses;
Al-Baqara 2:285. Belief in all His messengers, making no distinction between them.
ءَامَنَ ٱلرَّسُولُ بِمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِۦ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ ۚ كُلٌّ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَمَلَـٰٓئِكَتِهِۦ وَكُتُبِهِۦ وَرُسُلِهِۦ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُّسُلِهِۦ ۚ وَقَالُوا۟ سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا ۖ غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ ٱلْمَصِيرُ ٢٨٥
The messenger believeth in that which hath been revealed unto him from his Lord and (so do) believers. Each one believeth in Allah and His angels and His scriptures and His messengers - We make no distinction between any of His messengers - and they say: We hear, and we obey. (Grant us) Thy forgiveness, our Lord. Unto Thee is the journeying.
Al-Baqara 2:136. Affirming what was revealed to Abraham, Moses, Jesus and the prophets.
قُولُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَىٰٓ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمَ وَإِسْمَـٰعِيلَ وَإِسْحَـٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَٱلْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ ٱلنَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُۥ مُسْلِمُونَ ١٣٦
Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered.
Al-Hajj 22:52. A messenger or a prophet sent before the Prophet.
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ وَلَا نَبِىٍّ إِلَّآ إِذَا تَمَنَّىٰٓ أَلْقَى ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ فِىٓ أُمْنِيَّتِهِۦ فَيَنسَخُ ٱللَّهُ مَا يُلْقِى ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ ثُمَّ يُحْكِمُ ٱللَّهُ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ ٥٢
Never sent We a messenger or a prophet before thee but when He recited (the message) Satan proposed (opposition) in respect of that which he recited thereof. But Allah abolisheth that which Satan proposeth. Then Allah establisheth His revelations. Allah is Knower, Wise;
Maryam 19:51. Moses described as a messenger and a prophet.
وَٱذْكُرْ فِى ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ مُوسَىٰٓ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ مُخْلَصًا وَكَانَ رَسُولًا نَّبِيًّا ٥١
And make mention in the Scripture of Moses. Lo! he was chosen, and he was a messenger (of Allah), a prophet.
Al-Ahqaf 46:35. Be patient as the messengers of firm resolve were patient.
فَٱصْبِرْ كَمَا صَبَرَ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْعَزْمِ مِنَ ٱلرُّسُلِ وَلَا تَسْتَعْجِل لَّهُمْ ۚ كَأَنَّهُمْ يَوْمَ يَرَوْنَ مَا يُوعَدُونَ لَمْ يَلْبَثُوٓا۟ إِلَّا سَاعَةً مِّن نَّهَارٍۭ ۚ بَلَـٰغٌ ۚ فَهَلْ يُهْلَكُ إِلَّا ٱلْقَوْمُ ٱلْفَـٰسِقُونَ ٣٥
Then have patience (O Muhammad) even as the stout of heart among the messengers (of old) had patience, and seek not to hasten on (the doom) for them. On the day when they see that which they are promised (it will seem to them) as though they had tarried but an hour of daylight. A clear message. Shall any be destroyed save evil-living folk?
Al-Ahzaab 33:7. The covenant taken from the prophets, naming Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِنَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مِيثَـٰقَهُمْ وَمِنكَ وَمِن نُّوحٍ وَإِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَى ٱبْنِ مَرْيَمَ ۖ وَأَخَذْنَا مِنْهُم مِّيثَـٰقًا غَلِيظًا ٧
And when We exacted a covenant from the prophets, and from thee (O Muhammad) and from Noah and Abraham and Moses and Jesus son of Mary. We took from them a solemn covenant;
Ash-Shura 42:13. The same religion commended to Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
۞ شَرَعَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا وَصَّىٰ بِهِۦ نُوحًا وَٱلَّذِىٓ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا وَصَّيْنَا بِهِۦٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰٓ ۖ أَنْ أَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلدِّينَ وَلَا تَتَفَرَّقُوا۟ فِيهِ ۚ كَبُرَ عَلَى ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ مَا تَدْعُوهُمْ إِلَيْهِ ۚ ٱللَّهُ يَجْتَبِىٓ إِلَيْهِ مَن يَشَآءُ وَيَهْدِىٓ إِلَيْهِ مَن يُنِيبُ ١٣
He hath ordained for you that religion which He commended unto Noah, and that which We inspire in thee (Muhammad), and that which We commended unto Abraham and Moses and Jesus, saying: Establish the religion, and be not divided therein. Dreadful for the idolaters is that unto which thou callest them. Allah chooseth for Himself whom He will, and guideth unto Himself him who turneth (toward Him).
Al-Ahzaab 33:40. Muhammad, the messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.
مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَآ أَحَدٍ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَـٰكِن رَّسُولَ ٱللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمًا ٤٠
Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets; and Allah is ever Aware of all things.
As-Saff 61:6. Jesus gives good tidings of a messenger to come after him.
وَإِذْ قَالَ عِيسَى ٱبْنُ مَرْيَمَ يَـٰبَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ إِنِّى رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَيْكُم مُّصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ وَمُبَشِّرًۢا بِرَسُولٍ يَأْتِى مِنۢ بَعْدِى ٱسْمُهُۥٓ أَحْمَدُ ۖ فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُم بِٱلْبَيِّنَـٰتِ قَالُوا۟ هَـٰذَا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ ٦
And when Jesus son of Mary said: O Children of Israel! Lo! I am the messenger of Allah unto you, confirming that which was (revealed) before me in the Torah, and bringing good tidings of a messenger who cometh after me, whose name is the Praised One. Yet when he hath come unto them with clear proofs, they say: This is mere magic.
Al-Anbiyaa 21:85. Ishmael, Idris and Dhul-Kifl among the steadfast.
وَإِسْمَـٰعِيلَ وَإِدْرِيسَ وَذَا ٱلْكِفْلِ ۖ كُلٌّ مِّنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ ٨٥
And (mention) Ishmael, and Idris, and Dhu'l-Kifl. All were of the steadfast.
Luqman 31:12. Luqman given wisdom.
وَلَقَدْ ءَاتَيْنَا لُقْمَـٰنَ ٱلْحِكْمَةَ أَنِ ٱشْكُرْ لِلَّهِ ۚ وَمَن يَشْكُرْ فَإِنَّمَا يَشْكُرُ لِنَفْسِهِۦ ۖ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ حَمِيدٌ ١٢
And verily We gave Luqman wisdom, saying: Give thanks unto Allah; and whosoever giveth thanks, he giveth thanks for (the good of) his soul. And whosoever refuseth - Lo! Allah is Absolute, Owner of Praise.
Al-Anbiyaa 21:83. Job calls on the Most Merciful in his affliction.
۞ وَأَيُّوبَ إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُۥٓ أَنِّى مَسَّنِىَ ٱلضُّرُّ وَأَنتَ أَرْحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ ٨٣
And Job, when he cried unto his Lord, (saying): Lo! adversity afflicteth me, and Thou art Most Merciful of all who show mercy.
Al-Anbiyaa 21:84. His prayer answered and his household restored.
فَٱسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُۥ فَكَشَفْنَا مَا بِهِۦ مِن ضُرٍّ ۖ وَءَاتَيْنَـٰهُ أَهْلَهُۥ وَمِثْلَهُم مَّعَهُمْ رَحْمَةً مِّنْ عِندِنَا وَذِكْرَىٰ لِلْعَـٰبِدِينَ ٨٤
Then We heard his prayer and removed that adversity from which he suffered, and We gave him his household (that he had lost) and the like thereof along with them, a mercy from Our store, and a remembrance for the worshippers;
Saad 38:44. We found him steadfast.
وَخُذْ بِيَدِكَ ضِغْثًا فَٱضْرِب بِّهِۦ وَلَا تَحْنَثْ ۗ إِنَّا وَجَدْنَـٰهُ صَابِرًا ۚ نِّعْمَ ٱلْعَبْدُ ۖ إِنَّهُۥٓ أَوَّابٌ ٤٤
And (it was said unto him): Take in thine hand a branch and smite therewith, and break not thine oath. Lo! We found him steadfast, how excellent a slave! Lo! he was ever turning in repentance (to his Lord).
Yusuf 12:92. Joseph forgives his brothers.
قَالَ لَا تَثْرِيبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْيَوْمَ ۖ يَغْفِرُ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۖ وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ ٩٢
He said: Have no fear this day! May Allah forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.
Al-Anbiyaa 21:69. O fire, be coolness and peace for Abraham.
قُلْنَا يَـٰنَارُ كُونِى بَرْدًا وَسَلَـٰمًا عَلَىٰٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ ٦٩
We said: O fire, be coolness and peace for Abraham,
Al-Anbiyaa 21:87. Dhu'n-Nun cries out in the darkness.
وَذَا ٱلنُّونِ إِذ ذَّهَبَ مُغَـٰضِبًا فَظَنَّ أَن لَّن نَّقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ فَنَادَىٰ فِى ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ أَن لَّآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبْحَـٰنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ ٨٧
And (mention) Dhu'n-Nun, when he went off in anger and deemed that We had no power over him, but he cried out in the darkness, saying: There is no God save Thee. Be Thou Glorified! Lo! I have been a wrong-doer.
Yusuf 12:111. A lesson in their history for people of understanding.
لَقَدْ كَانَ فِى قَصَصِهِمْ عِبْرَةٌ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ۗ مَا كَانَ حَدِيثًا يُفْتَرَىٰ وَلَـٰكِن تَصْدِيقَ ٱلَّذِى بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَتَفْصِيلَ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ ١١١
In their history verily there is a lesson for men of understanding. It is no invented story but a confirmation of the existing (Scripture) and a detailed explanation of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for folk who believe.
Questions readers often ask
How many prophets are there in Islam?
The Qur'an does not give a total. It names twenty-five, says in 40:78 and 4:164 that there were other messengers it does not mention, and says in 35:24 that every nation had a warner. Muslims believe in all of them, named and unnamed.
Link to this questionDo Muslims believe in Moses and Jesus?
Yes. Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus) are among the twenty-five named prophets and among the five messengers of firm resolve. Qur'an 2:136 tells Muslims to affirm what Moses and Jesus received, and in Qur'an 19:30 Jesus says that he is the servant of Allah, given the Scripture and made a prophet.
Link to this questionIs Adam considered a prophet?
Yes. Adam heads the list of named prophets in Ibn Kathir's commentary on 4:164, and Britannica's article on Islam begins the series of prophets with him. The Qur'an says Allah taught Adam all the names (2:31) and chose Adam and Noah, with the families of Abraham and Imran, above His creatures (3:33).
Link to this questionWhy do some prophets have different names in English?
The Qur'an uses Arabic forms of names that English readers often know in other forms, so Ibrahim is Abraham, Musa is Moses and Isa is Jesus. Hud, Salih and Shu'ayb, sent to the peoples of Ad, Thamud and Midian (11:50, 11:61, 11:84), have no agreed English equivalent.
Link to this questionDid all the prophets bring the same message?
In its core, yes. Qur'an 16:36 says a messenger was raised in every nation with the call to serve Allah and shun false gods, and Sahih al-Bukhari 3443 describes the prophets as brothers whose religion is one. Ibn Kathir notes that their laws could differ, as some later laws replaced earlier ones by Allah's leave.
Link to this questionWhere should I start reading about the prophets?
Start with Surah Yusuf (12), which tells one story from beginning to end, then read Surah Maryam (19) and Surah Al-Anbiya (21). A recognised tafsir, such as Ibn Kathir's in English on Quran.com, and a qualified teacher will help.
Link to this questionSources
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir on Qur'an 4:164 (Quran.com) CommentaryBack to citation
Under the heading Twenty-Five Prophets Are Mentioned in the Qur'an, names twenty-four and adds that several scholars of tafsir also listed Dhul-Kifl.
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir on Qur'an 2:285 (Quran.com) CommentaryBack to citation
Believers do not differentiate between the prophets by believing in some and rejecting others, even though some laws abrogate others by Allah's leave.
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir on Qur'an 46:35 (Quran.com) CommentaryBack to citation
Names those of determination among the messengers as Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa and Muhammad, mentioned together in 33:7 and 42:13.
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir on Qur'an 33:7 (Quran.com) CommentaryBack to citation
The covenant of the prophets and the five mighty messengers with strong resolve.
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir on Qur'an 31:12 (Quran.com) CommentaryBack to citation
The early generations differed over whether Luqman was a prophet; the majority held he was a righteous servant without prophethood.
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir on Qur'an 21:83-86 (Quran.com) CommentaryBack to citation
Ayyub's trials and patience, and why he was made an example for those who are tested.
- IslamQA: The Difference Between a Nabi (Prophet) and a Rasul (Messenger) Scholarly guidanceBack to citation
Sets out the scholars' views, including al-Khattabi's best-known explanation that every rasul is a nabi but not every nabi is a rasul.
- SeekersGuidance: What Do We Know About Khidr (Musa's Companion)? Scholarly guidanceBack to citation
Scholars differed on whether Khidr was a prophet or a saint; Ibn Hajar cites Ibn Atiyya that most held he was a prophet.
- SeekersGuidance: The Story of Dhul Qarnain ArticleBack to citation
Imam Yama Niazi: the majority of scholars held that Dhul-Qarnayn was a righteous ruler rather than a prophet.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Islam Reference workBack to citation
Muhammad regarded as the last of a series of prophets including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Solomon and Jesus.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 3443 Primary textBack to citation
The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers differ, but their religion is one.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 3535 Primary textBack to citation
The parable of the house and the missing brick: I am the last of the prophets.
- Sahih al-Bukhari 4563 Primary textBack to citation
Ibn Abbas: Allah is sufficient for us, said by Abraham when he was thrown into the fire.
- Qur'an 6:83-86 Primary textBack to citation
Eighteen prophets named in one passage; rendered on this page from the verified local corpus.
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- Qur'an 19, Surah Maryam Primary textBack to citation
Zachariah, John, Jesus, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Ishmael and Idris mentioned in turn.
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- Qur'an 21:85 Primary textBack to citation
Ishmael, Idris and Dhul-Kifl among the steadfast; Quran.com's translation renders Idris as Enoch.
- Qur'an 4:163-164 Primary textBack to citation
Revelation to Noah and the prophets after him, and messengers mentioned and not mentioned.
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- Qur'an 33:7 Primary textBack to citation
The covenant taken from the prophets, naming Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
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Put this into practice
Read Surah Yusuf
Read the story of Yusuf from beginning to end with the site's identified translation.
OpenRead Surah Al-Anbiya
Read the chapter titled The Prophets, which gathers many of their stories.
OpenRead Surah Maryam
Read the accounts of Zakariyya, Yahya, Isa, Ibrahim, Musa and other prophets in one chapter.
OpenStudy library
Find courses, teachers and reference works for studying the Qur'an's stories further.
OpenIn-depth guides
Read complete English guides with visible sources and practical next steps.

Pillars of Iman: The Six Articles of Faith in Islam Explained
The six pillars of iman explained: belief in Allah, His angels, books, messengers, the Last Day and divine decree, with Qur'an verses and the hadith of Jibril.
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The Life of the Prophet Muhammad: A Clear Timeline for Beginners
The life of the Prophet Muhammad in order: his birth in Makkah, the first revelation, the Hijrah, key events in Madinah, the Farewell Hajj and his character.
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Tawhid: The Oneness of Allah and Who Allah Is in the Qur'an
What tawhid means, who Allah is in the Qur'an, the beautiful names of Allah, what shirk is, how scholars teach oneness, and how it shapes daily life and prayer.
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What Is Islam? A Clear Introduction to Its Beliefs and Practice
What is Islam? A clear introduction to its meaning, belief in one God, the Prophet Muhammad, the Qur'an and Sunnah, the five pillars and everyday Muslim life.
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Surah Al-Kahf: Friday reading, themes, benefits and memorisation
Read Surah Al-Kahf in Arabic and English, follow its four major narratives, check hadith about Friday and the Dajjal, and plan reflective reading or memorisation.
Read the guide
Quran translation and tafsir: how to read, compare and study
Understand the difference between Quran translation, transliteration and tafsir, choose an identified edition, compare meanings responsibly and build a study routine.
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