Muslims believe that Allah sent many prophets throughout history to guide humanity. While Islamic tradition (Hadiths) mentions vast numbers of prophets (sometimes cited as 124,000), the Quran specifically names 25. A fundamental article of faith in Islam is to believe in all the prophets sent by God, without making distinctions between them in terms of their prophethood. Denying any one prophet mentioned in the Quran is considered disbelief.
Muslims believe that Adam was the first prophet, and the Prophet Muhammad is the final one and no prophet will come after Him. Thus He's considered as the Seal of the Prophets. Five major messengers (Rasul) known for their extraordinary patience, perseverance, and steadfastness in the face of severe opposition: Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad. They are known as Ulu'l Azm (Prophets of Firm Resolve).
Here is a list of the prophets explicitly mentioned by name in the Quran, along with key concepts related to prophethood in Islam:
| Adam | The first human and the first prophet. |
| Idris | Often identified with the biblical Enoch. Known for his wisdom and piety. |
| Nuh (Noah) | A major messenger (Rasul) known for building the Ark and warning his people of the flood. |
| Hud | Sent to the 'Ad people in Arabia. |
| Salih | Sent to the Thamud people in Arabia, associated with the miracle of the she-camel. |
| Ibrahim (Abraham) | A central figure and major messenger (Rasul), father of Ismail and Ishaq, known for his unwavering monotheism and building the Ka'ba. |
| Lut (Lot) | Nephew of Ibrahim, sent to the people of Sodom. |
| Ismail (Ishmael) | Son of Ibrahim, ancestor of the Arabs and Prophet Muhammad. Helped build the Ka'ba. |
| Ishaq (Isaac) | Son of Ibrahim, father of Yaqub. |
| Yaqub (Jacob or Israel) | Son of Ishaq, father of the 12 Tribes of Israel. |
| Yusuf (Joseph) | Son of Yaqub, known for his story in Egypt. |
| Ayyub (Job) | Known for his immense patience during suffering. |
| Shu'ayb | Sometimes identified with the biblical Jethro. Sent to the Midianites. |
| Musa (Moses) | A major messenger (Rasul) who received the Torah (Tawrat) and led the Israelites out of Egypt. |
| Harun (Aaron) | Brother of Musa, assisted him in his prophethood. |
| Dhul-Kifl | Some associate him with Ezekiel. Known for patience and faithfulness. |
| Dawud (David) | A prophet and king who received the Psalms (Zabur). |
| Sulayman (Solomon) | Son of Dawud, a prophet and wise king known for controlling winds, jinn, and understanding animals. |
| Ilyas (Elijah) | Sent to the Israelites. |
| Al-Yasa (Elisha) | Often mentioned alongside Ilyas, considered his successor. |
| Yunus (Jonah) | Known for being swallowed by a large fish. |
| Zakariyya (Zechariah) | Guardian of Maryam (Mary), father of Yahya. |
| Yahya (John the Baptist) | Son of Zakariyya. |
| Isa (Jesus) | A major messenger (Rasul) born miraculously to Maryam (Mary). Received the Gospel, performed miracles, and is believed by Muslims that he will return before the Day of Judgment. |
| Muhammad | The final prophet and messenger (Rasul) in Islam, who received the Quran. Sent to all of humanity. |
Key Concepts
Nabi (Prophet): An individual who receives revelation (Wahy) from Allah.
Rasul (Messenger): A Nabi who is given a specific divine law or scripture and commanded to deliver it to a particular nation or, in the case of Muhammad, to all humankind. All Rasuls are Nabis, but not all Nabis are Rasuls.