The Stories of the 25 Prophets Mentioned in the Quran
In Islam, the prophets are extraordinary individuals chosen by Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) and sent to communities throughout history. Their essential mission was twofold: to serve as exemplary role models of faith and character, and to deliver the divine message of Islam—the submission to the One True God.
While the Quran mentions 25 prophets by name, Muslims believe many more were sent to guide humanity. As Allah states in the Quran, “And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:36). This series is dedicated to exploring the detailed accounts of the 25 prophets named in the divine revelation.
To provide an authentic and comprehensive resource, this collection is meticulously adapted from the classical masterpiece, Qisas al-Anbiya (Stories of the Prophets), by the renowned scholar Ibn Kathir. To add further depth and modern relevance, we have expanded upon these foundational narrations with key insights from contemporary Quranic commentaries (tafsir).
Insha’Allah (God willing), you can read, learn, and draw inspiration from the journey of each prophet. They are presented as perfect role models of patience, perseverance, and unwavering faith for all of humanity to follow.
Explore the Complete List of Prophets Mentioned in the Quran:
1. The Story of Prophet Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ):ادم The Father of Humanity
The journey of Prophet Adam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), the first man and the father of all humanity, is the starting point of our shared history. His narrative is not just a historical account but a foundational lesson in the human experience.
This account, detailed in the Quran and Sunnah, explores profound themes: the miracle of Adam’s creation from clay, the divine honor bestowed upon him by the angels, and the origin of arrogance and disobedience embodied by Iblis (Satan).
More than just a story of the first sin and the temptation in Paradise, Adam’s journey is the ultimate archetype of Tawbah (repentance). It perfectly illustrates humanity’s core purpose as vicegerents (khalifah) on Earth and demonstrates the boundless nature of Allah’s (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) love, forgiveness, and infinite Mercy. The lessons from his life—covering humility, knowledge, resilience, and our relationship with the Creator—are timeless.
2. The Story of Prophet Idris (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) – ادريس
Following the era of Adam, Prophet Idris (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known in Judeo-Christian traditions as Enoch, holds the distinct honor of being the second prophet in Islam. His story marks a pivotal moment in human history, shifting from basic survival to the establishment of civilization and divine law.
Prophet Idris is celebrated as a pioneer of knowledge and skill; tradition holds he was the first man to write with a pen, the first to sew garments, and the first to study astronomy.
Significantly, his mission involved confronting the growing moral decay of his time. He is recognized as the first prophet to organize a Jihad (a righteous struggle), leading the faithful believers against the widespread corruption and tyranny of the descendants of Qabil (Cain) to re-establish justice and the pure worship of Allah.
3. The Story of Prophet Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) – نوح
The story of Prophet Nuh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), or Noah, is a defining narrative of faith, patience, and divine justice. He is one of the five great messengers known as the ‘Ulul ‘Azm (Prophets of Resolve) due to his unwavering perseverance.
Nuh (as) was sent to humanity generations after Prophet Idris. By this time, the people had tragically deviated from the pure monotheism (Tawhid) taught by Adam and Idris. His community is historically significant as the first to fall into Shirk (polytheism), fashioning idols to worship righteous men from their past.
In the face of this widespread corruption and a society dominated by disbelievers, Prophet Nuh was commissioned to warn his people. He preached with unparalleled patience and determination, enduring ridicule and rejection for 950 years, as mentioned in the Quran. His epic story, culminating in the Great Flood and the salvation of the believers in the Ark, serves as a powerful testament to the consequences of disbelief and the absolute Mercy of Allah to the faithful.
4. The Story of Prophet Hud (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)هود
The story of Prophet Hud (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) addresses one of the most powerful and arrogant civilizations in history: the tribe of ‘Ad. As the first great civilization to emerge after the Great Flood of Nuh’s time, the people of ‘Ad were blessed by Allah with unparalleled gifts.
They were renowned for their unmatched physical strength and stature and their mastery of architecture, building lofty, towering structures in their homeland of Al-Ahqaf—famously described in the Quran as “Iram of the Pillars” (إِرَمَ ذَاتِ ٱلْعِمَادِ).
However, instead of gratitude, these gifts fostered an immense arrogance (kibr). They became tyrants on earth, believing their power made them invincible. Prophet Hud was tasked with guiding this powerful tribe back to the straight path of Tawhid. He courageously warned them against their polytheism and arrogance, but they ridiculed his message and defiantly rejected the Prophet. This narrative serves as a stark warning about the consequences of pride and the rejection of divine guidance, culminating in their infamous destruction by a furious, barren wind.
5. The Story of Prophet Saleh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) صالح
The People of Thamud were the successors to the civilization of ‘Ad, inheriting their strength and ingenuity. Settling in the region of Al-Hijr (also known as Mada’in Saleh), they became masters of their domain, renowned for their unmatched ability to carve magnificent, elaborate homes directly into the mountainsides.
As their civilization grew increasingly prosperous, their gratitude to Allah faded. This prosperity led to arrogance, idol worship, and an obsession with short-term materialistic pleasures and social status.
To guide them, Allah sent one of their own: Prophet Saleh (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), a man already known among them for his wisdom, integrity, and respected lineage. He implored them to abandon their idols and warned them that their actions would have dire consequences.
When they arrogantly demanded a miracle, Allah sent them the ultimate test: the miraculous She-Camel (الناقة). Read the full story to learn what happened to the people of Thamud, the fate of the She-Camel, and the terrifying consequence of their defiance.
6. The Story of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) – ابراهيم
The narrative of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a cornerstone of faith and one of the most profound epics of perseverance in the Quran. He is one of the five great ‘Ulul ‘Azm (Prophets of Resolve) and holds the unique, intimate title of “Khalil-Allah” (The Friend of Allah).
His story is the ultimate chronicle of Tawhid (pure monotheism). What is profoundly inspiring is how he endured a long and spiritually lonely life, standing as a nation of one against the world. He confronted his own father’s idol-carving, his entire community’s polytheism, and the tyranny of the king, Nimrod.
As one of the most beloved people to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ), he was tested severely with trials that demonstrated his unwavering submission:
- The Test of Fire: Being cast into a blazing furnace by his people, trusting only in Allah for safety.
- The Test of Solitude: Being commanded to leave his wife Hajar and infant son Ismail in the barren, lifeless valley of Makkah.
- The Test of Sacrifice: Receiving the unimaginable command to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (as).
Prophet Ibrahim’s journey perfectly illustrates the divine principle: the bigger the test, the bigger the reward and the higher the station. His unwavering faith through every trial earned him the title “Father of the Prophets” and established his legacy for all time.
7. The Story of Prophet Lut (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)-لوط
The story of Prophet Lut (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known as Lot in the Bible, is a stark narrative of moral collapse centered on the cities of the plain, Sodom and Gomorrah. The people of Sodom were prosperous and thriving, blessed with fertile lands. However, as is a recurring theme, this material success led them to diverge far from the path of Allah.
Their society descended into complete moral anarchy, becoming notorious for highway robbery, public indecency, and a defiant rejection of all divine laws. The Quran cites them as the first people in human history to engage in a specific sinful activity: open homosexuality as a widespread community practice.
To warn this corrupt civilization, Allah sent Prophet Lut, the nephew of Prophet Ibrahim (as). He was tasked with the immense challenge of calling them back to decency, justice, and the worship of the One God. As you noted, the account of Sodom’s arrogance and its subsequent divine destruction is a profound lesson mentioned prominently in the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths.
8. The Story of Prophet Ismail (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) – اسماعيل
The life of Prophet Ismail (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), or Ishmael, is the ultimate testament to Tawakkul (pure trust in Allah سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ). He was the firstborn, miraculous son of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his second wife, Hajar (Hagar), granted to them after decades of prayer.
His story is defined by a series of profound tests, each demonstrating complete submission to the divine will:
- The Test of the Desert: As an infant, he and his mother Hajar were stranded in the barren, lifeless valley of Makkah with no food or water. Hajar’s desperate running between the hills of Safa and Marwa led to the miraculous gushing of the Zamzam well, creating the foundation for a new city.
- The Test of Sacrifice: Years later, Ismail (as) willingly submitted alongside his father, Ibrahim, to the divine command in what is known as the ultimate test of sacrifice, an event commemorated today as Eid al-Adha.
- The Test of Building: He stood shoulder-to-shoulder with his father to fulfill their greatest commission: building the holy Kaaba and purifying it as the global center for the worship of the One True God.
Prophet Ismail (as) is not only a major prophet in his own right but also the revered ancestor of the final prophet, Muhammad (ﷺ).
9. The Story of Prophet Ishaq (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) – اسحاق
The life of Prophet Ishaq (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), or Isaac, is a profound story of divine promise and miraculous blessings. He was the second son of Prophet Ibrahim (as), and his only son from his first wife, Sarah.
His birth itself was a miracle. The “good tidings” (bushra) of his arrival were delivered to Ibrahim and Sarah by angels when they were both in extreme old age and Sarah had been barren her entire life. This event, detailed in the Quran, serves as a powerful lesson in the absolute omnipotence of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).
As the half-brother of Prophet Ismail (as), Ishaq (as) carried forward the prophetic light. His greatest legacy is that he is the father of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob), who would later be known as “Israel.” From Prophet Ishaq’s lineage, therefore, descends the long line of prophets known as the Banu Isra’il (Children of Israel).
10. The Story of Prophet Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) – يعقوب (Israel)
The narrative of Prophet Yaqub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), or Jacob, is one of the most moving accounts of faith and perseverance in the Quran. He is the son of Prophet Ishaq (as) and the grandson of the patriarch, Ibrahim (as). Yaqub (as) was also given the noble title of “Israel” (إِسْرَائِيل), and his twelve sons would become the patriarchs of the Twelve Tribes, known forever as the Banu Isra’il (Children of Israel).
While his prophetic legacy is immense, his personal story teaches believers precisely how one should respond in times of profound distress.
His life was defined by a series of agonizing trials, the greatest of which was the devastating and prolonged loss of his beloved son, Prophet Yusuf (as), at the hands of his own brothers. Despite decades of overwhelming grief, Yaqub (as) never despaired of Allah’s mercy. Instead, he modeled for humanity the profound spiritual concept of “Sabrun Jameel” (صَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ). This is not mere patience, but a “beautiful patience”—a steadfast endurance free of complaint, rooted in the absolute certainty (yaqeen) of Allah’s wisdom and ultimate relief.
11. The Story of Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) – يوسفThe Best of Stories
The story of Prophet Yusuf (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), or Joseph, is so profound and comprehensive that Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) Himself names its chapter “Ahsan al-Qasas” (أَحْسَنُ ٱلْقَصَصِ) — the very best of stories.
It begins with a divine vision: a dream that he was destined for greatness, in which he saw the sun, the moon, and eleven stars prostrating before him. Yet, as you perfectly described, his life immediately became a cascade of adversity and difficulty, where it seemed everything was conspiring against his destiny.
He was betrayed by his own brothers, consumed by jealousy, and left for dead in a well. He was then sold as a slave in Egypt, only to face an even greater test of his piety and resolve in the house of the Aziz, where he resisted the advances of his wife (Zulaikha). For his righteousness, his reward was to be unjustly imprisoned for years.
As you noted, Yusuf (as) could have chosen to be bitter. He had every right to question his fate and ask Allah, “What happened to my dream destined for greatness?” He could have complained, “Why do these things keep happening to me?”
But he knew better. He possessed a profound understanding of Tawakkul (trust) and Sabr (patience). He knew that his dream was a promise from Allah, and these agonizing trials were not a deviation from the path, but the exact path Allah had planned to forge his character, protect his piety, and elevate him to the seat of power as the great interpreter of dreams and the savior of Egypt.
12. The Story of Prophet Ayyub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) ايوب- The Archetype of Patience
The story of Prophet Ayyub (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), or Job, is the quintessential Islamic narrative of adversity, perseverance, and unwavering faith. He is the very archetype of Sabr (patience).
Prophet Ayyub was a man blessed with everything: vast wealth, extensive lands, numerous children, and robust health. His gratitude (Shukr) to Allah was as boundless as his blessings. This piety angered Iblis (Satan), who argued to Allah that Ayyub was only faithful because of his prosperity, and his faith would shatter if tested.
Allah permitted this severe test to demonstrate Ayyub’s sincerity. In a series of devastating blows, Ayyub (as) lost everything:
- His wealth was destroyed.
- His many children perished.
- His body was struck by a severe, debilitating illness that left him in pain and isolated for years.
Through this unimaginable suffering, Prophet Ayyub (as) never wavered. As you perfectly stated, his love for Allah only grew. He remained true to himself and never questioned or doubted Allah’s will for a second, his tongue remaining moist with the remembrance of his Lord.
His profound patience earned him the highest praise in the Quran: “We found him patient. An excellent servant!” (Quran 38:44). His story is the ultimate lesson for all believers on how to be more patient and trusting (Tawakkul) in Allah, no matter the severity of the trial.
13. The Story of Prophet Shu’aib (عَلَيْهِ السلام)شعيب – The Preacher to Madyan
The story of Prophet Shu’aib (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), whom many scholars identify as Jethro from the Judeo-Christian tradition, is a powerful lesson in social and economic justice. He was sent by Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) to the people of Madyan (Midian).
The people of Madyan were a prosperous trading community, but their wealth was built on systemic corruption. They were notorious for two major sins: idol worship and dishonest business dealings. Their primary crime was “Tatfif”—defrauding people by cheating in the weights and measures, giving less than what was due and taking more for themselves.
Prophet Shu’aib, renowned for his profound eloquence and wisdom—earning him the title “Khatib al-Anbiya” (The Orator of the Prophets)—was tasked with warning them. We learn from his story the critical importance of integrity in business, fair dealings, equality, and justice.
His narrative is also famously intertwined with the life of Prophet Musa (as), who fled to Madyan and found refuge, guidance, and family with Prophet Shu’aib.
14. The Story of Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ السلام)موسي – The One Who Spoke to Allah
The epic of Prophet Musa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), or Moses, is the most frequently detailed and most mentioned prophetic story in the Quran, spanning numerous chapters. His life is a profound narrative of divine intervention and resilience, as it was filled with severe trials from the very moment he was born.
Born under a death sentence from the tyrant of Egypt, Pharaoh (Fir’awn), Musa’s (as) life was saved by Allah’s command to place him in a basket on the Nile, only to have him miraculously raised within the very palace of his enemy.
Musa (as) is one of the five great ‘Ulul ‘Azm (Prophets of Resolve) and holds the unique title of “Kalam-Allah” (كَلِيمُ ٱللَّٰهِ), the one to whom Allah spoke directly.
His monumental mission was to fight hard against tyranny and oppression by confronting Pharaoh, the era’s greatest disbeliever, and to free the Bani Isra’il (Children of Israel) from their brutal bondage. Armed with divine miracles like the Staff (العصا) and the Shining Hand (الْيَدُ الْبَيْضَاء), and later receiving the Tawrat (Torah), his story culminates in the legendary exodus and the parting of the Red Sea—a timeless victory of faith over arrogance.
15. The Story of Prophet Harun (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) – هارون
The story of Prophet Harun (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), or Aaron, is inseparable from the epic mission of his younger brother, Prophet Musa (as). He was a divine gift, granted to Musa after he famously prayed to Allah, “Appoint for me a Wazir (helper) from my family, Harun, my brother. Increase my strength with him and let him share my task.” (Quran 20:29-32).
Harun (as) was chosen for this role due to his legendary eloquence (فَصَاحَة) and steadfastness. He served alongside his brother as a powerful voice of truth in the court of Pharaoh, and as a leader in the monumental quest to free the Children of Israel (Bani Isra’il) from bondage.
However, Harun’s greatest personal test came during Musa’s absence on Mount Tur (Sinai). He was left in charge of a people whose faith was still fragile. As you noted, his story powerfully teaches us the dangers of falling into the same old, ingrained bad habits.
Led astray by a man known as As-Samiri, the Bani Isra’il reverted to the idol-worship they had just left behind in Egypt, melting their gold to create and worship a Golden Calf (الْعِجْل). Prophet Harun’s courageous and desperate struggle to prevent this act of Shirk (polytheism)—despite their threats to kill him—serves as a timeless warning about the fragility of faith and the ease with which a community can lose its way.
16. The Story of Prophet Dhul-Kifl (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)ذو الكفل
The narrative of Prophet Dhul-Kifl (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is unique. As you noted, he is one of the lesser-known prophets in the Quran, and his story remains somewhat of a mystery to scholars. Many classical commentators identify him with the biblical prophet Ezekiel (حزقيال), who preached to the Children of Israel during their exile.
While the Quran does not detail his life’s events, it gives him the highest honor by mentioning him by name twice. Both mentions serve as an eternal testament to his profound moral character and high spiritual station:
- In Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85), Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) lists him alongside Ismail and Idris, stating: “…all were of the patient (min as-Sabirin).”
- In Surah Sad (38:48), he is again honored: “And remember Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl; and all are among the chosen (min al-Akhyar).”
His very name, “Dhul-Kifl,” is descriptive, meaning “The Possessor of the Portion” or “The One of the Guarantee.” This is often linked to a powerful tradition that he guaranteed to fast every day, pray every night, and never get angry, thus fulfilling his covenant and proving the immense patience for which he is praised by Allah.
17. The Story of Prophet Dawud (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) – دوادThe Prophet-King
The life of Prophet Dawud (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), or David, marks a new era of divine leadership. He holds the rare distinction of being both a chosen Prophet and a righteous King. He was sent to guide the Children of Israel (Bani Isra’il) in the period after the passing of Prophets Musa and Harun, when they needed a strong, just leader.
His epic journey began when he famously defeated the giant tyrant Jalut (Goliath), catapulting him from a humble shepherd to the commander of an army and, eventually, the king.
Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) bestowed upon him unique gifts:
- The Zabur (Psalms): He was given a divine scripture, the Zabur, filled with wisdom and praise.
- A Miraculous Voice: When he recited the Zabur, the very mountains and the birds would join him in chorus, glorifying Allah.
- The Softening of Iron: Allah gave him the unique miracle of being able to soften iron in his hands like clay, allowing him to craft intricate chainmail armor.
As you noted, Prophet Dawud (as) was among the most influential and devout worshippers of Allah, fasting every other day, and he remained so until his last breath. His legacy of blending justice, kingship, and piety was passed directly to his son, the wise Prophet Sulaiman (as).
18. The Story of Prophet Sulaiman (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) -سليمان The King with No Equal
The reign of Prophet Sulaiman (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), or Solomon, represents the absolute peak of the prophetic kingdom. As the youngest son of Prophet Dawud (as), he inherited not only the throne as the third king of Israel but also the mantle of prophethood and his father’s profound wisdom.
Sulaiman (as) is famous for a unique prayer he made to Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ): “My Lord… grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me” (Quran 38:35). Allah answered his prayer, bestowing upon him many miraculous gifts and a dominion the world had never seen before or since.
His unparalleled kingdom included:
- Control Over the Jinn: He was given the power to rule over the Jinn, who served as his supernatural labor force, diving into the sea for pearls and building magnificent structures, including the Temple in Jerusalem (Bayt al-Maqdis).
- Understanding Animals: He possessed the miraculous ability to speak with and understand the language of animals, famously demonstrated in his encounters with the humble ant and his intelligent messenger, the Hoopoe (الهدهد).
- Command of the Wind: Allah subjected the wind itself to his command, allowing him to travel vast distances in an instant.
Despite this immense power, he is regarded as one of the greatest and most just rulers in history, with his wisdom immortalized in his encounter with the powerful Queen of Sheba (ملكة سبأ), whom he guided to the path of Tawhid.
19. The Story of Prophet Ilyas (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) – الياس
The story of Prophet Ilyas (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), the biblical Elijah, is a powerful narrative focused on the uncompromising battle for Tawhid (monotheism). As you correctly noted, he is mentioned by name only twice in the Quran, but these references provide a clear picture of his mission.
- In Surah Al-An’am (6:85), he is listed by Allah among the ranks of the great prophets, confirming his status as “one of the righteous” (min as-Salihin).
- In Surah As-Saffat (37:123-132), the Quran details his courageous struggle. These verses truly reveal his powerful character.
Prophet Ilyas was sent to the Children of Israel (in the Kingdom of Samaria) at a time when they had fallen deep into polytheism. They had abandoned the worship of Allah to devote themselves to a popular local idol named Ba’l (بَعْل).
Prophet Ilyas (as) fearlessly confronted his people with a direct and powerful challenge: “Do you call upon Ba’l and leave the Best of creators, Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your first forefathers?” (Quran 37:125-126). His story is a profound lesson in courage, showing one man’s stand against a corrupt, idolatrous society, and it concludes with Allah preserving his honor forever: “Peace be upon Ilyasin (Elias).”
20. The Story of Prophet Al-Yasa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) – أليست
The narrative of Prophet Al-Yasa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known as Elisha in the Judeo-Christian tradition, is directly intertwined with the mission of his mentor, Prophet Ilyas (Elijah). As you correctly noted, Al-Yasa (as) is a revered Prophet in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
He was the devoted disciple and spiritual successor to Prophet Ilyas (as), chosen by Allah to carry the mantle of prophethood after him. His mission was to continue the challenging work of calling the rebellious Children of Israel back to Tawhid and away from idol worship (like that of Ba’l).
Similarly, like Prophet Ilyas, he is mentioned twice in the Quran, not with details of his life, but as an affirmation of his high spiritual rank among the chosen:In Surah Al-An’am (6:86), Allah lists him among the prophets He “preferred above all nations.”In Surah Sad (38:48), he is honored again alongside Ismail and Dhul-Kifl as one of “the chosen” (min al-Akhyar).
His story is a lesson in spiritual inheritance and the importance of continuing the call to righteousness, even after a great teacher has passed.
21. The Story of Prophet Yunus (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) – يونس (Dhun-Nun)
The story of Prophet Yunus (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), or Jonah, is a profound and difficult lesson in patience, the consequences of human frailty, and the boundless nature of divine mercy. He is famously known in the Quran by the title “Dhun-Nun” (ذُو ٱلنُّونِ), meaning “The Man of the Fish (Whale).”
He was sent to the wicked people of Nineveh , calling them to Tawhid. But they repeatedly rejected his message. In a moment of intense frustration and impatience—and crucially, without receiving Allah’s permission to leave—Yunus (as) abandoned his mission.
His commitment was tested, and he had to face the direct consequence of this decision. He boarded a ship, was cast into a raging sea, and was swallowed by a giant fish. In the triple layers of darkness—the belly of the fish, the depth of the sea, and the blackness of the night—he realized his error and offered one of the most powerful prayers of repentance (Tawbah) known to humanity:
“There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.” (La ilaha illa anta subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimin – 21:87)
His story powerfully demonstrates Allah’s infinite Mercy. It shows that no matter how dire the situation, if you turn back to Allah with sincere repentance, He will shower His Mercy upon you. Uniquely, Prophet Yunus’s story concludes with a double miracle: his own salvation from the fish, and the salvation of his entire nation, who repented en masse and were spared the divine punishment.
22. The Story of Prophet Zakariyya (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) – زكريا
The story of Prophet Zakariyya (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), or Zechariah, is a beautiful narrative of faith, service, and miraculous answered prayers. He was a noble prophet and a high priest sent to tread the blessed soil of Jerusalem, serving in the Temple (Bayt al-Maqdis) and guiding the Children of Israel back to the pure path of Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ).
His life is intrinsically linked to the mother of Prophet Isa (as). By divine will, Prophet Zakariyya (as) was chosen by lot to become the guardian of Maryam (Mary), the daughter of his wife’s sister.
While tending to her in the sanctuary, he witnessed a miracle that rekindled his own hope: he would find her with out-of-season, heavenly provisions (Rizq). Seeing this, Zakariyya (as)—an extremely old man whose wife was barren—was inspired to pray in that very spot for a miracle of his own: a righteous heir. His story culminates in the “good tidings” from the angels of a son, the noble Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist), demonstrating that with Allah, nothing is impossible.
23. The Story of Prophet Yahya (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) – يحى
The life of Prophet Yahya (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), or John the Baptist, is a profound narrative of purity, piety, and divine purpose. He was the miraculous and long-awaited son of Prophet Zakariya (as), and his name, “Yahya,” was chosen directly by Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ)—a name never given to anyone before him.
As you noted, Prophet Yahya (as) was special from a very young age. The Quran confirms this miraculous distinction, stating: “O Yahya! Hold fast to the Scripture.” And We gave him “Al-Hukm” (ٱلْحُكْم) — divine wisdom and judgment — while he was still a child (Quran 19:12).
While other children his age spent their time playing, he was uniquely observant and studious, dedicating himself to understanding the Tawrat (Torah). Furthermore, Allah gifted him with “Hanan” (حَنَان) from Himself—a special gentle-heartedness, compassion, and purity. This divine gift explains his deep love for animals, nature, and all of creation.
His mission, as described in the Quran, was to be a Sayyidan (a noble leader), a Hasuran (chaste and sinless), and a prophet sent to confirm the “Word from Allah”—the coming of his cousin, Prophet Isa (Jesus).
24. The Story of Prophet Isa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) – عيسى, the Messiah
The narrative of Prophet Isa (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), or Jesus, the son of Maryam, is one of the most profound and pivotal in the Quran. As you noted, he holds the high station of being one of the five ‘Ulul ‘Azm (The Prophets of Resolve). He was the last known messenger sent specifically to the Children of Israel before the arrival of the final prophet, Muhammad (ﷺ).
His entire existence was a miracle, beginning with his very conception. He is known by his titles “Al-Masih” (ٱلْمَسِيحُ – The Messiah), a “Word from Allah” (Kalimatullah), and a “Spirit from Him” (Ruh min-hu), born miraculously to the pure Virgin Maryam (Mary) without a father.
As you mentioned, Allah (سُبْحَٰنَهُۥ وَتَعَٰلَىٰ) blessed him with the ability to perform many unique miracles to prove his prophethood, all bi’idhnillah (by the permission of Allah):
- Speaking from the cradle to defend his mother’s honor.
- Breathing life into birds formed from clay.
- Healing the blind and the leper.
- Raising the dead to life.
- Knowing what people ate and stored in their homes.
Prophet Isa (as) was given a divine scripture, the Injeel (الإنجيل – The Gospel), to confirm the Tawrat (Torah) that came before him. His story concludes not with death on a cross—as the Quran definitively states “they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him” (4:157)—but with his miraculous Ascension (الرفع), being raised alive by Allah to the heavens, from where he is destined to return before the end of time.
25. The Story of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)محمد: The Seal of the Prophets
The story of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the culmination, completion, and perfection of the divine message sent to humanity. He is “Khatam an-Nabiyyin” (خَاتَمَ ٱلنَّبِيِّينَ) — The Seal of the Prophets. His life, known as As-Seerah An-Nabawiyyah (السيرة النبوية), is not merely a historical biography but the living, breathing, and divinely-guided implementation of the Quran itself.
As you have perfectly stated, it should be the sacred duty of every Muslim to study and learn about the Seerah.
Why? Because through this study, we come to see precisely how he was the “Uswah Hasanah” (أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ) — the “Excellent Role Model” — sent as a mercy to the entire Ummah (and all worlds).
His life is the blueprint. The Seerah answers our most critical questions with practical, real-world examples:
- What made him the ideal husband and father, balancing love, mercy, and responsibility?
- How was he such an effective leader, who transformed a fractured, tribal society into a unified, just, and compassionate Ummah?
- In what ways can we follow in his footsteps (his Sunnah) in our daily transactions, our speech, our character, and our worship to become a better servant of Allah ?
From his time as “Al-Amin” (The Trustworthy) in Makkah to his role as the statesman of Madinah, every facet of his life is a timeless lesson, providing the ultimate guide to piety, purpose, and salvation.