What Prophets Does Islam Believe In?

Islam believes in every prophet sent by Allah, from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them all), without making any distinction between them.

Muslims view these messengers as a single brotherhood. They were all chosen men sent by Allah to guide humanity to one truth: to worship the One Creator alone.

Rejecting even a single one of these prophets renders a person’s faith incomplete. The Quran explicitly states:

“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], ‘We make no distinction between any of His messengers.'” (Al-Baqarah, 2:285)

Let’s take a closer look at the major prophets Islam believes in. Here is a complete list of prophets mentioned in the Quran.

1. Adam is the first prophet Islam believes in

Adam was not just the first human being; he was the first prophet. Allah created him directly from clay and taught him the names of all things.

While the Bible mentions “Original Sin,” Islam presents a different narrative. Adam and Eve did eat from the forbidden tree, but they took responsibility immediately.

“They said, ‘Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.'” (Al-A’raf, 7:23)

They turned to Allah in repentance, and Allah forgave them completely. Therefore, humans are not born with sin; we are born with a clean slate (Fitrah).

2. Noah is a steadfast prophet Islam believes in

Noah (Nuh) serves as a powerful example of patience and perseverance. He spent 950 years calling his people to abandon idol worship and return to Allah.

“And We certainly sent Noah to his people, and he remained among them a thousand years minus fifty years…” (Al-Ankabut, 29:14)

Despite his long efforts, only a few believed in him. His people mocked him relentlessly, but he never wavered in his trust in Allah.

Under Allah’s divine instruction, Noah built the Ark. This saved the believers and pairs of animals from the great flood, cleansing the earth of disbelief.

3. Abraham is a key figure whom Islam believes in

Abraham (Ibrahim) holds a prestigious title in Islam: Khalil Allah (The Friend of Allah). He is the patriarch of monotheism and the father of prophets.

“And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth? And Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend.” (An-Nisa, 4:125)

He famously debated his father and his people, rejecting their idols with rational logic. He proved that celestial bodies and statues were unworthy of worship.

Later, he and his son Ismail (Ishmael) raised the foundations of the Kaaba in Mecca. It remains the direction of prayer for Muslims today.

4. Moses is a significant prophet Islam believes in

Moses (Musa) is the most frequently mentioned prophet in the Quran. His story details the struggle between truth and tyranny.

Allah sent him to Pharaoh to free the Children of Israel and to deliver the message of Tawheed (Oneness of Allah). He was granted the distinct honor of speaking directly to Allah.

“And Allah spoke to Moses with [direct] speech.” (An-Nisa, 4:164)

He was given major miracles, such as his staff turning into a serpent and the parting of the Red Sea. Allah revealed the Torah to him as a guidance and light.

5. Jesus is a mighty prophet Islam believes in

Islam holds Jesus (Isa) in exceptionally high regard. He was born miraculously to the Virgin Mary, who is considered one of the best women in history.

He performed clear miracles by Allah’s permission. The Quran confirms he healed the blind, cured the leper, and even raised the dead.

“And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], ‘Indeed I have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is] like the form of a bird…'” (Ali ‘Imran, 3:49)

However, Islam clarifies that Jesus was a human prophet, not divine and not the son of Allah. He was raised up by Allah and will return before the Day of Judgment.

6. Muhammad is the final prophet Islam believes in

Muhammad is the Seal of the Prophets. While previous prophets were sent to specific nations for specific times, Muhammad was sent to all of mankind.

“Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets.” (Al-Ahzab, 33:40)

He brought the Quran, the final revelation from Allah. Unlike previous scriptures, the Quran has been preserved word-for-word in its original Arabic.

His life provides the perfect example of character, mercy, and justice. His message completes and confirms the truth brought by all the brothers before him.

7. Idris is a prophet praised for his high station

Idris (Enoch) is described in the Quran as a man of truth and high standing. He was among the earliest generations of prophets.

“And mention in the Book, Idris. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet. And We raised him to a high station.” (Maryam, 19:56-57)

Islamic tradition holds that he was the first to write with a pen. His legacy is one of strict adherence to the truth.

8. Hud warned the people of ‘Ad against arrogance

Hud was sent to the tribe of ‘Ad, a civilization renowned for their physical strength and massive architecture in the region of Ahqaf (in Yemen).

They believed their power made them invincible. Hud called them to humility and monotheism, but they mocked him, asking, “Who is greater than us in strength?”

“And to ‘Aad [We sent] their brother Hud. He said, ‘O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Then will you not fear Him?'” (Al-A’raf, 7:65)

9. Salih was sent to Thamud with a miraculous she-camel

The people of Thamud carved homes out of mountains. They demanded a specific miracle from Salih to prove his prophethood: a she-camel emerging from a rock.

Allah granted this sign, but attached a condition: the camel must be allowed to graze freely.

“And to Thamud [We sent] their brother Salih… He said, ‘O my people, this is the she-camel of Allah – [she is] to you a sign. So let her eat within Allah’s land…'” (Hud, 11:61, 64)

The people defied the command and killed the camel. Consequently, they were destroyed by a terrifying blast.

10. Shu’aib preached against economic corruption to Madyan

Shu’aib (Jethro) was an eloquent speaker sent to the people of Madyan. His people were highway robbers and merchants who cheated customers.

He warned them that shortchanging people in weights and measures was a major sin that brings divine punishment.

“…Give full measure and weight and do not deprive the people of their due and do not cause corruption on the earth after its reformation…” (Al-A’raf, 7:85)

11. Lut is a prophet who warned against immorality 

Lut (Lot) was a contemporary and nephew of Abraham. He was sent to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to address their specific deviation: homosexuality and highway robbery.

“And [We had sent] Lot when he said to his people, ‘Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds?'” (Al-A’raf, 7:80)

Only his household, except for his wife, was saved. The cities were overturned and rained upon with stones of baked clay.

12. Ismail is a prophet of promise that Islam believes in

Ismail (Ishmael) is the eldest son of Abraham. He is central to Islamic belief as the forefather of the Arabs and the ancestor of Prophet Muhammad.

“And mention in the Book, Ishmael. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet.” (Maryam, 19:54)

He demonstrated ultimate submission when he agreed to be sacrificed by his father, a command which Allah replaced with a ram at the last moment.

13. Ishaq is a righteous prophet that Islam believes in

Ishaq (Isaac) was the second son of Abraham, born to Sarah in her old age. He is the patriarch of the Children of Israel.

“And We gave him good tidings of Isaac, a prophet from among the righteous.” (As-Saffat, 37:112)

His prophethood continued the legacy of monotheism established by his father, passing it down to his son Jacob.

14. Yaqub is a guiding prophet Islam believes in

Yaqub (Jacob), the son of Isaac, is also known as “Israel.” All the twelve tribes of Israel descend from his twelve sons.

“And We gave him Isaac and Jacob… and We made them leaders guiding by Our command.” (Al-Anbiya, 21:72-73)

He is depicted as a loving father who bore the grief of losing his beloved son Yusuf with “beautiful patience” (Sabrun Jameel).

15. Yusuf is a noble prophet Islam believes in

Yusuf (Joseph) is the subject of one of the most detailed narratives in the Quran. His story takes him from being thrown into a well by his brothers to becoming a minister in Egypt.

“Thus does your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of narratives…” (Yusuf, 12:6)

His life teaches profound lessons about forgiving those who wrong you and trusting Allah’s plan in the face of adversity.

16. Ayyub is a prophet of patience Islam believes in

Ayyub (Job) is the Islamic archetype of patience. He suffered the loss of his wealth, his children, and his health, yet he never complained against Allah.

“…Indeed, We found him patient, an excellent servant. Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah].” (Sad, 38:44)

After years of trial, Allah restored his health and family twofold as a reward for his steadfast gratitude.

17. Harun is a supportive prophet Islam believes in

Harun (Aaron) was the brother of Moses. Moses specifically asked Allah to make Harun a prophet to assist him because Harun was more eloquent in speech.

“And We gave him out of Our mercy his brother Aaron as a prophet.” (Maryam, 19:53)

He shared the burden of prophethood with Moses and acted as a deputy when Moses went to the mount to speak with Allah.

18. Dawud is a king and prophet that Islam believes in

Dawud (David) was both a prophet and a powerful king. He was given the Psalms (Zabur) and famously defeated Goliath (Jalut).

“And We gave David the Psalms.” (Al-Isra, 17:55)

He was known for his beautiful voice when reciting the praises of Allah and for his fasting schedule—fasting one day and eating the next.

19. Sulaiman is a grateful prophet-king whom Islam believes in

Sulaiman (Solomon), the son of Dawud, was granted a kingdom unlike any other. He could command the wind and communicate with animals and Jinn.

“And We gave to David Solomon. How excellent a servant! Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah].” (Sad, 38:30)

Despite his immense power and wealth, he remained a humble servant, constantly thanking Allah for His favors.

20. Ilyas is a warner against idolatry Islam believes in

Ilyas (Elijah) was sent to the Israelites when they began worshipping the idol Baal. He boldly called them back to the worship of the Creator.

“And indeed, Elias was from among the messengers.” (As-Saffat, 37:123)

He is honored in the Quran as one of the believing servants of Allah who stood firm against popular corruption.

21. Al-Yasa is a chosen prophet that Islam believes in

Al-Yasa (Elisha) succeeded Ilyas. While the Quran does not detail his story at length, it mentions him by name among the best of creation.

“And remember Ishmael, Elisha and Dhul-Kifl; and all are among the outstanding.” (Sad, 38:48)

His inclusion confirms that he carried the same message of Tawheed (Monotheism) as those before him.

22. Yunus is the prophet of repentance Whom Islam believes in

Yunus (Jonah) is known as the “Companion of the Fish.” He left his people in frustration before receiving Allah’s permission, leading to him being swallowed by a great whale.

“And indeed, Jonah was among the messengers.” (As-Saffat, 37:139)

He called out to Allah from the darkness of the whale’s belly. Allah saved him, and he returned to his people, who eventually believed in him—a rare success in prophetic history.

23. Dhul-Kifl is a steadfast prophet Islam believes in

Dhul-Kifl is mentioned alongside great prophets like Ismail and Idris. His name implies “Possessor of a Portion” or “The Guarantor.”

“And [mention] Ishmael and Idris and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient.” (Al-Anbiya, 21:85)

He is celebrated for his strict adherence to justice and his remarkable patience in fulfilling his duties.

24. Zakariya is a devoted prophet Islam believes in

Zakariya (Zechariah) was the guardian of Mary (Maryam) and a dedicated servant of the temple. In his old age, he prayed secretly to Allah for an heir.

“…’My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good offspring. Indeed, You are the Hearer of supplication.’ … So the angels called him … ‘Indeed, Allah gives you good tidings of John…'” (Ali ‘Imran, 3:38-39)

His story highlights the power of private supplication and hope in Allah’s mercy.

25. Yahya is a chaste prophet Islam believes in

Yahya (John the Baptist) was the son of Zakariya. He was granted wisdom, compassion, and purity while still a young boy.

“…And We gave him judgment [while yet] a boy. And affection from Us and purity, and he was fearing of Allah.” (Maryam, 19:12-13)

He paved the way for Jesus (Isa) and is described as a leader and a chaste prophet who held fast to the scripture.

Are all prophets Islam beleives in are mentioned in the Quran?

No, the Quran does not mention the names of every prophet Islam believes in. Allah chose to reveal the stories of some prophets to Muhammad (peace be upon him) for specific lessons and guidance, while the stories of others remain with Allah alone.

The Quran clarifies this distinction directly:

“And We have already sent messengers before you. Among them are those [whose stories] We have related to you, and among them are those [whose stories] We have not related to you…” (Ghafir, 40:78)

This verse confirms that there were thousands of sincere men who preached the Oneness of Allah in ancient cultures across the globe—perhaps in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe—whose names are unknown to history but are fully known and honored by Allah.

How many prophets does Islam believe in?

According to a narration from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the total number of prophets sent to humanity was 124,000. Out of these, 313 were Messengers (Rasul), carrying new laws or scriptures, while the rest were Prophets (Nabi) sent to reinforce previous laws.

“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.’…” (An-Nahl, 16:36)

This vast number highlights the justice of Allah, ensuring that no civilization was left without a warner or a guide to the truth.

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Conclusion

Islamic belief frames all prophets as part of one brotherhood, united by a single message: worship Allah alone and live by justice. Their stories differ in setting and trial, yet each reinforces the same foundational truth of Tawheed and moral responsibility.

The Quran mentions only a portion of these prophets, while affirming that many others were sent across nations and cultures. This underscores a universal divine justice, ensuring every community received guidance, even if history preserved no names.

From Adam to Muhammad, prophecy in Islam reaches its completion without contradiction or division. The sheer number of prophets—124,000—reflects a continuous mercy, confirming that guidance was never scarce, nor humanity left without direction.