Who are the major prophets of Islam? Muslims believe in every prophet Allah sent, without making any of them a rival to Allah or rejecting any of them. The Qur’an also tells us that Allah raised some messengers above others in rank, and it names five in particular as the messengers “of determination”: Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus) and Muhammad ﷺ. This guide explains what the Qur’an says about the major prophets of Islam, how Muslims understand their status, and what each one teaches.
Believing in All the Prophets
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allāh and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.””
— Qur’an 2:285, Saheeh International
Before looking at the major prophets of Islam, it helps to understand this principle. “No distinction” means that Muslims believe in all the messengers equally as true messengers of Allah. It does not mean that they all had the same role or rank.
Some Messengers Raised Above Others
“Those messengers – some of them We caused to exceed others. Among them were those to whom Allāh spoke, and He raised some of them in degree. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs, and We supported him with the Pure Spirit [i.e., Gabriel].”
— Qur’an 2:253 (part of the verse), Saheeh International
The Messengers of Determination (Ulul-‘Azm)
Allah told the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
“So be patient, [O Muḥammad], as were those of determination among the messengers and do not be impatient for them.”
— Qur’an 46:35 (part of the verse), Saheeh International
Two other verses name the same five messengers together:
“And [mention, O Muḥammad], when We took from the prophets their covenant and from you and from Noah and Abraham and Moses and Jesus, the son of Mary; and We took from them a solemn covenant”
— Qur’an 33:7, Saheeh International
“He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus – to establish the religion and not be divided therein.”
— Qur’an 42:13 (part of the verse), Saheeh International
Based on these verses, many scholars identify these five major prophets of Islam as the Ulul-‘Azm, the messengers of firm resolve.
The Five Major Prophets of Islam
Nuh (Noah)
The first of the major prophets of Islam named in these verses is Nuh. He called his people to worship Allah alone for a very long time, and only a few believed. The Qur’an tells of the Ark and the flood in several surahs, including Surah Hud and Surah Nuh. His story is an example of perseverance in calling to the truth.
Ibrahim (Abraham)
Among the major prophets of Islam, Ibrahim rejected the idols of his people and was saved from the fire (21:69). With his son Isma‘il he raised the foundations of the Ka‘bah (2:127). Muslims call him Khalilullah, the close friend of Allah (4:125), and many acts of Hajj recall his family’s story.
Musa (Moses)
Musa was sent to Pharaoh and led the Children of Israel out of Egypt. Allah spoke to him directly (4:164) and gave him the Torah. Read our full story of Prophet Musa.
Isa (Jesus)
Isa, son of Maryam, was born without a father by Allah’s command and was given the Injil. The Qur’an describes his miracles as happening “by permission of Allah” (3:49). Muslims honour him as a messenger, not as divine. See our guide to miracles in the Quran.
Muhammad ﷺ
“Muḥammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allāh and seal [i.e., last] of the prophets. And ever is Allāh, of all things, Knowing.”
— Qur’an 33:40, Saheeh International
The last of the major prophets of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is the final messenger, sent with the Qur’an to all people. Read more about the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Other Prophets Named in the Qur’an
The Qur’an names many other prophets, including Adam, Idris, Hud, Salih, Lut, Isma‘il, Ishaq, Ya‘qub, Yusuf, Ayyub, Shu‘ayb, Harun, Dhul-Kifl, Dawud, Sulayman, Ilyas, Alyasa, Yunus, Zakariya and Yahya. Scholars commonly count 25 prophets named in the Qur’an. The Qur’an also says that there were other messengers whose stories were not told to the Prophet ﷺ (4:164).
What the Major Prophets of Islam Teach Us
- One message: Qur’an 42:13 shows that all five were sent with the same religion: worship Allah alone and do not divide over it.
- Patience under pressure: 46:35 holds them up as examples of steadfastness.
- Respect for every prophet: believing in all of them, as 2:285 teaches, is part of Islamic faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the major prophets of Islam?
The major prophets of Islam are usually identified as Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa and Muhammad ﷺ, named together in Qur’an 33:7 and 42:13 and understood by many scholars as the messengers “of determination” mentioned in 46:35.
How many prophets are there in Islam?
The Qur’an names around 25, and states that there were others whose stories were not told. Figures for the total number appear in some narrations; because their authenticity is discussed by scholars, we have not stated a number here.
Do Muslims believe in Jesus?
Yes. Muslims believe Isa (Jesus) was one of the greatest messengers of Allah, born miraculously to Maryam. Islam does not regard him as divine.
Keeping the Qur’an’s Words in View
Many families keep a verse or supplication from these stories at home as a daily reminder. Our dua collection, including the Dua of Yunus design, offers instant digital downloads supplied as high-resolution JPEG files for printing at home or at a local print shop; no physical item is shipped. Custom designs, such as a verse from Surah Maryam, can be requested.
