Prophethood in Islam


Since Adam, Allah has sent many Prophets and Messengers to guide Mankind.

... And there never was a nation except a Warner had passed among them. (Quran 35:24)

"From Adam to me (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), Allah sent one hundred and twenty four thousand Prophets, of whom three hundred and fifteen were Messengers (i.e. given a Scripture or Book)." (Hadith)

They all urged people to worship Allah alone and avoid false gods.

And verily, We have sent among every Nation a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship Allah (alone), and shun false deities. (Quran 16:36)

We believe and love all of them without distinction.

Say: 'We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismaeel (Ishmael), Ishaaq (Isaac), Yaqub (Jacob), and to the twelve tribes of Jacob, and that which has been given to Musa (Moses) and Eesah (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam). (Quran 2:136)

They are infallible in conveying Allah's Message and did not commit major sins.

Are the Messengers charged with anything but to convey clearly the Message? (Quran 16:35)

Even though they had different laws they all called to the same faith.

"The Prophets are like brothers from one father, their mothers are different but their religion is one." (Hadith)

They were chosen by Allah but were only human beings.

And We never sent before you (Muhammad) any of the Messengers but verily, they ate food and walked in the markets... (Quran 25:20)

Even though some were supported by miracles they never called people to worship or pray through them.

It is not (possible) for any human being to whom Allah has given the Book and the knowledge (of the Laws of religion) and the Prophethood to say to the people: "Be my worshippers rather than Allah's... (Quran 3:79)

They all had pious characters and were good role models.

Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much (Quran 33:21)

Some were given Holy Books to guide.

It is He Who has sent down the Book (the Quran) to you (Muhammad) with truth, confirming what came before it. And He sent down the Torah and the Injeel (Gospel). (Quran 3:3)

and to Dawud (David) We gave the Zabur (Psalms). (Quran 17:55)

Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم is the Last Prophet, his laws complete Allah's message to man.

Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the seal (last) of the Prophets. And Allah is Ever All Aware of everything (Quran 33:40)