Are Prophets in Islam Relevant to Non-Muslims? What Can We Learn From Them?

Within the religion of Islam, prophets, or “messengers that are sent upon this earth by God directly to carry out the message of the Divine they are responsible for, and to act as an intermediary between the Almighty and mankind.” In this blog article, we will address the commonly asked question “who are the prophets in Islam,” “what significance do prophets carry within the Islamic faith,” and we will also explore the lives and pivotal roles of Islam’s major prophets — Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. This article will highlight the unique contributions each have made to this religion, and explain why they hold such a special place in the hearts of believers.

**Next to the names of the prophets, you will notice the abbreviation ‘(as).’ This means ‘alay his-salaam’ in Arabic, and this translates to “Peace be upon him.” Muslims recite this after mentioning the names of the prophets as a form of showing their respect.

Prophet Adam (as)

In Islamic tradition, and even within major religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Gnosticism, Prophet Adam (as) holds a highly distinguished role as he was not only the first human created by God, but as a result, he was also the first prophet sent down to the earth to guide all of mankind. Within the Quran, the holy book of Islam and the revelation sent to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his creation is often cited in the Quran as a sign of divine creativity and power, formed from clay and granted life by God’s spirit. Prophet Adam (as)’s story in Islam is fundamentally a narrative of humanity’s potential and fallibility.

Here are some verses from the Quran that highlight the importance of Prophet Adam (as)’s creation, how his prophethood is far different and unique than the prophethood of God’s other emissaries:

“˹Remember˺ when your Lord said to the angels, ‘I am going to place a successive ˹human˺ authority on earth.’ They asked ˹God˺, ‘Will You place in it someone who will spread corruption there and shed blood while we glorify Your praises and proclaim Your holiness?’ God responded, ‘I know what you do not know.’” – The Clear Quran®, 2:30
“Surely We created you, then shaped you, then said to the angels, ‘Prostrate before Adam,’ so they all did—but not Iblîs, who refused to prostrate with the others.’” – The Clear Quran®, 7:11
“He taught Adam the names of all things, then He presented them to the angels and said, ‘Tell Me the names of these, if what you say is true?’ They replied, ‘Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. You are truly the All-Knowing, All-Wise.’ God said, ‘O Adam! Inform them of their names.’ Then when Adam did, God said, ‘Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you conceal.’” – The Clear Quran®, 2:31-33

After the creation of Prophet Adam (AS), God created Hawwa (Eve in English), who is revered in the Islamic faith as the first woman and the companion of Adam. According to Islamic tradition, both Adam and Hawwa were created by God as the first human beings, with Adam formed from clay and Hawwa created from Adam’s rib to be his partner. Together, they were placed in Paradise, marking the beginning of human existence and the shared journey of mankind.

The creation of Hawwa is of great significance. In the Quran, God states, “O humanity! Be mindful of your Lord Who created you from a single soul, and from it He created its mate, and through both He spread countless men and women. And be mindful of God—in Whose Name you appeal to one another—and ˹honour˺ family ties. Surely God is ever Watchful over you.” The Clear Quran®, 4:1.

Prophet Adam (as) and his wife lived in Paradise until they were tempted by Satan to eat from the forbidden tree (a story that is commonly agreed upon within the Abrahamic faiths). This act of disobedience resulted in their descent to earth, marking the beginning of human life on this planet. This story teaches several important lessons—primarily the concepts of temptation, repentance, and God’s boundless mercy. God forgave Prophet Adam (as) after he sincerely repented, demonstrating that forgiveness is always within reach if one turns back to God with true intentions and a promise to never repeat the same mistake twice.

Moreover, Prophet Adam (as)’s role as the first prophet was significant in teaching his descendants how to live righteously according to divine commands. He was given the knowledge of names and nature, signifying the unique intellectual status of humans among all creatures. His life and teachings set the foundational knowledge and the ethical framework that would be built upon by the following prophets.

Prophet Noah – Nuh (as)

Among the earliest prophets in Islam is Noah, known as Nuh in Arabic. He is revered in the Quran as a “Grateful Servant” and a “True Messenger.” God states, “Indeed, We sent Noah to his people. He said, ‘O my people! Worship God — you have no other god except Him. I truly fear for you the torment of a tremendous Day.’” The Clear Quran®, 7:59. Further, in the Quran, God has said, “Surely We sent Noah to his people. ˹He said,˺ ‘Indeed, I am sent to you with a clear warning […],’” The Clear Quran®, 11:25. Prophet Nuh (as)’s entire life history is one of resilience and obedience in the face of overwhelming adversity. According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Nuh (as) was chosen by God to preach monotheism to his idolatrous people, urging them to abandon their false gods and return to the worship of the One True Creator.

Despite enduring years of mockery and rejection, Prophet Nuh (as) remained steadfast. His unwavering faith culminated in the divine command to build an ark in preparation for a great flood that would cleanse the earth of its moral corruption. Only those who believed in Prophet Nuh’s message—humans and animals alike—were saved on this ark, making him a symbol of salvation and obedience to God’s will. This significant event in Islamic history is marked in several chapters of the Quran:

“But they rejected him, so We saved him and those with him in the Ark, and drowned those who rejected Our signs. They were certainly a blind people.” – The Clear Quran®, 7:64
“But they still rejected him, so We saved him and those with him in the Ark and made them successors, and drowned those who rejected Our signs. See then what was the end of those who had been warned!” – The Clear Quran®, 10:73
“So We saved him and those with him in the fully loaded Ark.” – The Clear Quran®, 26:119.
“But We delivered him and those in the Ark, making it a sign for all people.” – The Clear Quran®, 29:115
“Another sign for them is that We carried their ancestors ˹with Noah˺ in the fully loaded Ark […].” The Clear Quran®, 36:41

One of the most famous stories about Prophet Nuh (as), known as Noah in Christianity and Judaism, is the story of the great flood and the ark he built.

Prophet Nuh (as) was sent by God to guide his people, who had turned away from worshipping God and were living sinful lives. For many years, Prophet Nuh (as) tried to convince his people to return to the worship of the one true God, but most of them ignored him and continued their wrongdoings. They made fun of him and refused to listen to his message.

Despite the rejection, Prophet Nuh (as) remained patient and continued to warn his people that if they did not change their ways, God would send a great punishment. But they still didn’t listen. Finally, God revealed to Prophet Nuh (as) that a terrible flood would come to cleanse the earth of the evil that had spread. He instructed Prophet Nuh (as) to build a large ark (a type of boat) that would save him, his family, and a pair of every kind of animal.

Prophet Nuh (as) obeyed God’s command and began building the ark, even though his people continued to mock him. They couldn’t believe that a flood would come, especially since there was no sign of rain. But Prophet Nuh (as) remained steadfast and completed the ark as God had instructed.

When the time came, the sky darkened, and rain began to pour down heavily. Water started rising from the ground as well, and soon the floodwaters covered the entire land. Prophet Nuh (as) and those who believed in God, along with the pairs of animals, boarded the ark. The ark floated safely on the waters while everything else was submerged in the flood. Those who had ignored Prophet Nuh’s warnings were swept away by the flood.

After many days and nights, the rain finally stopped, and the floodwaters began to recede. The ark came to rest on a mountain, and eventually, the earth dried up. Prophet Nuh (as) and the others left the ark to start a new life, and the world was given a fresh start.

This story teaches us about the importance of faith, obedience to God, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Prophet Nuh (as) never gave up on his mission, even when people laughed at him, and he trusted in God’s plan, which ultimately saved him and those who believed. The story of the flood is a reminder of God’s power and mercy and the consequences of turning away from righteousness.

Prophet Abraham – Ibrahim (as)

Prophet Abraham (as), or Ibrahim, is often called the “Father of Prophets” because many prophets, including Ishmael (Ismail), Isaac (Ishaaq), Jacob (Yaqub), and Moses (Musa), trace their lineage back to him. His significance in Islam revolves around his unwavering faith in God and his willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Ismail) as an act of obedience, although God ultimately spared his son, replacing him with a ram.

This act of near-sacrifice is commemorated annually during Eid al-Adha, a major Islamic festival, celebrating Prophet Ibrahim (as)’s complete submission to the will of God. Prophet Ibrahim (as)’s life stories in the Quran highlight themes of hospitality, righteousness, and the relentless rejection of idolatry, emphasizing his pivotal role in establishing the foundations of monotheism. The Quran shows that God cherished Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) actions so much that He made them part of a blessed gathering. God says:

“Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Abraham said, ‘O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I ˹must˺ sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.’ He replied, ‘O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. God willing, you will find me steadfast.’” The Clear Quran®, 37:102.
“That was truly a revealing test. And We ransomed his son with a great sacrifice, and blessed Abraham ˹with honourable mention˺ among later generations: […],” The Clear Quran®, 37:106-108.

Even within Christianity, this ultimate sacrifice has been highlighted in Genesis.

One of the most famous stories about Prophet Ibrahim (as), known as Abraham in Christianity and Judaism, is the story of how he was tested by God with his son, Ismail (as). This story is often told to show Prophet Ibrahim’s deep faith and obedience to God.

Prophet Ibrahim (as) had prayed for many years to have a child, and God blessed him with a son, Ismail (as). As Ismail (as) grew older, God decided to test Prophet Ibrahim’s faith. In a dream, God commanded Prophet Ibrahim (as) to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (as). Although this command was incredibly difficult and heartbreaking, Prophet Ibrahim (as) was determined to obey God’s will, no matter what it cost him.

When he told Ismail (as) about the dream, Ismail (as) showed great faith as well. He encouraged his father to follow God’s command, saying that he was willing to be sacrificed if that was what God wanted. Prophet Ibrahim (as) prepared to carry out the sacrifice, and just as he was about to do it, God intervened.

God sent down an angel to stop him and provided a ram to sacrifice instead of Ismail (as). This showed that Prophet Ibrahim (as) had passed the test by proving his unwavering faith and obedience to God. The sacrifice was no longer needed, and Ismail (as) was spared.

Prophet Moses – Musa

Prophet Moses (as), or Musa, is one of the most frequently mentioned prophets in the Quran, regarded highly for his role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and away from the tyranny of Pharaoh. His life is marked by numerous encounters with the divine, including the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, receiving the Tablets of the Law, and his regular conversations with God at Mount Sinai. In the Quran, God states:

“Say, ˹O believers,˺ ‘We believe in God and what has been revealed to us; and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants; and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and other prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them. And to God we all submit.’” – The Clear Quran®, 2:136
“God said, ‘O Moses! I have ˹already˺ elevated you above all others by My messages and speech. So hold firmly to what I have given you and be grateful.’” – The Clear Quran®, 7:144
“So I fled from you when I feared you. Then my Lord granted me wisdom and made me one of the messengers.” The Clear Quran®, 26:21
“We inspired the mother of Moses: ‘Nurse him, but when you fear for him, put him then into the river, and do not fear or grieve. We will certainly return him to you, and make him one of the messengers.’” The Clear Quran®, 28:7
“‘O believers! Do not be like those who slandered Moses, but God cleared him of what they said. And he was honourable in the sight of God.’” The Clear Quran®, 33:69

Prophet Musa (as)’s mission to confront Pharaoh and demand the liberation of his people showcases his bravery and trust in God’s support. His struggles and the subsequent triumphs illustrate the power of steadfast faith and divine guidance, making his story a source of inspiration and providing lessons in patience and perseverance.

One of the most famous stories about Prophet Musa (as), known as Moses in Christianity and Judaism, is the story of how he parted the Red Sea. This event took place when the Israelites, who were being oppressed as slaves in Egypt, were finally allowed to leave by the Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, after a series of plagues sent by God. However, soon after letting them go, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army to chase after them.

As Prophet Musa (as) led the Israelites out of Egypt, they came to the edge of the Red Sea. With the sea in front of them and Pharaoh’s army closing in behind them, the people were terrified and thought they were trapped. They cried out in fear, thinking they would either drown or be captured and forced back into slavery.

But Prophet Musa (as) remained calm and reassured his people that God would protect them. He prayed for God’s help, and God instructed him to raise his staff and stretch out his hand over the sea. When Prophet Musa (as) did this, an incredible miracle happened: the waters of the Red Sea parted, creating a dry path right through the middle of the sea.

The Israelites quickly walked across the seabed, with walls of water towering on either side of them. Once they had safely crossed to the other side, Pharaoh’s army tried to follow them. But as soon as the army was in the middle of the sea, God caused the waters to crash back together, drowning the soldiers and saving the Israelites from their pursuers.

This story is significant because it shows the power of faith and God’s ability to deliver people from even the most hopeless situations. Prophet Musa (as) trusted in God’s guidance, and because of his faith, the Israelites were saved from certain destruction. The parting of the Red Sea is remembered as one of the greatest miracles in history, symbolizing God’s protection and the importance of relying on His strength in times of trouble.

Prophet Jesus (as) – Isa

In Islam, Jesus, known as Isa, is considered one of the great prophets, born to the Virgin Mary (Maryam) in a miraculous birth. He is revered not as the son of God—as in Christianity—but as a herald of monotheism, endowed with divine miracles to affirm his prophethood. These include speaking in infancy, healing the sick, and raising the dead, all by the will of God.

“˹Remember˺ when the angels proclaimed, ‘O Mary! God gives you good news of a Word from Him, his name will be the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary; honoured in this world and the Hereafter, and he will be one of those nearest ˹to God˺.’” The Clear Quran®, 3:45
“[…] and for boasting, ‘We killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of God.’ But they neither killed nor crucified him—it was only made to appear so. Even those who argue for this ˹crucifixion˺ are in doubt. They have no knowledge whatsoever—only making assumptions. They certainly did not kill him.’” The Clear Quran®, 4:157
“Those who say, ‘God is the Messiah, son of Mary,’ have certainly fallen into disbelief. The Messiah ˹himself˺ said, ‘O Children of Israel! Worship God—my Lord and your Lord.’ Whoever associates others with God ˹in worship˺ will surely be forbidden Paradise by God. Their home will be the Fire. And the wrongdoers will have no helpers.’” The Clear Quran®, 5:72
“Indeed, We gave Moses the Book and sent after him successive messengers. And We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the holy spirit. Why is it that every time a messenger comes to you ˹Israelites˺ with something you do not like, you become arrogant, rejecting some and killing others?” The Clear Quran®, 2:87
“We have chosen some of those messengers above others. God spoke directly to some, and raised some high in rank. To Jesus, son of Mary, We gave clear proofs and supported him with the holy spirit. If God had willed, succeeding generations would not have fought ˹among themselves˺ after receiving the clear proofs. But they differed—some believed while others disbelieved. Yet if God had willed, they would not have fought one another. But God does what He wills.” The Clear Quran®, 2:253
“Jesus declared, “I am truly a servant of God. He has destined me to be given the Scripture and to be a prophet.” The Clear Quran®, 19:30
“Peace be upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I will be raised back to life!” The Clear Quran®, 19:33
“And ˹remember˺ the one who guarded her chastity, so We breathed into her through Our angel, ˹Gabriel,˺ making her and her son a sign for all peoples.” The Clear Quran®, 21:91
“And his ˹second˺ coming is truly a sign for the Hour. So have no doubt about it, and follow me. This is the Straight Path.” The Clear Quran®, 43:61

Prophet Isa (as)’s message, emphasizing compassion, peace, and submission to God’s will, resonates strongly within the Islamic tradition. His ascension to heaven and his anticipated return to defeat the false messiah (Dajjal) near the Day of Judgment are crucial aspects of Islamic eschatology, highlighting his esteemed position and continued relevance in Islam.

One famous story about Prophet Isa (as), is the story of how he healed a blind man. One day, Prophet Isa (as) was walking with his disciples when they saw a man who had been blind since birth. The disciples asked him why the man was born blind, wondering if it was because of some sin he or his parents had committed. Prophet Isa (as) explained that the man’s blindness was not a punishment but an opportunity to show the power and mercy of God.

Prophet Isa (as) then did something extraordinary. He spit on the ground and made some mud with the dirt. He gently placed the mud on the blind man’s eyes and told him to go wash in a pool of water nearby. The blind man followed Prophet Isa’s instructions, and when he washed his eyes, he miraculously gained his sight for the first time in his life.

This miracle amazed everyone who witnessed it. The man who had been blind was overjoyed and began telling people about what Prophet Isa (as) had done for him. Some people were skeptical and couldn’t believe that such a miracle had taken place, but the healed man insisted that it was true.

This story is significant because it shows the compassion and power of Prophet Isa (as). He healed people not just physically, but spiritually, teaching them about God’s love and mercy. The story also emphasizes the importance of faith and trusting in God’s wisdom, even when things seem impossible. It reminds us that Prophet Isa (as) was a messenger who brought light to people’s lives, both literally and figuratively, by guiding them toward a better understanding of God and His blessings.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the final prophet in Islam, is often referred to as the “Seal of the Prophets,” indicating that he completed the prophetic tradition. Born in Mecca in 570 AD, he received divine revelations over approximately 23 years, which collectively form the Quran, Islam’s holy book. His life’s mission was to correct deviations from the teachings of earlier prophets and to establish a society based on justice, spirituality, and the oneness of God.

This beloved prophet of God also has an entire chapter dedicated to him in the Quran known as “Surah Muhammad.”

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s legacy includes his humility, his leadership in establishing an ethical social order, and his enduring patience in the face of opposition. His sayings and practices (Sunnah) serve as a model for Muslims’ day-to-day lives. Among many of his miracles, the blessed and divine Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj) to the heavens emphasizes his exalted status. The legacy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is so profound and relevant in today’s society, inspiring numerous research studies on integrating his teachings and practices into various aspects of life.”

For example, the virtuous behaviors and mannerisms advocated by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) have been studied extensively to understand their positive impact on mental and emotional well-being. In a study conducted for the Journal of Positive School of Psychology, Analysing the Impacts of Social and Psychological Factors on Human Behavior: A Seerah-Based Study, researchers discovered that “social and psychological factors significantly affect human behavior,” and that positive characteristics such as love, empathy, and forgiveness create these healthy relationships. To implement this, one should look at and study the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Prophet of Islam has gone back to the very basics such as greeting someone with a smile that can positively impact our health, our societies, and our interactions. For example, we can study the psychological effects of shaking hands.

Within this study, researchers state, “a frequent social gesture is shaking hands, which entails taking hold of the other person’s hand with one’s own. It is a gesture that has been used for centuries and has a wide range of psychological impacts on those who perform it.” The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known for extending a hand towards his guests that would visit him, and travelers he would meet as a sign of respect, kindness, and to maintain social bonds with people. According to the psychologist Desmond Morris, he says that the meaning of intimacy is when two people meet and have physical contact, and even if it means holding a hand, that “causes mutual satisfaction and comfort between two parties.”

One famous story about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the story of how he treated an old woman who disliked him. This woman would throw trash in his path every day as he walked by her house. She did this because she didn’t like what the Prophet (PBUH) was teaching and wanted to make his life difficult. However, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never responded with anger or tried to harm her in return. Instead, he would simply walk by without saying anything, always showing patience and kindness.

One day, the Prophet (PBUH) noticed that the woman wasn’t outside throwing trash as usual. Concerned, he asked about her and found out that she was sick. Instead of ignoring her, he went to visit her at her home to see if she needed help. The woman was surprised to see him and even more shocked that he came to visit her despite how she had treated him. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offered her words of comfort and care, showing her kindness and compassion.

This act of kindness deeply touched the woman. She realized that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a man of true character and goodness. Because of his gentle and caring behavior, she eventually accepted his message and became a Muslim. This story is often told to show how Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) responded to negativity with kindness and how his actions spoke louder than words. It teaches us the importance of treating others with respect and compassion, even when they are unkind to us.

How Does This Apply to Me as a Non-Muslim?

The relevance of Prophets to non-Muslims also lies in their shared values that cross religious boundaries. Many of the teachings from these figures emphasize universal principles like honesty, integrity, and respect for others. By learning about the lives and messages of the Prophets, non-Muslims can find common ground with those of different faiths and gain insights that encourage understanding and cooperation. Additionally, the stories of the Prophets often provide moral lessons that can help guide people in their daily lives, regardless of their religious background. For example, the patience of Prophet Job (Ayyub) in the face of hardship, or the bravery of Prophet Moses (Musa) when standing up to injustice, are stories that can inspire anyone to overcome challenges and stay strong in difficult times. These examples show that the teachings of the Prophets are not just for Muslims but are valuable lessons for all humanity. By exploring these stories, non-Muslims can also appreciate the wisdom and guidance that have shaped the moral and ethical foundations of many societies around the world. Ultimately, the Prophets remind us of our shared humanity and the universal desire for a just, peaceful, and compassionate world.

Conclusion

The prophets of Islam—Adam, Noah (Nuh), Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), Jesus (Isa), and Muhammad—each hold a special place in the hearts of Muslims for their exemplary virtues and their unwavering commitment to the message of God. They are seen as models of virtue, piety, and devotion, guiding believers through their teachings and actions. For non-Muslims, understanding these figures can provide significant insights into the core principles and values that shape Islam. These prophets not only symbolize faith and obedience to God but also embody compassion, justice, and the pursuit of knowledge. Each prophet’s life story and missions contribute to a broader understanding of Islamic ethics and the spiritual depth of the religion. By learning about these key figures, non-Muslims can gain a more nuanced appreciation of why these prophets are revered and how their teachings continue to influence millions of lives around the world.

Furthermore, the stories of these prophets offer universal lessons that resonate across cultural and religious boundaries. From Prophet Noah (Nuh) (as)’s perseverance in the face of adversity to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s leadership in uniting a broken community, these narratives encourage reflection on personal and societal levels. Ultimately, the prophets of Islam teach us about the importance of steadfast faith, the value of repentance, and the strength found in moral conviction, inviting followers and non-Muslims alike to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and ethical choices.

Are Prophets in Islam Relevant to Non-Muslims? What Can We Learn From Them?

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