In Islam, the prophets (Anbiya) are individuals chosen by Allah (God) to guide humanity, deliver His message, and serve as role models for righteous living. They are central to Islamic belief, as they conveyed divine revelations and upheld monotheism (Tawhid). Here’s a summary of key aspects of prophets in Islam:
1. Role and Purpose
- Prophets are sent to guide people to worship Allah alone and to live according to His laws.
- They warn against sin, call to righteousness, and provide examples of moral and spiritual excellence.
- Their messages are consistent, emphasizing monotheism, accountability, and the Day of Judgment.
2. Characteristics
- Prophets are sinless (ma’sum) in delivering Allah’s message, though they may make minor errors (zalla) in personal matters.
- They are chosen for their piety, patience, and ability to convey Allah’s message effectively.
- They perform miracles (mu’jizat) with Allah’s permission to prove their prophethood.
3. Major Prophets
- Adam (Ādam): The first human and prophet, created by Allah and placed in Paradise.
- Noah (Nūḥ): Sent to warn his people of a great flood; built the Ark.
- Abraham (Ibrāhīm): A key figure in monotheism, tested by Allah and revered for his unwavering faith.
- Moses (Mūsā): Received the Torah (Tawrat) and led the Israelites out of Egypt.
- David (Dāwūd): A king and prophet who received the Psalms (Zabur).
- Jesus (ʿĪsā): A prophet born miraculously, performed miracles, and was given the Gospel (Injīl).
- Muhammad (Muḥammad): The final prophet, who received the Quran, the last and complete revelation.
4. Other Prophets
- Islam recognizes many other prophets, including Isaac (Isḥāq), Jacob (Yaʿqūb), Joseph (Yūsuf), Jonah (Yūnus), and John the Baptist (Yaḥyā), among others.
- The Quran mentions 25 prophets by name but states that many others were sent to different nations.
5. Finality of Prophethood
- Muhammad is considered the “Seal of the Prophets” (Khatam an-Nabiyyin), meaning no prophets will come after him.
- His message, the Quran, is the final and universal guidance for all humanity.
6. Belief in Prophets
- Belief in all prophets is a fundamental tenet of Islam. Muslims are required to respect and honor all prophets without distinction.
- Denying any prophet is considered a rejection of faith (kufr).
7. Lessons from the Prophets
- Their stories in the Quran and Hadith provide moral, spiritual, and practical lessons.
- They exemplify patience, trust in Allah, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
In summary, prophets in Islam are central to the faith, serving as divine messengers who guide humanity to truth, justice, and worship of Allah. Their lives and teachings continue to inspire Muslims worldwide.