The prophets before Muhammad ﷺ
Islamic Studies · Key Stage 2 · The School
One message, sent many times
Muslims believe Allah sent many prophets before Muhammad ﷺ, to different peoples, at different times. Each one brought the same core message: worship Allah alone. The Quran names Ibrahim, Musa, Isa and many others among them. Each prophet spoke to their own people first. This is a core belief for every Muslim. It runs right through the Quran.
Saying so, plainly
The Quran puts it directly. Believers are told to say they believe in what was sent to Ibrahim, Ismail, Ishaq, Yaqub, and the Tribes, and what was given to Musa, Isa, and all the prophets by their Lord — making no distinction between any of them (2:136). Muslims believe in them all. They do not accept some and reject others. This verse is often recited by heart. Children often learn this passage early.
Why they matter to Muslims today
Believing in earlier prophets is one of the six articles of faith. It is not a side note. Muslims honour Ibrahim for his trust in Allah. They honour Musa for standing up to a tyrant. They honour Isa as a prophet and messenger. Each life still teaches something. This belief is not treated lightly. Muslims are taught to know these stories well.
Take one part of Musa's story and follow it to its end. Musa asked for his brother Harun as a helper (20:29-30). Allah sent them both to Pharaoh (26:15-16). They were to say that they brought a message from the Lord of the Worlds: let the Children of Israel leave with them (26:16-17). Musa told Pharaoh that he had made slaves of the Children of Israel (26:22). Pharaoh asked what the Lord of the Worlds is. Musa said that He is the Lord of the heavens and the earth (26:23-24). Pharaoh said he would jail Musa if he took any god but Pharaoh (26:29). Later, Allah told Musa to leave by night with His servants (26:52). Pharaoh and his people chased them (26:60). Allah told Musa to strike the sea with his staff, and it parted (26:63). Allah saved Musa and his companions and drowned the others (26:64-66). So this part of Musa's story ends in rescue. The Quran says Allah told every earlier messenger that there is no god but Him (21:25).