Prophets and Messengers in Islam
Belief in Allah’s prophets is an integral part of the Islamic faith. Allah sent countless messengers and prophets to the world to guide mankind. Allah made his prophets go through several tests. When they made through these tests, they became role models for the societies they were sent to, bringing people to Allah’s divine message. Allah also rewarded them with different miracles so that people could believe in their message. Here are some famous stories of the Prophets in Islam.
Hazrat Adam (AS)
Hazrat Adam (AS) was the first man ever created by Allah. He informed the angels that he would create a human being who would have a higher status than that of the angels. Allah taught Hazrat Adam (AS) things that he did not. Allah asked the angels to bow before Hazrat Adam (AS). Everyone but Iblis obeyed Allah’s command. He was too arrogant to do that. Allah punished Iblis and stripped him of his status.
Allah let Hazrat Adam (AS) and his wife Hazrat Hawa (AS) live in the gardens of heaven. Allah let them enjoy all the bounties of heaven except for a tree. Allah forbade them from coming near to that tree. If they did, they would be transgressors. Unfortunately, Iblis made them defy Allah’s command and cross their limits.
Allah sent them down to Earth and they pleaded for forgiveness for years. Eventually, Allah forgave them as Allah is the Most Merciful and Most Gracious.
Lessons from Hazrat Adam’s (AS) story
In the story of Hazrat Adam (AS), there are important lessons for the believers. Firstly, we should never defy Allah’s commands, come what may. Satan will always be by our side deviating us from the Right Path. However, we have to be strong in faith and never falter. Also, if we commit a mistake, we must repent to Allah sincerely. Allah loves those who repent and ask for forgiveness. So we must never lose hope, for Allah’s mercy knows no bounds.
Hazrat Nuh (AS)
Allah sent Hazrat Nuh (AS) to the community of Hazrat Idrees (AS). The people had forgotten Allah’s message and were deviating from the Right Path. They had started worshipping idols. Hence, Allah sent Hazrat Nuh (AS) to guide them. Allah blessed Hazrat Nuh (AS) with articulate speech and immense tolerance so that he may accomplish his mission of guiding the people. Hazrat Nuh (AS) communicated with the people. He told them there is no God but Allah. Satan had misguided the people and led them astray as they made idol gods. The poor and weak brought faith in his words. However, the wealthy and affluent ignored his divine message as it was against their interest. Despite his staunch efforts, the people did not pay heed. Instead, they mocked and rejected his teachings.
Hazrat Nuh (AS) became disheartened and prayed to Allah to exterminate the disbelievers who would only corrupt the world. Allah answered his prayer and asked him to build a huge ark. Hazrat Nuh (AS) and his handful of believers spent day and night building the ark. Allah assigned angels to help and guide Hazrat Nuh (AS) through the process. He also asked Hazrat Nuh (AS) to fill it with enough supplies of food and drink that would last a considerable time. Meanwhile, the disbelievers continued to mock.
Allah had cautioned Hazrat Nuh (AS) to board the ark when he saw the first sign of flood. It was when the oven at his home started to gush forth water. When this happened, Hazrat Nuh (AS) gathered all the believers, supplies, and a pair of animals with him. He warned his beloved son about the forthcoming calamity. However, the defiant boy did not pay heed.
And the calamity fell upon the disbelievers, just as Hazrat Nuh (AS) had prayed to Allah, sparing no one. Hazrat Nuh (AS) and his believers safely reached their destination. Hazrat Nuh (AS) prostrated on the ground to offer gratitude to Allah.
Lessons from Hazrat Nuh’s (AS) story
There are many lessons for us from Hazrat Nuh’s (AS) story. First of all, we must be patient and resilient when preaching Islam. Secondly, we must never lose hope, for Allah never leaves his believers alone. No matter how small and powerless the believers may be in front of disbelievers, Allah’s divine help is only for those who are on the Right Path. And it is only the righteous ones who will succeed.
Hazrat Ibrahim (AS)
Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was one of the most beloved and devoted prophets of Allah. He went through several tests in his life. He always remained steadfast in Allah’s path. There are several stories from Hazrat Ibrahim’s (AS) life.
Hazrat Ibrahim was born in present-day Iraq, known as Babylonia at that time. People were deeply engrossed in idol worshipping at that time. However, since childhood, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was greatly perturbed by this idea. He could not fathom how a powerless structure made by humans could be a god. He tried to search for god but was only disappointed. Eventually, Allah gave him the glad tidings of prophethood and commissioned him with the divine task of spreading Allah’s word.
When he came to his people with Allah’s message, it angered them. Even his father rejected his message and turned against him. Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) continued to preach his message to the people.
One day when everyone from his village went to some other place to celebrate a festival, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) demolished all the idols and put the axe in the hand of the one remaining. When the villagers returned they fumed with anger and demanded who did this. Everyone agreed it must be Ibrahim (AS) as he did not go to the festival. They called him. Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) remained oblivion and replied calmly, that maybe the idol having the axe in his hand did this. The chieftains replied in anger how could an idol do this? This incident exposed their foolishness to believe in idols. Angered by this incident, the people decided unanimously to throw Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) in a blazing fire. If he is truthful, his god will save him, they said. And Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) jumped into the fire without hesitation. Allah cooled the fire for his devoted servant. The people saw in astonishment. Many accepted Islam after seeing this.
Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) went through several tests. He did not have a child for a very long time. Allah commanded him to marry Hazrat Hajra (AS) although he was already married to Hazrat Sarah (AS). It was a test for both of them. They did not waver and duly complied. Allah blessed him with holy sons from both wives, Hazrat Ismael (AS) and Hazrat Ishaq (AS). Allah brought countless prophets from the generation of Hazrat Ishaq (AS).
Then Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to leave his newly born son Hazrat Ismael and wife Hazrat Hajra (AS) to the deserts of Arabia from Palestine. He never questioned Allah’s divine wisdom and did what he was commanded. He left them there and went back. Infant Ismael cried with hunger. From his tiny feet sprang the well of Zamzam which quenches the thirst of the Muslims to date.
Similarly, Allah tested Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) with his dear son Ismael. Allah demanded that he give him back to Him. Hazrat Ibrahim and Ismael duly accorded to Allah’s wish. Just when Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was about to sacrifice his son for Allah’s will, Allah sent a sheep from heaven for sacrifice and accepted the esteemed sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Allah made his act obligatory upon every Muslim as we celebrate Eid-ul-Adha by offering sacrificial animals to Allah.
Lessons from Hazrat Ibrahim’s (AS) story
Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) led an exemplary life for us to follow. He embodied courage, steadfastness, and an extreme sacrificial spirit. Hence Allah rewarded him with an exalted status among the prophets by honoring him with countless prophets from his lineage. Especially, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a descendant of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS).
Hazrat Musa (AS)
Hazrat Musa (AS) also faced several trials from birth. He was born in Egypt, ruled by the oppressive Pharaoh. The Pharaoh saw a dream in which a horrific fire from Jerusalem burnt down the houses in Egypt. Started by the dream, he summoned all the priests and authoritative people. They interpreted the dream by stating that a boy from Bani Israel would overthrow his rule and save the Bani Israel from his torment. Upon hearing this, the Pharoah ordered to have all the newborn boys in Bani Israel.
Hazrat Musa’s (AS) mother feared for her infant baby. She put him in a basket and left him in the River Nile, praying to god to protect his son. The basket landed in the Pharoah’s garden where his wife saw the gorgeous baby. She pleaded to the Pharoah to let her keep the baby. As the baby would grow up under Pharoah’s supervision. He would not become a rebel, she maintained.
Hazrat Musa (AS) grew up as a wise and reflective young man. One day he saw an Egyptian oppression a weak Israeli. The Israeli cried for help. Hazrat Musa (AS) intervened to save the poor man. Hazrat Musa struck the man with his fist knocking him over. This incident revealed Hazrat Musa’s (AS) physical strength. He was astonished at the sight of the dead man. He did not intend to kill him. He felt remorseful and pleaded for forgiveness from Allah. Allah forgave him as it was unintentional. A similar incident happened the next day, alarming the Pharoah’s army.
The Egyptians decided to sentence Hazrat Musa (AS) to death. After this announcement, he left Egypt. He started a new life as a shepherd in Midian for ten years. This separation from his homeland and his family was a great trial for him.
Longing for his homeland, he set on the journey to Egypt. While resting near Mount Tur, he saw a glowing light. He drew towards the light and found Allah speaking to Him. Allah honored him with prophethood. He gave him the miracles of his staff and a shining bright arm. He commanded Hazrat Musa (AS) to go to Egypt and show these signs to bring people on the Right Path.
Eventually, Allah made Hazrat Musa (AS) save the people of Bani Israel from the torment of Pharoah who drowned in the River Nile.
Lessons from Hazrat Musa’s (AS) story
Hazrat Musa’s (AS) story shows that if Allah wants to protect anyone, the whole world cannot harm him. We must be fair and stand by truth to win Allah’s divine help.
Hazrat Essa (AS)
Hazrat Essa (AS) is one of the most blessed prophets of Allah. Even his birth was nothing less than a miracle. He was a holy child granted to the pious Hazrat Maryam (AS) whom no man had touched ever. When the people hurled her and her character, Hazrat Essa (AS) defended his mother by talking at birth. He told the people Allah sent him without a father and his mother was a chasteful woman.
Hazrat Essa (AS) grew up to become a wise man. He would argue with Jewish Rabbis who did not like being challenged by a young boy. Allah gave him many miracles. He breathed life into a clay bird. He brought back dead people to life. He cured blindness. He had a table of food from heaven. His knowledge was abundant.
Intimidated by his knowledge and growing influence, the Jews conspired against Hazrat Essa (AS). They planned to crucify him. However, before they could do that, Allah took him back to the heavens and made the disbelievers crucify someone else in place of him.
Lessons from Hazrat Essa’s (AS) story
One of the biggest lessons from Hazrat Essa’s (AS) story is the exalted status of the mother. In today’s world, where people demean women and consider them inferior, Allah proved that a child can be without a father but not without a mother.
Allah blessed countless miracles and powers to Hazrat Essa (AS). However, he always remained humble and never misused his authority. He always maintained that these powers are from the One and True God.
Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came to Arabia as the last messenger of Allah. He brought Allah’s message and perfected the religion Islam for us till the Day of Judgement. Allah blessed him with the Holy Quran which is the ultimate source of guidance for mankind.
Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was born into a noble and respected family in the Quraish tribe. However, he became an orphan before birth. He lost his mother when he was very young. He was raised by his uncle. He had a very tough life as a child. Unlike people around him, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) since the beginning liked to remain in solitude and spend time reflecting upon the purpose of life. When Hazrat Jibreel (AS) brought him the news of prophethood, he was shaken. His wife, Hazrat Khadijah stood by him.
The oppressive Makkans forced Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) out of his homeland. He migrated to Madinah which became the first Islamic state. After 10 years he returned to Makkah and conquered the city, putting an end to the longstanding oppression. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) is the model of excellence for mankind.
Lessons from the story of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Hazrat Muhammad’s (PBUH) whole life has countless lessons for us. He was affectionate towards children. He elevated the status of women in Arabia. As an orphan, he had a very tough childhood. Both his sons died in infancy. The disbelievers mocked and hurled abuses at him. However, he never gave up on his mission. Allah blessed him with abundant respect, stature, and an exalted status. We must follow his example in everything we do to be successful in this world and Hereafter.
