Chronological Prophets in Quran, Hadith and Uncorrupted Jewish Texts
This document lists prophets mentioned in the Quran, hadith collections and, where relevant, figures from authentic history and uncorrupted Jewish sources. Prophets are presented in approximate chronological order with concise information about their era, geographic region or tribe, their mission and challenges, and any scriptures associated with them. Images accompany the earliest prophets – faces are intentionally not shown out of respect for Islamic artistic conventions. For later prophets, image generation was interrupted and therefore no depiction is provided.
Adam (Ādam)
Back‑view depiction of Adam in a lush garden, symbolising the Garden of Eden. Faces are not shown.
Era
First human; prehistory.
Region/People
Created and placed in the Garden of Eden; later lived on earth.
Mission & Challenges
Father of humankind; taught by God; tempted by Satan and expelled from the Garden; repented.
Scripture/Tradition
Islamic tradition holds that scrolls (Suḥuf) were revealed to him【331492728398792†L86-L94】.
Adam is regarded in Islam as the first prophet and the first human. According to a hadith reported by Abu Dharr and related by Ibn Ḥanbal, divine scriptures were given to Adam, which formed part of his guidance to his descendants【331492728398792†L86-L94】.
Silhouette of Sheth in a mountainous landscape, continuing Adam’s legacy.
Era
After Adam; lived circa 4th millennium BCE.
Region/People
Carried on Adam’s teachings among his descendants.
Mission & Challenges
Maintained monotheism after his father’s passing; served as community leader.
Scripture/Tradition
Some Islamic reports say he received fifty scriptures【455298902854256†L102-L117】, although the narration is weak; he is not named in the Quran but mentioned in hadith【53233086494324†L437-L517】.
Seth (Sheth) is described by some Muslim scholars as a prophet who succeeded his father Adam. A narration attributed to Ibn Ḥibbān states that fifty scrolls were revealed to him【455298902854256†L102-L117】. While these narrations are considered weak, Seth remains an important figure in Islamic tradition, as well as in Jewish genealogies.
Figure of Idris studying the stars, symbolising knowledge and writing.
Era
Antediluvian; before the Flood.
Region/People
Born in Babylon (modern Iraq) and later migrated to Egypt with his followers【402418545610133†L390-L395】.
Mission & Challenges
Taught people to read, write and measure; called them to righteousness.
Scripture/Tradition
Islamic tradition states that scriptures were revealed to Idris【331492728398792†L86-L94】; he is identified with Enoch in Jewish tradition.
Idris is praised in the Quran as a man of truth. Ibn Kathīr reports that he was born in Babylon and later migrated to Egypt【402418545610133†L390-L395】. A hadith notes that God revealed scriptures to Idris as part of the prophetic tradition【331492728398792†L86-L94】.
Silhouette of Nuh guiding an ark through stormy waters.
Era
Approx. 3900–2900 BCE【211069521006259†L82-L90】.
Region/People
Iraq (Mesopotamia)【211069521006259†L82-L90】.
Mission & Challenges
Called his people to worship one God; built an ark to survive the great flood; endured ridicule.
Scripture/Tradition
Recognised in Islamic and Jewish scriptures; no separate scripture attributed to him.
Nuh is a major figure in the Quran and the Bible. He preached monotheism to a people who persisted in idolatry for centuries. The timeline of prophets places him in Mesopotamia around 3900–2900 BCE and notes that he lived for about 950 years【211069521006259†L82-L90】. When his people rejected his call, God instructed him to build an ark; the flood story is shared across Abrahamic traditions.
Hud admonishing the tribe of ʿĀd amid desert ruins.
Era
Approx. 2450–2310 BCE.
Region/People
Sent to the tribe of ʿĀd in South Arabia【211069521006259†L94-L104】.
Mission & Challenges
Warned his people against arrogance and idolatry; threatened by a devastating sandstorm when they rejected him.
Scripture/Tradition
Quran recounts his story; no separate scripture.
Hud preached monotheism to the people of ʿĀd in southern Arabia. Despite his pleas, they persisted in their arrogance. According to the prophetic timeline, Hud lived around 2450–2310 BCE and his people were destroyed by a mighty wind【211069521006259†L94-L104】.
Ṣāliḥ standing near sandstone cliffs at al‑Ḥijr, home of Thamūd.
Era
Approx. 2150–2080 BCE.
Region/People
Wādī al‑Qurā and al‑Ḥijr between Syria and the Ḥijāz【211069521006259†L108-L116】; sent to Bani Thamūd.
Mission & Challenges
Called Thamūd to worship God; provided a miracle camel as proof; people hamstrung the camel and were destroyed.
Scripture/Tradition
Quran recounts his story; no separate scripture.
Ṣāliḥ urged the people of Thamūd to abandon idolatry. He lived in the rock‑hewn region of al‑Ḥijr and Wādī al‑Qurā around the 3rd millennium BCE【211069521006259†L108-L116】. God sent a she‑camel as a sign, but his people hamstrung it, leading to their destruction.
Ibrāhīm building the Kaʿba with his son while looking toward the sky.
Era
c. 1761–1686 BCE【211069521006259†L134-L145】.
Region/People
Born in Mesopotamia; migrated to Canaan (Palestine) and later to Mecca【211069521006259†L134-L145】.
Mission & Challenges
Broke idols; debated the king; was thrown into fire; migrated for God’s sake; built the Kaʿba with his son Ismāʿīl.
Scripture/Tradition
Given scrolls (Suḥuf)【331492728398792†L86-L94】; patriarch for Jews, Christians and Muslims.
Ibrāhīm is revered in all Abrahamic faiths. The timeline of prophets states that he journeyed from Mesopotamia to Palestine and to Mecca【211069521006259†L134-L145】. Islamic tradition relates that God revealed scriptures to him【331492728398792†L86-L94】. He and his son Ismāʿīl rebuilt the Kaʿba, establishing the rites of pilgrimage.
Born in Ur (Mesopotamia) and later settled in Palestine【211069521006259†L120-L130】.
Mission & Challenges
Sent to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah; warned against sexual immorality and inhospitality; fled the city before its destruction.
Scripture/Tradition
Story recorded in both Quran and Torah.
Lūṭ was a nephew of Ibrāhīm. The prophetic timeline notes that he lived in Ur and later in Palestine【211069521006259†L120-L130】. He preached to the people of Sodom, who were destroyed after rejecting his call.
Ismāʿīl helping to build the Kaʿba beside his father.
Era
c. c. 18th–17th centuries BCE.
Region/People
Lived in Mecca and Arabia【211069521006259†L148-L151】.
Mission & Challenges
Assisted his father Ibrāhīm in building the Kaʿba; called the early Arabs to worship one God.
Scripture/Tradition
Recognised in Quran; ancestor of the Arab tribes.
Ismāʿīl was the elder son of Ibrāhīm. The timeline lists Mecca as his dwelling place【211069521006259†L148-L151】. Islamic tradition holds that he and his father built the Kaʿba. He is considered the ancestor of the northern Arab tribes and a prophet who called his people to monotheism.
A pastoral scene symbolising Isḥāq’s life in Canaan.
Era
c. 1761–1581 BCE【211069521006259†L154-L160】.
Region/People
Lived in Canaan; buried in Hebron【211069521006259†L154-L160】.
Mission & Challenges
Continued his father’s message of monotheism; father of Yaʿqūb.
Scripture/Tradition
Honoured in Jewish and Islamic tradition; no independent scripture.
Isḥāq (Isaac) was the younger son of Ibrāhīm and Sarah. According to the timeline, he lived in Canaan and died in Hebron【211069521006259†L154-L160】. He continued his father’s call to worship one God and was the father of Yaʿqūb (Jacob).
Born in Canaan; settled in Egypt and buried in Hebron【211069521006259†L166-L178】.
Mission & Challenges
Father of the Twelve Tribes of Israel; endured family trials; maintained his father’s monotheistic legacy.
Scripture/Tradition
Honoured in Jewish and Islamic tradition; no independent scripture.
Yaʿqūb, also known as Israel, is the patriarch of the Israelite tribes. The prophetic timeline indicates he was born in Canaan, later settled in Egypt, and was eventually buried in Hebron【211069521006259†L166-L178】. His life story, including his struggles with his brother and the tale of his son Yusuf, is shared between the Quran and the Torah.
Endured his brothers’ jealousy; sold into slavery; interpreted dreams; rose to high office and saved Egypt from famine.
Scripture/Tradition
Story told in Quran (Surah Yūsuf) and in Genesis; no separate scripture.
Yūsuf was the beloved son of Yaʿqūb. The prophetic timeline notes that he lived in Egypt as a slave【211069521006259†L182-L190】. His patience and trust in God led to his rise as an advisor to the Pharaoh. His story emphasises forgiveness and divine wisdom.
From northern Arabia; sent to the descendants of Midian and people of al‑Aykah (the woods)【211069521006259†L194-L200】.
Mission & Challenges
Preached honesty in commerce and monotheism; people ignored him and were destroyed by an earthquake.
Scripture/Tradition
Revered in Islam and identified with Jethro in the Bible.
Shuʿaib is said to have been a descendant of Ibrāhīm. He was sent to the people of Midian and the dwellers of the woods. The prophetic timeline places him in northern Arabia【211069521006259†L194-L200】. He admonished his people for cheating in trade and was met with ridicule until a divine punishment befell them.
Lived in Rome with his wife Rahma and fourteen children【315947998430717†L161-L165】.
Mission & Challenges
Renowned for patience; lost his wealth and children to tests【315947998430717†L257-L266】【315947998430717†L283-L297】; afflicted with severe illness【315947998430717†L315-L320】; remained steadfast.
Scripture/Tradition
Story of his trials appears in Quran and Book of Job.
Ayyūb was a pious descendant of Ibrāhīm. Historians record that he lived in Rome with his wife Rahma【315947998430717†L161-L165】. When Iblīs told him that his wealth was gone he replied that all wealth belongs to God【315947998430717†L257-L266】. He later lost his children when a building collapsed【315947998430717†L283-L297】 and suffered a debilitating skin disease【315947998430717†L315-L320】, yet he never wavered in gratitude to God. His perseverance is a model of patience.
Possible successor in Syria or Iraq; location uncertain【866505340975459†L166-L170】.
Mission & Challenges
Appointed to fast daily, pray at night and never become angry; he kept his promise despite attempts by Satan to provoke him【580421388019384†L100-L171】【634658496986946†L234-L410】.
Scripture/Tradition
Mentioned in Quran; scholars disagree whether he was a prophet or a pious man【634658496986946†L234-L410】.
Dhu l‑Kifl is named in the Quran along with other prophets, though little detail is given. Stories relate that a wise prophet sought someone who could fast every day, pray at night and never lose his temper. A humble man volunteered and fulfilled these conditions despite Satan’s efforts to anger him【580421388019384†L100-L171】. Because of his steadfastness, he received the title Dhu l‑Kifl (“the one of a portion”). Some scholars consider him a prophet, while others view him as a righteous successor【634658496986946†L234-L410】.
Born in Egypt; fled to Midian; later returned to Egypt; led the Israelites to Palestine【211069521006259†L204-L213】.
Mission & Challenges
Confronted Pharaoh; received the Ten Commandments and Torah; endured the Israelites’ disobedience; wandered in the desert.
Scripture/Tradition
Given the Torah (Tawrah)【331492728398792†L86-L94】; central figure in both Quran and Torah.
Mūsā is the most frequently mentioned prophet in the Quran. The prophetic timeline summarises his life: he was born in Egypt, escaped to Midian, returned as a messenger, and eventually emigrated towards Palestine【211069521006259†L204-L213】. According to the hadith of Abu Dharr, he received the Torah【331492728398792†L86-L94】. His mission involved confronting Pharaoh, liberating the Israelites, and guiding them through years of hardship.
From the tribe of Levi; born in Egypt【80242880454539†L148-L158】.
Mission & Challenges
Appointed as a prophet to assist his brother Mūsā; served as spokesperson due to his eloquence【80242880454539†L148-L158】【80242880454539†L206-L224】; guided the Israelites while Mūsā was away.
Scripture/Tradition
Mentioned in Quran and Bible; associated with the Torah.
Hārūn was the elder brother of Mūsā and a member of the tribe of Levi. According to historical accounts, he was born before Pharaoh’s decree to kill Israelite newborns and thus survived【80242880454539†L148-L158】. God appointed him a prophet to support Mūsā in confronting Pharaoh and guiding the Israelites【80242880454539†L206-L224】.
Successor to Mūsā; led the Israelites into the Holy Land【873085209366683†L135-L168】.
Mission & Challenges
Completed Mūsā’s mission; battled the giant inhabitants; prayed for the sun to remain still during a battle【873085209366683†L135-L168】.
Scripture/Tradition
Not named in the Quran but recognised in hadith and Jewish scripture as a prophet.
After the death of Mūsā, leadership of the Israelites passed to Yūshaʿ (Joshua). Sunnah sources relate that he led them back to the Promised Land and that God stopped the sun for him until he achieved victory【873085209366683†L135-L168】. He is revered in Jewish tradition as the successor to Moses.
Bani Israel; born to Hannah【561582675479832†L51-L67】.
Mission & Challenges
Prophet and judge who admonished the Israelites; appointed Ṭālūt (Saul) as king; later anointed Dāwūd (David)【561582675479832†L74-L86】.
Scripture/Tradition
Mentioned indirectly in the Quran; detailed in the Bible.
Shammīl, known as Samuel in the Bible, was a prophet born to a pious woman named Ḥannah. He served as judge and moral guide for the Israelites. Islamic tradition identifies him as the unnamed prophet in the Quran who appointed Ṭālūt as king【561582675479832†L51-L67】 and later anointed Dāwūd【561582675479832†L74-L86】.
Defeated Jalūt (Goliath) with a sling; united Israel; delivered judgments with wisdom; faced personal trials【744109944289806†L260-L315】.
Scripture/Tradition
Given the Zabūr (Psalms)【744109944289806†L337-L372】; story recorded in Quran and Bible.
Dāwūd began life as a shepherd. During a battle between King Ṭālūt’s army and Jalūt (Goliath), he boldly faced the giant armed only with a sling and pebbles and, trusting in God, struck him down【744109944289806†L260-L315】. After this victory he became king and prophet of Israel. God gifted him the Zabūr (Psalms), and he is remembered for his melodious recitation and just rulings【744109944289806†L337-L372】.
Inherited prophethood; corresponded with the Queen of Sheba; commanded jinn and animals; emphasised gratitude and justice【417570485011345†L490-L556】.
Scripture/Tradition
Honoured in Quran and Bible; known for wisdom.
Sulaymān inherited the kingdom and prophethood of his father Dāwūd. He wrote to the Queen of Sheba, inviting her to worship God. She sent gifts, but he rejected them and demonstrated his authority by having her throne brought to him through the jinn【417570485011345†L490-L556】. Despite his power over humans and spirits, he remained humble and grateful to God【417570485011345†L573-L602】.
Preached in Baalbek (Lebanon) to the people of Baʿal【1018812790173†L99-L169】.
Mission & Challenges
Called his people to abandon Baʿal worship; challenged idolaters by inviting them to call their god while he called upon Allah; fire descended on his sacrifice【1018812790173†L99-L169】.
Scripture/Tradition
Mentioned in Quran and Bible; no separate scripture.
Ilyās was sent to the people of Baalbek, who worshipped the idol Baʿal. He confronted their priests by suggesting that each call upon their deity; when they failed to obtain a response, he called upon Allah and fire consumed his sacrifice【1018812790173†L99-L169】. His persistence and trust in God offer lessons in patience and monotheism.
Successor to Ilyās; ministered to the Children of Israel【866505340975459†L73-L117】.
Mission & Challenges
Revived monotheism after Ilyās; preached moral reform; reputed to have performed miracles【866505340975459†L73-L117】【866505340975459†L96-L167】.
Scripture/Tradition
Mentioned twice in the Quran; known as Elisha in the Bible.
Al‑Yasaʿ succeeded his teacher Ilyās in calling the Children of Israel back to the worship of one God. The Arabian Tongue account notes that he worked tirelessly to revive morality and justice and that he is mentioned twice in the Quran【866505340975459†L73-L117】. Traditions describe him performing miracles and living a long life【866505340975459†L96-L167】.
Sent to Nineveh in northern Iraq【776429737370351†L154-L279】.
Mission & Challenges
Called his people to abandon idolatry; left in anger when they rejected him; boarded a ship and was cast overboard; swallowed by a giant fish until he repented【776429737370351†L154-L279】.
Scripture/Tradition
Story recorded in Quran (Surah Yūnus) and Book of Jonah; no separate scripture.
Yūnus preached in Nineveh but became frustrated by his people’s stubbornness. MyIslam’s account describes how he boarded a ship during a storm; after drawing lots he was thrown into the sea and swallowed by a great fish【776429737370351†L154-L279】. In the belly of the creature he repented, and God delivered him. His story teaches the importance of patience and hope.
Jerusalem; served as a priest and carpenter【105767894478569†L420-L474】.
Mission & Challenges
Guardian of Mary; prayed for a child in old age; angels gave him news of a son; his sign was being unable to speak for three days【105767894478569†L420-L474】.
Scripture/Tradition
Respected in Quran and Bible; father of Yahyā (John).
Zakariyā was a righteous man from the Children of Israel who served in the temple in Jerusalem. The Quran narrates that angels brought him glad tidings of a son despite his old age and his wife’s barrenness【105767894478569†L420-L474】. As a sign, he was commanded not to speak except through gestures for three days. His son was the prophet Yahyā.
Judea; ministered to the Children of Israel【519683917997874†L41-L84】.
Mission & Challenges
Reminded Israel of their covenant; lived simply; compassionate and gentle【519683917997874†L41-L84】; persecuted for insisting on God’s law【519683917997874†L90-L116】.
Scripture/Tradition
Mentioned in Quran and New Testament; no separate scripture.
Yahyā was the son of Zakariyā and the cousin of ʿĪsā (Jesus). AboutIslam notes that he called the Children of Israel to renew their covenant with God and is remembered for his compassion and simplicity【519683917997874†L41-L84】. He was martyred after admonishing a ruler who sought to break God’s commandments【519683917997874†L90-L116】.
Born of the Virgin Mary; performed miracles (speaking from the cradle, healing the blind and lepers, raising the dead, creating a bird from clay) by God’s permission【786031017191734†L246-L266】; preached monotheism; denied by many; taken up by God; was not crucified【786031017191734†L346-L358】.
Scripture/Tradition
Given the Injīl (Gospel); revered in Quran and New Testament.
ʿĪsā is the second‑last prophet before Muḥammad. MyIslam notes that he was granted numerous miracles, such as speaking as an infant, healing the sick, raising the dead and forming a bird from clay【786031017191734†L246-L266】. He called the Children of Israel to worship God alone and foretold the coming of a messenger named Aḥmad. The Quran states that he was not killed nor crucified; rather, it only appeared so【786031017191734†L346-L358】. Christians recognise him as the Messiah and Son of God.
Born in Mecca into the Quraysh tribe【681493487113983†L69-L74】; migrated to Medina in 622 (Hijra)【681493487113983†L98-L104】.
Mission & Challenges
Received revelations through the angel Gabriel at age forty【681493487113983†L80-L87】; preached monotheism amid hostility; persecuted by Meccan merchants【681493487113983†L89-L93】; migrated to Medina; established an Islamic state; returned to Mecca and cleansed the Kaʿba of idols【681493487113983†L98-L110】.
Scripture/Tradition
Given the Quran—the final revelation; his sayings (Hadith) and actions are preserved as the Sunna.
Muḥammad is regarded as the final messenger of God. The Metropolitan Museum of Art notes that he was born in Mecca around 570 CE into the powerful Quraysh tribe【681493487113983†L69-L74】. At age forty he began receiving revelations from the archangel Gabriel and proclaimed the oneness of God【681493487113983†L80-L87】. His message angered Meccan merchants, leading to persecution and eventual migration to Medina. The Hijra in 622 marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar【681493487113983†L98-L104】. After several years, he returned to Mecca, removed its idols and established Islam across Arabia【681493487113983†L98-L110】. Muslims follow his Quranic revelation and Sunnah as final guidance.
Note: Only the first ten prophets feature illustrated depictions because the image generation tool encountered a technical limitation after producing these images.
