The Quran is not just a book for Muslims; it is a continuation of the divine message revealed to humanity through earlier prophets. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Quran is how it discusses Biblical figures such as Jesus (Isa عليه السلام), Moses (Musa عليه السلام), Abraham (Ibrahim عليه السلام), Noah (Nuh عليه السلام), David (Dawud عليه السلام), Solomon (Sulayman عليه السلام) and many others. These prophets are not only respected in Christianity and Judaism but also hold a central place in Islam.
In this article, we will explore how the Quran portrays these prophets, what Muslims believe about them, and how this enriches interfaith understanding.
📖 For a deeper study, download our free book: The Biblical Prophets in the Quran (Free PDF) or get a hardcopy on Amazon.
1. The Importance of Prophets in the Quran
In Islam, prophets are messengers of God (Allah) sent to guide humanity to the truth. Muslims believe that God sent 124,000 prophets throughout history, many of whom are also mentioned in the Bible. The Quran highlights around 25 prophets by name, and among them, many are Biblical figures familiar to Jews and Christians.
The message is consistent: worship one God, live righteously, and prepare for the hereafter.
2. Moses (Musa عليه السلام) in the Quran
Moses is the most frequently mentioned prophet in the Quran, appearing in over 130 verses. His life and mission carry profound lessons about faith, perseverance, and struggle against oppression.
- Mission to Pharaoh: The Quran details how Moses confronted Pharaoh, who arrogantly refused to acknowledge God (Surah Al-A’raf 7:103–137).
- Exodus of the Israelites: Just like in the Bible, the Quran narrates Moses leading his people out of slavery in Egypt.
- Revelation of the Torah: Muslims believe that Moses was given the Tawrah (Torah), a divine scripture guiding the Children of Israel.
👉 These stories emphasize reliance on God, patience in adversity, and the importance of justice.
3. Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) in the Quran
Jesus (Isa) is one of the most beloved prophets in Islam. Muslims revere him, but with key differences from Christian belief.
- Virgin Birth: The Quran confirms that Mary (Maryam) gave birth to Jesus miraculously without a father (Surah Maryam 19:16–36).
- Miracles: By God’s permission, Jesus healed the blind, cured lepers, and even brought the dead back to life.
- Role in Islam: Muslims see Jesus as a prophet and messenger, not divine or the “Son of God.” Instead, he called people to worship the One true God.
- The Second Coming: Islamic tradition holds that Jesus will return before the Day of Judgment to restore justice and truth.
👉 This makes Jesus a bridge for interfaith dialogue between Muslims and Christians.
4. Abraham (Ibrahim عليه السلام): The Common Father
Abraham is called Khalilullah (Friend of God) in Islam. The Quran, like the Bible, emphasizes his devotion, sacrifice, and unwavering monotheism.
- The Test of Sacrifice: Muslims commemorate his willingness to sacrifice his son (believed to be Ishmael in Islam) during Eid al-Adha.
- Founder of Monotheism: Abraham’s rejection of idolatry and his quest for the truth make him a model of pure faith.
Both Muslims, Jews, and Christians look to Abraham as a founding father of faith.
5. Noah (Nuh عليه السلام) and the Great Flood
The Quran tells of Noah’s mission to call his people to worship one God for 950 years (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:14). When they rejected him, the flood came as divine punishment.
- Like in the Bible, Noah builds an ark.
- His perseverance despite ridicule is a lesson in patience and trust in God.
6. David (Dawud عليه السلام) and Solomon (Sulayman عليه السلام)
These prophets are revered not only as kings but also as wise leaders.
- David (Dawud): Known for his Psalms (Zabur) and beautiful voice in worship.
- Solomon (Sulayman): Famous for wisdom, justice, and even miracles like speaking to animals.
The Quran highlights that true leadership requires humility before God.
7. The Quran and Previous Scriptures
Muslims believe in all divine scriptures revealed before the Quran, but they also believe those texts were later altered.
- Tawrah (Torah) – given to Moses
- Zabur (Psalms) – given to David
- Injil (Gospel) – given to Jesus
- Quran – final and preserved revelation
The Quran confirms what remains true in earlier scriptures while clarifying misconceptions.
8. Key Differences Between Quran and Bible on Prophets
While both texts share many figures, there are some key differences:
- Jesus: Seen as divine Son of God in Christianity, but a prophet in Islam.
- Sin and Forgiveness: Islam teaches each person is responsible for their own deeds, unlike the concept of Original Sin.
- Final Prophet: The Quran emphasizes that Muhammad ﷺ is the Seal of the Prophets, completing the chain.
9. Why the Quran’s Account Matters Today
In a world of division, the Quran’s message about shared prophets helps build interfaith harmony.
- It corrects misconceptions (e.g., Muslims denying Jesus – which is false).
- It highlights shared values of justice, compassion, and faith.
- It invites readers of the Bible to see the Quran as a continuation of God’s message.
10. Free Resources to Deepen Study
To explore more about prophets in Islam, get these resources:
📖 Download Free PDF – The Biblical Prophets in the Quran
📗 Order Hardcopy on Amazon
These books provide in-depth tafseer (Quranic explanation) in both Urdu and English, perfect for personal study or teaching.
Conclusion
The Quranic stories of Jesus, Moses, and other Biblical prophets are not just history – they are timeless lessons of faith, patience, and devotion. By studying them, Muslims can strengthen their faith, and non-Muslims can discover the common spiritual ground that unites the Abrahamic religions.
👉 Begin your journey today by reading:
- Free Tafseer PDFs from The Quran Foundation.
- Hardcopies for your library, available on Amazon.
Together, let’s build bridges of understanding, respect, and shared belief in the One God.
