Belief in the Prophets: The Fourth Pillar of Iman

Obligation

Belief in all the prophets and messengers is the fourth pillar of iman. A Muslim must believe in every prophet Allah sent, without distinction or denial. 'The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and so have the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, saying: We make no distinction between any of His messengers' (Quran 2:285).

Prophets Named in the Quran

Twenty-five prophets are mentioned by name: Adam, Idris, Nuh, Hud, Salih, Ibrahim, Lut, Isma'il, Ishaq, Ya'qub, Yusuf, Ayyub, Shu'ayb, Musa, Harun, Dhul-Kifl, Dawud, Sulayman, Ilyas, al-Yasa', Yunus, Zakariyya, Yahya, Isa, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). Others were sent but not named: 'And We have already sent messengers before you. Among them are those We have related to you, and among them are those We have not' (Quran 40:78).

Characteristics of Prophets

All prophets were human, not divine. They were truthful (sidq), trustworthy (amanah), and conveyed the message completely (tabligh). They were protected from major sins (ismah). They did not seek personal gain or worldly power. Their core message was unified: worship Allah alone.

Ulul-Azm

Five prophets are distinguished as 'those of strong resolve' (ulul-azm): Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and Muhammad. They endured the greatest trials and are the highest in rank among all prophets.

Finality of Prophethood

Muhammad is the last prophet: 'Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets' (Quran 33:40). No new prophet or messenger will come after him. Any claim to prophethood after Muhammad is rejected by the consensus of the Muslim ummah.