Timeline of the prophets in Islam

Timeline of the prophets in Islam
In Islam, prophets (known as Anbiya in Arabic) are chosen by Allah to guide humanity to righteousness, convey His message, and call people to worship the One true God.

Islam teaches that Allah sent numerous prophets throughout history, some of whom are mentioned in the Qur’an, while others are not. One of the six Iman pillars is to believe in all the prophets.

So, we should know all about them. These prophets were sent to different nations, and their messages were consistent: to worship Allah alone and live righteous lives. The following is a general timeline of some of the most significant prophets in Islamic tradition.

Timeline of Prophets from Adam to Muhammad

• Adam (آدم) – The First Prophet
• Idris (إدريس) – Enoch
• Nuh (نوح) – Noah
• Hud (هود)
• Saleh (صالح)
• Ibrahim (إبراهيم) – Abraham
• Lut (لوط)
• Isma’il (إسماعيل) – Ishmael
• Ishaq (إسحاق) – Isaac
• Ya’qub (يعقوب) – Jacob
• Yusuf (يوسف) – Joseph
• Shuaib (شعيب)
• Ayyub (أيوب)
• Haroun (هارون)
• Musa (موسى) – Moses
• Dhul-Kifl (ذا الكفل)
• Dawud (داود) – David
• Sulayman (سليمان) – Solomon
• Ilyas (إلياس)
• Alyasa (اليسع)
• Yunus (يونس) – Jonah
• Zakariya (زكريا)
• Yahya (يحيى)
• ‘Isa (عيسى) – Jesus
• Muhammad (محمد) – The Final Prophet

1.Adam (آدم) – The First Prophet

Time Period: The beginning of creation, often considered the first human being.
Adam is considered the first human being and the first prophet in Islam. Allah created Adam from clay and breathed life into him.

He was placed in Paradise (Jannah), but after he and his wife, Hawwa (Eve), ate from the forbidden tree due to Satan’s temptation, they were sent down to Earth. They repented, and Allah forgave them.

Adam is regarded as the father of humanity and was given the responsibility of being the first prophet, guiding his descendants.

وَقُلْنَا يَا آدَمُ اسْكُنْ أَنتَ وَزَوْجُكَ الْجَنَّةَ وَكُلَا مِنْهَا رَغَدًا حَيْث شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَٰذِهِ الشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ﴾
[ البقرة: 35]
سورة : البقرة – Al-Baqarah – الجزء : ( 1 ) – الصفحة: ( 6 )
And We said: “O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will, but come not near this tree or you both will be of the Zalimun (wrong-doers).”

2.Idris (إدريس) – Enoch

Time Period: Early post-Adam, though specific dates are not clear.
Idris is often identified with the biblical Enoch. He was a prophet of great wisdom and piety, and he is considered the first to write with a pen.

According to Islamic tradition, he was taken up by Allah and is not dead but awaiting his return.
﴿ وَاذْكُرْ فِي الْكِتَابِ إِدْرِيسَ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ صِدِّيقًا نَّبِيًّا﴾
[ سورة مريم: 56]
19:56 And mention in the Book, Idrees. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a prophet.

3.Nuh (نوح) – Noah

Time Period: Various sources suggest Nuh lived approximately 1,000 years after Adam.
Nuh is sent to warn his people of a great flood that would destroy the world due to their sinful ways.

He spent 950 years with these people. Despite his long efforts to guide them, only a few followers accepted his message. He built an ark to save the believers and pairs of animals.

﴿ وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِ فَلَبِثَ فِيهِمْ أَلْفَ سَنَةٍ إِلَّا خَمْسِينَ عَامًا فَأَخَذَهُمُ الطُّوفَانُ وَهُمْ ظَالِمُونَ﴾
[ العنكبوت: 14]
سورة : العنكبوت – Al-Ankabut – الجزء : ( 20 ) – الصفحة: ( 397 )

And indeed We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people, and he stayed among them a thousand years less fifty years [inviting them to believe in the Oneness of Allah (Monotheism), and discard the false gods and other deities], and the Deluge overtook them while they were Zalimun (wrong-doers, polytheists, disbelievers, etc.).

4.Hud (هود)

Time Period: After Nuh, approximately 1,000 years after Adam.
Hud was sent to the people of ‘Ad, an ancient tribe known for their pride and disobedience to Allah. When they rejected his message, a devastating wind destroyed them.

﴿ ۞ وَإِلَىٰ عَادٍ أَخَاهُمْ هُودًا ۗ قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُ ۚ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ﴾
[ الأعراف: 65]
سورة : الأعراف – Al-Araf – الجزء : ( 8 ) – الصفحة: ( 158 )
And to ‘Ad (people, We sent) their brother Hud. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. (La ilaha ill-Allah: none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). Will you not fear (Allah)?”

5.Saleh (صالح)

Time Period: Around the same time as Hud, also post-Nuh.
Saleh was sent to the Thamud people, known for their advanced civilization. They asked him to prove his prophecy by producing a miraculous she-camel, which he did. However, when they mistreated the camel, Allah destroyed them with an earthquake.

﴿ ۞ وَإِلَىٰ ثَمُودَ أَخَاهُمْ صَالِحًا ۚ قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُ ۖ هُوَ أَنشَأَكُم مِّنَ الْأَرْضِ وَاسْتَعْمَرَكُمْ فِيهَا فَاسْتَغْفِرُوهُ ثُمَّ تُوبُوا إِلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّي قَرِيبٌ مُّجِيبٌ﴾
[ هود: 61]

سورة : هود – Hud – الجزء : ( 12 ) – الصفحة: ( 228 )
And to Thamud (people, We sent) their brother Salih (Saleh). He said: “O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other Ilah (God) but Him. He brought you forth from the earth and settled you therein, then ask forgiveness of Him and turn to Him in repentance. Certainly, my Lord is Near (to all by His Knowledge), Responsive.”

6.Ibrahim (إبراهيم) – Abraham

Time Period: Circa 2000 BCE, in the Mesopotamian region.
Ibrahim is a key prophet in Islam and is often referred to as the “Friend of Allah.” Khalilu-Allah. He was sent to a community that worshipped idols.

His devotion to Allah is highlighted by his willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il (Ishmael) in obedience to a command from Allah (though Allah replaced him with a ram). We should follow the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth; and he was not of those who associate with Allah.
.
﴿ وَاذْكُرْ فِي الْكِتَابِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ صِدِّيقًا نَّبِيًّا﴾
[ مريم: 41]
سورة : مريم – Maryam – الجزء : ( 16 ) – الصفحة: ( 308 )
And mention in the Book (the Quran) Ibrahim (Abraham). Verily! He was a man of truth, a Prophet.

7.Lut (لوط)

Time Period
The exact time period of Prophet Lut’s life is not explicitly mentioned in Islamic texts. However, he is believed to have lived around the same time as Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), and the two are considered to have been contemporaries.

Prophet Lut was sent by Allah to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, inhabited by people who engaged in immoral practices, particularly homosexuality and other sexual misconduct. The people of these cities were also notorious for their corruption, oppression, and disregard for justice.

Surah Al-A’raf (7:80-81): “And [We had sent] Lut when he said to his people, ‘Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds? Indeed, you are people who commit [this] evil.'”

8.Isma’il (إسماعيل) – Ishmael

Time Period: Born after Ibrahim, around 1900 BCE.
Isma’il was the son of Ibrahim and Hajar. He is seen as a prophet who preached monotheism and helped Ibrahim build the Ka’bah in Mecca.

Isma’il’s role as a forefather of the Arabs is significant, and his descendants are believed to have carried the message of Islam.
﴿ وَاذْكُرْ فِي الْكِتَابِ إِسْمَاعِيلَ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ صَادِقَ الْوَعْدِ وَكَانَ رَسُولًا نَّبِيًّا﴾
[ مريم: 54]
سورة : مريم – Maryam – الجزء : ( 16 ) – الصفحة: ( 309 )

And mention in the Book (the Quran) Isma’il (Ishmael). Verily! He was true to what he promised, and he was a Messenger, (and) a Prophet.

9.Ishaq (إسحاق) – Isaac

Time Period: Around 1900 BCE, the brother of Isma’il.
Ishaq was another son of Ibrahim and the father of Ya’qub (Jacob). He continued his father’s legacy and upheld the belief in one God. Prophet Ishaq is considered a continuation of the line of monotheistic prophets that began with his father, Ibrahim

10.Ya’qub (يعقوب) – Jacob

Time Period: Around 1800 BCE.
Ya’qub, the son of Ishaq, is known for his strong faith in Allah. He had 12 sons, including Yusuf (Joseph), and is considered the ancestor of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. His story is detailed in the Qur’an, particularly his trials with his son Yusuf.

11.Yusuf (يوسف) – Joseph

Time Period: Around 1700 BCE.
Yusuf is known for his beauty and wisdom. He was sold into slavery by his brothers, later rising to a position of power in Egypt.

His story is one of patience, trust in Allah, and eventual reunion with his family. He is known as a model of integrity and for his ability to interpret dreams.

Surah Yusuf (12:4): “When Yusuf said to his father, ‘O my father, indeed I have seen eleven stars and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me.'”

Ya’qub, being a wise and pious prophet, understood the significance of the dream. He cautioned Yusuf not to tell his brothers about it, as they might become jealous of him. Ya’qub knew that Yusuf’s future held great things, but he also knew the dangers of envy.

12.Shuaib (شعيب)

The time period
Is not explicitly mentioned with exact dates in Islamic texts. However, based on Islamic historical context, Prophet Shuaib is believed to have lived around the same time as the prophets Ibrahim (Abraham) and Lut (Lot).

He was sent to the people of Madyan, a region often identified with the area of Midian, which is located in the northwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, near present-day Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

13.Ayyub (أيوب)

The exact time period of Prophet Ayyub (Job) in Islam is not explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an, and Islamic traditions do not provide a definitive historical timeline for his life.

However, based on Islamic sources and historical context, Prophet Ayyub is believed to have lived in ancient times, possibly around the same time as Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) or even earlier.
﴿ ۞ وَأَيُّوبَ إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُ أَنِّي مَسَّنِيَ الضُّرُّ وَأَنتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ﴾
[ الأنبياء: 83]
سورة : الأنبياء – Al-Anbiya – الجزء : ( 17 ) – الصفحة: ( 329 )
And (remember) Ayub (Job), when he cried to his Lord: “Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.”

14.Haroun (هارون)

Time period:
The exact date of their time is not specified in Islamic sources, it is thought to be many centuries before the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), with estimates generally placing it in the period of the Pharaohs of Egypt, potentially around 1500 BCE to 1200 BCE.

Prophet Haroun (Aaron) in Islam is considered a contemporary and brother of Prophet Musa (Moses). The time period of Prophet Haroun, like that of Prophet Musa, is generally believed to be in the ancient period, around the time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt.

15.Musa (موسى) – Moses

Time Period: Around 1300 BCE, in Egypt.
Musa is one of the most prominent figures in Islam. He was sent to free the Israelites from Pharaoh’s tyranny.

With Allah’s guidance, he led them out of Egypt through the Red Sea, and he received the Torah on Mount Sinai. His story is a symbol of faith and perseverance in the face of oppression.
﴿ ثُمَّ أَرْسَلْنَا مُوسَىٰ وَأَخَاهُ هَارُونَ بِآيَاتِنَا وَسُلْطَانٍ مُّبِينٍ﴾
[ المؤمنون: 45]
سورة : المؤمنون – Al-Muminun – الجزء : ( 18 ) – الصفحة: ( 345 )
Then We sent Musa (Moses) and his brother Harun (Aaron), with Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and manifest authority,

16.Dhul-Kifl (ذا الكفل)

It’s not determined the time period of him

In Islam, Dhul-Kifl is considered a prophet and a righteous man, though there are no detailed stories about his life in the Qur’an. He is mentioned briefly in Surah Sad (38:48), where he is associated with qualities like patience and endurance.

Surah Sad (38:48): “And remember Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl; and all are among the best.”
He is also mentioned in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85) alongside Prophet Ayub and Prophet Ismail in the context of patience, indicating that Dhul-Kifl was known for his steadfastness.

Surah Al-Anbiya (21:85): “And [mention] Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl, and all are among the best.”

17.Dawud (داود) – David

Time Period: Circa 1000 BCE, in ancient Israel.
Dawud is known as a prophet and king. He was granted the Zabur (Psalms) by Allah and is revered for his justice and wisdom. He defeated the giant Goliath (Jalut) and united the tribes of Israel.

18.Sulayman (سليمان) – Solomon

Time Period: Circa 950 BC
Sulayman, the son of Dawud, was granted immense wisdom, knowledge, and the ability to communicate with animals and jinn (supernatural beings).

His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, and he continued his father’s legacy in spreading monotheism.

19.Ilyas (إلياس)

Time period:
The exact time period of his life is not clearly specified in Islamic sources. However, he is often associated with the time of Prophet Ahab and Jezebel in Israel, which places him around the 9th century BCE.

This period was during the time of the Kingdom of Israel, specifically when Ahab was king and the Israelites had turned to idol worship under the influence of his wife, Jezebel.

20.Alyasa (اليسع)

Prophet Alyasa (Elisha in the Bible) is a prophet mentioned in Islam, but the exact time period of his life is not definitively stated in Islamic texts.

However, based on Islamic tradition and historical context, it is generally believed that Prophet Alyasa lived after the time of Prophet Elijah (Ilyas in Islam), with whom he is closely associated.

﴿ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَالْيَسَعَ وَيُونُسَ وَلُوطًا ۚ وَكُلًّا فَضَّلْنَا عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ﴾
[ الأنعام: 86]
سورة : الأنعام – Al-Anam – الجزء : ( 7 ) – الصفحة: ( 138 )
And Isma’il (Ishmael) and Al-Yas’a (Elisha), and Yunus (Jonah) and Lout (Lot), and each one of them We preferred above the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns) (of their times).

21.Yunus (يونس) – Jonah

Time Period: Unknown, but generally placed around the 8th century BCE.
Yunus was sent to the people of Nineveh, who were living in sin.

After initially fleeing from his mission, he was swallowed by a large fish, where he repented and returned to his people to call them to repentance. His story teaches patience and the importance of faith.

22.Zakariya (زكريا)

Time period: Zakariya is often associated with the time of the Israelites and the later periods of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which places him around the 1st century BCE.

Some Islamic scholars suggest that he might have lived during the reign of the Hebrew kings, around the time of the rise of the Roman Empire in the region.

23.Yahya (يحيى)

Time Period:
Contemporary of Prophet Isa (Jesus): Prophet Yahya is generally believed to have lived during the 1st century CE, around the time of Prophet Isa (Jesus), whom he is considered to have preceded.

Yahya is mentioned in several places in the Qur’an, including Surah Maryam (19:12–15), Surah Al-Imran (3:39–41), and Surah Al-An’am (6:85). He is known for his piety, his role in calling people to righteousness, and his close connection to Prophet Isa.

24.’Isa (عيسى) – Jesus

Time Period: Circa 4 BCE – 30 CE.
He is believed to perform many miracles. His message was one of peace, love, and submission to Allah. We believe that he was raised up by Allah. He will return as part of the final events before the Day of Judgment.

25.Muhammad (محمد) – The Final Prophet

Time Period: 570 CE – 632 CE.
Muhammad “PBUH”, regarded as the Seal of the Prophets, is the last prophet in Islam. He received the final revelation from Allah, the Qur’an, through the angel Jibril (Gabriel).

Muhammad’s life and teachings serve as a model for Muslims, emphasizing justice, mercy, and devotion to Allah. His prophethood brought the final and most complete message to humanity.

Birthplace of all prophets in Islam

• Prophet Nuh is traditionally linked to Mesopotamia, in modern-day Iraq. Prophet Ibrahim was born in Ur in Iraq. Prophet Ismail was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Prophet Musa was born in Egypt.

• Prophet Dawud is associated with Bethlehem in Palestine, while his son, Prophet Sulayman, is believed to have been born in Jerusalem, Palestine.

• Prophet Isa was born in Bethlehem, Palestine. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Prophet Yusuf is linked to Canaan, near modern-day Palestine. Prophet Ya’qub , the father of Yusuf, also lived in Canaan.

• Prophet Ilyas and his successor, Alyasa, are traditionally associated with Palestine or Syria. Prophet Zakariya (Zechariah) and his son, Prophet Yahya, are believed to have been born in Jerusalem, Palestine.

• Other prophets such as Hud, Saleh, Shu’aib, and Idris are connected with various regions in the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, but the specific locations of their births are not always detailed in Islamic sources.

Conclusion

These prophets are central to Islamic belief, and their stories are meant to teach key lessons in faith, morality, patience, and devotion to Allah. Each prophet played a unique role in shaping the message of Islam, with Prophet Muhammad being the final messenger who brought the last and most complete revelation to humanity.