Prophets of Islam

Allah instructed Noah to build the ark and passed judgement on the disbelievers in the form of a flood. Allah says in the Quran, “And construct the ship under Our Eyes and with Our Inspiration and address Me not on behalf of those who did wrong; they are surely to be drowned.” (Quran11:37)

Noah chose a place outside the city and far away from the sea to build his ark. The disbelievers mocked and laughed, making comments about the ship’s location, far from any water source. The disbelievers had no comprehension of the power and magnificence of Allah, so they could not understand why Noah would build a ship, on the top of a hill, far away from the ocean. They called him crazy and laughed out loud. The ship began to take shape and when it was finished, Noah patiently waited for the command from Allah.

“Until when Our Command came and the lowlands gushed forth, overflowing, We said: ‘Load it with two of each kind of animal (male and female), and embark your family, except against whom the Word has already gone forth, and those who believe.’ And none believed him except a few.” (Quran 11:40)

After a separation of several years, again the father (Prophet Abraham) and son (Prophet Ishmael) met. It was on this journey that the two built the Kaaba on Allah’s command as a permanent sanctuary; a place laid for the worship of Allah, to which direction people would their face when offering prayers, and make it a site of pilgrimage. It was here, in this same barren desert where Abraham had left Hagar and Ishmael earlier, that he supplicated to God to make it a place where they would establish the prayer, free from idol worship. There are many beautiful verses in the Quran describing the sanctity of the Kaaba and the purpose of its building.

Allah mentions in the Quran “And when we assigned to Abraham the place of the House: ‘Do not associate with Me anything, and purify My House for those who circumambulate it, who stand in prayer, and who bow, and prostrate themselves (all in prayer).’ And proclaim the Pilgrimage (Hajj) among people, and they shall come to you on foot, and on every lean camel. They shall come to you from every deep and distant mountain highways.” (Quran 22:26)

“..when the angels said, ‘O Mary, indeed Allah gives you the good news of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and in the hereafter, and of those who are near to God.’ ‘He will speak to the people in the cradle, and in old age, and he will be of the righteous.’ She said, ‘My Lord, how can I have a son when no man has touched me.’ He said, ‘So (it will be,) for God creates what He wants. When He decides something, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is. And He will teach him the Book and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel. And (will make him) a messenger to the Children of Israel …” (Quran 3:45-49)

A Muslim firmly believes that divinely revealed books were actually revealed by the compassionate God to His prophets to guide mankind. The Quran is not the only spoken Word of God, but God also spoke to prophets before Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). “…and to Moses Allah spoke directly.” (Quran 4:164)

Allah describes true believers are those who: “…believe in what has been sent down to you (Muhammad) and what has been sent down before you…” (Quran 2:4)

Allah decreed that the Prophet Muhammad would be His final messenger. Allah says: “Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the Messenger of God and the last of the Prophets. And Allah is Ever All-Aware of everything.” (Quran 33:40)

“…And we have sent you O Muhammad, not but as a mercy for humankind and all that exists.” (Quran 21:107)

Allah says in the Quran “And indeed we sent to every nation a messenger saying “Worship Allah and to shun the false deities. (Quran 16:36)

Allah says in the Quran “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow…” (Quran 33:21)

“… and Allah took Abraham as a friend” (Quran 4:125)