In the miraculous journey of Isra, the Night Journey, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was transported from Mecca to Jerusalem on the celestial creature, Buraq. Upon reaching the revered city, he led the prophets of old, including Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and others, in prayer at the Qibla Awal, the first qibla (direction of prayer).
From there, Prophet Muhammad ascended through the heavens, encountering the esteemed prophets of previous nations along the way. Each encounter was a testament to the continuity of prophethood and the interconnectedness of divine messages throughout history. As he ascended, he received guidance and blessings from each prophet, reaffirming the unity of faith and the timeless message of submission to the will of Allah.
Today, I discuss briefly, each of the prominent prophets of Islam.
1. Hazrat Adam (Prophet Adam)
Hazrat Adam is recognized as the first human being and the first prophet in Islam. Created by Allah from clay, he was endowed with knowledge and placed in Paradise with his wife, Hawwa (Eve). They lived in bliss until they were tempted by Shaytan (Satan) to eat from the forbidden tree. Upon doing so, they realized their mistake and sought forgiveness. Allah forgave them but sent them to live on Earth, where they would face challenges and be tested. Adam’s story is one of creation, fall, and redemption, emphasizing the mercy and wisdom of Allah.
2. Hazrat Ilyas (Prophet Elijah)
Hazrat Ilyas, also known as Prophet Elijah, was a messenger of Allah sent to the people of bni-Israel to call them back to the worship of one God and to abandon idolatry. He is known for his confrontation with the idol-worshipping King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Despite facing great opposition and danger, Hazrat Ilyas remained steadfast in preaching monotheism. His story is one of courage, commitment to faith, and divine support in the face of adversity.
3. Hazrat Hud (Prophet Hud)
Hazrat Hud, known as Prophet Hud in Islamic tradition, was sent by Allah to the people of ‘Ad, who were known for their strength, craftsmanship, and tall buildings. Despite their knowledge of Allah, they worshipped other gods alongside Him. Hud preached monotheism and warned them of the consequences of their idolatry, but they questioned his motives and mocked him. As they persisted in their arrogance, Allah sent a devastating drought followed by a violent storm that destroyed the disbelievers. Only the faithful who heeded Hud’s warnings were spared. This story emphasizes the importance of humility and the worship of one God.
4. Hazrat Saleh (Prophet Saleh)
The story of Hazrat Saleh and the miraculous camel is a significant event in Islamic tradition. Hazrat Saleh was sent as a prophet to the people of Thamud, who were known for their idolatry and wickedness. To guide them towards monotheism, the people demanded a miracle from Saleh. In response, a unique and enormous she-camel, which was ten months pregnant, miraculously emerged from the mountains as a sign from Allah. Saleh warned the people to respect the camel and allow it to drink freely from their water supply. However, some disbelievers among the Thamud people, defying Saleh’s warnings, hamstrung and killed the camel. This act of defiance led to their downfall, as Allah’s punishment came upon them in the form of a devastating earthquake, destroying the disbelievers and leaving only the faithful followers of Saleh. This story serves as a lesson on the consequences of disobedience and the importance of heeding the messages of prophets.
5. Hazrat Ibrahim (Prophet Abraham)
The story of Hazrat Ibrahim, also known as Prophet Abraham, is one of faith and divine intervention. When Ibrahim challenged the idol-worshipping practices of his people, including his own father, he was met with fierce opposition. His rejection of idols led to a decree by the king, Nimrod, that Ibrahim should be burned alive as punishment for his defiance. A massive fire was prepared, and Ibrahim was thrown into it. However, by Allah’s command, the fire became cool and safe for Ibrahim, and he emerged unscathed. This miraculous event demonstrated the power of faith and the protection Allah provides to the righteous. This story is often cited as an example of unwavering faith in the face of persecution and is revered in Islamic tradition.
6. Hazrat Ismael (Prophet Ishmael)
The story of Hazrat Ismael’s sacrifice is a powerful testament to faith and obedience. In this story, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) is tested by Allah with a command to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismael. Ibrahim prepares to carry out the command, but at the moment of sacrifice, Allah intervenes and provides a ram to be sacrificed in Ismael’s place. This act of submission to Allah’s will is commemorated by Muslims around the world during the festival of Eid al-Adha.
7. Hazrat Musa (Prophet Moses)
