The Majestic Quran

21. Al-Anbiya’ The Prophets This is a late Makkan chapter. The central theme is an explanation of the three basic beliefs of Islam: monotheism, prophethood and the Hereafter, with focus on prophethood. It opens by criticising the Makkans and their drunkenness with worldly life. Divine judgement is presented through the effects of historical disobedience: how past nations who denied prophets were destroyed. The next section is about the creation of the universe, and how all living things were created from water – clear evidence that God can recreate humanity after death. A frequent theme in the Quran is God’s care for his creatures. This is illustrated by constant repetition of His Beautiful Names (the Kind, the Caring, the Loving, the Generous and the Responder). God is Al-Hadi, the Guide, evidence of this is Him sending prophets. The Quran presents an historical record of how God intervened in human history by sending the prophets, and established a clear framework for human salvation. The Quran mentions only twenty-five prophets by name, yet there were more than 124,000 prophets according to one prophetic saying. Five of them are recognised in Islamic theology as commanding a special status: the Prophet Muhammad r , Jesus , Abraham , Moses and Noah . The prophets Abraham , Joseph , Jonah , Hud , and Noah have full chapters dedicated to their life and mission. Many others, like David and Solomon , are mentioned several times in the Quran. They are a symbol of God’s care for humanity, as is their distinct role in guiding people. Seventeen prophets are mentioned briefly, their struggles, sufferings and steadfastness, followed by their pleas to the Lord for help. In each case, the eventual Divine