Stories of the prophets for kids, from the Quran

Prophet Adam

Allah made Adam, the first human, and taught him the names of all things. Iblis refused to bow out of pride. Adam and Hawwa ate from the tree they were told to avoid, then said sorry to Allah, and Allah forgave them.

Lesson: When we make a mistake, we say sorry to Allah, and He forgives. (Al-Baqarah 2:30–37; Al-A‘raf 7:23)

Prophet Nuh

Nuh invited his people to worship Allah for 950 years, but only a few listened. Allah told him to build a huge ark. When the flood came, the believers and pairs of animals were saved.

Lesson: Keep doing good even when others laugh at you. (Hud 11:25–48; Al-‘Ankabut 29:14)

Prophet Ibrahim

As a boy, Ibrahim asked why his people worshipped statues that could not hear or help. He was thrown into a fire, and Allah said: “O fire, be coolness and safety for Ibrahim.” Later he and his son Isma‘il built the Ka‘bah.

Lesson: Be brave about the truth, and trust Allah. (Al-Anbiya 21:51–70; Al-Baqarah 2:127)

Prophet Yusuf

Yusuf’s jealous brothers threw him into a well. He was sold, put in prison for something he did not do, and still stayed patient and honest. In the end he became a leader in Egypt and forgave his brothers.

Lesson: Patience and forgiveness win in the end. (Surah Yusuf 12)

Prophet Musa

Baby Musa was placed in a basket on the river to keep him safe from Pharaoh, and grew up in Pharaoh’s own palace. Allah made him a prophet and, when Pharaoh chased the Israelites, the sea parted so they could cross.

Lesson: Allah looks after those who trust Him. (Al-Qasas 28:7–13; Ash-Shu‘ara 26:61–66)

Prophet Yunus

Yunus left his people without Allah’s permission and was swallowed by a whale. In the darkness he prayed: “There is no god but You, glory be to You; I was among the wrongdoers.” Allah saved him.

Lesson: We can always call on Allah, wherever we are. (Al-Anbiya 21:87–88)

Prophet Sulayman

Sulayman was a king who could understand the language of animals. When an ant warned the other ants to hide from his army, he smiled and thanked Allah.

Lesson: Be kind to every creature and grateful for your gifts. (An-Naml 27:17–19)

Prophet ‘Isa

‘Isa was born to Maryam without a father, and spoke as a baby to defend his mother. By Allah’s permission he healed the sick. Allah raised him up to Himself.

Lesson: Allah can do anything. (Maryam 19:16–34; Al ‘Imran 3:49)

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

The last prophet was known as the trustworthy one even before revelation. He was kind to children, animals and neighbours, and he brought the Quran to the whole world.

Lesson: Follow his example in kindness and honesty. (Al-Ahzab 33:21, 40)

Reading the stories together

Children remember a story far longer than a rule. Read one at bedtime, ask what the prophet did when things were hard, and connect it to their day. For the full list of 25 prophets, see prophets in the Quran; for older children, the whole story of Yusuf is told in Surah Yusuf and of Maryam and ‘Isa in Surah Maryam. For the Prophet Muhammad’s life, see the seerah.