Mauao Man

From Adam to Muhammad: Islam’s Prophetic Lineage According to Islamic Tradition

A Journey Through the Prophets, Scriptures, and Divine Messages in Islam

Introduction: The Islamic Narrative — A Faith-Based History

According to Islamic tradition, the story of Islam did not begin with Muhammad in the 7th century. Instead, Muslims believe that Islam is the original faith of humanity, revealed by Allah to a long line of 124,000 prophets and messengers, each sent to their own nations with the same core message: "Worship Allah alone."

These prophets delivered divine guidance in various forms, including several revealed scriptures — the Torah (Tawrah), the Psalms (Zabur), the Gospel (Injil), and the Quran. Islam teaches that all true prophets taught the same fundamental beliefs: monotheism (Tawhid), submission to God, and righteous conduct.

But it is important to note that this narrative is based on Islamic tradition — a religious perspective that differs from the historical and archaeological record. This post explores the Islamic narrative of history, presenting it as Muslims understand it, from Adam to Muhammad.

1. The Prophetic Line: 124,000 Messengers to Every Nation

1. Universal Guidance for All Humanity

According to the Hadith (sayings of Muhammad), Allah sent 124,000 prophets to every nation and people throughout history.

"Allah sent 124,000 prophets among mankind, and among them were 315 messengers." (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 21257)
These prophets spoke different languages, lived in different lands, but delivered the same core message: monotheism (Tawhid).
The Quran confirms this idea, stating:

"And there was no nation but that there had passed within it a warner." (Quran 35:24)

2. Messengers vs. Prophets: A Subtle Distinction

Prophets (Nabi): Those who received divine inspiration but were not necessarily given a new scripture.
Messengers (Rasul): Those who were given a revealed scripture or law to deliver to their people.
Examples:
- Noah (Nuh) — A prophet who warned his people but did not bring a scripture.
- Moses (Musa) — A messenger who delivered the Torah (Tawrah).
- Jesus (Isa) — A messenger who brought the Gospel (Injil).
- Muhammad — The final messenger, who delivered the Quran, seen as the final and complete revelation.

2. The Revealed Scriptures: Four Major Books

1. The Torah (Tawrah)

Revealed to Moses (Musa) as a complete code of law for the Children of Israel.
Contains stories of creation, the Exodus, and laws for personal conduct and worship.
In Islamic belief, the original Torah was a divine book, but Muslims believe it was later altered by human hands.

2. The Psalms (Zabur)

Revealed to David (Dawud), who is seen as both a king and a prophet.
Described as a book of praise, wisdom, and divine songs.
Although Muslims believe the Zabur was a true revelation, it is seen as a book of spiritual guidance rather than legal commandments.

3. The Gospel (Injil)

Revealed to Jesus (Isa), presenting him as a prophet rather than the divine Son of God.
Described as a message of guidance and mercy, calling people to worship Allah alone.
Muslims believe the original Injil has been lost or corrupted, with the current Gospels seen as altered versions.

4. The Quran: The Final Revelation

Revealed to Muhammad over 23 years, from 610 to 632 AD.
Believed to be the literal, unaltered word of Allah, preserved in the Arabic language.
Seen as the final and most complete revelation, confirming the truths of the previous scriptures while correcting their errors.
The Quran is viewed as a comprehensive guide for all humanity, covering theology, law, ethics, and spiritual guidance.

3. The Major Prophets: Key Figures in Islamic Tradition

1. Adam: The First Prophet and the First Muslim

Created by Allah from clay and given the “spirit of life” (Quran 15:28-29).
Taught his children to worship Allah alone.
Seen as the first prophet and the first Muslim — one who submits to Allah.

2. Noah (Nuh): The Prophet of the Flood

Preached monotheism to his people for 950 years but was largely rejected (Quran 29:14).
Built an ark by Allah’s command, saving the believers from the flood (Quran 11:36-48).

3. Abraham (Ibrahim): The Father of Prophets

Rejected idol worship and called his people to worship Allah alone (Quran 21:51-70).
Built the Kaaba in Mecca with his son Ishmael (Ismail) as a house of worship (Quran 2:125-127).
Considered the patriarch of both the Arabs (through Ishmael) and the Israelites (through Isaac).

4. Moses (Musa): The Lawgiver

Delivered the Torah (Tawrah) to the Children of Israel.
Led his people out of Egypt, performing miracles by Allah’s command (Quran 7:104-137).
Is seen as one of the greatest prophets, a leader, and a lawgiver.

5. Jesus (Isa): The Messiah in Islam

Born to Maryam (Mary) through a miraculous virgin birth (Quran 3:45-47).
Performed miracles by Allah’s permission, including healing the blind and raising the dead (Quran 3:49).
Did not die on the cross, but was raised to heaven, with a promise to return before the Day of Judgment (Quran 4:157-158).

6. Muhammad: The Final Messenger

Born in Mecca in 570 AD, a descendant of Abraham through Ishmael.
Received the first revelation from Allah at the age of 40 (Quran 96:1-5).
Preached the message of monotheism, faced persecution, and migrated to Medina (Hijra).
Established the first Islamic state, leading a series of battles that culminated in the conquest of Mecca in 630 AD.
Died in 632 AD, but his teachings continue through the Quran and Hadith.

4. Prophets Known Only to Allah

While Islam names 25 prophets in the Quran, it teaches that there were many more:

"And We have certainly sent messengers before you. Among them are those [whose stories] We have related to you, and among them are those [whose stories] We have not related to you." (Quran 40:78)
The Hadith teaches that 124,000 prophets were sent to every nation, ensuring that all of humanity received divine guidance at some point.
Prophets like Khidr, Luqman, and others are mentioned, but their stories are brief and mysterious.

Conclusion: A Single Faith from Adam to Muhammad

In Islamic tradition, Islam is not seen as a new religion but as the original faith revealed to humanity, perfected and completed with the message of Muhammad. Muslims believe all prophets preached the same core message: submission to the one true God (Allah).

But it is important to remember that this is a religious narrative, based on faith rather than historical evidence. Understanding this perspective helps explain why Muslims see Islam as a continuation of a divine tradition, rather than something that began in the 7th century.

1,400 Years of Division: How Islam’s Ancient Conflicts Shape New Zealand Today
Divided Faith: Understanding the Many Faces of Islam in New Zealand
The Divided Legacy: How Islam’s First Centuries Created 1,400 Years of Conflict
Islam: What It Really Teaches — And What It Means for New Zealand

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About the Author

Mauao Man is a blog created by a New Zealand writer who believes in following the evidence wherever it leads. From history and religion to culture and society, Mauao Man takes a clear, critical, and honest approach — challenging ideas without attacking people. Whether exploring the history of Islam in New Zealand, the complexities of faith, or the contradictions in belief systems, this blog is about asking the hard questions and uncovering the truth.

If you value clarity over comfort and truth over tradition, you’re in the right place.