Stories of the Prophets

Stories of the Prophets by the renowned 14th-century Sunni scholar Imam Ismā‘īl ibn Kathīr (d. 774 AH) is a timeless Islamic classic that presents the lives and missions of the Prophets, from Adam (AS) to ‘Isa (AS), based on the Qur’an, authentic Hadith, and historical narrations. This English translation maintains the original spirit of the Arabic work, conveying its clarity, depth, and scholarly rigor. Uniquely compiled from Imam Ibn Kathir’s famous Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim, this book sheds light on the noble character, trials, and teachings of each Prophet. The stories are free from fabricated narrations, adhering strictly to the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah wal-Jama‘ah, making it a reliable and spiritually enriching resource for Muslim families, educators, students, and anyone seeking to understand prophetic history from an Islamic worldview. Whether used in Islamic studies, homeschool curricula, or personal reading, this book instills love for the Prophets and deepens one’s faith through authentic narratives and moral lessons. Its engaging style and accessible English make it suitable for both adults and young readers. Allah the Most Exalted says in the Qur'an: "We are relating unto you the most beautiful of stories in that what We have revealed to you from the Qur'an, though before it you were from among those who were not aware of them." (12:3) "We have indeed sent aforetime Messengers before you, of them there are some whose stories We have related to you, and whose stories We have not related to you..." (40:78) "We relate to you the important news of their story in truth..." (18:13) "And all that We relate to you of these stories of the Messengers, We strengthen with them your heart. Through them, there come to you the truth as well as admonition and reminder to all those who believe." (11:120) "There is, indeed, in their stories, lessons for people endowed with understanding. It is not any invented tale, but a confirmation of what went before it, and a detailed exposition of all things, and a guide and a mercy to the people who believe." (12:111) "...so relate the stories, perhaps they may reflect." (7:176)