Do I have to believe in all the prophets to become Muslim?

By Creator · October 13, 2026 · 1 min read

Yes, in general. Believing in all of God's messengers is one of the six pillars of faith in Islam. That includes Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad ﷺ, as the final prophet. But you don't need to know all their names or stories before your shahada. You learn them over time.

A pillar of faith

كُلٌّ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَمَلَـٰٓئِكَتِهِۦ وَكُتُبِهِۦ وَرُسُلِهِۦ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُّسُلِهِۦ "All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], 'We make no distinction between any of His messengers.'" Quran 2:285

When the angel Gabriel asked the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about faith, he answered: believing in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day and divine decree (Sahih Muslim 8). These are known as the six pillars of faith.

Who are the prophets?

The Quran names 25 prophets, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Jonah, John the Baptist, Jesus and Muhammad ﷺ. It also says there were many more whose names we aren't told, sent to every nation.

You believe in all of them generally: every prophet God sent was truthful.
You believe in the named ones specifically once you learn about them.
Muhammad ﷺ is the last: no prophet comes after him.

"No distinction" doesn't mean "no ranks"

Muslims don't accept some prophets and reject others. That's what "no distinction" means. At the same time, the Quran says some prophets were given special roles, like Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad ﷺ.

For Christians and Jews

Many people are surprised that becoming Muslim means keeping their prophets, not losing them. Moses and Jesus are deeply honored in Islam. See Do I have to believe Jesus isn't God to become Muslim? and Can I become Muslim if I'm Jewish?

Learning their stories

The prophets' stories are among the most loved parts of the Quran, full of patience, trust and courage. Many converts read one story a week. Children's books on the prophets are also a gentle starting point for adults.

Key points

Belief in all messengers is a pillar of faith.
You don't need to know every name before your shahada.
The Quran names 25 prophets; there were many more.
Muhammad ﷺ is the final prophet.

Tip: Start with Surah Yusuf (chapter 12). It tells the full story of Prophet Joseph in one chapter and is a favorite of many new Muslims.

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