Prophet

One who speaks for God, conveying divine messages to humanity. Prophethood is foundational to all three Abrahamic faiths.

In Judaism

Prophets (nevi’im) received God’s word and delivered it to Israel. Moses is the greatest prophet, with whom God spoke “face to face.” The prophetic books include major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel) and twelve minor prophets. Prophecy is believed to have ended with Malachi, though some traditions anticipate its return.

In Christianity

The Hebrew prophets are honored as those who foretold Christ. Jesus is seen as prophet, priest, and king—the one of whom all prophets spoke. The New Testament includes prophetic figures (John the Baptist) and the gift of prophecy in the church, though subordinate to Scripture.

In Islam

Islam recognizes a chain of prophets (nabis) from Adam to Muhammad, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Messengers (rasuls) are prophets given scriptures. Muhammad is the “Seal of the Prophets”—the final messenger. The Quran names 25 prophets, while tradition suggests 124,000 were sent to all nations.