The Cloud of Witnesses

Qur’an

Ibrahim (Quranic)

~2000 BCE, Iraq, the Levant, and the Arabian Peninsula — the Quranic account

Ibrahim — Abraham in the Quranic tradition. He smashed his father's idols, was thrown into a fire that was made cool by God, built the Ka'ba with his son Ismail, and in the Quran it was Ismail (not Isaac) whom he was commanded to sacrifice. He is the hanif — the pure monotheist before any community existed. "Friend of God" (Khalilullah).

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Qur’an

Yusuf

~17th century BC (Quranic narrative), Egypt

Prophet of Allah. Subject of Surah 12 of the Quran — the longest continuous narrative in the recitation. Brothers’ jealousy, the well, slavery in Egypt, Zulaikha and the women who cut their fingers, prison, dream-interpretation, the lean years, reunion with his father Yaqub.

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Qur’an

Musa (Quranic)

~13th century BCE, Egypt and Sinai — the Quranic account

The most-mentioned prophet in the Quran (136 times). His story spans the burning bush, the confrontation with Pharaoh, the crossing, the tablets on Tur Sina — and uniquely in the Quran, his journey with al-Khidr (Surah 18), where he had to witness inexplicable acts in silence and still could not hold his tongue. He argued with God directly.

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Qur’an

Maryam

~1st century BCE, Palestine — the Quranic account

Maryam bint Imran — the only woman named in the Quran, and the subject of her own surah (Surah 19). She was addressed by angels, withdrew in seclusion to give birth, and returned to her people with the infant Isa, who then spoke from the cradle to defend her honor. She is held as the greatest woman in Islamic tradition.

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Qur’an

Isa (Quranic)

~1st century CE, Palestine — the Quranic account

Isa ibn Maryam — Jesus in the Quranic tradition. Born of a virgin, he spoke from the cradle, performed miracles by God's permission, and is described as the Word (Kalimah) and Spirit (Ruh) of God. He did not die on the cross (Quran 4:157); he was raised to God and will return before the Day of Judgment. A prophet and messenger of the highest rank.

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