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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the importance of and the examples set by the prophets Adam, Ibrahim and Isa.

      Key learning points

      1. The Prophet Adam was the first human and prophet in Islam.
      2. He was given a role as successor or khalifah on earth.
      3. The Prophet Ibrahim refused to worship idols and rebuilt the Ka'aba with his son Ishma'il.
      4. The Prophet Isa was born to Maryam miraculously.
      5. There are some important differences in Muslim beliefs about Isa to Christian beliefs about Jesus.

      Keywords

      • Adam - the first human and first prophet of Islam

      • Ibrahim - (Abraham) the father of Ishma'il and Isaac, who rebuilt the Ka’aba

      • Isa - (Jesus) the son of Maryam and an important prophet in Islam

      • Maryam - (Mary) the mother of Isa, a leader of women

      Common misconception

      Muslims believe that Muhammad was the first Muslim prophet.

      Muslims believe that Adam was the first prophet and that other Abrahamic prophets were also given messages of revelation from Allah.

      Teacher tip

      To gain a deeper understanding of the stories of the three prophets, students can be directed to these Surahs of the Qur'an: Adam (2:30-39), Ibrahim (21:51-69), Isa (19).

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Muslims believe that was the first prophet of Islam.

      Correct Answer: Adam, adam

      Q2.
      Which of the following is considered a key belief in both Sunni and Shi'a Islam?

      the belief in reincarnation
      Correct answer: the belief in prophethood
      the belief in multiple gods

      Q3.
      Prophets have been given for humanity from Allah.

      Correct Answer: revelations, Revelations

      Q4.
      What does the Qur'an say about the role of prophets?

      Only one prophet is important.
      Correct answer: All the prophets are crucial to the guidance of humanity.
      Prophets only came to the Arab people.

      Q5.
      What central message did all the prophets in Islam receive?

      Correct answer: the message of tawhid, the oneness of God
      the necessity of following religious rituals
      the creation of an earthly kingdom

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What does the term "Khalifah" mean about Prophet Adam?

      a teacher of the people
      Correct answer: a successor and steward of earth
      a ruler over a nation

      Q2.
      The Prophet Ibrahim refused to worship idols and rebuilt the with his son Ishma'il.

      Correct Answer: Ka'aba, ka'aba, kaaba, kaba

      Q3.
      According to Islamic belief, who was the mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus)?

      Hagar
      Aisha
      Correct answer: Maryam (Mary)

      Q4.
      What is one major difference between Muslim and Christian beliefs about Isa (Jesus)?

      Muslims believe Isa is the Son of God.
      Christians believe Isa (Jesus) was born to Maryam miraculously.
      Correct answer: Muslims do not believe Isa was crucified, whereas Christians do.
      Muslims believe Isa was married.

      Q5.
      Muslims believe that all the following are Abrahamic prophets, except for...

      Ibrahim.
      Musa.
      Isa.
      Correct answer: Buddha.

      Q6.
      According to Islamic belief, who was the first prophet?

      Prophet Muhammad
      Correct answer: Prophet Adam
      Prophet Isa

      To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Examples of prophets, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...