The Abrahamic Faiths: An Islamic Perspective

Did Islam regard Abraham, Moses, and Jesus as Muslims?

By Faysal Burhan
Published 2025

In the Islamic worldview, the term “Muslim”—meaning “one who submits to God”—is not a title reserved exclusively for the followers of the Prophet Muhammad. Instead, it is an ontological state of being that defines all the Prophets of Israel and the messengers sent to every nation throughout history.

The Descent of Monotheism

While God (Allah) sent guides to all peoples, the descendants of Abraham were specifically destined to be the primary carriers of monotheism in the modern era. The Qur’an asserts that “Submission” (Islam) is the primordial name of God’s singular religion:

“It is He (Allah) who named you Muslims (submitters) before and in this [Revelation].” (Qur’an 22:78)

Allah described Prophet Abraham as the “Friend of God” (Khalilullah) and the archetype of the true believer. Following his “Hanif” (purely monotheistic) path is the gold standard of faith:

“Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in Faith?” (Qur’an 4:125)

A Universal Origin

Muslims believe that all humanity descends from Adam and Eve, and therefore, all religious guidance flows from a single source. This shared origin necessitates mutual respect and cooperation between nations:

“O Mankind! We have created you male and female and made you nations and tribes so that you might come to know one another… Verily, the most honored among you, in the sight of Allah, is the most upright one.” (Qur’an 49:13)

The Continuity of Revelation

The Qur’an views itself not as a new religion, but as the final chapter in a long historical narrative. It commands believers to make no distinction in the status or reverence of the prophets:

“Say: We believe in God and what has been revealed to us; what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants; and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and other prophets… We make no distinction between any of them.” (Qur’an 2:136)

Commenting on this inclusivity, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Garry Wills noted, “This is a very inclusive creed.” Wills provided a profound insight into the shared monotheistic core, stating that because Christians worship the one God of Jesus, they are—in essence—worshipping the same Deity known in Arabic as Allah.

The Parable of the Missing Block

The Prophet Muhammad illustrated the relationship between the prophets through a famous parable:

“The comparison between me and the preceding prophets is like a beautiful house that was completed except for one missing block. Onlookers admired the mansion but wondered about the gap. I am that block, and I am the seal of the prophets.” (Bukhari)

Shaykh Salah Kuftaro noted that this parable emphasizes that the glory of faith arises from integration rather than isolation. Allah confirms this unity of purpose: “Verily, your community of religion is one community, and I am your Only Lord and Cherisher.” (Qur’an 21:92)

The Common Struggle Against Tyranny

The Abrahamic legacy is one of moral struggle. The late Grand Mufti of Syria, Sheikh Ahmad Kuftaro, emphasized that this “Grand Caravan” shared the same goal:

♦ Moses challenged the tyranny of Pharaoh.

♦ Muhammad challenged the malicious paganism of Arabia.

Because they emanate from one source, the Qur’an commands Muhammad to follow the “Path of Abraham” (6:161). To a Muslim, faith is incomplete without acknowledging this spiritual lineage—from Isaac and Ishmael to David, Solomon, and Jesus.

Objectives of Cooperation

Islam teaches that God is the “Lord of the Worlds,” not just the Lord of a specific tribe or race. Faith requires cooperation to fulfill God’s ethical mandates. The Qur’an cautions against the “footsteps of Satan,” who seeks to sow dissension through harsh speech and tribalism:

“Say to My servants that they should say only those things that are best, for Satan sows dissension among them.” (Qur’an 17:53)

The Five Titans: Ulu al-Azm

Five prophets stand out for their exceptional endurance (Ulu al-Azm): Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. These figures represent the “solemn covenant” that God made with His messengers to uphold truth and dignity (Qur’an 33:7).

The Call to Harmony

The ultimate objective of the Abrahamic faiths is a return to a common word of worship and justice. The Qur’an offers a bridge to the People of the Book:

“Say: O People of the Book! Let us come to a mutual agreement that we shall worship and obey none but God… those who believe, and the Jews, and the Christians… any who believe in God and the Last Day and work righteousness shall have their reward with their Lord.” (Qur’an 2:62)