Prophets in the Qur'an: Practical Lessons from the Qur'anic Stories

After traveling through the desert with his people (Bani Isra'il), Musa eventually reaches the Promised Land. He orders his followers to fight the enemy and reclaim their land occupied by tyrannical people. But they stubbornly refuse. Their defiance was the last straw. Musa asks Allah Most High to separate Bani Isra'il from him and his […] The post 55- Banu Isra'il Refuse To Enter Promised Land – In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

After realizing their mistake, Banu Isra’il sought repentance and were commanded to take the lives of those who had worshiped the Calf. Musa was commanded to choose seventy men to represent them all in turning back to Allah and renewing their pledge. Despite being the best of their tribe, these people were rebellious before Allah. […] The post 54 – Repentance From Worshipping the Calf -In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

When Musa returned to his people, he dealt with his people and showed them that the Calf was not a god. He then spoke to his brother, wanting to know why he had allowed them to fall into this heinous act. Next, the Samiri was asked about his reasons for making them worship the cow, […] The post 53 – The Calf is Destroyed -In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Musa, upon him be peace, had hurried to meet Allah. However, his followers were duped into casting away their gold. The Samiri melted it and used it to make an idol shaped like a cow. The Samiri then deceived Bani Isra’il into worshipping it.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach […] The post 52 – Banu Isra’il Worship The Calf -In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Allah commanded Musa to meet with Him for forty days as Harun was left to watch over Bani Isra’il. At the meeting, Musa asked Allah to reveal Himself. Allah said he wouldn’t see Him, and then manifested Himself to a mountain, destroying it, to show He could not be seen. The Torah was then revealed […] The post 51- Musa Asks To See Allah -In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

After being rescued from Fir’awn and seeing his destruction, Musa ventured onward with his people towards the land they had been promised. This was the start of many difficulties he had to endure during that time. Musa walked past a tribe worshiping idols. They seemed to have forgotten all the favors and guidance Allah had […] The post 50- New Challenges For Musa- In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

With the rescue of Bani Isra’il in sight, Musa was told not to make the water return to its original state. As a result of Fir’awn and his troops persisting in their persecution, they were all drowned. As death was overtaking him, Fir’awn tried accepting faith—but it was too little, too late. The signs manifested […] The post 49- Signs In Fir’awn’s Death – In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

After a long period of difficulty, Musa is given the command to lead Bani Isra’il out of Egypt— a task to be done quickly and in secret. But when Fir’awn and his minions find out, they are enraged and immediately set off to capture them. When Pharoah and his minions finally catch up to Musa, […] The post 48- Escape From Egypt – In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Qarun failed to benefit from the reminders he was given. Those who did not understand the reality of this world wished to be like him, but his lack of connection to Allah made his wealth a calamity for him. Eventually, he was destroyed, and his story became a reminder for us. For more SeekersGuidance podcast […] The post 47 – Qarun Becomes A Reminder – In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Qarun, one of Fir’awn’s greatest supporters, was from Bani Isra’il. He was blessed with great wealth, but his wealth blinded him from seeing his ultimate advantage and disadvantage. People tried to remind him, but to no avail. Others, mesmerized by his “success” wished to be like him…until he was destroyed for his crimes. For more […] The post 46 – Reminders For Qarun – In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul- Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Despite being proven to be a false god and a liar by the miracles and the Magicians, Fir’awn continued to manipulate his people. They followed him so they could continue with their sinful ways. Eventually, after years and many opportunities, Musa and Harun (peace and blessings be upon them) prayed against him. This was because […] The post 45- Musa Prays Against Fir’awn – In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul- Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Fir’awn’s continued persecution led the Believer to hiding their faith. Musa was given instructions to teach them their faith in their houses, and for them to pray in their homes. This did not change Fir’awn’s stance, so he was sent punishment after punishment to make him see the truth…   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, […] The post 44-The Nine Signs For Fir’awn – In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul- Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Fir’awn’s elite minions continued to advise him to do the wrong thing. They made the truth seem abhorrent to him and urged him to continue his persecution of Bani Isra’il. Even Musa was threatened. His young followers were diligently supporting the truth, but the older people of his tribe did not believe in him out […] The post 43- Fir’awn Continues His Persecution – In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul- Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

The Believer alluded to his faith when trying to convince Fir’awn’s elite and eventually openly called them to Allah. He said he would guide them properly – unlike Fir’awn. Despite his sincere warning and efforts, they resisted. In fact, they tried to lead him astray – only to plot against him eventually. But he had […] The post 42- Fir’awn’s Elite Resist the Guidance – In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul- Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

After subtly calling his peers to Allah and making them reflect on the truth and miracles of Musa, the Believer now openly calls them to Allah. Their resistance is clear. Fir’awn uses more delay tactics to avoid having to address the situation… For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world […] The post 41 – The Believer Calls to Allah – In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul- Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

The Prophets Musa and Harun continued to call the people of Egypt to Allah. This led to an increase in persecution of Bani Isra’il. Eventually, Fir’awn discussed with his supporters the idea of killing Musa, and one of them – who had hidden his faith until this point – decided to speak up and try […] The post 40 – The Believer Who Is His Faith – In the Company of the Prophets- Shaykh Abdul- Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

After their Magic affected everyone, the Magicians saw that what Musa produced was far superior to their parlor tricks: it was the truth. This humbled them, and they were able to accept the truth of Musa’s message. The resultant anger of Fir’awn caused them to be tortured and martyred. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts […] The post 39 – The Magicians Become Martyrs – In the Company of the Prophets- Shaykh Abdul- Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Musa warns the Magicians to not continue with their scheme. Lying about Allah is a terrible crime and those who do so are never successful. Some have doubts, others don’t care. They cast their magic and trick people, but Allah used the staff turned snake to show that He is the ultimate Victor.   For […] The post 38- The Serpent Vanquishes Falsehood- In the Company of the Prophets- Shaykh Abdul- Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Fir’awn accused Musa of being a magician when he saw his miracles. He then used the desire his governors had to maintain their power as a means to influence them. They suggested that the matter be delayed until the miracles can be answered, so Fir’awn challenged Musa to a contest… For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, […] The post 37- Fir’awn’s Challenge In the Company of the Prophets- Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

When facing Fir’awn privately, Musa answers the questions Fir’awn has. Fir’awn asks the questions to determine what challenges he is facing. He then faces Musa publicly and asks similar questions intending to dissuade the other influential people of his court from believing in Musa. Musa’s arguments, however, are imbued with a deep logic, when leads […] The post 36 – Musa Presents His Case- In the Company of the Prophets- Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

After being given the miracles and their instructions, Musa and Harun are told how to speak to Fir’awn. Their concerns are removed by Allah Most High, who tells them that He will be with them, hearing and seeing. Fir’awn attempts to manipulate Musa, but he sees right through it and speaks the truth regardless. For […] The post 35 – Musa Meets Fir’awn – In the Company of the Prophets- Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

After being given his miracles, Musa was told about his mission. He was to go to Fir’awn and his followers and invite them to surrender to Allah, accept Islam, and stop their persecution of Bani Isra’il. He asked Allah to make the matter easy for him, to be given the clarity of speech, and that […] The post 34 – Musa’s Mission and Supplication – In the Company of the Prophets- Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

After introducing Himself and the foundational principles of religion to Musa, Allah granted Musa two miracles. The first was the staff that turned into a snake, and the second was his hand glowing bright white. We see how Musa reacted to these wondrous miracles and the purpose for which miracles are given to Prophets.   […] The post 33- Musa Receives His Miracles – In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reaset appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

After marriage and the passing of a decade, Musa decided to return to his homeland. On the way, on a dark night, he noticed a fire. This fire would illuminate his future forever, for it was the veil through which Allah spoke to him. Musa was told that it was Allah who addressed him and […] The post 32-Allah Speaks Directly to Musa- In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

The Prophet Musa (peace and blessing be upon him) is now safe in Madyan. After helping the young ladies he turns to Allah expressing his need, only to find that Allah will take care of them very soon. He visits the father of the ladies, who, after hearing about Musa’s difficulties, and seeing that he […] The post 31-Musa Gets Married – In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

After repenting from accidentally killing the tyrannical Copt, Musa sees the man he helped the day before in another altercation. When Musa moves to help him he criticizes the man for being trouble caused. Assuming that Musa is going to strike him, the Israelite speaks of the killing from the previous day, forcing Musa to […] The post 30-Musa Escapes to Madyan- In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Fir’awn heard that there would be a male child of the Israelites who would be the direct cause of his downfall, and consequently commanded that their male children should be killed. Allah inspired Musa’s mother to place him in the Nile, promising that He will return him to her. Musa was picked up by Fir’awn’s […] The post 29- The Birth of Musa- In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Finally, the entire family was reunited. Yusuf’s story ended with him recounting Allah’s favors and imparting wisdom to us. His final supplication summarised the many beautiful lessons the sura provided us with. His family remained in Egypt until the kings were overthrown, and the Pharaohs came into power.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts […] The post 28-Yusuf’s Du’a – In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Yusuf reveals his identity upon seeing they have learned their lesson, and then forgives them. They were amazed at the rank Allah had granted him. He sends them back home with a shirt of his to return Ya’qub’s sight to him.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world […] The post 27-The Dream Comes True – In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

The brothers showed that they had not changed when they claimed that Yusuf was a thief. He keeps his younger brother and sends them away to face their father. The eldest one remained in Egypt, and they are forced to meet their father with a similar situation when Yusuf was thrown in the well. Broken, […] The post 26-A Painful Lesson – In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

The king expresses his pleasure with Yusuf, who, being the most qualified person for the job, asks to be put in charge of the country’s stores. The king agrees, and over the years Yusuf carefully manages the grain Egypt produces, to help themselves and others. Eventually, his brothers come, and Yusuf puts into effect a […] The post 25 – Yusuf Recognizes His Brothers- In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

When the king had a strange dream, the former prisoner recalled that Yusuf was gifted at dream interpretation, so he went to the prison to bring Yusuf. Yusuf, however, did not leave the prison. This leads to the king investigating the matter to find out why he was imprisoned in the first place. Only then […] The post 24-Yusuf Is Exonerated-In the Company of the Prophets – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Yusuf uses every opportunity to call his fellow inmates to Allah, carrying on the tradition of his forefathers. Two inmates ask him for an interpretation of their dreams and he does so. He indicates to one of them to mention him to the king when he gets out of prison, but the Devil made him […]

The minister’s wife heard of the gossip about her and wanted to show the other ladies that she’s blameless, simply because of how handsome Yusuf is. She invites them and shows them, Yusuf. Matters get worse for Yusuf, to the point that he asks Allah to protect him from their schemes. Eventually, he ends up […]

After narrowly escaping a difficult situation with the wife of the minister, Yusuf finds himself falsely accused by her. He is forced to expose her in order to defend his honor. She is proven guilty by a member of her own house and the news travels. This makes the whole incident much more complicated she […]

After being pulled out of the well by some dishonest merchants, Yusuf is sold into slavery. Eventually, he reaches Egypt. Then, due to his excellent qualities, he is purchased by the prime minister in the hopes of adopting him or benefiting from him through some other means. Here he spends years in good treatment, only […]

Ya’qub’s story is part of a greater – no, the greatest story – in the Qur’an. The story of how Yusuf was separated from his loving father through the actions of his siblings. They felt jealous of Yusuf and his younger brother, so the devil spurred them to take a plan to remove Yusuf from […]

The People of Shu’ayb failed to heed the warnings and continued to call him a liar. They were destroyed with such force that it was as though they never lived in their homeland.  The next Prophet chronologically, who was mentioned in the Qur’an, was Ya’qub, also known as Isra’il. He was the father of twelve […]

Not far after, and not far from the location of the people of Lut, came the people of Shu’ayb. They were people who deceived people in matters of trade. They harmed them financially. Shu’ayb’s efforts to guide them were met wick mockery and threats. Ultimately, they caused their own destruction.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast […]

Lut was faced with a difficult challenge: that of changing the perspective of a group of people whose fitra had been corrupted. They saw the good as bad, and the vile as being pure. They also robbed people traveling the highways, threatening the lifelines of cities. When they refused to see the error of their […]

We now look at how Ibrahim was tested with a position of eminence. Allah made him and an imam – and exemplar – for humanity. Naturally, he fulfilled that role perfectly and is looked up to by millions. Lut was his nephew, and He too was tested with being the odd one out in a […]

 When Ismai’l was older, Ibrahim travelled to Mecca to build the Ka’ba with him, according to the command of Allah. He completes the momentous task and calls out to humanity to come and perform a pilgrimage to the Sacred House. Upon completing this, he returned to his wife Sara only to be visited by guests. […]

Ibrahim was given many tests through his son Ismal’il. First, he was told to take him and Hajr and leave them in the valley where he would eventually build the Ka’ba. Hajar is faced with the test of trust in Allah after being left there alone with her infant. He himself is part of another […]

After having shown his people the error of their ways of worshipping Idols, Ibrahim is deemed a heretic by them and sentenced to death. They build a huge fire for him and toss him in, only to find that he is safe. Ibrahim then leaves his people and travels the land with his wife, Sara, […]

After unsuccessfully trying to make Azar see the truth, Ibrahim tries to convince his people of the futility of worshipping inanimate idols. He tries to make the common people and the king see the truth, but to no avail. When his efforts do bear fruit, he makes a plan to show then that the idols […]

Prophets continued to come to humanity for many thousands of years. Eventually, Allah sent Ibrahim, who would become one of the most influential figures in human history. In this session, we learn if Azar was actually his father or not, and how Allah gave him absolute certainty and rock-solid faith before he started to call […]

Despite their being aware of previously destroyed people, Thamud also rebelled. Their abilities and agricultural advancement led down the road of the previous disbelievers. They preferred misguidance to faith. After being given a miraculous camel as a sign they decided to kill it as an act of defiance to Allah. Their destruction was swift and […]

Despite Hud’s efforts to make his people show appreciation for the blessings of Allah through iman and good deeds, they continued their arrogant refusal. The conflict intensified to such a degree that they challenged him to make the punishment of Allah come down on them. So, it did. They were destroyed in a manner that […]

After the destruction of the majority of humanity for their disbelief, Nuh went on to re-establish Islam as the religion of humanity. From his descendants came the tribe ʿAd, a tyrannical and arrogant people. Their strength and worldly success convinced them that they would not perish. When Allah sent Hud to warn them their response […]

After almost a millennium of inviting his people to accept Allah’s mercy, Nuh is informed of their opportunity having been lost. Now all that remains is the fulfillment of the promise of punishment for the disbeliever, and the promise of rescue and protection of the believers. When the sentence is carried out, Nuh is faced […]

Nuh spent a close to millennium trying to call his people to Allah. The length of this test coupled with the harsh treatment he received from his people made his mission very difficult. We see how he has to deal with this the betrayal of loved one, the insults of people he wants good for, […]