Prophets

Prophets are individuals believed to communicate with a deity or higher power and to convey divine guidance, revelation, or warnings to others. Their messages can address ethical conduct, social justice, and future events, and prophecy may include both foretelling and forth-telling—speaking God’s will for the present as well as for the future.

In the Hebrew Bible and Jewish tradition, prophets acted as covenantal messengers, often challenging rulers and urging ethical reforms. Notable examples include Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. In Islam, prophets (nabi) and messengers (rasul) transmit God's word; Muhammad is regarded as the final prophet. The Qur'an also recognizes prophets dating back to Adam and includes figures such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, who is considered a prophet in Islam. In Christianity, prophecy is understood as inspired communication from God, with prophets appearing in the Old Testament and continuing in some Christian communities in the New Testament era; prophetic gifts are described as among the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit. Some denominations hold that prophecy continues today, while others view revelation as complete with the biblical canon. In other religious and cultural contexts, prophecy can appear as oracular pronouncements, shamanic communications, or visionary revelations.

Modern usage often extends the term “prophet” to religious reformers or leaders believed to convey divine will, and sometimes to individuals who predict future events. Debates about authenticity and authority are common, with communities evaluating prophecies for doctrinal coherence, historical reliability, and moral alignment. Across cultures, prophetic figures have influenced religious practice, social change, and expectations about the future.