Who is considered the first prophet in Islam?

Adam is considered the first prophet in Islam. Islamic theology identifies him as the first human being, the father of humanity, and the first person chosen to receive divine guidance.

According to the Qur'an, God created Adam from earthly material and gave him life. Adam and his wife, Hawwa (Eve), lived in a garden before being sent to Earth after eating from the forbidden tree. Unlike the Christian doctrine of original sin, Islam teaches that Adam sincerely repented and that God accepted his repentance.

Muslims understand Adam's prophetic role as the beginning of a continuing chain of guidance. Later prophets—including Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad—are believed to have taught the same essential message: worship the one God and live righteously.

A common mix-up is confusing the first prophet with the last prophet. Adam begins the prophetic tradition in Islam, while Muhammad is regarded as its final prophet. Islamic tradition also says Adam was taught knowledge and the names of things, emphasizing humanity's special responsibility on Earth.