Stories of the Prophets by Ibn Kathir (Qasas ul Anbiya) – English, Darussalam

Stories of the Prophets (Qasas ul Anbiya) by Imam Ibn Kathir is the classic account of the lives of the Prophets sent by Allah, from Adam (peace be upon him) to 'Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him). This is Darussalam's English edition, rendered into English by Rashad Ahmad Azami: a hardcover of more than 570 pages in 28 chapters, with the Qur'anic verses quoted in Arabic and English throughout. It is available in two editions: the Standard Edition at 48.88 SAR and a full-colour Colour Edition at 106.68 SAR, both dispatched from Riyadh.

Also searched as: Qasas ul Anbiya Ibn Kathir English, Qisas al-Anbiya, Stories of the Prophets book, Ibn Kathir stories of the Prophets, Prophet stories book in English.

Official Darussalam edition · 28 chapters, Adam to 'Isa · Free shipping on orders over 300 SAR

Book Details

Title: Stories of the Prophets (Peace be upon them)

Author: Imam Imaduddin Abul-Fida Isma'il Ibn Kathir Ad-Dimashqi (700–774 AH)

English translation: Rashad Ahmad Azami

Publisher: Darussalam

Language: English, with Qur'anic verses in Arabic

Length: 28 chapters, more than 570 pages

Size: 17x24 cm

Binding: Hardcover

Editions: Standard Edition (48.88 SAR) · Colour Edition, illustrated with colour photographs (106.68 SAR)

Standard Edition or Colour Edition?

Both editions contain Ibn Kathir's Stories of the Prophets in English. The Standard Edition is the everyday reading and study copy. The Colour Edition is printed in full colour, with photographs of places connected to the stories, such as the pyramids and temples of Egypt beside the chapters on Musa, and a decorated cover, which makes it a good choice for a family library or a gift. Choose the edition from the options above.

What Makes Ibn Kathir's Stories of the Prophets Special

Many collections of prophet stories mix the Qur'an with legends and unreliable reports. Ibn Kathir's work is different. Each chapter begins with what Allah Himself says about that Prophet in the Qur'an, quoted in Arabic with its English meaning. Ibn Kathir then explains the verses using authentic hadith and the statements of the early scholars, and he often warns the reader when a popular story comes from the Isra'iliyyat (narrations from earlier scriptures) that cannot be relied upon. The result is a book that tells the stories in full while keeping them anchored to sound sources, which is why it has been read and taught for more than six centuries.

The 28 Chapters Inside

The contents follow the Prophets in historical order. The book opens with Adam and Eve, the creation of Adam, the story of Cain and Abel and Adam's death, then moves to Idris and Nuh (Noah) with the ark and the flood. It continues with Hud and the people of 'Ad, Salih and the she-camel of Thamud, and a long chapter on Ibrahim (Abraham): his argument with his father and the idols, the fire, the migration, the building of the Ka'bah and the sacrifice.

Next come Lut (Lot), Shu'aib and the people of Madyan, the progeny of Ibrahim with Isma'il and Ishaq, and the detailed story of Yusuf (Joseph) in Egypt. The book then tells the stories of Ayyub (Job) and his patience, Dhul-Kifl, the peoples destroyed by divine punishment such as the people of Ar-Rass, and Yunus (Jonah) in the belly of the whale.

The longest section is devoted to Musa (Moses): his birth and rescue, his years in Madyan, his confrontation with Pharaoh, the parting of the sea, the Israelites in the wilderness, the golden calf, the story of the cow, and his meeting with Al-Khidr. It is followed by Yusha' (Joshua), Ezekiel, Elias and Elisha, Samuel, Dawud (David) and Sulaiman (Solomon) with the Queen of Sheba, and other prophets of the Children of Israel, including Daniel and Ezra ('Uzair). The final chapters cover Zakariyya and Yahya (John the Baptist), and conclude with 'Isa (Jesus): his miraculous birth to Maryam, the Injil, his miracles, the prophecies about Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and his raising up.

Why the Book Ends with 'Isa (Jesus)

Ibn Kathir wrote the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ separately, as part of his larger history Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah. For that reason, Stories of the Prophets ends with 'Isa, the last Prophet before Muhammad ﷺ. To complete the story with the life of the final Messenger, read The Sealed Nectar, the prize-winning seerah of the Prophet ﷺ.

Who This Book Is For

• Adults and older teenagers who want the full, authentic stories of the Prophets rather than simplified retellings.

• Students of Islamic studies – each story is tied to the Qur'anic verses, making it an ideal companion to tafsir study.

• Parents and teachers who want a reliable reference when telling the stories to children.

• New Muslims and interested non-Muslims who want to see how Islam honours all the Prophets, including Ibrahim, Musa and 'Isa.

This is a full-length book written for older readers. For young children, browse our Kids Islamic Books collection.

How to Read It

Many readers take one Prophet at a time, reading the Qur'anic verses first and then Ibn Kathir's explanation. Families often read a section together each evening, and study circles use a chapter a week. Because every chapter is self-contained, you can also go straight to the Prophet you want to learn about, such as Yusuf or Musa, using the detailed contents page.

About Imam Ibn Kathir

Imam Imaduddin Abul-Fida Isma'il ibn Kathir (700–774 AH / 1300–1373 CE) was one of the great scholars of Damascus in tafsir, hadith and history, and a student of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. He is best known for his tafsir of the Qur'an and his world history Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah, from which these stories are drawn. Darussalam publishes his tafsir in English as the Tafsir Ibn Kathir 10 Volume Set.

Related Books from Darussalam

Pair this book with The Sealed Nectar for the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and with the Noble Quran in English to read the verses in full. Browse more in our Prophet's Seerah and Biography collections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote Stories of the Prophets?

Imam Imaduddin Abul-Fida Isma'il Ibn Kathir Ad-Dimashqi (700–774 AH), the scholar of Damascus known for his tafsir and his history Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah.

Who translated this edition into English?

This Darussalam edition was rendered into English by Rashad Ahmad Azami.

Which Prophets are covered?

The book has 28 chapters, from Adam and Eve through Idris, Nuh, Hud, Salih, Ibrahim, Lut, Shu'aib, Isma'il, Ishaq, Yusuf, Ayyub, Yunus, Musa, Dawud, Sulaiman, Zakariyya and Yahya, ending with 'Isa (Jesus), peace be upon them all.

Does it include the story of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?

No. Ibn Kathir wrote the Prophet's life separately, so this book ends with 'Isa. For the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, read The Sealed Nectar.

Is this the same as Qasas ul Anbiya?

Yes. Stories of the Prophets is the English title of Ibn Kathir's Qasas al-Anbiya.

Does the book quote the Qur'an?

Yes. Each chapter quotes the relevant Qur'anic verses in Arabic with their English meaning, and Ibn Kathir explains them with hadith and the views of the early scholars.

How many pages does the book have?

The Standard Edition's contents list runs past page 570, across 28 chapters, in a single hardcover volume.

Is it suitable for children?

It is a full-length book for adults and older teenagers. Parents can use it as a reference when telling the stories, and younger children will enjoy the books in our Kids Islamic Books collection.

Is there a colour edition?

Yes. Choose the Colour Edition option on this page for the full-colour version illustrated with photographs.

What is the price of Stories of the Prophets in Saudi Arabia?

The Standard Edition costs 48.88 SAR and the Colour Edition costs 106.68 SAR on Darussalam Store.

Do you deliver across Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Orders are dispatched from Riyadh to all regions of Saudi Arabia, and orders over 300 SAR qualify for free shipping.