Stories of the Prophets English | Qasas-ul-Anbiya

Stories of the Prophets (Qasas-ul-Anbiya): The Authentic English Edition by Imam Ibn Kathir

There is no better introduction to the Islamic understanding of human history than the stories of Allah's Prophets — and there is no more authoritative scholar to tell them than Imam Ibn Kathir. This authentic English translation of Qasas-ul-Anbiya by Imam Imaduddin Ismail ibn Kathir (1301–1373 CE) presents the complete accounts of every Prophet mentioned in the Holy Quran, drawn from the Quran itself and authenticated Hadith, with the scholarly rigour that defines all of Ibn Kathir's major works. Published by Darrussalam, it is one of the most important English Islamic books we stock — and one of the clearest entry points for English-speaking readers into the broader Islamic Seerah and prophetic biography library.

Why Imam Ibn Kathir's Account Is the Authoritative One

The stories of the Prophets have been told many times, in many forms, across Islamic literature. Some retellings are beautiful but unreliable — drawing on Isra'iliyyat (narrations from Jewish and Christian traditions) without adequate verification, or combining folk elements with authentic accounts in ways that make it impossible to distinguish one from the other.

Ibn Kathir's approach was different. His Qasas-ul-Anbiya follows the same methodology as his Tafsir Ibn Kathir: explain the Quran by the Quran, supplement with authenticated Hadith, and note clearly when narrations are weak or when Isra'iliyyat are included. The result is a collection of Prophet stories that a reader can trust — one where the miraculous events described actually come from the Quran and Sunnah rather than from accumulated folk tradition.

This is why it remains the standard English-language reference for the stories of the Prophets. English-speaking readers who want the corresponding Urdu collection will find it in our Islamic library.

Specifications

• Title: Stories of the Prophets (Qasas-ul-Anbiya)
• Author: Imam Imaduddin Ismail ibn Kathir (1301–1373 CE)
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Publisher: Darrussalam

Who This Book Is For

Stories of the Prophets is recommended for English-speaking Muslims building an Islamic home library, converts and new Muslims learning the Quranic narrative of the Prophets, parents reading authentic Prophet stories to children, Islamic studies students and teachers in English-medium settings, and anyone who wants to encounter the lives of Allah's Messengers through an authoritative, scholarly text rather than a popular retelling. It pairs naturally with the English Seerah — The Sealed Nectar — for English-speaking readers building a complete prophetic biography library. Browse our full Seerah collection for companion titles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this book include Isra'iliyyat (Jewish and Christian narrative traditions)?
Imam Ibn Kathir includes some Isra'iliyyat where they are relevant context, but he clearly flags them as such and distinguishes them from the Quranic and Hadith accounts. The book is transparent about its sources in a way that many popular Prophet story books are not.

Q: Is this suitable for children to read independently?
The scholarly English is best suited to adult and older teenage readers. For younger children, we recommend starting with illustrated or simplified Prophet story books from our children's collection before progressing to this complete scholarly edition.

Q: Is this a complete edition covering all Prophets mentioned in the Quran?
Yes. All the Prophets mentioned in the Holy Quran are covered in this complete edition.

Q: Is delivery available across Pakistan?
Yes. We deliver across Pakistan with cash on delivery available.

Published by Darrussalam. Authenticated English edition. Order now — the definitive English account of the lives of the Prophets, delivered across Pakistan.