This is an English translation of Ibn Kathir's book Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah. It describes how Allah sent many Prophets for the guidance of Mankind. Belief on these prophets who were sent before Prophet Muhammad is an integral part of Iman and cannot be ignored by Muslims. This book deals with the stories of some of the Prophets sent by Allah before Prophet Muhammad. It also clarifies that all these prophets were sent to preach monotheism to mankind. This can be an unique educational read.
This book is an abridged English translation from the great work of Ibn Katheer, Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah. This second part consists of the stories of Prophet Musa, Samuel, Zakariyyah, Yahya, Eeesa (Jesus), Dhu'l Qarnayn, and Luqman. It also covers the children of Israa'eel (Bani Israeel), divine scriptures and past nations.
The exact number of prophets and messengers sent by Allah is not known, but the Qur'an makes clear that all of the prophets were sent to various nations to preach Islamic monotheism.
Muslims believe that all the Divine Messengers including those in common with Judaism and Christianity conveyed the same message of true monotheism and submission to the one God, Allah. Belief in these prophets and messengers is an essential part of the Islamic faith and Muslims do not differentiate between them, according them all the same respect and reverence.
Darussalam is proud to present the abridged English translation of Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah (The Beginning and The End), by the renowned scholar Abu Al-Fida, 'Imad ad-Deen Isma'eel bin 'Umar bin Katheer (Ibn Kathir), recounting the stories of the prophets and their nations.