The first human created by Allah in this world was Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). Allah alone knows the exact span of time between him and Prophet Noah (peace be upon him). In His final book, Allah revealed that Prophet Noah preached the message of monotheism to his people for 950 years. This indicates that the period of his prophethood and preaching spanned 950 years, meaning his age was at least 1,000 years, if not more.

It has been approximately 1,436 years since the passing of the final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Prophet Noah’s age may have been close to this as well. Regarding the long ages and heights of earlier humans, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated that the height of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) was 60 cubits, which is about 90 feet. He mentioned that over time, human heights and lifespans decreased gradually. Based on these facts, it appears that the time between Prophet Adam and Prophet Noah could have spanned thousands of years, possibly even close to a hundred thousand years. Only Allah knows how many prophets came between them.

Humanity’s first era passed with the time of Prophet Adam and Prophet Noah. The second era of humanity began after Prophet Noah. During this period, one of the greatest prophets, Prophet Idris (peace be upon him), appeared. The Bible mentions that he was taken alive to the heavens, and there is an indication of this in the Qur’an as well.

Later, two more prophets appeared. A nation called Thamud lived in the northern region of present-day Saudi Arabia, carving homes in the mountains. This area is known as Madain Saleh, where Prophet Saleh (peace be upon him) was sent. Remains of the people of ‘Ad have been found in the Rub’ al-Khali desert of Saudi Arabia, with their bodies and settlements discovered. Their heights were around 25-30 feet, suggesting their lifespans were likely 500-600 years. Prophet Hud (peace be upon him) was sent to them. It is believed that the people of ‘Ad lived much earlier than the Thamud.

During this period, other prophets and civilizations may have existed elsewhere in the world. Allah knows best, but He has informed us that many centuries passed, and that those who came before were much more prosperous and populated the earth more than we do now. The Qur’an hints that there was at least one era, if not two or three, that was more advanced than ours. Evidence from both land and sea has been found that today’s scientists still cannot fully comprehend. Some findings suggest that this second era may have lasted 30-40,000 years or even up to 100,000 years. Allah knows best.

The third era of humanity began with Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). During his time, great civilizations and kingdoms existed. This marks the beginning of known human history. Prophet Ibrahim had two sons who played significant roles in history. Two nations began to develop: his eldest son, Prophet Ismail (peace be upon him), settled in Makkah, and his descendants spread across present-day Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Syria, and parts of Iraq. The second nation descended from his son, Prophet Ishaq (peace be upon him), and his grandson, Prophet Yaqub (peace be upon him), whose twelve sons gave rise to the Israelites. Among the twelve brothers, Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) attained prophethood. After him, Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and Prophet Harun (peace be upon him) led the Israelites as a nation in the Sinai desert. Prophet Yusha’ bin Nun later led them to conquer Jerusalem. Eventually, this nation witnessed the greatness of Prophet Shimon (Samuel) and King Talut (Saul), and the majestic kingdoms of Prophet Dawud (peace be upon him) and Prophet Suleiman (peace be upon him).

According to Ibn Kathir’s interpretation, there was a 1,000-year span between Prophet Musa and Prophet Dawud. Prophets and kings continued to come in succession. Eventually, the final prophet to the Israelites, Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him), arrived. Seventy years after his time, the Israelites were expelled from Jerusalem and dispersed throughout the world. Prophet Ibrahim’s descendants were then without any prophet for the next 600 years. This fourth era of humanity was marked by a spiritual drought. Christianity fell into the belief of the Trinity, making Prophet Isa the son of God, and they began worshiping the statues of both Mary and Isa. These six centuries were a time of deep spiritual thirst.

The final and fifth era of humanity began when Allah, after centuries, sent His final Messenger from the descendants of Prophet Ismail, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal. Now, the time of the Prophet ﷺ will last until the Day of Judgment. During the Battle of Uhud, due to a lapse in vigilance, the disbelievers were able to launch a surprise attack, turning the tide of the battle. Rumors spread that the Prophet ﷺ had been martyred. Some companions lost heart, thinking there was no point in fighting anymore. At this moment, Allah revealed a verse of admonition: “Muhammad is but a messenger. Messengers have passed before him. If he dies or is killed, will you turn back on your heels? Whoever turns back on his heels will not harm Allah at all, and Allah will reward the grateful” (Al-Imran: 144).

Dear readers, reflect on the fact that the Qur’an mentions past nations, and we have summarized these events to emphasize that the eras of the prophets are part of the past. Allah did not state that the era of the Prophet ﷺ would become the past but rather issued a warning against turning back. This era, the time of the finality of prophethood, will last until the Day of Judgment. There will be no other prophet. Whoever remains grateful for this era, rejoices in the name of Muhammad ﷺ, and sacrifices for it will find success in both this world and the hereafter.

The Prophet ﷺ was born in the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal and returned to his Lord in this same month. Remember, except for the prophets, especially the final Messenger ﷺ, every human in this world is “so-and-so.” Whoever claims that without a certain individual the country cannot survive should look at human history. Thousands of libraries are filled with accounts, and countless cemeteries bear witness to nations that have perished. The world remains, but no “so-and-so” can be seen. In this month of Rabi’ al-Awwal, let us correct our beliefs. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has taught us this belief: “Hold fast to the Qur’an and my Sunnah, and honor my family.” I see my fountain (of Kawthar), and we will meet there soon. Remember, we are all “so-and-so.” Let us focus on preparing for our meeting with the Prophet ﷺ at the Fountain of Kawthar.

Written By:Moulana Ameer Hamza