In Islam, the terms "prophet" (Nabi) and "messenger" (Rasul) are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle distinction between the two. There are fewer messengers than prophets.
Comparison chart
 | Messenger (Islam) | Prophet (Islam) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A prophet who is specifically chosen by Allah to deliver a new religious law or convey a specific message to a particular community or civilization. | A chosen individual by Allah (God) to receive divine revelations and guidance. |
| Role | Deliver a new religious law or a specific message, establish a new set of laws or regulations. | Primarily focused on preaching, teaching, and guiding their people. |
| Scripture | Given a new scripture or holy book as a divine revelation to guide their followers. | Not necessarily given a new scripture. May reinforce previous teachings. |
| Rank | Higher rank compared to prophets. | Lower rank compared to messengers. |
| Examples | Moses (Musa), Jesus (Isa), Muhammad. | Adam, Noah, David, Solomon. |
| Finality | Prophet Muhammad is considered the final messenger. No messenger after Muhammad. The scripture given to Muhammad (Quran) is final and complete. | There can be prophets after them. |
Prophets in Islam
A prophet (Nabi in Arabic) is someone chosen by Allah (God) to receive divine revelations and guidance. Prophets are sent to guide and remind their communities of their obligations toward God, to correct their moral conduct, and to warn them of the consequences of their actions. They deliver the message of God, but their role is primarily focused on preaching, teaching, and guiding their people.
List of prophets in Islam
- Adam (Adam)
- Noah (Nuh)
- Abraham (Ibrahim)
- Ishmael (Ismail)
- Isaac (Ishaq)
- Jacob (Ya'qub)
- Joseph (Yusuf)
- Job (Ayyub)
- Moses (Musa)
- Aaron (Harun)
- David (Dawud)
- Solomon (Sulaiman)
- Elijah (Ilyas)
- Elisha (Al-Yasa)
- Jonah (Yunus)
- Zachariah (Zakariya)
- John the Baptist (Yahya)
- Jesus (Isa) - Muslims believe he was a prophet, but not the son of God.
- Muhammad - The final prophet and messenger of Islam.
Related: Jesus Christ vs Prophet Muhammad: A comparison
Messengers in Islam
On the other hand, a messenger (Rasul in Arabic) is a prophet who is chosen by God to deliver a new religious law (Shariah) or to convey a specific message to a particular community or civilization. Messengers are given a scripture or a holy book as a divine revelation to guide their followers. Examples of messengers include Moses (Musa), who received the Torah, and Jesus (Isa), who received the Injil (Gospel). Muhammad, the final prophet of Islam, is considered both a prophet and a messenger, as he received the Quran, which is the last and final revelation.
List of messengers in Islam
- Noah (Nuh)
- Abraham (Ibrahim)
- Moses (Musa)
- Jesus (Isa)
- Muhammad - The final prophet and messenger of Islam.
Relationship between prophets and messengers in Islam
All messengers are prophets, but not all prophets are messengers. Messengers have a higher rank and a more significant role in terms of delivering a specific message or establishing a new set of laws. Prophets, on the other hand, may be sent to reinforce previous teachings or to remind people of their responsibilities without bringing a new scripture.
Was Ali a prophet or messenger?
Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, holds a significant role in Islamic history and is highly respected by Muslims. He is revered as the fourth caliph by Sunni Muslims and is considered the first Imam by Shia Muslims. However, Ali was neither a prophet nor a messenger. Muhammad is considered the final prophet and messenger of Allah, and there are no prophets or messengers after him.
The Last Prophet and Messenger
In Islam, Muhammad is considered the last and final prophet. Muslims believe that Muhammad received the final revelation from Allah (God) in the form of the Quran, which is believed to be the culmination and completion of divine guidance for humanity. This belief is based on the Quran itself, where God declares:
Muhammad is not the father of any one of your men, but the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets. Allah has knowledge of everything.
- Quran 33:40
The phrase "seal of the prophets" indicates that Muhammad is the final prophet and that no prophet will come after him.
Other prophets around the world
In Islam, it is believed that many prophets and messengers have been sent to different nations around the world throughout history, all with the purpose of guiding humanity to the truth and leading them to the worship of the One God (Islam is strictly monotheistic).
Muslims are supposed to revere and respect all prophets and messengers equally, since they are considered righteous individuals chosen by God to fulfill His divine plan.
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Comments: Messenger (Islam) vs Prophet (Islam)