Difference Between a Prophet and a Messenger
In Islamic theology, both prophets (Nabi) and messengers (Rasul) are chosen individuals tasked by Allah to guide humanity,
but there are distinct differences between the two roles. These differences are primarily related to their missions, responsibilities,
and the scope of their messages.
For a list of all Prophets and Messengers listed in the Quran or mentioned in hadith, please click HERE.
1. Prophet (Nabi)
A prophet is someone chosen by Allah to convey His guidance and reinforce existing teachings of divine law. Prophets do not bring new scriptures or laws but call their people to adhere to the established religious teachings and moral values. Their role is to remind their communities of their duties to Allah and to reform them when they deviate from the truth.
Key Features:
- No new scripture or law is revealed to them.
- They follow and uphold the laws brought by a previous messenger.
- They are sent primarily to guide their specific community or nation.
Example: Prophet Harun (Aaron, peace be upon him) supported his brother Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) in implementing the Torah but did not bring a new law himself.
2. Messenger (Rasul)
A messenger is a prophet who is given a specific mission to deliver a new message, scripture, or divine law to their people. Messengers are sent to reform humanity when existing teachings have been corrupted or forgotten. Their mission often involves confronting significant resistance and disbelief.
Key Features:
- They receive a new divine law or scripture (e.g., the Torah, Gospel, Qur'an).
- Their message often serves as a universal or transformative directive.
- They are tasked with correcting deviations in the religion and guiding their people back to Allah.
Example: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a messenger who brought the Qur'an, the final divine revelation, and established Islam as the comprehensive and universal faith.
Comparison
| Aspect | Prophet (Nabi) | Messenger (Rasul) |
|---|---|---|
| Divine Message | Upholds and reminds of existing laws | Brings new law or scripture |
| Scope of Mission | Often specific to a certain community | Can be specific or universal |
| Examples | Harun (Aaron), Zakariya (Zechariah) | Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), Muhammad |
Final Note
Every messenger (Rasul) is also a prophet (Nabi), but not every prophet is a messenger. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is both a prophet and a messenger, as he was given the Qur'an and charged with delivering a universal message for all of humanity.