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Q&A · Belief

What is the difference between a prophet (nabī) and a messenger (rasūl)?

Both are chosen and receive revelation, but the mainstream understanding is that a rasūl (messenger) is sent with a distinct message or law to a people, often one that had strayed, while a nabī (prophet) conveys and upholds the law of the messenger before him without a new independent legislation. Thus every messenger is a prophet, but not every prophet is a messenger, and the Quran distinguishes the two categories in the same verse. Allah also states that He sent many messengers, mentioning some to us and leaving others unmentioned, so a Muslim affirms them collectively without needing an exact count.

Informational, not a personal fatwa. Consult a qualified scholar for rulings on your situation.

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