What Is Difference Between Nabi And Rasool In Islam And Quan

Explain The Concept Of Nabi And Rasool In Islam

In Islam, Nabi and Rasool refer to the divine mission of Prophets, embodying the transmission of God’s guidance to humanity. Rooted in the Arabic word “risalah,” meaning message or mission, Rasalat underscores the pivotal role of prophets as messengers selected by Allah to convey His revelations and teachings to mankind. This concept is deeply ingrained in Islamic theology, emphasising the continuity of prophethood from Adam to the final messenger, Prophet Muhammad.

Rasalat is a conduit for divine wisdom, prescribing moral and ethical principles, legal codes, and spiritual guidance essential for human salvation. It encapsulates the Quranic revelation and the Sunnah, the practices and sayings of Prophet Muhammad, forming the cornerstone of Islamic jurisprudence and ethical conduct.

Each prophet’s Rasalat is tailored to their communities’ specific needs and challenges, creating a dynamic and evolving guidance narrative throughout history. The recognition of Rasalat is fundamental to the Islamic belief system, affirming the interconnectedness between humanity and the divine through the continuous transmission of God’s wisdom to guide and illuminate the path of righteousness.

Difference Between Rasool And Nabi In Islam

In Islam, “Rasool” (Messenger) and “Nabi” (Prophet) are two distinct terms that refer to individuals chosen by Allah to convey His message to humanity. While both Rasool and Nabi are integral to the prophetic tradition, they differ in the scope and nature of their missions.

Rasool (Messenger):

  • A Rasool is a prophet entrusted with a divine message or scripture to deliver to a specific community or mankind.
  • Rasools are considered higher in rank, as they bring new laws or revelations distinct from those revealed to previous prophets.
  • Their message often involves a comprehensive and complete guidance system for their community, including legal and moral principles.
  • Examples of Rasools include Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who brought the final revelation, the Quran, for humanity.

Nabi (Prophet):

  • A Nabi is a prophet Allah chose to convey His message, but unlike a Rasool, a Nabi does not necessarily bring a new scripture or set of laws.
  • The role of a Nabi may involve reaffirming and reiterating the existing message and guiding their community in matters of faith and ethics.
  • Nabiyin (plural of Nabi) are regarded as spiritual leaders and role models chosen to guide their people on the right path.
  • Examples of Nabiyin include Prophet Musa (Moses), Prophet Isa (Jesus), and Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), among others.

The critical distinction lies in the message each receives and conveys. A Rasool brings a new revelation and often a new set of laws, while a Nabi may continue the message of a previous prophet or serve as a spiritual guide without introducing a new scripture. Rasools and Nabiyin are crucial in conveying Allah’s guidance to humanity at different historical points.

References For Rasools From Quran And Hadith

Rasool

Quranic:

Surah Al-Imran (3:144):

مُّحَمَّدٌۭ رَّسُولُ ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُۥٓ أَشِدَّآءُ عَلَى ٱلْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَـٰٓءُ بَيْنَهُمْ ۚ تَرَىٰهُمْ رُكَّعًۭا سُجَّدًۭا يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلًۭا مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرِضْوَانًۭا ۖ سِيمَاهُمْ فِى وُجُوهِهِم مِّنْ أَثَرِ السُّجُودِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ مَثَلُهُمْ فِى التَّوْرَاةِ ۚ وَمَثَلُهُمْ فِى الْإِنجِيلِ كَزَرْعٍ أَخْرَجَ شَطْأَهُ فَآزَرَهُ فَٱسْتَغْلَظَ فَٱسْتَوَىٰ عَلَىٰ سُوقِهِۦ يُعْجِبُ الزُّرَّاعَ لِيَغِيظَ بِهِمُ الْكُفَّارَ ۗ وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ مِنْهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

“Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah, but Allah will reward the grateful.”

Hadith:

Narrated by Abu Huraira, Sahih Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 56, Hadith 735:

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “بُعِثْتُ بِالسَّيْفِ حَتَّى يُعْبَدَ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَجُعِلَ رِزْقِي تَحْتَ ظِلِّ رُمْحِي، وَجُعِلَ الذِّلَّةُ وَالصَّغَارُ عَلَى مَنْ خَالَفَ أَمْرِي، وَمَنْ شَابَهَ أَوْ شَاهَدَنِي مِنْكُمْ فَهُوَ أَخِي وَوَصِيِّي، وَلَا يَنْقَلِبُ عَلَى قَوْمِهِ بَاغٍ يُنْصَرُ بِالنَّصْرَةِ، وَلَا يُفْرَطُ مِنْهُ فَيُعْذَبُ بِهِ، وَلَا يَمُوتُ حَتَّى تَبْلُغَ الْحَيَاةُ مِنْهُ الْحَيَاةَ الَّتِي بُلِغَتْنِي”

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “I have been sent with the sword between my hands to ensure that no one but Allah is worshipped, Allah who put His provisions under the shadow of my spear and who inflicts humiliation and lowliness on those who disobey my orders. Whoever imitates a people is one of them. Do not oppose the orders of my administration lest you act like those who opposed my orders and suffered.”

References For Nabi From Quran And Hadith

Quranic:

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:136):

قُولُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَىٰٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَإِسْمَـٰعِيلَ وَإِسْحَـٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَٱلْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ النَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ

Translation: Say, [O believers], “We have believed in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what has been revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the Descendants and what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [submitting] to Him.”

Hadith:

Hadith from Sahih Bukhari – Volume 4, Book 55, Hadith 583:

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ بُعِثْتُ بِالسَّيْفِ حَتَّى يُعْبَدَ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَجُعِلَ رِزْقِي تَحْتَ ظِلِّ رُمْحِي وَجُعِلَ لِيَ الْخَوَفُ بِالسَّنَةِ مَا ضُرِبَ بِالرَّمْحِ وَزُعِمَ لِيَ الطَّغُوتُ فَمَنْ وَجَدْتُمُوهُ فَاضْرِبُوا بِرُمْحِي‏”

Translation: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “I have been sent with the sword between my hands to ensure that no one but Allah is worshipped, Allah who put His livelihood under the shadow of my spear and who inflicts humiliation and scorn on those who disobey my orders.”

Nabi

Famous Nabi And Rasool Of Allah Almighty

Here’s a list that includes individuals recognised as both Nabi and Rasool:

  • Adam (Adam)
  • Noah (Nuh)
  • Abraham (Ibrahim)
  • Moses (Musa)
  • David (Dawood)
  • Solomon (Sulaiman)
  • Joseph (Yusuf)
  • Job (Ayub)
  • Jonah (Yunus)
  • Zachariah (Zakariya)
  • John the Baptist (Yahya)
  • Jesus (Isa)
  • Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

These individuals are considered prophets and messengers, playing critical roles in conveying God’s messages and guidance to humanity throughout history.

Number of Messengers:

The exact number of messengers Allah sends is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran. However, it is mentioned in various hadiths that Allah sent 124,000 prophets; 313 were messengers. The final messenger and prophet is Muhammad (peace be upon him).

FAQs

What is the difference between a Prophet and a Messenger?

The Nabi is a prophet Allah chose to convey His message to a particular community. The Rasool is also a messenger who delivers new laws or scriptures. This distinction helps us appreciate these figures’ varied roles in conveying divine guidance.

How are Islam’s Prophets (Nabi) and Messengers (Rasool) chosen?

The selection of Nabi and Rasool is purely divine in Islam. Allah chooses prophets and messengers based on His wisdom and knowledge. This concept is central to submission to Allah’s will and recognition of His supreme knowledge.

Can a Prophet (Nabi) also be a Messenger (Rasool) in Islam?

In Islam, a Nabi can also be a Rasool. Not all Prophets are given the additional title of Rasool. Messengers are entrusted with delivering new revelations and guiding Prophets on broader issues.

What is the role of Rasool and Nabi in the continuity of divine guidance?

Through various periods in Islamic history, Nabi and Rasool transmitted divine guidance seamlessly. Prophets conveying general guidance and Messengers bringing specific laws and revelations ensure a progressive and comprehensive approach to guiding humanity.

What is the difference between Nabi and Rasool in Islamic history?

Nabi and Rasool are numerous in Islamic history, such as Prophet Musa (Moses) and Prophet Muhammad. Unlike Musa, Muhammad is the final messenger, concluding the line of prophets. Understanding these figures’ missions and challenges enhances our understanding of divine guidance in Islam.

Conclusion

Allah chooses Conclusion In Islam, a Nabi (Prophet) conveys existing divine revelations, while a Rasool (Messenger) receives new scriptures. Both guide humanity toward righteousness and monotheism. While all Rasools are Nabis, not all Nabis are Rasools. Both roles emphasise conveying God’s message for the betterment of society.

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