Answering Questions Through The Holy Qur'an: Is there any difference between a Messenger and a Prophet?

Is there any difference between a Messenger and a Prophet?

3:79 It is not for any human to whom Allah has given the Book, and the wisdom, and Prophethood to say to the people, "Be my worshipers besides Allah,” but "Be worshipers of the Lord because you have been teaching the Book and you have been studying." 3:80 And he will not order you to take the Angels, and the Prophets (wal-nabiyina) as lords. Would he order you to disbelief after you (have become) Muslims? 3:81 And when Allah took the covenant of the Prophets (l-nabiyina), "Certainly, whatever I have given you of the Book and the wisdom, then there comes to you a Messenger (rasulun) confirming that which is with you, you must believe in him and you must help him." He said, "Do you affirm and take on that (condition) My Covenant?” They said, "We affirm." He said, "Then bear witness, and I (am) with you among the witnesses."

(Verse 3:79 does not imply that “any human” (3:79) could be or become a Prophet, because Muhammad is the seal of the Prophets (33:40), so having the Book and the wisdom does not make you a Prophet, but those who were made so (19:30, 19:49, 43:6, 5:20))(Prophets are given a Book (3:81), while Messengers confirm it (3:81))(Allah knows best)

43:6 And how many a Prophet We sent among the former (people),

5:20 And when Moses said to his people, "O my people, remember the Favor of Allah upon you when He placed among you Prophets and made you kings and He gave you what He had not given anyone from the worlds.

2:213 Mankind was a single community, then Allah raised up Prophets (as) bearers of glad tidings and (as) warners, and sent down with them the Book in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed. And did not differ in it except those who were given it, after clear proofs came to them, (out of) jealousy among themselves. And Allah guided those who believed concerning that over which they differed of the Truth, with His permission. And Allah guides whom He wills to a straight path.

(According to Verse 5:19, the Messengers are also bearers of glad tidings and warners, so there is no difference between a Prophet and a Messenger in this matter; and according to Verse 24:48, the Messenger judges between people, so there is also no difference between Prophet (5:44) and Messenger, in this matter)(Allah knows best)

4:163 Indeed, We have revealed to you as We revealed to Noah and the Prophets after him, and We revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and Jesus, and Job, and Jonah, and Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Scripture.

6:83 And this is Our argument, We gave it to Abraham against his people. We raise by degrees whom We will. Indeed, your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing. 6:84 And We bestowed to him Isaac and Jacob, all We guided. And Noah, We guided before; and of his descendants, David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. And thus We reward the good-doers. 6:85 And Zechariah and John and Jesus and Elias - all (were) of the righteous. 6:86 And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot, and all We preferred over the worlds. 6:87 And from their fathers and their descendants and their brothers - and We chose them and We guided them to a straight path. 6:88 That is the Guidance of Allah, He guides with it whom He wills of His slaves. But if they (had) associated partners, surely (would be) worthless for them what they used to do. 6:89 Those are the ones whom We gave them the Book and the judgment and the Prophethood. But if they disbelieve in it, then indeed, We have entrusted it to a people who are not disbelievers therein.

(Verses 6:83-86 mention 18 Prophets whom God gave them the Book (“Those are the ones whom We gave them the Book and the judgment and the Prophethood” (6:89)). In addition, Idris is named a Prophet in Verse 19:56, but it is not explicitly said that he was given a Book, but implicitly Verse 19:58 says about Idrees (19:56), “when the Verses of the Most Merciful were recited to them”; and Muhammad is the “last” of the Prophets (33:40), and was given the Qur’an; another point is that the same Book was given to Moses and Aaron (37:117, 21:48); then, there are 20 Prophets, and 19 Scriptures (including Idrees’). The Qur’an is the final Scripture (33:40))(Note: those who are explicitly mentioned as Prophets are: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Noah, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, Zechariah, John, Jesus, Elijah, Ishmael, Elisha, Jonah, Lot, Idris and Muhammad)(Note: Hub, Salih and Shu’aib are mentioned as Messengers in the Qur’an, but not as Prophets)(Adam, Dhul-Kifl and Luqman are not described as Prophets or Messengers, though “Dhul Kifl is mentioned in Chapter 21 called “The Prophets”, so, despite he is not explicitly mentioned as a Prophet, one interpretation is that by mentioning him in Chapter 21, called “the Prophets”, then he is implicitly considered a Prophet. Another point is that the number 21, in Chapter 21 (“the Prophets”), might also indicate that there are 21 Prophets. If so, then, it may confirm that there are 20 + 1 = 21 Prophets, by including Dhul Kifl)(It is not explicitly said that Dhul Kifl was given a Book, but he is not explicitly called Prophet either, nevertheless, it is interpreted that one difference between a Messenger and a Prophet is that Prophets are given a Scripture, while Messengers just confirm those Scriptures)(Another conclusion is that, if there are only 21 Prophets, then not all Messengers are Prophets)(Allah knows best)

4:150 Indeed, those who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers and they wish to differentiate between Allah and His Messengers and they say, "We believe in some and we disbelieve in others." And they wish to take a way (in) between that.

(The root “ra sin lam” (Messenger / send) occurs 513 times. On the other hand, all names mentioned only as “Prophets”, “Messengers” or both, also occur 513 times in the Qur’an, which implies that all Prophets are Messengers, in order to reach the number 513, while not all Messengers are Prophets, because there are only 21 Prophets)(Note: in the Qur’an, the words that occur the same number of times is because they are similar, or because they oppose, so, in this case, this count of words is implicitly saying that all Prophets are Messengers, because “Messenger / send” occurs 513 times, and the names of Messengers, including those who are only mentioned as Prophets, also occur 513 times. See the link below of the articles “contrast words in the Qur’an” and “Similar Words in the Qur’an”)(Another point is that “Dhul-Kifl / Possessor of the Fold” (in regard to Ezekiel) and “Dhun-Nun / Owner of the Fish” (in regard to Jonah) are not “proper names”; likewise, “the unlettered Prophet” (7:157), in regard to Muhammad, is not a proper name either, so it is not included in the word count. On the other hand, Adam, Luqman and Saul are not explicitly mentioned as Prophet or Messenger, but they can implicitly be considered Messengers, because, in the case of Luqman, he is given wisdom (31:12), and he instructed (31:13); likewise, Muhammad instructed/advised (34:46, 4:63, 16:125), and also Hud (26:124, 26:136); so instructing to the way of God (16:125) is a Messenger’s duty because they are ordered to do so. And in regard to Saul, he is supported by a Prophet in Verse 2:247, “their Prophet said to them, "Indeed, Allah has surely raised for you Saul as king. ..."; in that regard, Verse 3:81 says “when Allah took the covenant of the Prophets, "Certainly, whatever I have given you of the Book and the wisdom, then there comes to you a Messenger confirming that which is with you, you must believe in him and you must help him.". So, the Verse may implicitly tell that Saul is a Messenger. This interpretation is also confirmed by Verse 2:249, in which Saul is delivering God’s Message to the people, “when Saul set out with the forces, he said, "Indeed, Allah will test you with a river ...”. And Saul was to be obeyed; in that regard, Messengers are to be obeyed (4:59, 5:92, 24:54, 24:56, 47:33); and Verse 4:80 says, “He who obeys the Messenger then he surely obeyed Allah”. In regard to Adam, he was placed as vicegerent by God (2:30); God taught Adam the names (2:31); Adam received words from God (2:37). In conclusion, Adam, Luqman and Saul can implicitly be considered Messengers, and are included in the word count)(In the case of Idris, Isaac, Jacob, Job, David, Solomon, Elisha, Zechariah and John, it is not explicitly said that they are Messengers, but it is implicitly said, in this calculation or count, in order to reach the number 513; and their duties also confirm it, for example, Solomon was to be obeyed, John confirmed “Jesus” (3:39, 3:81), etc.)(Considering all this, the word count of the name of the Messengers is also 513: Adam (25) + Idris/Enoch (2) + Nuh/Noah (43) + Hud/Eber (7) + Salih/Salah (9) + Ibrahim/Abraham (69) + Lut/Lot (27) + Ismail/Ishmael (12) + Ishaq/Isaac (17) + Yaqub/Jacob (16) + Yusuf/Joseph (27) + Ayyub/Job (4) + Shuaib/Jethro (11) + Musa/Moses (136) + Harun/Aaron (20) + Dawud/David (16) + Sulayman/Solomon (17) + Ilyas/Elijah (3) + Al-Yasa/Elisha (2) + Yunus/Jonah (4) + Zakariya/Zechariah (7) + Yahya/John (5) + Isa/Jesus (25) + Muhammad/Ahmad (5) + Luqman (2) + Talut/Saul (2) = 513)(Allah knows best)

2:252 These are the Verses of Allah, We recite them to you in truth. And indeed, you are surely of the Messengers.

(Note: those who are explicitly called Messengers in the Qur’an are: Ilyas/Elijah (37:123), Yusuf/Joseph (40:34), Harun/Aaron (20:42-47, 26:16), Yunus/Jonah (37:139), Isa/Jesus (3:49, 2:253, 4:157, 5:75, 61:6, 4:171), Ibrahim/Abraham (9:70), Ismail/Ishmael (19:54), Muhammad/Ahmad (2:252, 3:144, 7:157-158, 33:40, 48:29), Nuh/Noah (7:59-61, 26:107), Musa/Moses (19:51, 7:104, 20:47, 26:16), Hud/Eber (7:65-67, 26:123-125), Salih/Salah (7:77, 26:141-143), Shuaib/Jethro (26:176-178), Lut/Lot (26:160-162, 37:133))(Those who are explicitly or implicitly (in Chapter 21) called Prophets in the Qur’an are: (Abraham (19:41, 33:7, 6:83-89), Isaac (19:49, 37:112, 6:83-89), Jacob (19:49, 6:83-89), Noah (33:7, 6:83-89, 21:76), David (6:83-89, 21:78), Solomon (21:78, 21:81, 6:83-89), Job (21:83, 6:83-89), Joseph (6:83-89), Moses (19:51, 33:7, 6:83-89), Aaron (19:53, 6:83-89), Zechariah (21:89, 6:83-89), John (3:39, 6:83-89), Jesus (19:30, 33:7, 6:83-89), Ilyas/Elijah (6:83-89), Ishmael (19:54, 21:85, 6:83-89), Elisha (6:83-89), Jonah (21:87, 6:83-89), Lot (21:74, 6:83-89), Muhammad (7:157, 8:64, 33:40), Idris (19:56, 21:85) and Dhul Kifl (21:85))(Allah knows best)

57:25 Certainly We sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and (wa) We sent down with them the Scripture and the Balance that people may establish justice. And We sent down iron, wherein is mighty power and benefits for people, and so that Allah may make evident (he) who helps Him and His Messengers, unseen. Indeed, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty. 57:26 And certainly We sent Noah and Abraham, and We placed in their offspring Prophethood and the Scripture; and among them (is) a guided one, but most of them are defiantly disobediently. 57:27 Then We sent Our Messengers on their footsteps and We followed with Jesus, son of Mary, and We gave him the Gospel. And We placed in the hearts of those who followed him compassion and mercy. But the monasticism they innovated - We did not prescribe it for them - only seeking the pleasure of Allah, but they did not observe it with right observance. So We gave those who believed among them their reward, but most of them are defiantly disobediently.

(The Messengers were sent with clear proofs (57:25, 35:25); so they are to be followed and obeyed (7:158, 14:44, 36:20, 2:285, 24:47, 26:125, 5:92, 4:64, 64:12))(He who obeys the Messenger, obeys God (4:80). These Verses do not imply that a Prophet is not to be obeyed, on the contrary, a Prophet is to be obeyed because all Prophets are Messengers)(Allah knows best)

35:25 And if they deny you, then certainly, those who were before them denied. Their Messengers came to them with clear signs and Scriptures and with the enlightening Book.

(A difference between Prophet and Messenger is that a Book is given to a Prophet. It is confirmed by some Verses of the Qur’an, while a Messenger coming with Scriptures and the Book is only confirmed by Verse 35:25, but the Verse does not say “all Messengers” but specific Messengers, “their” Messengers (35:25), so it could not be said that “all” Messengers are given a Book, in general. So, one interpretation is that Verse 35:25 refers to those Messengers who are also Prophets. Another interpretation is that they might not be Prophets, but have Scriptures, previously revealed to the Prophets; so Messengers confirm “previous” Scriptures (3:81), rather than being given a (new) Book)(Allah knows best)

33:40 Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but the Messenger of Allah and Seal of the Prophets. And ever is Allah , of all things, Knowing.

(“Seal of the Prophets” implies that there are no more Scriptures after the Qur’an, because Prophets came with a Book (19:30, 5:44, 4:163, 17:55), while Messengers confirm it (3:81))(Allah knows best)

45:6 These are the Verses of Allah, which We recite to you in truth. Then in what statement after Allah and His Verses will they believe?

(Verse 45:6 also suggests that there are no more Scriptures after the Qur’an)(Allah knows best)

18:56 And We did not send the Messengers except as bearers of glad tidings and as warners. And those who disbelieve dispute with falsehood, to refute the truth thereby. And they take My Verses and that of which they are warned in ridicule.

(The Prophets are also bearers of glad tidings and warners (2:213), so there is no difference between a Messenger and a Prophet in this matter)(Allah knows best)

61:6 And when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, "O children of Israel, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad." But when he came to them with clear evidences, they said, "This is obvious magic."

(The Messengers come to people with signs / clear evidences (61:6, 3:86, 43:46, 30:47, 30:9, 57:25, 64:6, 11:59, 18:106), and confirm previous Scriptures (61:6, 3:81). All Prophets are Messengers, so it implies that all Prophets also came with signs / clear evidences. So, in this matter there is no difference between a Messenger and a Prophet)(In addition, some Verses implicitly suggest that the Prophets also came with signs: “they used to disbelieve in the Signs of Allah and kill the Prophets without right” (2:61); Chapter 21 is called “the Prophets” and tells about the people of Noah denying signs; “those who disbelieve in (the) Signs (of) Allah and they kill the Prophets without right” (3:21); “their disbelief in the Signs of Allah and their killing of the Prophets without any right” (4:155); “ Allah raised up Prophets … after clear proofs came to them” (2:213))(Allah knows best)

7:157 Those who follow the Messenger (l-rasula), the unlettered Prophet (l-nabiya), whom they find written in what they have - the Torah and the Gospel. He commands them to the right and forbids them from the wrong, and he makes lawful for them the pure things and makes unlawful for them the impure things and he relieves them of their burden and the fetters which were upon them. So those who believe in him, and honor him, and help him and follow the light, which has been sent down with him, those are the successful ones."

(The root of “rasula” (Messenger) is “Ra-Siin-Lam”, and it means “to send a messenger, bestow, let go. Rasul – envoy, bearer of a message, messenger. Risalat – message, commission, mission, epistle. Arsala – to send. Mursalat – those sent forth”)(The root of “nabiya” (Prophet) is “Nun-Ba-Alif”, and it means “to acquaint / inform, gift of prophecy, prophet, information; a piece of information; an announcement, news; tidings, a piece of news, a narrative, or narration; a story. An announcement of great utility, from which results either knowledge or a predominance of opinion and true, etc.”)(According to the meaning of “Messenger”, he has a mission, he bears a message, and so. His duties are: “clear notification (64:12), “conveying that which has been revealed to him from God” (5:67), “be obeyed by permission of Allah” (4:64), etc.)(According to the meaning of “Prophet”, he informs, announces, narrates, etc. So, the root of “Prophet”, defined as “narrative”, “narration” and “story”, implies a Scripture or Book)(In conclusion, the difference between a Messenger and a Prophet is that the Prophets are given a Scripture, and Messengers confirm it)(Allah knows best)

2:87 And indeed We gave Moses the Book and We followed him up with Messengers. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear signs and supported him with the Holy Spirit. Is it not so, that whenever there came to you a Messenger with what yourselves did not desire, you acted arrogantly? So a party you denied and another party you killed.

10:47 And for every nation is a Messenger. So when their Messenger comes, it will be judged between them in justice, and they (will) not be wronged.

5:15 O People of the Book, surely there has come to you Our Messenger making clear to you much of what you used to conceal of the Scripture and overlooking much. Surely there has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book.

5:19 O People of the Book, surely there has come to you Our Messenger, he makes clear to you (after) an interval of the Messengers, lest you say, "There came not to us any bringer of good tidings or a warner." But surely there has come to you a bringer of good tidings and a warner. And Allah is on every thing All-Powerful.

3:164 Certainly did Allah bestow favor upon the believers when He raised among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom, although they had been before in clear error.

2:285 The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His Angels and His Books and His Messengers. "We make no distinction between any of His Messengers." And they say, "We hear and we obey. Grant us Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the destination."

24:47 And they say, "We have believed in Allah and in the Messenger, and we obey"; then a party of them turns away after that. And those are not believers.

26:125 Indeed, I am to you a trustworthy messenger. 26:126 So fear Allah and obey me.

29:18 And if you deny – then verily nations before you have denied. And there is not upon the Messenger except the clear notification.

5:92 And obey Allah and obey the Messenger and beware. And if you turn away - then know that upon Our Messenger is only clear notification.

5:99 Not upon the Messenger is except the notification. And Allah knows whatever you reveal and whatever you conceal.

4:64 And We did not send any Messenger except to be obeyed by permission of Allah . And if, when they wronged themselves, they had come to you and asked forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, surely they would have found Allah Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

5:67 O Messenger, convey that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His Message. And Allah will protect you from the people. Indeed, Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.

64:12 And obey Allah and obey the Messenger; but if you turn away - then upon Our Messenger is only the clear notification.

8:67 (It) is not for a Prophet that (there) should be for him prisoners of war until he has battled strenuously in the land. You desire (the) commodities (of) the world, but Allah desires (for you) the Hereafter. And Allah (is) All-Mighty, All-Wise.

35:32 Then We caused to inherit the Book those We have chosen of Our slaves; and among them (is he) who wrongs himself, and among them (is he who is) moderate, and among them (is he who is) foremost in good deeds by Allah’s permission. That is the great Bounty.

(The Book might be inherited by any human, and they might believe in it, but it does not make them Messengers, because Messengers come with signs)(Allah knows best)

19:30 He said, "Indeed, I am the servant of Allah . He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet.

45:16 And certainly, We gave the Children of Israel the Book and the wisdom and the Prophethood, and We provided them of the good things, and We preferred them over the worlds.

17:55 And your Lord is most knowing of whoever is in the heavens and the earth. And verily, We have preferred some of the Prophets to others. And We gave David Zaboor (the Book).

5:44 Indeed, We revealed the Torah wherein was Guidance and light. The Prophets who submitted judged by it for the Jews, as did the Rabbis and the scholars as they were entrusted with the Book of Allah and they were witnesses to it. So do not fear the people but fear Me, and do not sell My Verses for a little price. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, then those are the disbelievers.

16:36 And certainly, We sent to every nation a Messenger, that, "Worship Allah, and avoid the false deities." Then among them (were some) whom Allah guided, and among them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel in the earth and see how was the end of the deniers.

(Some non-Muslims wrongly say that there is a contradiction between Verses 29:27 and 16:36, while Verse 29:27 does not say that “all Messengers” came from Abraham’s seed at all, nor “all Prophets”, because the word “all” is not mentioned. Another point is that Verse 16:36 says “Messenger”, while Verse 29:27 says “We placed in his descendants Prophethood and the Book”, so there cannot be contradiction anyhow, because, while all Prophets are Messengers, not all Messengers are Prophets (so not all Messengers come with a Scripture, but confirm that which is with them (3:81)). So, the Qur’an does not say that for every nation there was a “Prophet”)(Allah knows best)

29:27 And We gave to him Isaac and Jacob and We placed in his descendants Prophethood and the Book. And We gave him his reward in the world. And indeed, he is in the Hereafter, surely, among the righteous.

40:53 And certainly, We gave Moses the guidance, and We caused (the) Children of Israel to inherit the Book,

33:13 And when a party of them said, "O People of Yathrib, there is no stability for you, so return." And a party of them asked permission of the Prophet (l-nabiya), saying, "Indeed, our houses are exposed," and they were not exposed. They did not wish except to flee. … 33:20 They think that the confederates have not withdrawn. And if the confederates should come they would wish they were living in the desert among the Bedouins, asking about your news (anbaikum). And if they were among you, they would not fight except a little.

(The root “nun ba hamza” occurs 160 times in the Qur’an, 80 times as “nabi / nubuwwat” (Prophet / Prophethood), and 80 times as “naba” (information / news))(Allah knows best)

2:136 Say, "We have believed in Allah and what is revealed to us and what was 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 to Him we are submissive."

(Some Prophet’s Scriptures are mentioned in the Qur’an. For example, Verse 87:19 says, “(The) Scriptures (of) Abraham and Moses.”. Verse 2:136 says, “ what was given to Moses and Jesus and what was given to the Prophets from their Lord”. So, Verse 2:136 refers to the Torah and the Gospel, and also that which was given to the Prophets, in general. Verse 4:163 says, “to David We gave the Scripture” (Psalms). Verse 6:19 says about the Qur’an Itself, “this Qur’an has been revealed to me”. Verse 19:12 says, “O John, take the Scripture with strength” (it is said that John’s Book is the Mandaean Book of John (aka “Drasa D-Yahya”)))(Among the Scriptures mentioned in the Qur’an, all Muslims scholars have generally agreed that no scrolls of Abraham survive today. Verse 3:65 might confirm or suggest that no scrolls survived, because that which people really knew about Abraham, is/was in the Torah and the Gospel. Verses 3:65-66 say, “O People of the Book, why do you argue concerning Abraham while the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed except after him?” … “Here you are - those who argued about that of which you have knowledge. Then why do you argue about that of which you have no knowledge?”)(Allah knows best)

See also: Is there any difference between “Muslim” and “Believer”?

http://aqtthq.blogspot.com.es/2017/04/is-there-any-difference-between-muslim.html

See also: What is the difference between “the Jews” and “the Children of Israel” in the Qur’an?

http://aqtthq.blogspot.com.es/2017/10/what-is-difference-between-jews-and.html

See also: Are all Prophets of Islam equal? Who is the best Prophet?

https://aqtthq.blogspot.com.es/2017/06/are-all-prophets-of-islam-equal.html

See also: What is the difference between Jinn, Satan and Iblis?

https://aqtthq.blogspot.com.es/2016/09/in-which-surah-chapter-of-quran-do-you.html

See also: Who are the Sabians mentioned in the Qur’an?

http://aqtthq.blogspot.com.es/2016/09/which-is-only-book-which-is-completely.html

See also: Who are the Majus / Majoos / Magians mentioned in the Qur’an (and in the Bible)?

http://aqtthq.blogspot.com.es/2016/09/what-is-meaning-of-word-quran.html