Understanding the distinction between a Messenger (Rasool) and Prophet (Nabi), and the Final Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in religion Islam

In this ongoing the month Syawwal after the blessed month of Ramadhan , I would humbly continue to write in this column with my understanding and relate a little bit of my knowledge about the distinction between a Messenger [Rasool] and Prophet [Nabi]. I presume that there are some people usually contradict and tend to confuse between those two words of a Messenger and Prophet. Before I elaborate further, let us apprehend the true meaning of Prophet and Rasool of which by definition the Prophets are Messengers while on the other hand Rasool is meant also a Messenger or Apostle. In other words Prophet [Nabi] are interchangeable and notwithstanding that Prophet Muhammad s.a.w was both Prophet and Messenger.

Definition and meaning of 'Messenger' and 'Rasool' are given in the following surah As-Saff verse 9 and surah An-Nisa below:

Surah As-Saff verse 9: (The Row or the Rank)

"He it is Who has sent His Messenger [Muhammad s.a.w] with guidance and the religious of truth [Islamic Monotheism] to make it victorious over all [other] religions even though the Mushrikin [polytheists, pagans, idolaters and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah and His Messenger Muhammad s.a.w hate [it]."

Besides, from the other surah Al-Fath verse 28, Allah SWT mentioned He sent His Messenger [Muhammad s.a.w] with guidance and the religion of truth Islam and He makes it [Islam] superior to all religion while in the above aforementioned surah As-Saff verse 9, Allah SWT prescribed the almost similar meaning, that He sent His Messenger [Prophet Muhammad s.a.w] with guidance and the religion of truth [Islam Monotheism] to make superior and victorious over all other religion even though the Mushrikin [polytheism], pagans, idolaters, and the disbelievers in Oneness of Allah and His Messenger [Prophet Muhammad s.a.w].

We as a Muslim should believe and hold steadfastly only a few individuals is quoted in Al-Qur'an are Messengers as mentioned in surah As-Saff verses 4, 5 and 8 which narrated the Holy God loved those who fight in His Cause. Even Moses said to his people; "O my people! why do ye vex and insult me, though ye know that I am the Messenger of God [sent] to you?" God guides those who are not rebellious transgressors. God will complete [the revelation]. His Light to those even though to the unbelievers may detest.

From the other following surah An-Nisa verses 163, 164 and 165: (The Women)

Verse 163 - "Verily, We have sent the revelation to you [O Muhammad s.a.w] as We sent the revelation to Noh [Noah] and the Prophets after him. We [also] sent the revelation to Ibrahim [Abraham], Ismail [Ismeal], Ishaq [Isaac], Ya'qub [Jacob] and Al-Asb'at [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya'qub [Jacob], Isa [Jesus], Ayyub [Job], Yunus [Jonah], Harun [Aaron], and Sulaimanm [Solomon]; and to Daud [David] We gave to Zabur {Psalms]."

Verse 164 - "And Messengers We have mentioned to you before, and Messengers We have not mentioned to you - and to Musa [Moses] Allah spoke directly."

Verse 165 - "Messengers are bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea against Allah after [the coming of] Messengers. And Allah is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise."

From the above aforementioned verses of An-Nisa 163 to 165 which constitutes the revelation and messages to mankind offered valuable and beneficial guidance from Allah SWT from Scripture from God with the revelation [Wahyu] in the sense of revelation is the guidance from God for His Messengers brought by the Prophets who transmit the words of God

Rasool is used for Moses, Jesus and Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. They are all considered as law bearing Messengers with Book and Revelation [Deen]. In the Holy Al-Qur'an we seldom observe there are many more prophets considered them as Messengers namely some of them are Isa, Jacub, Ismael, Idris, David, Salamon and many others. They are all Prophets and none of them come with new religion.

Revelaas wtions were also sent to the Rasools who are responsible to convey good news to mankind. As mentioned by God, the Prophet and Rasool constitute the component aspect to the Muslims believers. The first is the INSPIRATION for example the familiar Dream which Prophet Ibrahim receive guidance in a vision while asleep to sacrifice his son. The second factor is the aspect of SPEECH where the God spoke to Prophet Musa from the burning Fire and finally to Prophet Muhammad are message of WORDS [speech] sent through messages from God to the angel Gabriel who recited to the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w God's words exactly.

Finally, it is absolutely a true evidence in the aforementioned surah As-Saff and An-Nisa those that who obey God and His Messengers are in the company in the Grace of God, the Prophets with sincere and true teachings as well as testifying the righteous good deeds to mankind. Such is the Bounty from Allah SWT.

Sufficient that Allah SWT Knoweth all.