Q. I have been reading and I come across these words often. I have done some research on them but end up a bit confused. When I listen to you explain, it is very easy to understand, so, can you please explain the differences or similarities, if any, among these words so that I do not use them incorrectly: Prophet, Messenger, Nabi, Rasool.
A. A prophet is a human being to whom the revelations of Allah descended, and has been deputed (by Allah) to convey the message of the truth to others. The Arabic word for Prophet is Nabi.
A Messenger is the English translation of the word “Rasool’, and it refers to one who has been given a revealed book by Allah, and had also been given a Shariah (a law).
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan