Question:
I read somewhere that angels are considered to be prophets as well. Is this true?
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.
No, angels are not Prophets. Prophets and Messengers who are tasked with conveying Allah’s message to humanity are necessarily human males, according to the dominant position. [Bajuri, Tuhfat al-Murid]
However, when explaining the nature of Allah’s communication with humanity, the Qur’an says that Allah sends “messengers” to members of humanity and thus reveals what He wills. [Qur’an, 42:51] The usage of the word “messenger” in the verse is a linguistic one, and not a technical one.
This means that Allah sends angels with a message to Prophets (Allah bless them and give them peace) to deliver His message to them. Therefore, the angel is someone who carries a message to the Prophets and Messengers and not a Prophet or Messenger himself. So, referring to him as a messenger is valid in the Arabic language.
I hope that clarifies the matter. May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani