بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Extracted from the durūs of Muqaddimah Ṣaḥiḥ Muslim by Mufti Imsail Moosa حفظه الله
Introduction
The distinction between a nabī (prophet) and a rasūl (messenger) has been a subject of scholarly debate within Islamic jurisprudence. This article delves into the interpretations of these terms as discussed by prominent Islamic scholars, particularly focusing on the perspectives of Shaykh Muḥammad al-Amīn and Mawlānā Niʿmatullāh Aʿẓamī, shedding light on the various dimensions of prophethood in Islamic theology.
Insights from Shaykh Muḥammad al-Amīn:
Shaykh Muḥammad al-Amīn provides valuable insights into the differentiation between a nabī and a rasūl. He asserts that the latter is bestowed with a new divine law or scripture, exemplified by prophets such as Mūsā 
, ʿĪsā and Muḥammad ﷺ. In contrast, a nabī reaffirms the preceding divine laws among believers, such as those prophets sent between Mūsā and ʿĪsā .
Perspectives of Mawlānā Niʿmatullāh Aʿẓamī:
Mawlānā Niʿmatullāh Aʿẓamī presents a detailed analysis of the terms rasūl and nabī, refuting several prevailing viewpoints.
Synonymous Usage: Some scholars, including ʿAllāmah Taftāzānī in his Sharḥ Al-ʿAqāʾid, consider the terms to be synonymous and interchangeable.
New Scripture or Law: Another view is as mentioned by Shaykh Muḥammad al-Amīn above, that a rasūl is one who received a new scripture or a new set of laws, while a nabī is a broader term that includes those who did not receive a new scripture or law but rather affirmed and confirmed a previous divine message.
Recipients of the Message: According to Ibn Taymiyyah, a rasūl is one who was sent to a disbelieving community, while a nabī was sent to a community that already believed in the message of a previous rasūl.
Ādam as a Rasūl: A narration Abū Dharr states that the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ affirmed that Ādam was both a nabī and a rasūl, as Allāh ﷻ spoke to him directly.
Refutation and the Preferred View
Mawlana Niʿmatullāh Aʿẓamī refutes each of the above perspectives and presents a more nuanced understanding:
The view of synonymy is refuted based on the Quranic verse: ﴾And We did not send before you any messenger (rasūl) or prophet (nabī)[1]﴿ which implies a distinction between the two terms.
The second and third views are refuted by examples of prophets like Ismāʿīl and Yūsuf , who were referred to as ‘rasūl’ despite not bringing a new scripture or law, as they were upon the creed of Ibrāhīm .
it is apparent that our father Ādam was sent to his children, and he was in a time when disbelief was not widespread, so this invalidates what Ibn Taymiyyah said.
Mawlana Niʿmatullāh Aʿẓamī’s preferred view is that a rasūl is a nabī who has been granted an additional, indefinite distinction or privilege that elevates him above the honour of prophethood. This distinction is not specified as being a new scripture, law, being sent to the disbelievers, or miracle, etc.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the terms ‘nabī’ and ‘rasul’ are often used interchangeably, a more nuanced understanding suggests that a rasūl is a prophet who has been granted an additional distinction or privilege by Allāh ﷻ, elevating him above the honour of prophethood alone. This distinction is not defined by specific criteria but rather a unique quality bestowed upon certain individuals by divine wisdom. Ultimately, both ‘nabī’ and ‘rasūl’ are honourable titles for those chosen by Allāh ﷻ to convey His message to humanity.
May Allāh ﷻ be pleased with them all.
[1] Qurʾān, 22:52.