Nubuwwah

Nubuwwah, from the Arabic nabaʾ meaning “news” or “tidings,” refers to the institution of prophethood in Islam—the office by which God appoints individuals to convey His guidance to humanity.

Prophets (anbiya) are believed to be human beings chosen by God for a special responsibility. They receive divine revelation (wahy) and are tasked with presenting God’s message, warning against sin, and guiding communities. Revelation is, in Islamic tradition, communicated through angels such as Gabriel, and is complemented by the recorded scriptures and the examples found in scripture and tradition.

In Islamic terminology, a Nabi is a prophet, while a Rasul (messenger) is a prophet who brings a new law or scripture. All Rasuls are Nabîs, but not all Nabîs are Rasuls. Muslims believe Muhammad is the final prophet (the seal of the prophets, khatam an-nabiyyin).

The Qur’an mentions many prophets by name and acknowledges others without naming them. The total number of prophets is not specified in authoritative texts; traditions sometimes cite large numbers. Prophets are sent to different peoples across time, and their messages emphasize monotheism, moral conduct, and accountability.

In mainstream Islam, belief in nubuwwah is essential to faith; prophets are human, not divine, and they do not possess independent power apart from God. The concept is distinct from later Shia ideas such as the Imamate, and with Muhammad as the final prophet, no new nubuwwah is expected.