rasul

Rasul is an Arabic term meaning “messenger” or “one who is sent.” In Islamic theology, a Rasul is a prophet who brings a new revelation and is entrusted with guiding a particular community or humanity, often accompanied by a written scripture or explicit covenant.

Distinction with Nabi: The words Nabi (prophet) and Rasul (messenger) are related but not identical. A Rasul is typically understood to have received a revealed book or new law for his people, whereas a Nabi may receive guidance and exhortation without delivering a new scripture. In general, all Rasuls are considered prophets (Nabis), but not every Nabi is classified as a Rasul.

Classical examples and interpretation: In Qur’anic and hadith literature, several prophets are described as Rasuls, including Noah (Nuh), Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), and Jesus (Isa). Muhammad is regarded as the final Rasul, bringing the Qur’an. Scholarly interpretations vary, but the common distinction emphasizes the Rasul’s role as bearer of a new divine revelation.

Usage and cultural context: The term is used in religious discourse to denote the status of prophets who delivered new scriptures or laws. It also appears as a given name in Muslim communities. The compound Rasulullah—“Messenger of God”—is a title most often applied to Muhammad. The word is widely used across Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Turkish, and other languages in regions influenced by Islam, with doctrinal nuance depending on interpretive tradition.