| The third basic
belief in Islam is prophethood.
It means that Allah Subhanahu taala has sent
His messengers to teach mankind about the purpose of their creation. The
Divine scheme of sending the prophets was that no one should be left out without
Divine teachings. For this reason the first man on the earth i.e. Hazrat Adam
himself was a prophet. Then Allah Subhanahu taala sent prophets to all nations
and all communities to preach. Definition of Prophethood Prophethood
has been defined by a great Alim, Allama Hilli, as “ the Prophet is the person
who reports from Allah Taala without any human mediation.” ALLAH
–› PROPHET –› PEOPLE What is
the meaning of Nabi and Rasul ? In Islamic terminology two different words
are used for messenger of Allah Taala.- Prophet [Nabi]
-
Apostle [Rasul]
A Messenger of Allah can be a Nabi [Prophet] or a Rasul
[Apostle] or both Nabi and Rasul at a time.•
Nabi [Prophet]
Nabi is an Arabic word, which has been derived from the
word, Naba, meaning, True News of great importance. In Arabic language, the word
naba is not used for ordinary news (Khabar), but is applied to a news which is
absolutely true (confirmed truth) and a news of great value. Thus, the word Naba
refers to a great and true news. Now we can easily explain the meaning of Nabi
which is as follows; The Nabi [Prophet] is a truth-speaking person who receives
the truthful news of high value from Allah Taala and conveys it to people. Thus,
we can say that the Nabi is an exalted and high-ranking person who has an assignment
from Allah Subhanahu taala to communicate with His servants on His behalf. •
Rasul [Apostle]
Rasul is also an Arabic
word which is derived from the word, Risalat, meaning, to send. Thus, the meaning
of Rasul is, one who is sent from Allah. In Islamic terminology, both Nabi and
Rasul are the most high-ranking people chosen by Allah Subhanahu taala to guide
the mankind.
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