The Difference between a Messenger and a Prophet...

The Difference between a Messenger and a Prophet: A ‘Messenger’ originally means a person on whom has been given a mission and a message to convey; while a ‘prophet’ is a person who is aware of Divine revelation and informs of it.

But, in view of the Qur’anic meanings, and according to what the Islamic traditions indicate, some commentators believe that ‘a Messenger’ is the person who has been given a religion and is commissioned to convey it; i.e., he receives the revelation of Allah and conveys it to people; while a prophet receives the divine revelation but his duty is not to convey it. That revelation is only for performing his own duty, or if he is asked of it, he answers it.

In other words a prophet is like a skilful physician who is waiting in his office for the patients to receive them. He does not go after the patients, but if a patient refers to him, he does treat him. But, a Messenger is like an itinerant physician who travels here and there.

Amir-ul-Mu’mineen Ali (as) said about the Prophet of Islam (S) that he was a roaming physician[^10] That is, he used to go to every place (to cities, villages, mountains, plains, and deserts) in order to find the sick and treat them. The Prophet (S) was as a spring who sought for the thirsty ones.

“And he used to enjoin on his family prayer and almsgiving, and he was well pleased in the sight of his Lord.” The appellation Ism’il, mentioned in this holy verse, refers either to Abraham’s son, or another prophet from the prophets of the Children of Israel, by the name of Isma’il-ibn-Hizqil (Ishmael the son of Ezekiel).

The verse says: “And mention Ismail in the Book, verily he was (ever) true to (his) promise, and he was an apostle, a prophet.” It has been narrated from Imam Sadiq (as) who says: “He (Isma’il) used to invite people to Monotheism. His people stood against him so hard that they scalped him out of his head and face. Allah made him optional for their punishment or forgiveness. Isma’il also left their affair to Allah whether He would punish them or forgive them.