RASÛL - رسول‎

Literally & Etymologically:

It originates from the Arabic root ra-sa-la (ر-س-ل), which carries the core meanings of dispatching someone on a mission, sending a message in succession, or moving forth smoothly and continuously. It is closely related to the term risalah (رِسَالَة), denoting the message or mission entrusted by Allah to a rasûl, as well as irsâl (إِرْسَال) (sending forth) and mursal (مُرْسَل) (one who has been sent).

As an Islamic Term:

A rasûl is a prophet commissioned by Allah with a revealed message, a scripture, or a Sharî‘ah, sent either to a specific community or to all of humanity to execute and establish His commands.

The Distinction Between A Rasûl and A Nabi: While every rasûl is actually a nabi, a nabi does not necessarily bring an independent Sharî’ah; rather, he revives, upholds and apply the Sharî’ah of a preceding rasûl.

The Distinction Between Nubuwwah and Risalah:

• Nubuwwah (نبوة - Prophethood): Deriving from the word naba’, which means momentous and weighty news, it denotes the general station of receiving news, haqiqahs and wahy from Allah and conveying them. Its primary character lies in the reception and conveyance of haqiqahs; thus, it possesses a broader meaning.

• Risalah (رسالة - Messengership): Deriving from the word rasl, which means dispatching sequentially, it represents the active, executive and outward-facing mission. Beyond merely receiving, risalah entails being officially dispatched to deliver, execute, and establish the message, scripture, or Sharî‘ah among a community or all humanity.

Conclusion: Consequently, while every rasûl is in fact a nabi — because one cannot deliver a message without first receiving it —, not every nabi is a rasûl. A nabi embodies the station of receiving and conveying haqiqahs, whereas a rasûl is specifically commissioned to deliver, establish and execute a sacred mission, carrying forward the law of Allah.

(Please also refer to the Eleventh Word.)