Rasūl (رسول)
Definition and Usage
Rasūl (Arabic: رسول, plural: Rusul - رسل) is an Arabic term that means “messenger” or “apostle.” This title is specifically applied to the Prophets in Islam who have brought an inspired book and often God’s law to their communities. The term is most commonly associated with the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the last Rasūl.
Etymology
The word Rasūl derives from the Arabic root ر-س-ل (r-s-l), which means “to send.” Therefore, Rasūl can be directly translated as “one who is sent,” denoting someone sent by God to convey revelations to humanity.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: رسول (gk: Rasūl) - plural: رسل (Rusul)
- Turkish: Resul
Significance in Islam
In Islam, Rasūl holds a specific status among the prophets. While all Rasūls are Prophets (Nabīs), not all Prophets are considered Rasūls:
- Nabī (Prophet): A general term for a prophet, one who receives revelation from God.
- Rasūl (Apostle/Messenger): A specific type of prophet tasked with delivering a revealed scripture and often new laws to a community.
Rasūls are believed to bring new religious laws and guidelines, thus often establishing new faith communities or significant reforms within existing ones.
Differences Between Rasūl and Nabī
A key distinction within Islamic theological discourse is that all Rasūls have the dual role of being messengers and prophets, while all Nabīs may not necessarily be messengers. This differentiates their scope of mission and the nature of their revelations.
Notable Figures
- Prophet Muhammad: The final Rasūl in Islam, who delivered the Quran.
- Prophet Moses (Musa): Delivered the Torah.
- Prophet Jesus (Isa): Delivered the Gospel (Injil).
Books for Further Study
- “The Sealed Nectar: Biography of the Noble Prophet” by Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri
- “No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam” by Reza Aslan
- “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings
- “Prophecy in Islam: Philosophy and Orthodoxy” by Fazlur Rahman
Takeaways
- Rasūl refers to a significant type of prophet with a mission to convey divine scripture.
- The word originates from the Arabic root meaning “to send.”
- The title implies a high level of divine mission, often bringing about new laws or religious reformations.
- This term underscores the roles and responsibilities these key figures play within the Islamic narrative.
Conclusion
Understanding the term Rasūl in Islam allows one to appreciate the hierarchical and functional distinctions within Islamic prophethood. These messengers, including but not limited to Muhammad, Moses, and Jesus, are acknowledged for their elevated roles in bringing divinely inspired scriptures and laws to their communities, shaping not only religious practice but also societal norms within Islamic tradition.
