Distinction between Messenger and Prophet.

[qAlone]

Salaam Brothers and Sisters,

I would like to add my two cents worth regarding the Subject of Messenger and Prophet.

My position is that Some Messengers can be appointed Prophets, thus All Prophets are not messengers.

The Qur'an affirms the fact that the messenger's duty was only to deliver the message to mankind. The Qur'an also affirms the fact that the messenger recited the words he heard spoken to him, verbatim.
Therefore we are able to conclude from the above facts that the messenger delivered God's word directly to mankind.

If the Messenger delivered God's Word to mankind, we must also assume that the messenger brought God's word to the Man, Muhammad, since Muhammad is considered part of the human race. Of course this make logical sense, especially considering the fact that the messenger delivered the message verbatim, thus not having time to understand the message he was delivering. Thus, the messenger delivered the message to Muhammad and all the other believers.

Now, the interesting fact is in understanding the term Prophet. A prophet is a believer of the message delivered. The Qur'an affirms the fact that the prophets duty was to Judge by what God had delivered(through the messenger). The Prophet is also one who is appointed the leader of the believers by God to guide his and only his generation under the banner of Islam.

Here is some Qur'anic proof that backs the above view.

469 Qur'an

And whoever obeys God and the messenger will be among those whom God has blessed from the PROPHETS and the truthful and the martyrs and the upright. What an excellent companionship!

MYcase has been affirmed by Allah in verse 469. Those who obey Allah and the Messenger are those who are blessed, thus the Prophets(Muhammad) obey God and the Messenger as do the truthful and Martyrs, therefore they are the ones who are blessed.
In other words,Prophet Muhammad obeyed God and the Messenger(message) . Thus he obeyed the message that God spoke through him as the Messenger, thus obeying himself which inturn made him Obey Allah.

The distinction has been made. Muhammad was a Messenger and a Prophet who had Obeyed the Messenger(message).

There is much more Qur'anic proof, but the time I have at this moment is limited, thus the short summary.

Salaam