The world ‘risalat’ means to take the responsibility of delivering a message or a letter or a news or of doing some good deeds. The responsibility of prophethood or the designation of ‘prophet’ is called ‘risalat’. In Islamaic terminology, risalat means to deliver the holy messahes of Almighty Allah to human being.1 Nov 2020

Key Points

• Risalat likely means “message” or “treatise” in Arabic, often linked to prophethood in Islam.
• It seems to involve prophets (Nabi) and messengers (Rasool) conveying divine messages from Allah.
• Research suggests messengers bring new laws, while prophets may follow existing ones, but definitions can vary.
• The evidence leans toward Risalat being central to Islamic theology, with some debate on Nabi vs. Rasool roles.

What is Risalat?

Definition and Meaning
Risalat is an Arabic word that generally means “message,” “letter,” “epistle,” or “treatise.” In Islamic contexts, it is most commonly associated with the concept of prophethood or the act of conveying a divine message from Allah to humanity. This involves individuals chosen by Allah to receive revelations and guide people toward righteousness.

Role in Islam
In Islam, Risalat refers to the mission of prophets (Nabi) and messengers (Rasool), who are tasked with delivering Allah’s message. Messengers are typically sent with new divine laws or scriptures, while prophets may preach existing laws. For example, figures like Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus) are considered messengers for bringing new laws, such as the Torah and the Gospel, respectively.

Distinction Between Nabi and Rasool

• A Nabi (Prophet) receives divine revelations and guides their community but does not necessarily introduce new laws.
• A Rasool (Messenger) is a prophet who is also sent with a new divine law or message, often to a specific nation. Every Rasool is a Nabi, but not every Nabi is a Rasool.
• This distinction can vary in interpretation, with some sources suggesting overlap, but it seems likely that messengers have a broader mission.

Significance
Risalat is a fundamental belief in Islam, emphasizing the role of divine communication through chosen individuals. It ensures guidance for humanity, with the Quran mentioning both Nabi and Rasool, such as in Quran 22:52, which highlights their roles in conveying messages.

Survey Note: Detailed Exploration of Risalat

This section provides a comprehensive analysis of Risalat, drawing from various sources to ensure a thorough understanding of its meaning, significance, and related concepts in Islamic theology. The discussion aims to cover all relevant details, including distinctions between Nabi and Rasool, and contextual examples, to offer a professional and detailed perspective.

Definition and Linguistic Roots

Risalat, derived from the Arabic root “Rasal,” means “to send” or “to convey.” In its literal sense, it translates to “message,” “letter,” “epistle,” or “treatise,” as seen in sources like Wikipedia: Risala, which lists various writings and literary genres named Risala. For instance, it can refer to religious texts such as Risalah (fiqh), a summary of Islamic jurisprudence, or Risalat al-Huquq, a treatise on rights attributed to Imam Ali ibn al-Husayn Zayn al-Abidin.

In Islamic theology, however, Risalat transcends its literal meaning to embody the concept of divine messengership. It is the process by which Allah communicates His will to humanity through selected individuals, making it a cornerstone of Islamic belief. This is evident from sources like Quran By Call: The Distinction Between Nabi and Rasul in Islam, which ties Risalat to the roles of prophets and messengers.

Role and Significance in Islam

Risalat is central to Islamic theology, as it involves the selection of prophets (Nabi) and messengers (Rasool) to receive revelations and guide humanity. These individuals are chosen by Allah to convey His message, ensuring moral and spiritual guidance. For example, the Quran states, “And We did not send before you any messenger or prophet except that when he spoke [or recited], Satan threw into it [some misunderstanding]” (Quran 22:52), highlighting the general role of messengers and prophets in delivering divine messages.

The significance of Risalat lies in its role as a bridge between Allah and humanity, ensuring that divine guidance is accessible. It is a fundamental article of faith, emphasizing the continuity of prophetic missions from Adam to Muhammad, with each prophet or messenger contributing to the guidance of their community. Sources like Islam Question & Answer: The difference between a nabi (prophet) and a rasul (messenger) underscore this, noting that Risalat involves conveying messages to both believers and disbelievers.

Distinction Between Nabi and Rasool

A critical aspect of Risalat is the distinction between Nabi (prophet) and Rasool (messenger), which has been discussed extensively in Islamic scholarship. The following table summarizes the key differences based on various sources:

Sources such as Islam Stack Exchange: What is the difference between “nabi” and “rasul”? and Life in Saudi Arabia: 6 differences between Nabi and Rasool highlight that while Nabi receives revelations to guide, Rasool is tasked with delivering a new message, often to disbelieving nations. For instance, Difference Between: Rasool vs Nabi notes that figures like Nooh (Noah) and Ibrahim (Abraham) were Rasools for bringing new Sharia, while other prophets continued their laws.

However, there is some debate and variation in interpretation. For example, Al-Islam.org: What is the difference between a Rasool and a Nabi? suggests that Rasool is higher in degree, with 313 messengers out of 124,000 prophets, indicating a hierarchical distinction. This aligns with Quora: What is the difference between rasul and nabi?, which notes that messengers have a greater grade, but interpretations can vary among scholars.

Contextual Examples and Applications

Risalat is not only a theological concept but also appears in Islamic literature and practice. For example, Al-Risala (al-Shafiʽi book), a seminal work on fiqh by Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi’i, is named Risala, reflecting its role as a treatise (Wikipedia: Risala). Similarly, Risalat al-Ghufran by Abu al-ʿAlaʾ al-Maʿarri is a satirical work, showing the term’s broader literary use.

In practice, Risalat is evident in the lives of prophets and messengers. For instance, Prophet Musa (Moses) was a Rasool for bringing the Torah, while Prophet Harun (Aaron) was a Nabi who followed Musa’s law, as noted in Life in Saudi Arabia: 6 differences between Nabi and Rasool. This distinction is crucial for understanding the continuity and evolution of divine guidance in Islam.

Controversies and Variations

While the concept of Risalat is widely accepted, there are nuances and debates, particularly around the Nabi vs. Rasool distinction. Some sources, like IslamQA: Difference Between Nabi and Rasool, emphasize that Rasools perform miracles and receive new books, while others, like Quora: What is the difference between rasul and nabi?, suggest overlap in roles, especially in Shia and Sunni interpretations. These variations highlight the complexity and richness of Islamic scholarship, with no single definitive view.

Conclusion

Risalat, as a concept, encapsulates the divine mission of prophethood and messengership in Islam, involving the conveyance of Allah’s message through Nabi and Rasool. It is a fundamental belief that ensures guidance for humanity, with messengers bringing new laws and prophets reinforcing existing ones. The distinction between Nabi and Rasool, while clear in many sources, can vary, reflecting the diversity of Islamic thought. This detailed exploration aims to provide a comprehensive understanding, suitable for both lay readers and those seeking deeper theological insights.

Key Citations

• Wikipedia Risala definition and examples
• Quran By Call Nabi and Rasul distinction
• Islam Stack Exchange Nabi vs Rasul difference
• Islam Question Answer Nabi and Rasul difference
• IslamQA Nabi and Rasool difference explanation
• Life in Saudi Arabia 6 Nabi Rasool differences
• Difference Between Rasool and Nabi comparison
• Al-Islam.org Rasool and Nabi difference query
• Quora Rasul and Nabi difference discussion
• Quran 22:52 verse on messengers and prophets