Why was the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) referred as “the last of Nabis” (Nabi is an Arabic word for “Prophet”) instead of “the last of Rasuls” (Rasul is an Arabic word for a prophet who was given a Book.)?

Why was the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) referred as “the last of Nabis” (Nabi is an Arabic word for “Prophet”) instead of “the last of Rasuls” (Rasul is an Arabic word for a prophet who was given a Book.)?

Dear Brother / Sister,

That the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the seal of the prophets is indicated in Surah Al-Ahzab as follows: “Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things. (Al-Ahzab Surah, 33:40)

In this verse, Allah Almighty clearly announces the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) prophethood by mentioning his name and states conclusively that he is the last of prophets by saying “the Seal of the Prophets.”

The prophets who were given Books are called “rasul.” The verse mentions the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as both rasul and the seal of the prophets and thus it definitely shows that there will be no more prophets after him and the gate of prophethood is closed for good. That is to say, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is both last nabi (prophet) and the last rasul. For, every rasul is a nabi, but not every nabi is a rasul.

If the verse had mentioned him as “the prophet who was sent last” instead of “the seal of the prophets,” perhaps some people might be deluded into thinking that there would be a new prophet who would not be given any Book. In this way, the verse has closed the door for all delusions and scruples.

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