According to one of the narratives ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh), reported in Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal , the Prophet (pbuh) told Abu Zarr (ra), in response to his question regarding the total number of prophets of God, that God sent one hundred and twenty four thousand prophets ( Nabi ) in all, out of which three hundred and fifteen were messengers ( Rasu'l ). If this narrative is correctly ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh) and if the narrators have correctly transmitted the words of the Prophet (pbuh), then the number given in this narrative is correct. However, in view of the absence of a more authentic source of this information, Muslims generally hold this number to be correct. 2 nd March 2000 Answer published by Moiz Amjad