Title: Was Adam (pbuh) a Prophet or a Messenger? Question: I would like to know whether prophet Adam was also a messenger, because I read a Hadith , which I cannot remember where I got it from, Adam was a prophet and a messenger. Answer: If you refer to one of my previous responses regarding the difference between prophets ( Nabi ) and messengers ( Rasu'l ) according to the Qur'an, it should become evident that a Rasu'l is sent to a particular people, whereas a Nabi is simply a person who receives divine guidance through any form of revelation. Keeping this and the fact that Adam was the first man, it should be evident that he was a prophet of God and not a messenger. My opinion is also supported by some of the narratives ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh). In the more accepted compilations of the narratives ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh) there is a narrative in " Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal ", in which Abu Hurairah (ra) asked the Prophet about Adam (pbuh). The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have told Abu Hurairah (ra) that Adam (pbuh) was the first among the prophets of God. I am not aware of any reliable narratives ascribed to the Prophet (pbuh) in which Adam (pbuh) is reported to be a Rasu'l rather than only a Nabi . Regards, Moiz Amjad 4 th December 1999