The Difference Between a Prophet and a Messenger

Question:
This questioner is from Sudan and has used the initials (A. A) for his name. He asks in this question: What is the difference between a prophet and a messenger? And what is the benefit of a prophet’s knowledge for people?

Answer:
The well-known view is that a prophet is one to whom revelation is sent regarding a law for himself, which he acts upon himself, and he is not commanded to convey it. A messenger is one who is commanded to convey it, like the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). When it was said to him: [Al-Alaq:1] he was a prophet. Then, when it was said to him: [Al-Muddaththir:2] he became both a messenger and a prophet. So, a messenger is one who is commanded to convey; revelation is sent to him, and he is commanded to convey it to people and call them, like Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Moses, Jesus, David, Solomon, Noah, and others like them.
And a prophet is one to whom revelation is sent regarding a law, but he is not commanded to convey it, like many of the prophets of the Children of Israel to whom revelation was sent, but they were not commanded to convey it, rather it was for themselves. Yes.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.