The Difference Between a Prophet and a Messenger

Question:
What is the difference between a nabi (prophet) and a rasul (messenger)?

Answer:
A nabi is one who is sent with a previous shari'ah; this is the greatest difference. He is sent with a shari'ah that came before him, such as the prophets of the Children of Israel, who were sent with the shari'ah of Musa (Moses) in the Torah. As for the rasul, he is the one who comes with a new shari'ah and is not sent with a shari'ah that came before him. By "shari'ah" here, we mean the practical shari'ah. As for the shari'ah that is tawhid (the oneness of Allah), that is the religion of all the prophets and does not change. But the shari'ahs that consist of the detailed rulings change according to the interests of the people in every time. For every term, there is a written record: "Allah erases what He wills and confirms, and with Him is the Mother of the Book," and "For each of you, We have prescribed a shari'ah and a way." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "We, the prophets, are brothers of different fathers; our religion is one, but our shari'ahs are different in every time according to its needs." So when Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was sent, his shari'ah became the sufficient shari'ah for people until the Hour stands. They have no need for a second shari'ah, just as they have no need for a prophet after Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).