Prophet

A prophet (plural: prophets) is a person whom the Abrahamic religions regard as chosen to convey a message from God and to communicate it to people. The term derives from Semitic roots meaning 'to call out' or 'to announce'. In other languages it appears as نبي (Arabic), Prophet (English), and Peygamber (Turkish).

The concept of the prophet is central to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Each religion maintains its own list of prophets and its own definition of the prophet's role, authority, and historical period. Historians and religious scholars also examine how societies understood religious leaders who delivered messages.

Etymology

In Somali, the word 'nabi' comes directly from Arabic. The Greek term 'prophētēs', which underlies the European form, means 'one who speaks forth' or 'one who speaks on behalf of'. Both etymological roots converge on the idea of transmitting a message, not merely predicting the future.

Islam

Islam distinguishes between 'nabi' (prophet) and 'rasul' (messenger). As most Islamic scholars define it, a messenger is a prophet sent with a new law or scripture, while a prophet upholds an earlier law. The Quran names prophets including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Islamic doctrine holds that Muhammad was the last of the prophets, known as 'khatam an-nabiyyiin'.

Judaism and Christianity

The Hebrew Bible contains a section called Nebiim (the Prophets), which includes writings associated with Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. Their messages typically concern social justice, return to the covenant, and warnings to kings and people. Christianity accepts these prophets and grants Jesus a distinct status, viewing him as holding a unique place in the faith.