Authored by: Shaykh Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jibreen (may Allah protect him)
"Those messengers – We favored some of them over others. Among them were those to whom Allah spoke, and He raised some of them in degree."
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 253)
Allah also says:
"And We have certainly favored some Prophets over others, and to David We gave the Book of Psalms."
(Surah Al-Isra: 55)
Allah has granted special virtues to some of His Messengers, either through inherent qualities or by bestowing wisdom, purity of soul, or other distinct attributes. Some Messengers were chosen for particular favors that others may not have had, even if other Prophets surpassed them in piety, intellect, or worship. This is Allah’s favor, which He bestows upon whomever He wills.
For example, Allah mentions the virtues of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), stating that He spoke directly to him and chose him for His own purpose:
"And I have chosen you for Myself."
(Surah Ta-Ha: 41)
Allah also says:
"And that you may be brought up under My observation."
(Surah Ta-Ha: 39)
Regarding Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him), Allah declares that he was a grateful servant, while about Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), Allah mentions that He took him as His intimate friend. Regarding Prophet Isa (peace be upon him), Allah states that He raised him to Himself. Concerning Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Allah mentions that He expanded his chest, relieved him of his burdens, and elevated his rank.
① Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him)
② Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)
③ Prophet Musa (peace be upon him)
④ Prophet Isa (peace be upon him)
⑤ Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)
Among these, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) hold the highest positions, with Prophet Muhammad being the most virtuous of all Prophets.
Just as believers differ in virtue and reward based on their deeds and sincerity, their ranks in Paradise will also vary. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Indeed, the people of Paradise will see the dwellers of lofty mansions above them as you see the shining stars remaining on the horizon in the east or west due to the difference in ranks among them."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Raqa’iq; Sahih Muslim, Book of Paradise)
This hadith has been narrated by Imam Ahmad and Imam Tirmidhi, who graded it as authentic.
"Whoever loves a people will be resurrected with them."
And Allah knows best.
Question:
Is there a difference in virtue among the Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon them)?Answer:
Yes, there is a difference in virtue among the Prophets and Messengers, as Allah Almighty states in the Quran:"Those messengers – We favored some of them over others. Among them were those to whom Allah spoke, and He raised some of them in degree."
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 253)
Allah also says:
"And We have certainly favored some Prophets over others, and to David We gave the Book of Psalms."
(Surah Al-Isra: 55)
Allah has granted special virtues to some of His Messengers, either through inherent qualities or by bestowing wisdom, purity of soul, or other distinct attributes. Some Messengers were chosen for particular favors that others may not have had, even if other Prophets surpassed them in piety, intellect, or worship. This is Allah’s favor, which He bestows upon whomever He wills.
For example, Allah mentions the virtues of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), stating that He spoke directly to him and chose him for His own purpose:
"And I have chosen you for Myself."
(Surah Ta-Ha: 41)
Allah also says:
"And that you may be brought up under My observation."
(Surah Ta-Ha: 39)
Regarding Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him), Allah declares that he was a grateful servant, while about Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), Allah mentions that He took him as His intimate friend. Regarding Prophet Isa (peace be upon him), Allah states that He raised him to Himself. Concerning Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Allah mentions that He expanded his chest, relieved him of his burdens, and elevated his rank.
The Most Virtuous Messengers
Scholars agree that the five greatest Messengers, known as Ulul-Azm, hold the highest rank among all Prophets. These are:① Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him)
② Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)
③ Prophet Musa (peace be upon him)
④ Prophet Isa (peace be upon him)
⑤ Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)
Among these, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) hold the highest positions, with Prophet Muhammad being the most virtuous of all Prophets.
Respect for All Prophets
The distinction in virtue among Prophets does not diminish the status of others, as all Prophets and Messengers were chosen by Allah to bear His message and convey His laws. Believers must acknowledge their virtues, send peace and blessings upon them, and firmly believe that all Prophets were free from any shortcomings in fulfilling their divine missions.Just as believers differ in virtue and reward based on their deeds and sincerity, their ranks in Paradise will also vary. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Indeed, the people of Paradise will see the dwellers of lofty mansions above them as you see the shining stars remaining on the horizon in the east or west due to the difference in ranks among them."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Raqa’iq; Sahih Muslim, Book of Paradise)
This hadith has been narrated by Imam Ahmad and Imam Tirmidhi, who graded it as authentic.
Conclusion
It is obligatory for every believer to affirm the truth of all Prophets and Messengers and to have faith in their Prophethood. It is also necessary for believers to follow the divinely revealed laws that have reached them. This belief ensures that they are included among the ranks of the faithful, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:"Whoever loves a people will be resurrected with them."
And Allah knows best.