V1:26- Definition of a prophet and a messenger

26- Definition of a prophet and a messenger
Q: What is the difference between a prophet and a messenger? Who was the first messenger? May Allah reward you the best!
A: The well-known view of scholars is that a prophet is one to whom a system of law was revealed but was not commanded to convey it, while a messenger was one who was given Divine Law and commanded to convey it. Other scholars hold that prophets were sent with the Shariah (law) of those who came before them, such as the prophets who came after Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) who judged according to the Tawrah (Torah). Musa, Nuh (Noah), and Hud (peace be upon them) were messengers and prophets. The soundest view, however, is that a messenger can be called a prophet and vice versa. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) states, "Never did We send a Messenger or a Prophet before you but when he did recite the revelation or narrated or spoke, Shaitan (Satan) threw (some falsehood) in it." A prophet can be called a messenger because he received revelation even if he was not commanded to convey it, but if he was commanded to convey it, he is called a messenger. The matter is flexible in this regard.
[Vol. 1, Page No. 80]