The Categories of the Prophets, the Messengers and the Imams (a.s.)

prophets and the messengers are of four categories. There were prophets who were given Divine news in their souls just for their own-selves and for no one else. There were also prophets who were given Divine news in…

“I heard Imam Abu ‘Abdallah saying, ‘Allah chose Abraham as a servant before choosing him as a prophet. Allah chose him as a prophet before choosing him as a messenger. Allah chose him as a messenger before choosing him…

“I heard abu ‘Abdallah saying, ‘The leaders and masters of the prophets and the messengers are five who are called ’ulul ‘Azm (people with determination) among the messengers who have the central role. They are Noah,…

“I heard the Imam saying, ‘Allah chose Abraham as a servant before He chose him as a prophet. He chose him as a prophet before He chose him as a messenger. He chose him as a messenger before He chose him as a friend of…