According to classical Islamic scholarship, a Messenger (الرسول, Al-Rasul) is a divinely chosen human being sent by Allah with a specific, new sacred law (Shari'ah) or scripture to guide a community. While all Messengers are also Prophets (Nabi), the role of a Rasul is more specific; they are tasked not only with receiving divine revelation but also with the mission of conveying and establishing a new divine code. This distinction is a cornerstone of Islamic theology, explained by authorities like Ibn Taymiyyah. The Quran mentions this role in over 300 verses, emphasizing that belief in all Messengers without distinction is a pillar of faith (Iman), as stated in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285). The primary duty of a Messenger, as Ibn Kathir elaborates, is to deliver the divine message in its entirety, serving as a bearer of good news for the obedient and a warner to the disobedient (4:165), thereby establishing Allah's proof upon humanity. Obedience to the Messenger is fundamentally linked to obedience to Allah (4:80), making their example the ultimate practical guide for believers.