Surah 2:253
"Those are the messengers – We have favored some of them over others. (There were) some of them to whom God spoke, and some of them He raised in rank. And We gave Jesus, son of Mary, the clear signs, and supported him with the holy spirit. If God had (so) pleased, those who (came) after them would not have fought each other, after the clear signs had come to them. But they differed, and (there were) some of them who believed and some of them who disbelieved. If God had (so) pleased, they would not have fought each other. But God does whatever He wills."
Equality of Messengers
Opposing Verses
Surah 2:285 → "The messenger believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in God, and His angels, and His Books, and His messengers. We make no distinction between any of His messengers. And they say, ‘We hear and obey. (Grant us) Your forgiveness, our Lord. To You is the (final) destination.’"
Does the Quran make distinctions between messengers? Some verses state that no distinction is made between any of the messengers, while others state that some messengers were favored over others.
Miracles of Messengers
Opposing Verses
Surah 29:50 → "They say, ‘If only signs were sent down on him from his Lord.’ Say: ‘The signs are only with God. I am only a clear warner.’"
Does the Quran state that messengers can perform signs or miracles? Some verses state that signs are only with God and messengers are only warners, while others state that specific messengers like Jesus were given clear signs.
Distinction Among Prophets and Messengers
Supporting Verses
Surah 17:55 → "Your Lord knows whatever is in the heavens and the earth. Certainly We have favored some of the prophets over others, and We gave David (the) Psalms."
Opposing Verses
Surah 4:152 → "But those who believe in God and His messengers, and make no distinction between any of them, those – He will give them their rewards. God is forgiving, compassionate."
The Quran contains varying statements regarding the status of prophets and messengers. Some verses indicate that God has favored certain prophets and messengers over others, while other verses instruct believers to make no distinction between any of them.