Tafsir of Maryam 19:51

It is said that his mention was brought forward before Ishmael (peace be upon them both) so that he would not be separated from the mention of Jacob (peace be upon him). It is also said that it was to hasten the attraction of the People of the Book, after that which contained the attraction of the Arabs.

"Indeed, he was sincere"—that is, a monotheist who purified his worship from polytheism and ostentation, or who surrendered his face to Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) and became purified from all besides Him. The Kufans, Abu Razin, Yahya, and Qatada read it as mukhlāsan (with a fatha on the lam), meaning that Allah (Exalted is He) purified him.

"And was a messenger"—sent from the side of Allah (Exalted is He) to the creation to convey whatever rulings He willed.

"A prophet"—elevated in rank above many of the messengers (peace be upon them) or above all the people to whom he was sent. Thus, "prophet" (nabiyy) is derived from nubuwwah, meaning elevation (rif'ah). It is also permissible for it to be derived from naba', and its root is nabi'—meaning the one who gives news (al-munbi') from Allah (Exalted is He) regarding monotheism and the divine laws. The first opinion is considered more profound. It is said that this is why the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to someone who addressed him with a hamza (intending to belittle him), "I am not nabī'ullah (with a hamza), but the Prophet (nabiyy) of Allah." Al-Jawhari mentions that the speaker intended that his people had expelled him from a land (naba'), and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) responded in a way that repelled that possibility.

The justification for mentioning "prophet" after "messenger" under the first interpretation is evident. Under the second interpretation, its justification is agreement with the reality, based on the fact that Allah (Exalted is He) sent him to the creation, so he gave them news from Him (Glorified is He).

Some have chosen the view that the intent behind both terms is their linguistic meaning, and that the mention of "prophet" after "messenger" is because not every sent one (mursal) is a prophet, as one might be sent with a gift, a written message, or the like.