Who are the Resolute Messengers and what is the reason behind them being called so?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds.  I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

The Resolute Messengers (Ulul  'Azm) were so called because they showed great fortitude in calling to Allaah The Almighty. They also displayed great patience in the face of any severe harm that befell them for the sake of Allaah The Almighty and they, stood firm against falsehood and courageously upheld the truth. They also have other attributes that characterized them, may Allaah exalt their mention. In their commentary on the verse (what means): {So be patient, [O Muhammad], as were those of determination among the messengers}[Quran 46:35], Ibn ‘Abbaas and Ad-Dhahhaak mentioned that this verse refers to the patient messengers who had firm resolution. In the following verses, Allaah The Exalted praises the resolute messengers for their beautiful traits and great character. He The Almighty Says (what means):

•        {Indeed, he (Nooh) was a grateful servant.}[Quran 17:3]

•        {And [of] Ibraaheem (Abraham), who fulfilled [his obligations]} [Quran 53:37]

•        {Indeed, Ibraaheem was a [comprehensive] leader, devoutly obedient to Allaah, inclining toward truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allaah.}[Quran 16:120]

•        {And he (Moosaa), in the sight of Allaah, was distinguished.} [Quran 33:69]

•        {The son of Mary –“distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allaah].}[Quran 3:45]

•        {And indeed, you (Muhammad) are of a great moral character.} [Quran 68:4]

•        {There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allaah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allaah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allaah often.}[Quran 33:21]

Allaah Knows best.