Prophets are men of God chosen by Him only. I’m not talking about those self proclaimed ones who do nothing but lead astray humanity with false utterances. The chosen ones by God are above us mere mortals.
You can’t say this man is a prophet if he is a sinner who indulges in shameful acts. A prophet is held accountable for anything he does which may not be a sin even. For example Yunus (Jonah) left his people in despair when they wouldn’t listen to him. He boarded a boat where as a punishment for leaving his people without waiting for God’s directive to leave, he was swallowed by a whale.
He repeatedly asked for God’s forgiveness, whereas he got ejected by the whale.
I read someplace where a blogger called Lut a sinner. He didn’t choose the place where he was told to preach. God directed him there. A true prophet follows God’s clear instructions only. He doesn’t go by his own whims and feelings.
There are shameful acts attributed to him which are not true, and doesn’t exist in Islamic scriptures, only made up in other books penned by men themselves.
Glorified be thy Lord, the Lord of Majesty, from that which they attribute (unto Him)
And peace be unto those sent (to warn)
And praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds!
God doesn’t send peace on a wrongdoer. From Ayat 181, you can discern a prophet’s status.
Flowers and Breezes 