إِنَّآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ شَـٰهِدًا وَمُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا 8
Translations
Indeed, We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner
Transliteration
Inna arsalnaka shahidan wa mubashshiran wa nadhira
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah addresses the Prophet Muhammad, affirming that He sent him with three fundamental roles: as a shahid (witness) to testify against the nations on the Day of Judgment, as a mubashshir (bearer of good tidings) to those who believe and obey, and as a nadhir (warner) to those who reject and disobey. Ibn Kathir emphasizes that these three characteristics encapsulate the Prophet's complete mission—to warn, to give glad tidings, and to bear witness before Allah regarding his people's response to his message.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs in Surah Al-Fath, which was revealed after the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (6 AH). It comes within a section consoling the Muslims after they accepted peace terms that seemed unfavorable at first, reminding them of the Prophet's essential role in Allah's divine plan. The broader context celebrates the victory granted through the treaty and reaffirms the universality and importance of the Prophet's mission.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet said, 'I have been sent with the shortest of words yet comprehensive in meaning' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, 'I am sent as a witness, a bringer of good tidings, and a warner' - a statement the Prophet made regarding his mission (Jami' at-Tirmidhi and other sources).
Themes
Key Lesson
Every believer can reflect the Prophet's threefold role in their own capacity—witnessing to truth through actions and words, bringing hope to the discouraged, and warning against heedlessness. Understanding the Prophet's multifaceted mission deepens our appreciation for his comprehensive guidance and should inspire us to convey the message of Islam with both compassion and clarity.