وَدَاعِيًا إِلَى ٱللَّهِ بِإِذْنِهِۦ وَسِرَاجًا مُّنِيرًا 46
Translations
And one who invites to Allāh, by His permission, and an illuminating lamp.
Transliteration
Wa dā'iyan ilallāhi bi-idhnihi wa sirājan munīrā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in two complementary roles: as a caller to Allah by His permission, and as a luminous lamp (light-giving guide). Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi interpret 'dā'iyan' (caller/inviter) to emphasize the Prophet's primary mission of preaching and inviting humanity to monotheism, while 'sirājan munīrā' (illuminating lamp) signifies his role as a guiding light whose teachings dispel the darkness of ignorance and misguidance. The phrase 'bi-idhnihi' (by His permission) underscores that this prophetic authority and guidance come solely from Allah's divine will and authorization.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Ahzab within a passage describing the virtues and elevated status of Prophet Muhammad. It comes in the context of describing his role and mission to humanity, affirming his position as the final messenger. The surah itself is Medinan, revealed during a period when the Prophet was establishing the Islamic community and facing opposition from various quarters.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'I have been sent as a mercy to all the worlds' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet said: 'The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth' (Sahih Bukhari), which parallels the metaphor of the illuminating lamp.
Themes
Key Lesson
Every believer, while not a prophet, carries a responsibility to invite others to Allah and be a source of light in their communities through righteous conduct and sound knowledge. The ayah reminds us that all authentic guidance comes from Allah's permission and wisdom, not from human desire, encouraging us to seek knowledge and spread it with sincere intention.