إِنِّى لَكُمْ رَسُولٌ أَمِينٌ 107
Translations
Indeed, I am to you a trustworthy messenger.
Transliteration
Inni lakum rasulun ameen
Tafsir (Explanation)
This statement, repeated by each of the messengers (Nuh, Hud, Salih, Lut, and Shu'ayb) in Surah Ash-Shu'ara, emphasizes that they are trustworthy messengers sent by Allah to their peoples. The word 'ameen' (trustworthy/faithful) signifies their integrity, honesty, and fidelity in conveying the divine message without alteration or deception. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that this phrase establishes the credibility of the messengers and their qualifications to be believed, contrasting with the disbelievers' accusations.
Revelation Context
Surah Ash-Shu'ara, revealed in Mecca, presents the stories of multiple prophets and their calls to monotheism. This particular phrase appears as a recurring declaration by each messenger to their respective communities, establishing a pattern of divine guidance and human rejection. The surah uses these historical examples to comfort Prophet Muhammad and demonstrate the consistency of divine revelation throughout history.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was given the title 'Al-Ameen' (the Trustworthy One) by the Meccan people before his prophethood, as mentioned in various sirah accounts. Related to this theme is Hadith Qudsi wherein Allah states He grants trustworthiness to His messengers - Abu Nuaym's collections reference the honor of this divine attribute.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to recognize the trustworthiness of the prophets and to approach their teachings with confidence in their integrity and sincere guidance. It also serves as a reminder that claiming to represent truth requires absolute honesty and moral rectitude—a principle applicable to all who convey knowledge or lead others.