إِنَّهُۥ لَقَوْلُ رَسُولٍ كَرِيمٍ 19
Translations
[That] indeed, it [i.e., the Qur’ān] is a word [conveyed by] a noble messenger [i.e., Gabriel]
Transliteration
Innahu laqawlu rasoolin kareem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that the Qur'an is the speech of a noble messenger (Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), emphasizing its divine origin and the honor of its bearer. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that 'Rasool al-Kareem' (the Noble Messenger) refers to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, whose character and trustworthiness validate the authenticity of the revelation he conveyed. The ayah serves as a powerful rebuttal to those who denied the Qur'an or questioned its divine source during the Meccan period.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah At-Takwir, a Meccan surah describing cosmic events on the Day of Judgment and affirming the validity of the Qur'an. The context follows verses establishing that the Qur'an is not the word of Satan or a poet's invention, but rather the word of a messenger of great honor and virtue sent by Allah.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari: The Prophet ﷺ said, 'I have been sent with the shortest words carrying the widest meanings' - affirming the miraculous nature of his message. Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet ﷺ is described as 'the most truthful of the truthful (Asdaq al-Sadiqeen)', validating his status as 'Kareem' (noble and trustworthy).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to have unwavering confidence in the Qur'an's divine origin through the proven integrity and character of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It teaches that true nobility lies in conveying divine truth with honesty and faithfulness, inspiring Muslims to uphold similar virtues in their own lives.