وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا نُوحًا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦٓ إِنِّى لَكُمْ نَذِيرٌ مُّبِينٌ 25
Translations
And We had certainly sent Noah to his people, [saying], "Indeed, I am to you a clear warner
Transliteration
Wa laqad arsalnā Nūḥan ilā qawmihi innī lakum nadhīrun mubīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah informs the Prophet Muhammad that He indeed sent Noah to his people as a clear and manifest warner, establishing Noah as the first messenger sent to humanity with a comprehensive message of warning and guidance. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that Noah's mission lasted 950 years (as mentioned in Surah 29:14), making him the most patient of the messengers, and his message was universal—warning people away from shirk (polytheism) and commanding them toward tawhid (monotheism). The phrase 'nadhīrun mubīn' (clear warner) signifies that Noah's message was unmistakable and unambiguous, leaving no excuse for those who rejected it.
Revelation Context
This verse appears in the Meccan surah of Hud and is part of a narrative section recounting the stories of the ancient prophets. The context serves to console Prophet Muhammad by reminding him that previous messengers faced similar rejection, as Noah faced 950 years of disbelief from his people. This narrative structure encourages patience in the face of opposition from the Meccan polytheists.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad said: 'The most patient of people are the prophets, and the most patient among them is Noah.' (Reported in various collections). Additionally, in Sahih Bukhari, it is mentioned that Noah preached for 950 years, and only a few believers responded to his call.
Themes
Key Lesson
Just as Noah was sent with a clear warning to his people despite centuries of rejection, believers today must understand that conveying the message of Islam clearly and patiently is a sacred duty, and one's success is measured by sincere effort rather than immediate acceptance by others.