إِن يُوحَىٰٓ إِلَىَّ إِلَّآ أَنَّمَآ أَنَا۠ نَذِيرٌ مُّبِينٌ 70
Translations
It has not been revealed to me except that I am a clear warner."
Transliteration
In yuwhá ilayya illá annamá aná nadhírun mubín
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) receives revelation only confirming that he is a clear warner to mankind. Ibn Kathir explains that Allah clarifies the Prophet's role is solely to convey the message of warning with clarity, not to possess knowledge of the unseen or control over people's belief. Al-Tabari notes this refutes those who attributed other powers or knowledge to the Prophet beyond his role as a messenger and warner.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Saad, which addresses the Prophet's critics and detractors. The broader context deals with defending the Prophet's message against those who questioned his authority or expected him to possess supernatural powers beyond conveying Allah's message. It reinforces the Prophet's humble role as a mere human messenger.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Muslim records that the Prophet said: 'I am but a human like you; I am inspired, but I don't know when the punishment will come, so follow me and follow what I command you.' This hadith directly supports the ayah's emphasis on the Prophet's limited role as a clear warner.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should understand that the Prophet's duty was to convey Allah's message clearly, not to compel faith or possess unlimited knowledge; similarly, those who follow Islamic guidance should focus on clear, sincere proclamation of truth rather than claiming powers or knowledge beyond their capacity.
Related Ayahs
قَالَ لَقَدْ ظَلَمَكَ بِسُؤَالِ نَعْجَتِكَ إِلَىٰ نِعَاجِهِۦ ۖ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرًا مِّنَ ٱلْخُلَطَآءِ لَيَبْغِى بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَقَلِيلٌ مَّا هُمْ ۗ وَظَنَّ دَاوُۥدُ أَنَّمَا فَتَنَّـٰهُ فَٱسْتَغْفَرَ رَبَّهُۥ وَخَرَّ رَاكِعًا وَأَنَابَ ۩
[David] said, "He has certainly wronged you in demanding your ewe [in addition] to his ewes. And indeed, many associates oppress one another, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds - and few are they." And David became certain that We had tried him, and he asked forgiveness of his Lord and fell down bowing [in prostration] and turned in repentance [to Allāh].
هَـٰذَا ۚ وَإِنَّ لِلطَّـٰغِينَ لَشَرَّ مَـَٔابٍ
This [is so]. But indeed, for the transgressors is an evil place of return -
وَقَالُوا۟ مَا لَنَا لَا نَرَىٰ رِجَالًا كُنَّا نَعُدُّهُم مِّنَ ٱلْأَشْرَارِ
And they will say, "Why do we not see men whom we used to count among the worst?
إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرٌ لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ
It is but a reminder to the worlds.