45 Preface يا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ إِنّا أَرسَلناكَ شاهِدًا وَمُبَشِّرًا وَنَذيرًاYusuf AliO Prophet! Truly We have sent thee as a Witness, a Bearer1 of Glad Tidings, and a Warner,—The Prophet was sent by God in five capacities. Three are mentioned in this verse, and the other two in the verse following. (1) He comes as a Witness to all men about the spiritual truths which had been obscured by ignorance or superstition, or by the dust of sectarian controversy. He did not come to establish a new religion or sect. He came to teach Religion. He is also a witness to God about men’s doings and how they receive God’s Message; see 4:41 and belonging n. (2) He comes as a Bearer of the Glad Tidings of the Mercy of God. No matter how far men may have transgressed, they have hope if they believe, repent, and live a good life. (3) He also comes as a Warner to those who are heedless. This life will not last. There is a Future Life, and that is all-important. See next note.