Inzar and Tabshir in Story of Prophet Moses in Quran
Inzar means warning about the consequences of bad deeds and sins while Tabshir means giving the good news of divine mercy and blessings.
These two form a major part of educational motivations. Man should be encouraged for doing good deeds and be punished for doing bad deeds so that he will be motivated and prepared to move on the right path and avoid the wrong path.
Encouragement alone is not enough on the path to moral growth of a person or society. Just warning someone about consequences of his deeds is not enough either.
A balanced use of both of them will help people to be hopeful about reaching rewards for their good deeds and at the same time be careful not to do wrong because they have been warned about the consequences of wrongdoing.
Throughout history, messengers of God have used both Inzar and Tabshir for educating people and guiding them to the right path. In the verses of the Quran, too, there are many examples of Inzar and Tabshir.
According to the Quran, Moses (AS) gave good news to his people. The Bani Israi’l who had been frustrated because of pharaoh’s pressures, complained to Moses (AS), asking what happened to his promise that they will be saved from pharaoh and his men. The Bani Isra’il expected that everything would be done overnight and they will be saved.
Moses (AS) gave them encouragement, saying: “There is hope that your Lord will destroy your enemies and make you (their) successors in the land. So consider how you act.” (Verse 129 of Surah Al-A’araf)
In another case, Moses (AS) warned his people about the consequences of their wrong deeds:
“Moses told them, ‘Woe to you if you invent falsehood against God; you will be destroyed by the torment. Whoever invents falsehood against God will certainly be lost.’” (Verse 61 of Surah Taha)
What he means by inventing falsehood against God means considering a partner for God. Moses (AS) warns them not to engage in Shirk (polytheism).
