Is there a contradiction between the Quranic verses that describe the functions of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, such as limiting him to “a clear warner” at times, then mentioning him as “a warner and a bringer of good tidings” at other times, and describing him as “a witness, and a bringer of good tidings and a warner” at yet other times, while other verses emphasize the obligation to make him the judge in whatever arises between people?

The Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent with glad tidings, warnings, and to arbitrate among people. The verses that affirm these missions do not contradict each other because the restriction mentioned in them is relative, not absolute.

In linguistics, "al-qasr" (restriction/confinement) means specification or limitation. In the terminology of rhetoricians, it is the specification of one thing to another. It is divided into: 1. Absolute Restriction (Qasr Haqiqi): This restricts everything else besides the restricted object, such as the statement "There is no god but Allah." 2. Relative Restriction (Qasr Idāfī): This restricts speech to a specific context and does not negate other missions. It serves a wisdom, such as: Inversion Restriction (Qasr Qalb): To refute a mistaken belief held by the addressee, as in the Almighty's saying: ﴿إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا نَذِيرٌ مُبِينٌ﴾ (He is nothing but a clear Warner) [Qur'an 7:188], in response to those who claimed he was mad or an impostor. Singularity Restriction (Qasr Ifrād): To dispel the addressee's belief in partnership (polytheism). Designation Restriction (Qasr Ta‘yīn): To remove the addressee's doubt and hesitation.

Relative restriction may also be used to emphasize that the Messenger is a human being who does not possess what the polytheists demand, as in the Almighty's saying: ﴿قُلْ سُبْحَانَ رَبِّي هَلْ كُنْتُ إِلَّا بَشَرًا رَسُولًا﴾ (Say, "Exalted is my Lord! Was I anything but a human messenger?") [Qur'an 17:93].

This rhetorical style is well-known in language and rhetoric. The presence of these formulations in the Qur'an does not negate the other missions of the Messenger (peace be upon him).