فَلَمَّآ أَتَٮٰهَا نُودِىَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰٓ
And when he came to it, he was called, “O Moses,
From this point, Allah begins to mention the story of Musa, how revelation began to come to Him, and Allah's speaking directly to him. This occurred after Musa had completed the time agreed upon between he and his father-in-law that he would herd sheep. He was traveling with his family, and it has been said that he was headed for the land of Egypt, after having been away from it for more than ten years. He had his wife with him and he became lost on the way during a cold, wintery night. Therefore, he settled down, making a camp between some mountain passes and mountains that were covered with snow, sleet, dense clouds, darkness and fog. He began to try to make a fire with a kindling device he had with him, in order to produce some light, as was customary. However, it would not kindle anything and it even stopped giving off sparks. While he was in this condition, he saw a fire from the side of the mountain. It appeared to him to be a fire glowing from the right side of the mountain from where he was. He then announced the good news to his family saying,
(Verily, I have seen a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand) This means a flame from a fire. In another Ayah he said,
(or a burning firebrand.) (28:29) This is a coal that has a burning flame.
(that you may warm yourselves. ) ﴿28:29﴾ This proves that it was in fact cold weather at that time. Concerning his statement,
(some burning brand) This proves that it was dark. In reference to his statement,
(or find some guidance at the fire.) This means someone who can guide me to the road. This proves that he lost the road. This is as Ath-Thawri reported from Abu Sa`id Al-A`war, from `Ikrimah, from Ibn `Abbas that he said concerning Allah's statement,
(or find some guidance at the fire.) "This means someone who will guide me to the road. They were cold and had lost their way. Then, when he (Musa) saw the fire he said, `Either I will find someone who can guide us to the road, or at least I can bring you all some fire that you can kindle with.' ''
(11. And when he came to it (the fire), he was called by name: "O Musa!'') (12. "Verily, I am your Lord! So take off your shoes; you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa.'') (13. "And I have chosen you. So listen to that which will be revealed (to you)'') (14. "Verily, I am Allah! There is no God but Me, so worship Me, and perform Salah for My remembrance.'') (15. "Verily, the Hour is coming -- and I am almost hiding it -- that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.'') (16. "Therefore, let not the one who believes not therein, but follows his own lusts, divert you therefrom, lest you perish.'')
إِنِّىٓ أَنَا۟ رَبُّكَ فَٱخۡلَعۡ نَعۡلَيۡكَۖ إِنَّكَ بِٱلۡوَادِ ٱلۡمُقَدَّسِ طُوً۬ى
Indeed, I am your Lord, so remove your sandals. Indeed, you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa.
From this point, Allah begins to mention the story of Musa, how revelation began to come to Him, and Allah's speaking directly to him. This occurred after Musa had completed the time agreed upon between he and his father-in-law that he would herd sheep. He was traveling with his family, and it has been said that he was headed for the land of Egypt, after having been away from it for more than ten years. He had his wife with him and he became lost on the way during a cold, wintery night. Therefore, he settled down, making a camp between some mountain passes and mountains that were covered with snow, sleet, dense clouds, darkness and fog. He began to try to make a fire with a kindling device he had with him, in order to produce some light, as was customary. However, it would not kindle anything and it even stopped giving off sparks. While he was in this condition, he saw a fire from the side of the mountain. It appeared to him to be a fire glowing from the right side of the mountain from where he was. He then announced the good news to his family saying,
(Verily, I have seen a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand) This means a flame from a fire. In another Ayah he said,
(or a burning firebrand.) (28:29) This is a coal that has a burning flame.
(that you may warm yourselves. ) ﴿28:29﴾ This proves that it was in fact cold weather at that time. Concerning his statement,
(some burning brand) This proves that it was dark. In reference to his statement,
(or find some guidance at the fire.) This means someone who can guide me to the road. This proves that he lost the road. This is as Ath-Thawri reported from Abu Sa`id Al-A`war, from `Ikrimah, from Ibn `Abbas that he said concerning Allah's statement,
(or find some guidance at the fire.) "This means someone who will guide me to the road. They were cold and had lost their way. Then, when he (Musa) saw the fire he said, `Either I will find someone who can guide us to the road, or at least I can bring you all some fire that you can kindle with.' ''
(11. And when he came to it (the fire), he was called by name: "O Musa!'') (12. "Verily, I am your Lord! So take off your shoes; you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa.'') (13. "And I have chosen you. So listen to that which will be revealed (to you)'') (14. "Verily, I am Allah! There is no God but Me, so worship Me, and perform Salah for My remembrance.'') (15. "Verily, the Hour is coming -- and I am almost hiding it -- that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.'') (16. "Therefore, let not the one who believes not therein, but follows his own lusts, divert you therefrom, lest you perish.'')
وَأَنَا ٱخۡتَرۡتُكَ فَٱسۡتَمِعۡ لِمَا يُوحَىٰٓ
And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed [to you].
From this point, Allah begins to mention the story of Musa, how revelation began to come to Him, and Allah's speaking directly to him. This occurred after Musa had completed the time agreed upon between he and his father-in-law that he would herd sheep. He was traveling with his family, and it has been said that he was headed for the land of Egypt, after having been away from it for more than ten years. He had his wife with him and he became lost on the way during a cold, wintery night. Therefore, he settled down, making a camp between some mountain passes and mountains that were covered with snow, sleet, dense clouds, darkness and fog. He began to try to make a fire with a kindling device he had with him, in order to produce some light, as was customary. However, it would not kindle anything and it even stopped giving off sparks. While he was in this condition, he saw a fire from the side of the mountain. It appeared to him to be a fire glowing from the right side of the mountain from where he was. He then announced the good news to his family saying,
(Verily, I have seen a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand) This means a flame from a fire. In another Ayah he said,
(or a burning firebrand.) (28:29) This is a coal that has a burning flame.
(that you may warm yourselves. ) ﴿28:29﴾ This proves that it was in fact cold weather at that time. Concerning his statement,
(some burning brand) This proves that it was dark. In reference to his statement,
(or find some guidance at the fire.) This means someone who can guide me to the road. This proves that he lost the road. This is as Ath-Thawri reported from Abu Sa`id Al-A`war, from `Ikrimah, from Ibn `Abbas that he said concerning Allah's statement,
(or find some guidance at the fire.) "This means someone who will guide me to the road. They were cold and had lost their way. Then, when he (Musa) saw the fire he said, `Either I will find someone who can guide us to the road, or at least I can bring you all some fire that you can kindle with.' ''
(11. And when he came to it (the fire), he was called by name: "O Musa!'') (12. "Verily, I am your Lord! So take off your shoes; you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa.'') (13. "And I have chosen you. So listen to that which will be revealed (to you)'') (14. "Verily, I am Allah! There is no God but Me, so worship Me, and perform Salah for My remembrance.'') (15. "Verily, the Hour is coming -- and I am almost hiding it -- that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.'') (16. "Therefore, let not the one who believes not therein, but follows his own lusts, divert you therefrom, lest you perish.'')
إِنَّنِىٓ أَنَا ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۟ فَٱعۡبُدۡنِى وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ لِذِڪۡرِىٓ
Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.
From this point, Allah begins to mention the story of Musa, how revelation began to come to Him, and Allah's speaking directly to him. This occurred after Musa had completed the time agreed upon between he and his father-in-law that he would herd sheep. He was traveling with his family, and it has been said that he was headed for the land of Egypt, after having been away from it for more than ten years. He had his wife with him and he became lost on the way during a cold, wintery night. Therefore, he settled down, making a camp between some mountain passes and mountains that were covered with snow, sleet, dense clouds, darkness and fog. He began to try to make a fire with a kindling device he had with him, in order to produce some light, as was customary. However, it would not kindle anything and it even stopped giving off sparks. While he was in this condition, he saw a fire from the side of the mountain. It appeared to him to be a fire glowing from the right side of the mountain from where he was. He then announced the good news to his family saying,
(Verily, I have seen a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand) This means a flame from a fire. In another Ayah he said,
(or a burning firebrand.) (28:29) This is a coal that has a burning flame.
(that you may warm yourselves. ) ﴿28:29﴾ This proves that it was in fact cold weather at that time. Concerning his statement,
(some burning brand) This proves that it was dark. In reference to his statement,
(or find some guidance at the fire.) This means someone who can guide me to the road. This proves that he lost the road. This is as Ath-Thawri reported from Abu Sa`id Al-A`war, from `Ikrimah, from Ibn `Abbas that he said concerning Allah's statement,
(or find some guidance at the fire.) "This means someone who will guide me to the road. They were cold and had lost their way. Then, when he (Musa) saw the fire he said, `Either I will find someone who can guide us to the road, or at least I can bring you all some fire that you can kindle with.' ''
(11. And when he came to it (the fire), he was called by name: "O Musa!'') (12. "Verily, I am your Lord! So take off your shoes; you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa.'') (13. "And I have chosen you. So listen to that which will be revealed (to you)'') (14. "Verily, I am Allah! There is no God but Me, so worship Me, and perform Salah for My remembrance.'') (15. "Verily, the Hour is coming -- and I am almost hiding it -- that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.'') (16. "Therefore, let not the one who believes not therein, but follows his own lusts, divert you therefrom, lest you perish.'')
إِنَّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ ءَاتِيَةٌ أَكَادُ أُخۡفِيہَا لِتُجۡزَىٰ كُلُّ نَفۡسِۭ بِمَا تَسۡعَىٰ
Indeed, the Hour is coming – I almost conceal it – so that every soul may be recompensed according to that for which it strives.
From this point, Allah begins to mention the story of Musa, how revelation began to come to Him, and Allah's speaking directly to him. This occurred after Musa had completed the time agreed upon between he and his father-in-law that he would herd sheep. He was traveling with his family, and it has been said that he was headed for the land of Egypt, after having been away from it for more than ten years. He had his wife with him and he became lost on the way during a cold, wintery night. Therefore, he settled down, making a camp between some mountain passes and mountains that were covered with snow, sleet, dense clouds, darkness and fog. He began to try to make a fire with a kindling device he had with him, in order to produce some light, as was customary. However, it would not kindle anything and it even stopped giving off sparks. While he was in this condition, he saw a fire from the side of the mountain. It appeared to him to be a fire glowing from the right side of the mountain from where he was. He then announced the good news to his family saying,
(Verily, I have seen a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand) This means a flame from a fire. In another Ayah he said,
(or a burning firebrand.) (28:29) This is a coal that has a burning flame.
(that you may warm yourselves. ) ﴿28:29﴾ This proves that it was in fact cold weather at that time. Concerning his statement,
(some burning brand) This proves that it was dark. In reference to his statement,
(or find some guidance at the fire.) This means someone who can guide me to the road. This proves that he lost the road. This is as Ath-Thawri reported from Abu Sa`id Al-A`war, from `Ikrimah, from Ibn `Abbas that he said concerning Allah's statement,
(or find some guidance at the fire.) "This means someone who will guide me to the road. They were cold and had lost their way. Then, when he (Musa) saw the fire he said, `Either I will find someone who can guide us to the road, or at least I can bring you all some fire that you can kindle with.' ''
(11. And when he came to it (the fire), he was called by name: "O Musa!'') (12. "Verily, I am your Lord! So take off your shoes; you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa.'') (13. "And I have chosen you. So listen to that which will be revealed (to you)'') (14. "Verily, I am Allah! There is no God but Me, so worship Me, and perform Salah for My remembrance.'') (15. "Verily, the Hour is coming -- and I am almost hiding it -- that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.'') (16. "Therefore, let not the one who believes not therein, but follows his own lusts, divert you therefrom, lest you perish.'')
فَلَا يَصُدَّنَّكَ عَنۡہَا مَن لَّا يُؤۡمِنُ بِہَا وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ فَتَرۡدَىٰ
So do not let one avert you from it who does not believe in it and follows his desire, for you [then] would perish.
From this point, Allah begins to mention the story of Musa, how revelation began to come to Him, and Allah's speaking directly to him. This occurred after Musa had completed the time agreed upon between he and his father-in-law that he would herd sheep. He was traveling with his family, and it has been said that he was headed for the land of Egypt, after having been away from it for more than ten years. He had his wife with him and he became lost on the way during a cold, wintery night. Therefore, he settled down, making a camp between some mountain passes and mountains that were covered with snow, sleet, dense clouds, darkness and fog. He began to try to make a fire with a kindling device he had with him, in order to produce some light, as was customary. However, it would not kindle anything and it even stopped giving off sparks. While he was in this condition, he saw a fire from the side of the mountain. It appeared to him to be a fire glowing from the right side of the mountain from where he was. He then announced the good news to his family saying,
(Verily, I have seen a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand) This means a flame from a fire. In another Ayah he said,
(or a burning firebrand.) (28:29) This is a coal that has a burning flame.
(that you may warm yourselves. ) ﴿28:29﴾ This proves that it was in fact cold weather at that time. Concerning his statement,
(some burning brand) This proves that it was dark. In reference to his statement,
(or find some guidance at the fire.) This means someone who can guide me to the road. This proves that he lost the road. This is as Ath-Thawri reported from Abu Sa`id Al-A`war, from `Ikrimah, from Ibn `Abbas that he said concerning Allah's statement,
(or find some guidance at the fire.) "This means someone who will guide me to the road. They were cold and had lost their way. Then, when he (Musa) saw the fire he said, `Either I will find someone who can guide us to the road, or at least I can bring you all some fire that you can kindle with.' ''
(11. And when he came to it (the fire), he was called by name: "O Musa!'') (12. "Verily, I am your Lord! So take off your shoes; you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa.'') (13. "And I have chosen you. So listen to that which will be revealed (to you)'') (14. "Verily, I am Allah! There is no God but Me, so worship Me, and perform Salah for My remembrance.'') (15. "Verily, the Hour is coming -- and I am almost hiding it -- that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.'') (16. "Therefore, let not the one who believes not therein, but follows his own lusts, divert you therefrom, lest you perish.'')
وَمَا تِلۡكَ بِيَمِينِكَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰ
And what is that in your right hand, O Moses?”
Allah, the Exalted, says,
(And when he came to it,) This is referring to the fire when he approached it.
(He was called by name: "O Musa!'') In another Ayah it says,
(He was called from the right side of the valley, in the blessed place, from the tree: "O Musa! Verily, I am Allah.'') (28:30) However, here Allah says,
(Verily, I am your Lord!) meaning, `the One Who is talking to you and addressing you,'
(So take off your shoes;) `Ali bin Abi Talib, Abu Dharr, Abu Ayyub and others of the Salaf said, "They (his sandals) were from the skin of a donkey that was not slaughtered.'' It has also been said that he was only commanded to remove his sandals due to respect for the blessed spot. Concerning Allah's statement,
(Tuwa) `Ali bin Abi Talhah said that Ibn `Abbas said, "It is the name of the valley.'' Others have said the same. This is merely mentioned as something to give more explanation to the story. It has also been said that it is a figure of speech, which comes from the command to place his feet down. It has also been said that it means `doubly sacred' and that Tuwa is something that has repetitious blessings. However, the first opinion is most correct. It is similar to Allah's statement,
(When his Lord called him in the sacred valley of Tuwa.) (79:16) Allah's statement,
(And I have chosen you.) is similar to His statement,
(I have chosen you above men by My Messages, and by My speaking (to you).) (7:144) This means over all human beings of that time. It has also been said that Allah said, "O Musa, do you know why I chose to speak to you directly out of all of the people'' Musa said, "No.'' Allah then said, "Because I have not made anyone humble himself as much as you have humbled yourself. '' Concerning Allah's statement,
(So listen to that which will be revealed.) "Now listen to what I say to you and what I reveal to you.''
(Verily, I am Allah! There is no God but Me,) This is the first obligation upon all responsible people of age, that they know that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah alone, Who has no partners. Concerning Allah's statement,
(so worship Me,) This means, "Single Me out alone for worship, and establish My worship without associating anything with Me.''
(and perform Salah for My remembrance.) It has been said that this means, "Pray in order to remember Me.'' It has also been said that it means, "And establish the prayer whenever you remember Me.'' There is a supporting evidence for this second statement in a Hadith recorded by Imam Ahmad from Anas, who said that the Messenger of Allah said,
(Whenever one of you sleeps past the prayer, or he forgets to pray, then let him pray when he remembers it. For verily, Allah said, (And perform Salah for My remembrance.)) In the Two Sahihs it is reported from Anas that the Messenger of Allah said,
(Whoever slept past the prayer, or forgot it, then his expiation is that he prays it when he remembers it. There is no expiation for it other than that.) Concerning Allah's statement,
(Verily, the Hour is coming) This means that it is established and there is no avoiding it. It will be and it is inevitable. Concerning Allah's statement,
(I am almost hiding it) Ad-Dahhak related from Ibn `Abbas that he used to recite it as, "I almost kept it hidden -- from myself.'' Ibn `Abbas then would say, "Because nothing is ever hidden from Allah's Self.'' `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported from Ibn `Abbas that he said,
(I am almost hiding it.) "This means that no one knows its appointed time except Me (Allah).'' Allah also said,
(Heavy is its burden through the heavens and the earth. It shall not come upon you except all of a sudden.) (7:187) This means that its knowledge weighs heavily upon the dwellers of the heavens and the earth. Concerning Allah's statement,
(that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.) "I will establish it and it is inevitable. I will certainly reward every person who does something, according to what he did.''
(So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom shall see it.) (99:7-8)
(You are only being requited for what you used to do.) (52:16) Allah said,
(Therefore, let not divert you the one who believes not therein,) The address here is directed towards all individuals who are responsible (and capable of taking heed to this message). This means, "Do not follow the way of the person who does not believe in the Hour (Day of Judgement) and he only pursues his desires in this worldly life. He disobeys his Lord and only follows his desires. Whoever behaves like these people, then verily he has failed and lost.
(lest you perish.) This means that you will be destroyed and ruined.
(And what will his wealth avail him when he goes down (in destruction)) (92:11)
(17. "And what is that in your right hand, O Musa'') (18. He said: "This is my stick, whereon I lean, and wherewith I beat down branches for my sheep, and wherein I find other uses.'') (19. (Allah) said: "Cast it down, O Musa!'') (20. He cast it down, and behold! It was a snake, moving quickly. ) (21. Allah said: "Grasp it and fear not; We shall return it to its former state.'')
قَالَ هِىَ عَصَاىَ أَتَوَڪَّؤُاْ عَلَيۡہَا وَأَهُشُّ بِہَا عَلَىٰ غَنَمِى وَلِىَ فِيہَا مَـَٔارِبُ أُخۡرَىٰ
He said, “It is my staff; I lean upon it, and I bring down leaves for my sheep and I have therein other uses.”
Allah, the Exalted, says,
(And when he came to it,) This is referring to the fire when he approached it.
(He was called by name: "O Musa!'') In another Ayah it says,
(He was called from the right side of the valley, in the blessed place, from the tree: "O Musa! Verily, I am Allah.'') (28:30) However, here Allah says,
(Verily, I am your Lord!) meaning, `the One Who is talking to you and addressing you,'
(So take off your shoes;) `Ali bin Abi Talib, Abu Dharr, Abu Ayyub and others of the Salaf said, "They (his sandals) were from the skin of a donkey that was not slaughtered.'' It has also been said that he was only commanded to remove his sandals due to respect for the blessed spot. Concerning Allah's statement,
(Tuwa) `Ali bin Abi Talhah said that Ibn `Abbas said, "It is the name of the valley.'' Others have said the same. This is merely mentioned as something to give more explanation to the story. It has also been said that it is a figure of speech, which comes from the command to place his feet down. It has also been said that it means `doubly sacred' and that Tuwa is something that has repetitious blessings. However, the first opinion is most correct. It is similar to Allah's statement,
(When his Lord called him in the sacred valley of Tuwa.) (79:16) Allah's statement,
(And I have chosen you.) is similar to His statement,
(I have chosen you above men by My Messages, and by My speaking (to you).) (7:144) This means over all human beings of that time. It has also been said that Allah said, "O Musa, do you know why I chose to speak to you directly out of all of the people'' Musa said, "No.'' Allah then said, "Because I have not made anyone humble himself as much as you have humbled yourself. '' Concerning Allah's statement,
(So listen to that which will be revealed.) "Now listen to what I say to you and what I reveal to you.''
(Verily, I am Allah! There is no God but Me,) This is the first obligation upon all responsible people of age, that they know that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah alone, Who has no partners. Concerning Allah's statement,
(so worship Me,) This means, "Single Me out alone for worship, and establish My worship without associating anything with Me.''
(and perform Salah for My remembrance.) It has been said that this means, "Pray in order to remember Me.'' It has also been said that it means, "And establish the prayer whenever you remember Me.'' There is a supporting evidence for this second statement in a Hadith recorded by Imam Ahmad from Anas, who said that the Messenger of Allah said,
(Whenever one of you sleeps past the prayer, or he forgets to pray, then let him pray when he remembers it. For verily, Allah said, (And perform Salah for My remembrance.)) In the Two Sahihs it is reported from Anas that the Messenger of Allah said,
(Whoever slept past the prayer, or forgot it, then his expiation is that he prays it when he remembers it. There is no expiation for it other than that.) Concerning Allah's statement,
(Verily, the Hour is coming) This means that it is established and there is no avoiding it. It will be and it is inevitable. Concerning Allah's statement,
(I am almost hiding it) Ad-Dahhak related from Ibn `Abbas that he used to recite it as, "I almost kept it hidden -- from myself.'' Ibn `Abbas then would say, "Because nothing is ever hidden from Allah's Self.'' `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported from Ibn `Abbas that he said,
(I am almost hiding it.) "This means that no one knows its appointed time except Me (Allah).'' Allah also said,
(Heavy is its burden through the heavens and the earth. It shall not come upon you except all of a sudden.) (7:187) This means that its knowledge weighs heavily upon the dwellers of the heavens and the earth. Concerning Allah's statement,
(that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.) "I will establish it and it is inevitable. I will certainly reward every person who does something, according to what he did.''
(So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom shall see it.) (99:7-8)
(You are only being requited for what you used to do.) (52:16) Allah said,
(Therefore, let not divert you the one who believes not therein,) The address here is directed towards all individuals who are responsible (and capable of taking heed to this message). This means, "Do not follow the way of the person who does not believe in the Hour (Day of Judgement) and he only pursues his desires in this worldly life. He disobeys his Lord and only follows his desires. Whoever behaves like these people, then verily he has failed and lost.
(lest you perish.) This means that you will be destroyed and ruined.
(And what will his wealth avail him when he goes down (in destruction)) (92:11)
(17. "And what is that in your right hand, O Musa'') (18. He said: "This is my stick, whereon I lean, and wherewith I beat down branches for my sheep, and wherein I find other uses.'') (19. (Allah) said: "Cast it down, O Musa!'') (20. He cast it down, and behold! It was a snake, moving quickly. ) (21. Allah said: "Grasp it and fear not; We shall return it to its former state.'')
قَالَ أَلۡقِهَا يَـٰمُوسَىٰ
[Allah] said, “Throw it down, O Moses.”
Allah, the Exalted, says,
(And when he came to it,) This is referring to the fire when he approached it.
(He was called by name: "O Musa!'') In another Ayah it says,
(He was called from the right side of the valley, in the blessed place, from the tree: "O Musa! Verily, I am Allah.'') (28:30) However, here Allah says,
(Verily, I am your Lord!) meaning, `the One Who is talking to you and addressing you,'
(So take off your shoes;) `Ali bin Abi Talib, Abu Dharr, Abu Ayyub and others of the Salaf said, "They (his sandals) were from the skin of a donkey that was not slaughtered.'' It has also been said that he was only commanded to remove his sandals due to respect for the blessed spot. Concerning Allah's statement,
(Tuwa) `Ali bin Abi Talhah said that Ibn `Abbas said, "It is the name of the valley.'' Others have said the same. This is merely mentioned as something to give more explanation to the story. It has also been said that it is a figure of speech, which comes from the command to place his feet down. It has also been said that it means `doubly sacred' and that Tuwa is something that has repetitious blessings. However, the first opinion is most correct. It is similar to Allah's statement,
(When his Lord called him in the sacred valley of Tuwa.) (79:16) Allah's statement,
(And I have chosen you.) is similar to His statement,
(I have chosen you above men by My Messages, and by My speaking (to you).) (7:144) This means over all human beings of that time. It has also been said that Allah said, "O Musa, do you know why I chose to speak to you directly out of all of the people'' Musa said, "No.'' Allah then said, "Because I have not made anyone humble himself as much as you have humbled yourself. '' Concerning Allah's statement,
(So listen to that which will be revealed.) "Now listen to what I say to you and what I reveal to you.''
(Verily, I am Allah! There is no God but Me,) This is the first obligation upon all responsible people of age, that they know that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah alone, Who has no partners. Concerning Allah's statement,
(so worship Me,) This means, "Single Me out alone for worship, and establish My worship without associating anything with Me.''
(and perform Salah for My remembrance.) It has been said that this means, "Pray in order to remember Me.'' It has also been said that it means, "And establish the prayer whenever you remember Me.'' There is a supporting evidence for this second statement in a Hadith recorded by Imam Ahmad from Anas, who said that the Messenger of Allah said,
(Whenever one of you sleeps past the prayer, or he forgets to pray, then let him pray when he remembers it. For verily, Allah said, (And perform Salah for My remembrance.)) In the Two Sahihs it is reported from Anas that the Messenger of Allah said,
(Whoever slept past the prayer, or forgot it, then his expiation is that he prays it when he remembers it. There is no expiation for it other than that.) Concerning Allah's statement,
(Verily, the Hour is coming) This means that it is established and there is no avoiding it. It will be and it is inevitable. Concerning Allah's statement,
(I am almost hiding it) Ad-Dahhak related from Ibn `Abbas that he used to recite it as, "I almost kept it hidden -- from myself.'' Ibn `Abbas then would say, "Because nothing is ever hidden from Allah's Self.'' `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported from Ibn `Abbas that he said,
(I am almost hiding it.) "This means that no one knows its appointed time except Me (Allah).'' Allah also said,
(Heavy is its burden through the heavens and the earth. It shall not come upon you except all of a sudden.) (7:187) This means that its knowledge weighs heavily upon the dwellers of the heavens and the earth. Concerning Allah's statement,
(that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.) "I will establish it and it is inevitable. I will certainly reward every person who does something, according to what he did.''
(So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom shall see it.) (99:7-8)
(You are only being requited for what you used to do.) (52:16) Allah said,
(Therefore, let not divert you the one who believes not therein,) The address here is directed towards all individuals who are responsible (and capable of taking heed to this message). This means, "Do not follow the way of the person who does not believe in the Hour (Day of Judgement) and he only pursues his desires in this worldly life. He disobeys his Lord and only follows his desires. Whoever behaves like these people, then verily he has failed and lost.
(lest you perish.) This means that you will be destroyed and ruined.
(And what will his wealth avail him when he goes down (in destruction)) (92:11)
(17. "And what is that in your right hand, O Musa'') (18. He said: "This is my stick, whereon I lean, and wherewith I beat down branches for my sheep, and wherein I find other uses.'') (19. (Allah) said: "Cast it down, O Musa!'') (20. He cast it down, and behold! It was a snake, moving quickly. ) (21. Allah said: "Grasp it and fear not; We shall return it to its former state.'')
فَأَلۡقَٮٰهَا فَإِذَا هِىَ حَيَّةٌ۬ تَسۡعَىٰ
So he threw it down, and thereupon it was a snake, moving swiftly.
Allah, the Exalted, says,
(And when he came to it,) This is referring to the fire when he approached it.
(He was called by name: "O Musa!'') In another Ayah it says,
(He was called from the right side of the valley, in the blessed place, from the tree: "O Musa! Verily, I am Allah.'') (28:30) However, here Allah says,
(Verily, I am your Lord!) meaning, `the One Who is talking to you and addressing you,'
(So take off your shoes;) `Ali bin Abi Talib, Abu Dharr, Abu Ayyub and others of the Salaf said, "They (his sandals) were from the skin of a donkey that was not slaughtered.'' It has also been said that he was only commanded to remove his sandals due to respect for the blessed spot. Concerning Allah's statement,
(Tuwa) `Ali bin Abi Talhah said that Ibn `Abbas said, "It is the name of the valley.'' Others have said the same. This is merely mentioned as something to give more explanation to the story. It has also been said that it is a figure of speech, which comes from the command to place his feet down. It has also been said that it means `doubly sacred' and that Tuwa is something that has repetitious blessings. However, the first opinion is most correct. It is similar to Allah's statement,
(When his Lord called him in the sacred valley of Tuwa.) (79:16) Allah's statement,
(And I have chosen you.) is similar to His statement,
(I have chosen you above men by My Messages, and by My speaking (to you).) (7:144) This means over all human beings of that time. It has also been said that Allah said, "O Musa, do you know why I chose to speak to you directly out of all of the people'' Musa said, "No.'' Allah then said, "Because I have not made anyone humble himself as much as you have humbled yourself. '' Concerning Allah's statement,
(So listen to that which will be revealed.) "Now listen to what I say to you and what I reveal to you.''
(Verily, I am Allah! There is no God but Me,) This is the first obligation upon all responsible people of age, that they know that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah alone, Who has no partners. Concerning Allah's statement,
(so worship Me,) This means, "Single Me out alone for worship, and establish My worship without associating anything with Me.''
(and perform Salah for My remembrance.) It has been said that this means, "Pray in order to remember Me.'' It has also been said that it means, "And establish the prayer whenever you remember Me.'' There is a supporting evidence for this second statement in a Hadith recorded by Imam Ahmad from Anas, who said that the Messenger of Allah said,
(Whenever one of you sleeps past the prayer, or he forgets to pray, then let him pray when he remembers it. For verily, Allah said, (And perform Salah for My remembrance.)) In the Two Sahihs it is reported from Anas that the Messenger of Allah said,
(Whoever slept past the prayer, or forgot it, then his expiation is that he prays it when he remembers it. There is no expiation for it other than that.) Concerning Allah's statement,
(Verily, the Hour is coming) This means that it is established and there is no avoiding it. It will be and it is inevitable. Concerning Allah's statement,
(I am almost hiding it) Ad-Dahhak related from Ibn `Abbas that he used to recite it as, "I almost kept it hidden -- from myself.'' Ibn `Abbas then would say, "Because nothing is ever hidden from Allah's Self.'' `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported from Ibn `Abbas that he said,
(I am almost hiding it.) "This means that no one knows its appointed time except Me (Allah).'' Allah also said,
(Heavy is its burden through the heavens and the earth. It shall not come upon you except all of a sudden.) (7:187) This means that its knowledge weighs heavily upon the dwellers of the heavens and the earth. Concerning Allah's statement,
(that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.) "I will establish it and it is inevitable. I will certainly reward every person who does something, according to what he did.''
(So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom shall see it.) (99:7-8)
(You are only being requited for what you used to do.) (52:16) Allah said,
(Therefore, let not divert you the one who believes not therein,) The address here is directed towards all individuals who are responsible (and capable of taking heed to this message). This means, "Do not follow the way of the person who does not believe in the Hour (Day of Judgement) and he only pursues his desires in this worldly life. He disobeys his Lord and only follows his desires. Whoever behaves like these people, then verily he has failed and lost.
(lest you perish.) This means that you will be destroyed and ruined.
(And what will his wealth avail him when he goes down (in destruction)) (92:11)
(17. "And what is that in your right hand, O Musa'') (18. He said: "This is my stick, whereon I lean, and wherewith I beat down branches for my sheep, and wherein I find other uses.'') (19. (Allah) said: "Cast it down, O Musa!'') (20. He cast it down, and behold! It was a snake, moving quickly. ) (21. Allah said: "Grasp it and fear not; We shall return it to its former state.'')