Sahih International: Ta, Seen, Meem.
Sahih International: These are the verses of the clear Book.
Sahih International: We recite to you from the news of Moses and Pharaoh in truth for a people who believe.
Sahih International: Indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people into factions, oppressing a sector among them, slaughtering their [newborn] sons and keeping their females alive. Indeed, he was of the corrupters.
Firaun used to rule in Egypt, and he used to walk on the earth (alaa fil ardh) -> This expression means that he walked on Earth with such arrogance and ruab that people used to get nervous around him. (the way people would get scared of a big guy). He broke his population into groups and factions to divide them. He wanted them to never unite and be strong to stand against him. His nation exhausted their energy fighting each other.
He enslaved his population so the people under him hated him and wanted to be rid of him. Firuan's palace was at one edge of the river, and further up the river their was the main city and at the other end, the Bani Israel used to live in the ghettos. He made checkpoints at various places to watch over his people. He forced people to work in cities and palace and go back to ghettos. They could never escape because of the checkpoints, and because the river led to the palace. Firaun was cruel to the slave workers and he harassed them. Firaun feared that the youth among the population might stir a revolution so Firaun wanted to oppress them. He needed some young men as workers but too many could be dangerous. Firaun also saw a dream that one of the boys will rise against him.
He picked a group from among them, the Bani Israel, and slaughtered their sons and leave females behind. The families of Bani Israel were so weak that they could not even stand up for their children to protect them. So Firaun caused great corruption in the kingdom.
Sahih International: And We wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors
Sahih International: And establish them in the land and show Pharaoh and [his minister] Haman and their soldiers through them that which they had feared.
Now Allah alludes that these weak people will be made leaders and they will become inheritors. This points to the fact that Firaun will die and they will take over his kingdom. But remember that these people have absolutely zero experience of governance, so they are not likely to do a good job at governance. That is why Allah emphasises that Allah will stabilise them! He says we want to show Firaun and his General Haman and the military what they were afraid of from these people. So deep down, they were afraid of the slaves although they were mightier and had authority over them. Why were they afraid? Because they knew they were doing injustice so if their population decided to rise against them, they wouldn't leave them. So, he also killed people out of fear.
QASSA also means to take a step in Arabic. The end of the story does not make it interesting. What matters is how the story gets to that point. Movies often begin from the last scene to arouse interest.
We revealed to Musa's mother to suckle him. This is almost like an anticlimax because it appears disconnected with the first part. Musa AS mother wanted to put her baby to sleep so that the soldiers will not find out about her son. Allah revealed to the mother to suckle him so that he stops crying, and soldiers don't notice him. Our minds can shut down in such stressful situations and the mother was very afraid, but Allah guided her.
A mother's protective instinct is very strong so it was the hardest thing for Musa AS mother to throw him into the river in a basket. Anything could have happened to him and he could have drowned. Allah gave her the strength and she relied on Allah and threw Musa AS into the water. Allah says that we will return him to you and we will make him one of the messengers, or it could mean we will deliver him.
Musa AS first detailed account is mentioned in Surah 20, in which mount of Tur and conversation of Allah is mentioned. The 2nd mention is in Surah 26 in which a recap of mount of Tur is given and followed by the conversation with Firaun. Surah 28 is like a prequel to everything.
QASSA also means to take a step in Arabic. The end of the story does not make it interesting. What matters is how the story gets to that point. Movies often begin from the last scene to arouse interest.
Sahih International: And We inspired to the mother of Moses, "Suckle him; but when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear and do not grieve. Indeed, We will return him to you and will make him [one] of the messengers."
We revealed to Musa's mother to suckle him. This is almost like an anticlimax because it appears disconnected with the first part. Musa AS mother wanted to put her baby to sleep so that the soldiers will not find out about her son. Allah revealed to the mother to suckle him so that he stops crying, and soldiers don't notice him. Our minds can shut down in such stressful situations and the mother was very afraid, but Allah guided her.
A mother's protective instinct is very strong so it was the hardest thing for Musa AS mother to throw him into the river in a basket. Anything could have happened to him and he could have drowned. Allah gave her the strength and she relied on Allah and threw Musa AS into the water. Allah says that we will return him to you and we will make him one of the messengers, or it could mean we will deliver him.
Musa AS first detailed account is mentioned in Surah 20, in which mount of Tur and conversation of Allah is mentioned. The 2nd mention is in Surah 26 in which a recap of mount of Tur is given and followed by the conversation with Firaun. Surah 28 is like a prequel to everything.
Sahih International: And the family of Pharaoh picked him up [out of the river] so that he would become to them an enemy and a [cause of] grief. Indeed, Pharaoh and Haman and their soldiers were deliberate sinners.
The soldiers spot the baby and recognise that he is from the israelites as their ethnicity is different from the Egyptians. The Queen saw him and immediately developed a soft corner with him. Allah says he would become enemy and a source of grief.
Sometimes racism is in the mind of people and not a law. This class system also exists in our own countries, and we look down upon people who are of a lower status. Remember, unless we think we are equal we are not the children of Adam. We are created equal irrespective of our race and class.
The army hated Musa AS because he was from an inferior race and they had to bow down to him and respect him, and also because Musa AS bypassed all the military security to reach the palace of firaun as baby.
Asiya went to Firaun and said, I cannot take my eyes off him OR it could mean He is the coolness of my eyes and he takes my sadness away. Then she says and for you too. Firaun's heart melts for the kid because Allah put a special love in his heart. She says to Firaun maybe he will benefit us as a slave, or we can adopt him. She went on and on gradually when she saw his softness. Hence, Musa AS was raised by the king he was supposed to kill.
Musa AS wants to help his people, but he isn't allowed to help them because he is a prince. So he goes undercover and helps them at the hottest time of the day (when the soldiers are not around because of the heat). So Musa AS utilised his time to help people, instead of wasting it in luxuries.
One day, when he went out, he saw two people fighting with each other. One was an israelite and the other was an enemy i.e. an Egyptian. So Musa AS was called for help. Istigaasa means to call for rain, so it seems Musa AS was so well built and strong that his help was like rain coming from above. Musa AS struck him and he unintentionally killed him by punching.
He said this is the work of Shaytaan. His intention was good but still he said that, because rushing to judgement and taking action is from the work of Shaytaan. He sprung into action without fully understanding the situation. It turns out actually that the person from the Israelites was actually the now who had committed injustice. The person Musa AS had killed was on haqq. Then he immediately sought forgiveness from Allah. This shows that he took responsibility for his actions and did not blame everything entirely on Shaytaan. Shaytan merely whispers but it is us who act upon that waswasa.
Allah says he forgave him. Musa AS was not a nabi yet. Whoever among us who has done some wrong and thinks it is too big a sin for Allah to forgive, we should remember this ayah which assures that Allah forgives it if we sincerely repent. ghafara means to cover.
Once again Musa AS was walking in the city and he was very disturbed about his mistake. Suddenly, the same man called him for help. Musa AS refused to help as he realised he was a criminal. Then he thought to himself, that yesterday he acted too quickly and today he refused to act. These are two extremes. He showed the intention of moving towards them to grab the person so that the Egyptian does not kill him. The Israelite thought that Musa AS might be coming to harm him because of what he did yesterday, because he had the mind of a criminal. He said aloud to threaten Musa AS, do you want to kill me like you killed the person yesterday? You just want to be a bully and tyrant, killing people. He went into hiding and the Egyptian people were looking for him to punish him. They already hated Musa AS so they decided to kill him. If they had taken Musa AS to court, Firaun would have protected him. So they decide to take matter in their own hands.
One of the police chiefs was a friend of Musa AS so he finds Musa AS, and he tells him to run away to protect himself. Musa AS ran away and asked Allah to protect him from the zaalimeen
Sahih International: And when he directed himself toward Madyan, he said, "Perhaps my Lord will guide me to the sound way.".
Sometimes racism is in the mind of people and not a law. This class system also exists in our own countries, and we look down upon people who are of a lower status. Remember, unless we think we are equal we are not the children of Adam. We are created equal irrespective of our race and class.
The army hated Musa AS because he was from an inferior race and they had to bow down to him and respect him, and also because Musa AS bypassed all the military security to reach the palace of firaun as baby.
Sahih International: And the wife of Pharaoh said, "[He will be] a comfort of the eye for me and for you. Do not kill him; perhaps he may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son." And they perceived not.
Sahih International: And the heart of Moses' mother became empty [of all else]. She was about to disclose [the matter concerning] him had We not bound fast her heart that she would be of the believers.
The mother of Musa AS became emotionally paralysed and her heart became empty because of grief and worry, and she was also going to gave it away, by running after him or crying.
Sahih International: And she said to his sister, "Follow him"; so she watched him from a distance while they perceived not.
She asked her daughter to follow him. She didn't have to give detailed instructions to her daughter but her daughter was smart enough to know what to do. She watched him from a distance without giving it away. Then when Musa AS reached Firaun's castle, she couldn't go any further so she just waited outside to catch some more news.
Sahih International: And We had prevented from him [all] wet nurses before, so she said, "Shall I direct you to a household that will be responsible for him for you while they are to him [for his upbringing] sincere?"
Sahih International: So We restored him to his mother that she might be content and not grieve and that she would know that the promise of Allah is true. But most of the people do not know.
Asiya AS wanted to feed Musa AS as he was crying but he would not drink from any of the women in the castle. Then she sent women to look for someone who could feed him, and then Musa AS's sister guided those women and said she knows a family who his good with children. She did not show that it was her own family.
Musa AS had already suckled from his mother so Allah had made all other milks haram on him, just so he could be returned to his mother. Musa AS's mother was brought to the palace and Musa AS finally begin to suckle from her.
This shows that Allah's plans are often different from our plans and then often do not make any apparent sense. It would be considered madness to throw your child in the river. But we have to trust Allah and His plan and ALSO MAKE EFFORT. Musa AS's mother make an effort by sending her daughter after him and she didn't just expect the baby to come back on his own. In life, we need to put in our best effort and then wait for Allah's help.
Sahih International: And when he attained his full strength and was [mentally] mature, We bestowed upon him judgement and knowledge. And thus do We reward the doers of good.
Allah fast forwards to when Musa AS became a young adult. (This is another technique we use in films e.g. in Lion king, Simba has a similar story). He was a muscular young man, was officially a prince, and had a high status. All of these things could have made him go astray, but Allah emphasises that he was mature and Allah blessed him with wisdom/judgement and knowledge. Allah mentions wisdom/ hikmah first because it is actually more important than knowledge and information.
Sahih International: And he entered the city at a time of inattention by its people and found therein two men fighting: one from his faction and one from among his enemy. And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him. [Moses] said, "This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy."
One day, when he went out, he saw two people fighting with each other. One was an israelite and the other was an enemy i.e. an Egyptian. So Musa AS was called for help. Istigaasa means to call for rain, so it seems Musa AS was so well built and strong that his help was like rain coming from above. Musa AS struck him and he unintentionally killed him by punching.
Sahih International: He said, "My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me," and He forgave him. Indeed, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.
Sahih International: He said, "My Lord, for the favor You bestowed upon me, I will never be an assistant to the criminals."
Sahih International: And he became inside the city fearful and anticipating [exposure], when suddenly the one who sought his help the previous day cried out to him [once again]. Moses said to him, "Indeed, you are an evident, [persistent] deviator."
Sahih International: And when he wanted to strike the one who was an enemy to both of them, he said, "O Moses, do you intend to kill me as you killed someone yesterday? You only want to be a tyrant in the land and do not want to be of the amenders."
Sahih International: And a man came from the farthest end of the city, running. He said, "O Moses, indeed the eminent ones are conferring over you [intending] to kill you, so leave [the city]; indeed, I am to you of the sincere advisors."
Sahih International: So he left it, fearful and anticipating [apprehension]. He said, "My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people."
Allah says he forgave him. Musa AS was not a nabi yet. Whoever among us who has done some wrong and thinks it is too big a sin for Allah to forgive, we should remember this ayah which assures that Allah forgives it if we sincerely repent. ghafara means to cover.
Once again Musa AS was walking in the city and he was very disturbed about his mistake. Suddenly, the same man called him for help. Musa AS refused to help as he realised he was a criminal. Then he thought to himself, that yesterday he acted too quickly and today he refused to act. These are two extremes. He showed the intention of moving towards them to grab the person so that the Egyptian does not kill him. The Israelite thought that Musa AS might be coming to harm him because of what he did yesterday, because he had the mind of a criminal. He said aloud to threaten Musa AS, do you want to kill me like you killed the person yesterday? You just want to be a bully and tyrant, killing people. He went into hiding and the Egyptian people were looking for him to punish him. They already hated Musa AS so they decided to kill him. If they had taken Musa AS to court, Firaun would have protected him. So they decide to take matter in their own hands.
One of the police chiefs was a friend of Musa AS so he finds Musa AS, and he tells him to run away to protect himself. Musa AS ran away and asked Allah to protect him from the zaalimeen
Sahih International: And when he came to the well of Madyan, he found there a crowd of people watering [their flocks], and he found aside from them two women driving back [their flocks]. He said, "What is your circumstance?" They said, "We do not water until the shepherds dispatch [their flocks]; and our father is an old man."
Sahih International: So he watered [their flocks] for them; then he went back to the shade and said, "My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need."
Sahih International: Then one of the two women came to him walking with shyness. She said, "Indeed, my father invites you that he may reward you for having watered for us." So when he came to him and related to him the story, he said, "Fear not. You have escaped from the wrongdoing people."
Sahih International: One of the women said, "O my father, hire him. Indeed, the best one you can hire is the strong and the trustworthy."
Sahih International: He said, "Indeed, I wish to wed you one of these, my two daughters, on [the condition] that you serve me for eight years; but if you complete ten, it will be [as a favor] from you. And I do not wish to put you in difficulty. You will find me, if Allah wills, from among the righteous."
Sahih International: [Moses] said, "That is [established] between me and you. Whichever of the two terms I complete - there is no injustice to me, and Allah , over what we say, is Witness."
When he turned his face towards Madyan which was miles away, he said Allah will guide him to the right direction. So Allah guided him to the right path. Then when he reached the waters of Madyan, and saw a group of people with animals who were drinking from the water. He sees two girls who are trying to drive away their sheep while the sheep are trying to go towards the water.
He goes up to them and asks: what is your circumstance/problem?He doesn't talk unnecessarily. They also responded in a matter of the fact way. We do not water our sheep until the other shepherds are done, and our father is an old man/or it could mean he is a big/respectable shaykh. This is about women who have to go to work because of a difficult family situation and they have to work in a hostile environment. Musa AS just gathered their sheep and took them down, and handed them back after watering him. He didn't have any other unnecessary interaction.
Then he made the dua, that I am in desperate need of any good you send on me. This dua has two meanings. Good could mean that grant me opportunities to help others and do good deeds to make up for my mistake. Or, it could mean I am homeless and wanted by people, so please send me any good to help me.
These daughters came back home early and narrated the story to their father. Their father says that I think we should pay him for his decent help. He trusts his daughter so he send one of his daughter to ask him. He didn't send both of his daughters but he sent one because he trusted their opinion about men. She walked over to him with shyness and said my father invites you so that he can pay you for your work. Musa AS did not do takalluf and he immediately seized the opportunity. He tells the man the whole story. The daughters heard their story and asked their father to hire him. The hidden message was that he is suitable for work and for marriage as he is strong, trustworthy and honest. The father understands him and asks for his hand in marriage. The girl indirectly asked for his hand in marriage. Musa AS was homeless and an illegal immigrant and an Israelite(while Madyan was Arab) but still they asked for his hand in marriage based on his character.
Musa AS worked for his in laws and lived with them. Moreover, the proposal was decided immediately, without involving the whole extended family. These are all culturally wrong in our society but there is nothing wrong in deen! The father gave him 8 years to allow him to become independent and financially stable, so it was a favour on Musa AS. Musa AS he will complete 8 or 10, depending on the circumstance and there is no injustice on him if he leaves after 8. So, the in laws should not put unnecessary pressure on their son in law. We also learn that the father should communicate regarding marriage.
The story of Yusuf and Musa AS have a lot of similarities. Musa AS's Egyptian police chief(a hidden muslim) told Firaun that doesn't Musa remind you of Yusuf? This means these stories are connected.
Qasas begins with a mother showing love to her son. How? By holding and caressing her baby. This love is physical. Mother tries to protect her son by an illogical step: throwing him in the basket. The mother feeds her child physically by giving him milk. The mother loses her child willingly by trusting Allah. The child was in danger of drowning in the river. The mother sent Musa AS's sister to go after him and she had the intention of saving him. The sister came back with a made up story that she knows some family who can feed him. The sister causes the reunion. Musa AS is reunited the same day. Allah knows whether the challenge will be over immediately or it will take years. Musa AS's mother's heart was made tough. Allah told Musa AS's mother: don't be afraid and don't be sad. The mother keeps her hopes alive because she had revelation from Allah. The mother is reunited with Musa by a government order. The mother is kept as a servant.
Musa AS goes from a river to a high ranking woman. They kept him alive not realising his worth. He ended up in an Egyptian palace as a prince. The wife made the case to keep Musa as a servant or adopt him. He was adopted.The wife pleads for Musa and the husband is the villain. Musa AS was given strength, wisdom and knowledge. Strength plays a pivotal role in his story as it becomes a test for him. Musa AS's test was outdoors. There was only witness who was corrupt. This test is about murder. Musa AS said the right words after making the mistake. Musa AS misunderstood the situation and took action. Someone testified to prove Musa AS is guilty. The accusation was true but there was no evidence. He committed a mistake but avoided jail. There were two encounters with the corrupt man. The military were scheming to get Musa AS killed. It was their misguided hate. Musa AS escape is dependent on the fellow police officer. His helper came on his own. Musa AS helped two women using his gift. Musa AS makes dua and expresses his desperation in the tree. He went to the girls for help. Musa AS served through his strength. He remained at service for 8-10 years. Help was not expected by Musa AS but he was helped by the police officer. Musa AS went with the women right away. Shaykhun kabeer is used for Musa AS 's FIL and for Yusuf AS father. Musa's fear was that his guilt will be established. He revolted against the kingdom. Musa's only helper is his brother.
Yusuf begins with father showing love to her son. His son came and said he saw a dream and the father listened intently to him(reflecting his love). This love is psychological. The father tried to protect him through something logical: don't tell your brother. The logical measure failed because the illogical measure was from Allah and Allah is the best of planners. The father showers compliments on his son and this is how he feeds him. The father loses the child against his will. The child was in danger of drowning in a well. Yusuf AS's brothers asked their father to go with Yusuf with an evil intent. The brothers came back up with a made up story. The brothers caused the separation. The family is reunited years later. Yaqub AS was overwhelmed with grief. He was sad that the sons were taken him and he was afraid the wolf might eat him, so he had fear and sadness. The father keeps his hope alive. The father was reunited with his son by a government order. The parents are placed on the throne.
Yusuf went from a well to a high ranking man. They sold him for a small price not realising his worth. He ended up in an Egyptian palace as a servant. The husband made the case to keep Yusuf as a servant or as adoption.He was kept as a servant. The wife is the villain and is out of her husband's control. When Yusuf AS became a teenager, he was given the ability to interpret different kinds of speech, and wisdom and knowledge. Interpreting speech played a pivotal role in his story. Yusuf AS test was indoors in seclusion. There was only one witness who was corrupt. This test is about zina. Yusuf AS has the right words to say before falling into temptation. Yusuf AS completely understood the situation. Someone testified to prove Yusuf AS's innocence. The accusation was false and there was the evidence of Yusuf AS's shirt. He committed no crime but was jailed. There were two encounters with the minister's wife. The women were scheming against Yusuf to get him arrested. It was their misguided love. His only hope of escape from prison was the other fellow prisoner who got out of jail. Yusuf AS had to ask him for help. Yusuf AS helped two men using his gift. Yusuf AS expresses how blessed he is in jail. The men in jail came to Yusuf AS for help. Yusuf AS served by doing dawah. He remained in jail for 8-10 years. Help was expected by Yusuf AS but he was let down. Yusuf AS refused to come out of jail until his name is cleared. Yusuf AS wanted to prove his innocence. He ended up serving the kingdom. Yusuf's brother is his helper.
Qasas begins with a mother showing love to her son. How? By holding and caressing her baby. This love is physical. Mother tries to protect her son by an illogical step: throwing him in the basket. The mother feeds her child physically by giving him milk. The mother loses her child willingly by trusting Allah. The child was in danger of drowning in the river. The mother sent Musa AS's sister to go after him and she had the intention of saving him. The sister came back with a made up story that she knows some family who can feed him. The sister causes the reunion. Musa AS is reunited the same day. Allah knows whether the challenge will be over immediately or it will take years. Musa AS's mother's heart was made tough. Allah told Musa AS's mother: don't be afraid and don't be sad. The mother keeps her hopes alive because she had revelation from Allah. The mother is reunited with Musa by a government order. The mother is kept as a servant.
Musa AS goes from a river to a high ranking woman. They kept him alive not realising his worth. He ended up in an Egyptian palace as a prince. The wife made the case to keep Musa as a servant or adopt him. He was adopted.The wife pleads for Musa and the husband is the villain. Musa AS was given strength, wisdom and knowledge. Strength plays a pivotal role in his story as it becomes a test for him. Musa AS's test was outdoors. There was only witness who was corrupt. This test is about murder. Musa AS said the right words after making the mistake. Musa AS misunderstood the situation and took action. Someone testified to prove Musa AS is guilty. The accusation was true but there was no evidence. He committed a mistake but avoided jail. There were two encounters with the corrupt man. The military were scheming to get Musa AS killed. It was their misguided hate. Musa AS escape is dependent on the fellow police officer. His helper came on his own. Musa AS helped two women using his gift. Musa AS makes dua and expresses his desperation in the tree. He went to the girls for help. Musa AS served through his strength. He remained at service for 8-10 years. Help was not expected by Musa AS but he was helped by the police officer. Musa AS went with the women right away. Shaykhun kabeer is used for Musa AS 's FIL and for Yusuf AS father. Musa's fear was that his guilt will be established. He revolted against the kingdom. Musa's only helper is his brother.
Yusuf begins with father showing love to her son. His son came and said he saw a dream and the father listened intently to him(reflecting his love). This love is psychological. The father tried to protect him through something logical: don't tell your brother. The logical measure failed because the illogical measure was from Allah and Allah is the best of planners. The father showers compliments on his son and this is how he feeds him. The father loses the child against his will. The child was in danger of drowning in a well. Yusuf AS's brothers asked their father to go with Yusuf with an evil intent. The brothers came back up with a made up story. The brothers caused the separation. The family is reunited years later. Yaqub AS was overwhelmed with grief. He was sad that the sons were taken him and he was afraid the wolf might eat him, so he had fear and sadness. The father keeps his hope alive. The father was reunited with his son by a government order. The parents are placed on the throne.
Yusuf went from a well to a high ranking man. They sold him for a small price not realising his worth. He ended up in an Egyptian palace as a servant. The husband made the case to keep Yusuf as a servant or as adoption.He was kept as a servant. The wife is the villain and is out of her husband's control. When Yusuf AS became a teenager, he was given the ability to interpret different kinds of speech, and wisdom and knowledge. Interpreting speech played a pivotal role in his story. Yusuf AS test was indoors in seclusion. There was only one witness who was corrupt. This test is about zina. Yusuf AS has the right words to say before falling into temptation. Yusuf AS completely understood the situation. Someone testified to prove Yusuf AS's innocence. The accusation was false and there was the evidence of Yusuf AS's shirt. He committed no crime but was jailed. There were two encounters with the minister's wife. The women were scheming against Yusuf to get him arrested. It was their misguided love. His only hope of escape from prison was the other fellow prisoner who got out of jail. Yusuf AS had to ask him for help. Yusuf AS helped two men using his gift. Yusuf AS expresses how blessed he is in jail. The men in jail came to Yusuf AS for help. Yusuf AS served by doing dawah. He remained in jail for 8-10 years. Help was expected by Yusuf AS but he was let down. Yusuf AS refused to come out of jail until his name is cleared. Yusuf AS wanted to prove his innocence. He ended up serving the kingdom. Yusuf's brother is his helper.
