Surah 28. Al-Qasas

So Moses left the city in a state of fear and caution, praying, 'My Lord! Deliver me from the wrongdoing people.'

  - Mustafa Khattab

He therefore got away therefrom looking about in a state of fear. He prayed: "O my Lord! save me from people given to wrongdoing." ³³⁴⁸

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Moses saw that his position was now untenable, both in the Palace and in the City, and indeed anywhere in Pharaoh's territory. So he suffered voluntary exile. But he did not know where to go to. His mind was in a state of agitation. But he turned to Allah and prayed. He got consolation, and felt that after all it was no hardship to leave Egypt, where there was so much injustice and oppression.

And as he made his way towards Midian, he said, 'I trust my Lord will guide me to the right way.'

  - Mustafa Khattab

Then when he turned his face towards (the land of) Madyan he said: "I do hope that my Lord will show me the smooth and straight Path." ³³⁴⁹

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

East of Lower Egypt, for about 300 miles, runs the Sinai Peninsula, bounded on the south by the Gulf of Suez, and on the north by what was the Isthmus of Suez, now cut by the Suez Canal. Over the Isthmus ran the highroad to Palestine and Syria, but a fugitive could not well take that road, as the Egyptians were after him. If he could, after crossing the Isthmus, plunge into the Sinai desert, east or south-east, he would be in the Midianite territory, where the people would be Arabs and not Egyptians. He turned thither, and again prayed to Allah for guidance.

When he arrived at the well of Midian, he found a group of people watering 'their herds'. Apart from them, he noticed two women holding back 'their herd'. He asked 'them', 'What is the problem?' They replied, 'We cannot water 'our animals' until the 'other' shepherds are done, for our father is a very old man.'

  - Mustafa Khattab

And when he arrived at the watering (place) in Madyan he found there a group of men watering (their flocks) and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said: "What is the matter with you?" They said: "We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take back (their flocks): and our father is a very old man." ^{3350 3351}

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

The first thing that a wanderer in a desert would make for would be an oasis where he could get water from a spring or well, the shade of trees against the scorching sun, and some human company. The Midianite watering place was probably a deep well, as surface springs are rare in sandy deserts, where the water level is low, unless there was a hill from which issued a spring.

Here is a pretty little idyll, told in the fewest and most beautiful words possible. Moses arrives at an oasis in the desert, weary and travel worn, with his mind full of anxiety and uncertainty owing to his recent experiences in Egypt. He was thirsty and would naturally seek water. At the well or spring he found shepherds (or perhaps goat-herds) watering their flocks. As a stranger it was not for him to thrust himself among them. He waited under the shade of a tree until they should finish. He noticed two damsels, also waiting with their flocks, which they had come to water. His chivalry was roused. He went at once among the goat-herds, made a place for the flocks of the damsels, gave them water, and then resumed his place in the shade. They were modest maidens, and had given him in three Arabic words the key of the whole situation. 'Abu- na shaikhun Kabirun our father is a very old man, and therefore cannot come to water the flocks; we therefore do the work; we could not very well thrust ourselves among these men.'

So he watered 'their herd' for them, then withdrew to the shade and prayed, 'My Lord! I am truly in 'desperate' need of whatever provision You may have in store for me.'¹

  - Mustafa Khattab

 Moses left Egypt with no food, money, or even shoes. He was completely worn out by the time he arrived in Midian. After he prayed for help, Allah gave him a wife, a job, and a home on the same day.

So he watered (their flocks) for them; then he turned back to the shade and said: "O my Lord! truly am I in (desperate) need of any good that thou dost send me!"... ³³⁵²

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

The maidens are gone, with smiles on their lips and gratitude in their hearts. What were the reflections of Moses as he returned to the shade of the tree? He returned thanks to Allah for the bright little vision which he had just seen. Had he done a good deed? Precious was the opportunity he had had. He had slaked his thirst. But he was a homeless wanderer and had a longing in his soul, which he dared not put into words. Those shepherds were no company for him. He was truly like a beggar in desperate need. For any little good that came his way, he was grateful. But what was this?-this vision of a comfortable household, presided over by an old man rich in flocks and herds, and richer still in two daughters, as modest as they were beautiful? Perhaps he would never see them again! But Allah was preparing another surprise for him.

Then one of the two women came to him, walking bashfully. She said, 'My father is inviting you so he may reward you for watering 'our animals' for us.' When Moses came to him and told him his whole story, the old man said, 'Have no fear! You are 'now' safe from the wrongdoing people.'

  - Mustafa Khattab

Afterwards one of the (damsels) came (back) to him walking bashfully. She said: "My father invites thee that he may reward thee for having watered (our flocks) for us." So when he came to him and narrated the story he said: "Fear thou not: (well) hast thou escaped from unjust people." ^{3353 3354}

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Scarcely had he rested, when one of the damsels came back, walking with bashful grace! Modestly she gave her message. 'My father is grateful for what you did for us. He invites you, that he may thank you personally, and at least give some return for your kindness.'

Nothing could have been more welcome than such a message, and through such a messenger. Moses went of course, and saw the old man. He found such a well-ordered patriarchal household. The old man was happy in his daughters and they in him. There was mutual confidence. They had evidently described the stranger to him in terms which made his welcome a foregone conclusion. On the other hand Moses had allowed his imagination to paint the father in something of the glorious colours in which his daughters had appeared to him like an angelic vision. The two men got to be friends at once. Moses told the old man his story,-who he was, how he was brought up, and what misfortunes had made him quit Egypt. Perhaps the whole household, including the daughters, listened breathlessly to his tale. Perhaps their wonder and admiration were mingled with a certain amount of pity-perhaps with some more tender feeling in the case of the girl who had been to fetch him. In any case the stranger had won his place in their hearts. The old man, the head of the household, assured him of hospitality and safety under his roof. As one with a long experience of life he congratulated him on his escape. 'Who would live among unjust people? It is as well you are free of them!'

One of the two daughters suggested, 'O my dear father! Hire him. The best man for employment is definitely the strong and trustworthy 'one'.'

  - Mustafa Khattab

Said one of the (damsels): "O my (dear) father! engage him on wages: truly the best of men for thee to employ is the (man) who is strong and trusty"... ^{3355 3356}

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

A little time passes. A guest after all cannot stay for ever. They all feel that it would be good to have him with them permanently. The girl who had given her heart to him had spoken their unspoken thoughts. Why not employ him to tend the flocks? The father was old, and a young man was wanted to look after the flocks. And-there may be other possibilities.

Strong and trusty: Moses had proved himself to be both, and these were the very qualities which a woman most admires in the man she loves.

The old man proposed, 'I wish to marry one of these two daughters of mine to you, provided that you stay in my service for eight years. If you complete ten, it will be 'a favour' from you, but I do not wish to make it difficult for you. Allah willing, you will find me an agreeable man.'

  - Mustafa Khattab

He said: "I intended to wed one of these my daughters to thee on condition that thou serve me for eight years; but if thou complete ten years it will be (grace) from thee. But I intend not to place thee under a difficulty: thou wilt find me indeed if Allah wills one of the righteous." ³³⁵⁷

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

A little time passed, and at length the father broached the subject of marriage. It was not for the fugitive to suggest a permanent tie, especially when, in the wealth of this world, the girl's family was superior, and they had an established position, while he was a mere wanderer. The father asked if he would marry one of the daughters and stay with them for at least eight years, or if he liked, ten years, but the longer term was at his option. If he brought no dower, his service for that period was more than sufficient in lieu of dower. The particular girl intended was no doubt tacitly settled long before, by the mutual attraction of the young hearts themselves. Moses was glad of the proposal, and accepted it. They ratified it in the most solemn manner, by appealing to Allah. The old man, knowing the worth of his son-in-law, solemnly assured him that in any event he would not take advantage of his position to be a hard task-master or to insist on anything inconsistent with Moses's interests, should a new future open out to him. And a new and glorious future was awaiting him after his apprenticeship.

Moses responded, ''Then' it is 'settled' between you and I. Whichever term I fulfill, there will be no 'further' obligation on me. And Allah is a Witness to what we say.'

  - Mustafa Khattab

He said: "Be that (the agreement) between me and thee: whichever of the two terms I fulfil let there be no ill-will to me. Be Allah a witness to what we say." ³³⁵⁸

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

In patriarchal society it was not uncommon to have a marriage bargain of this kind conditional on a certain term of service. In this case the episode conveys two lessons. (1) A man destined to be a messenger of Allah is yet a man, and must pass through the ups and downs of life like any other man: only he will do it with more grace and distinction than other men. (2) The beautiful relations in love and marriage may themselves be a preparation for the highest spiritual destiny that may await a Messenger of Allah. A woman need not necessarily be a snare and a temptation: she may be the understanding help-mate that the Lady Khadija was to the holy Prophet.

When Moses had completed the term and was travelling with his family, he spotted a fire on the side of Mount Ṭûr. He said to his family, 'Stay here, 'for' I have spotted a fire. Perhaps from there I can bring you some directions¹ or a torch from the fire so you may warm yourselves.'

  - Mustafa Khattab

 lit., information. Moses and his family lost their way in the dark while they were travelling from Midian to Egypt.

Now when Moses had fulfilled the term and was travelling with his family he perceived a fire in the direction of Mount Tur. He said to his family: "Tarry ye; I perceive a fire; I hope to bring you from there some information or a burning firebrand that ye may warm yourselves." ^{3359 3360}

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

The episode in the desert, full of human interest, now closes, and we come to the threshold of the sacred Call to the divine ministry of Moses. Here we may compare this passage with that in xxvii. 7-14 and previous passages. In this passage we are told, after reference to Moses's preparation for his high destiny, of the particular sin of Arrogance and Sacrilege of which Pharaoh was guilty (xxviii 38-39), how it was punished, and with what instruments in the hands of Moses and Pharaoh. The notes on the earlier passage should be read, as explanations already given need not now be repeated.

Note how the transition is effected from the happy life of Moses to the new prophetic mission.

But when he came to it, he was called from the bush in the sacred ground to the right side of the valley: 'O Moses! It is truly I. I am Allah- the Lord of all worlds.

  - Mustafa Khattab

But when he came to the (Fire) a voice was heard from the right bank of the valley from a tree in hallowed ground: "O Moses! verily I am Allah the Lord of the Worlds... ³³⁶¹

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

We are to suppose the appearance of a bush burning but not consumed (Exod. iii. 2), a device adopted by the Scottish Church in its armorial bearings. Scotland apparently took that emblem and motto (Nec tamen consumebatur, 'nevertheless it was not consumed') from the Synod of the Reformed Church of France, which had adopted it in 1583. (I am indebted for this information to the Rev. D.Y. Robertson, Chaplain of the Church of Scotland in Simla). The real explanation of the Burning Bush will be found in xxvii. 8, n. 3245.

Now, throw down your staff!' But when he saw it slithering like a snake, he ran away without looking back. 'Allah reassured him,' 'O Moses! Draw near, and have no fear. You are perfectly secure.

  - Mustafa Khattab

"Now do thou throw thy rod!" But when he saw it moving (of its own accord) as if it had been a snake He turned back in retreat and retraced not his steps: "O Moses!" (It was said) "draw near and fear not: for thou art of those who are secure. ³³⁶²

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

The verbal meaning is: 'you have nothing to fear from what appears to be a snake: it is a snake, not for you, but for Pharaoh.' But there is a deeper meaning besides. Moses had now been called to a higher prophetic mission. He had to meet the hatred of the Egyptians and circumvent their trickery and magic. He had now the security of Faith: in all dangers and difficulties Allah would guide and protect him, for he was actually in Allah's service, one of the Elect.

Now put your hand through 'the opening of' your collar, it will come out 'shining' white, unblemished.¹ And cross your arms tightly to calm your fears.² These are two proofs from your Lord to Pharaoh and his chiefs. They have truly been a rebellious people.'

  - Mustafa Khattab

 See footnote for 20:22.

 When Moses put his arm through the opening in his collar again, his hand returned to its original colour.

"Move thy hand into thy bosom and it will come forth white without stain (or harm) and draw thy hand close to thy side (to guard) against fear. Those are the two credentials from thy Lord to Pharaoh and his Chiefs: for truly they are a people rebellious and wicked." ³³⁶³

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Literally, "draw thy wing close to thy side, (away) from fear". When a bird is frightened, it ruffles its wings and prepares to fly away, but when it is calm and composed, it sits with its wings drawn close to its sides, showing a mind secure from danger. Cf. also n. 2550 to xx. 22.

Moses appealed, 'My Lord! I have indeed killed a man from them, so I fear they may kill me.

  - Mustafa Khattab

He said: "O my Lord! I have slain a man among them and I fear lest they slay me. ³³⁶⁴

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

It is not that Moses is not reassured from all fear on account of the apparent snake which his rod had become, or from the sacred and unfamiliar surroundings in which he found himself. On this point his heart has been completely assured. But he is still new to his mission, and the future is obscure to his mind. Pharaoh was after him, to take his life, and apparently with good cause, because one of Pharaoh's men had been slain at his hands. And now he is commanded to go to Pharaoh and rebuke him and his Chiefs. The inner doubts and difficulties of his human mind he frankly lays before his Lord, and asks for a little human and visible support, which is granted him at once, viz.; the help of his brother Aaron.

And my brother Aaron is more eloquent than I, so send him with me as a helper to support what I say, for I truly fear they may reject me.'

  - Mustafa Khattab

"And my brother Aaron he is more eloquent in speech than I: so send him with me as a helper to confirm (and strengthen) me; for I fear that they may accuse me of falsehood."

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Allah responded, 'We will assist you with your brother and grant you both authority, so they cannot harm you. With Our signs, you and those who follow you will 'certainly' prevail.'

  - Mustafa Khattab

He said: "We will certainly strengthen thy arm through thy brother and invest you both with authority so they shall not be able to touch you: with Our Signs shall ye triumph you two as well as those who follow you." ^{3365 3366}

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

To touch you: to approach you anywhere near, in the wonders and Signs that you will show them under the divine authority with which you are invested.

The potency of Allah's Light is such that its divine rays reach the humblest of those who seek after Him. The Prophets can certainly work wonders, but their sincere followers in Faith can do so also in their own spheres. Wonders may appeal to people, but they are not the highest signs of Allah's workings, and they are around us every day in our lives.

But when Moses came to them with Our clear signs, they said 'arrogantly', 'This is nothing but conjured magic 'tricks'. We have never heard of this in 'the history of' our forefathers.'

  - Mustafa Khattab

When Moses came to them with Our Clear Signs they said: "This is nothing but sorcery faked up: never did we hear the like among our fathers of old!" ^{3367 3368}

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This is what Moses was thinking of when he had said: "They may accuse me of falsehood". To accuse the purest Truth of lying is a favourite trick of those whose chief stock-in-trade is deception and sorcery and catching the attention of the vulgar by arts adapted to their ignorant minds!

'As to this higher talk of the worship of the One true God, why, our ancestors have worshipped power and patronage, as concentrated in Pharaoh, from the most ancient times!'

Moses responded, 'My Lord knows best who has come with 'true' guidance from Him and will fare best in the end. Indeed, the wrongdoers will never succeed.'

  - Mustafa Khattab

Moses said: "My Lord knows best who it is that comes with guidance from Him and whose End will be best in the Hereafter: certain it is that the wrongdoers will not prosper." ³³⁶⁹

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Cf. vi. 135. The only argument in such a case is an appeal to Allah, and to the ultimate Future. Both of these appeals require Faith. But even if you do not rely on anything so high, you can see that Falsehood or evils crystallised in ancestral customs are not going to do any one any good.

Pharaoh declared, 'O chiefs! I know of no other god for you but myself. So bake bricks out of clay for me, O Haman, and build a high tower so I may look at the God of Moses, although I am sure he is a liar.'

  - Mustafa Khattab

Pharaoh said: "O Chiefs! no god do I know for you but myself: therefore O Haman! light me a (kiln to bake bricks) out of clay and build me a lofty palace that I may mount up to the god of Moses: but as far as I am concerned I think (Moses) is a liar!" ^{3370 3371}

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Pharaoh claimed, himself, to be God,-not only one god among many, but the only god: "I am your Lord Most High": lxxix. 24. At any rate he did not see why his people should worship any one but him.

I understand his speech to his minister Haman to be sarcastic. But some Commentators have taken it very seriously and imagined that he actually thought of reaching the heavens by building lofty towers.

And so he and his soldiers behaved arrogantly in the land with no right, thinking they would never be returned to Us.

  - Mustafa Khattab

And he was arrogant and insolent in the land beyond reason he and his hosts: they thought that they would not have to return to Us! ³³⁷²

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

They did not believe in the Hereafter. They did not understand that every deed must have its inevitable consequence, good, or evil, unless the Grace of Allah intervenes to save us from ourselves!

So We seized him and his soldiers, casting them into the sea. See then what was the end of the wrongdoers!

  - Mustafa Khattab

So We seized him and his hosts and We flung them into the sea: now behold what was the End of those who did wrong! ³³⁷³

  - Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Pharaoh and his hosts were drowned in the sea in their pursuit of the Israelites: see vii. 130-136. They are the type of men who lead-only to Destruction. They invite, not to Peace and Happiness, but to the Fire of Wrath, mutual Envy, and Hatred.