Ayat 18. So he became afraid, looking about in the city (waiting as to what will be the result of his crime of killing), when behold, the man who had sought his help the day before, called for his help (again). Musa (Moses) said to him: “Verily, you are a plain misleader!”
Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 18. So he saw the morning in the city, looking about, in a state of fear, when behold, the man who had, the day before, sought his help called aloud for his help (again). Moses said to him: “Thou art truly, it is clear, a quarrelsome fellow!” The man was an Israelite. But Moses was himself in a distracted mood, for the reasons given above, and he was exasperated at this public appeal to him again.
English Translation of Hadith
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, “Whosoever performs Qiyam during Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), with Faith and being hopeful of Allah’s reward, will have his former sins forgiven.”
[Al-Bukhari Volume 3, Book 32, Number 226]
Lesson : Qiyam here means what keeps one awake to one’s capacity and for worship and makes one perform Nawafil, impels one to beg pardon for sins from Allah, urges one to praise Him. Especially, if a person performs `Isha prayer and Fajr prayer in congregation, he will hopefully attain all those distinctions which are mentioned in this Hadith.
Ayat 17. He said: “My Lord! For that with which You have favoured me, I will never more be a helper for the Mujrimun (criminals, disobedient to Allah, polytheists, sinners, etc.)!”
Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 17. He said: “O my Lord! For that Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace on me, never shall I be a help to those who do sinful acts !” He takes a conscious and solemn vow to dedicate himself to Allah, and to do nothing that may in any way assist those who were doing wrong. This was his general idea, but no plan had yet shaped itself in his mind, until a second catastrophe brought matters to a head, and he was plunged in adventure.
English Translation of Hadith
Hazrat Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) used to seclude himself (in the mosque) during the last ten nights of Ramadan. He would say, “Search for Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the last ten nights of Ramadan.”
[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 32, Hadith # 237]
Lesson: We learn from this Hadith that (1). One should concentrate more on prayers and worship on the last ten nights of Ramadan than the first twenty nights, in the same way as one should do more worship in Ramadan than in the other months. 2. One should keep oneself awake for prayer, worship, and glorification of Allah in the last ten nights of Ramadan so that one can attain the blessings of Lailat-ul-Qadr. 3. One should also persuade his family members to keep themselves awake for prayer and worship in the last ten odd nights of Ramadan so that they can also make efforts to please Allah. 4. Itikaf (seclusion in the mosque for prayers) in the last ten days of Ramadan is also a meritorious act for its being a practice of the Prophet [SAWW](PBUH).
Ayat 16. He (Musa AS) said: “My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, so forgive me.” Then He forgave him. Verily, He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 16. Musa AS prayed: “O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul! Do Thou then forgive me!” Even though he had no intention to kill anyone it was a mere accident but even though he felt he must ask for forgiveness, So (Allah) forgave him: for He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
English Translation of Hadith
Hazrat Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the last ten nights (of Ramadan) would begin, the Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) would keep awake at night (for prayer and devotion), awaken his family and prepare himself to be more diligent in worship.
[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 32, Hadith # 241]
Lesson: also mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah Ayat while you are in Itikaf (i.e., confining oneself in a mosque for prayers and invocations leaving the worldly activities) in the mosques” The entire month of Ramadan is a spring season for virtues, worship, and obedience of Allah, but its last ten days are the peak of this season of worship. Therefore, one must strive hard in the last ten days and nights of this month to follow the practice of the Prophet [SAWW](PBUH), to seek the Pleasure of Allah and to attain the benefits of Lailat-ul-Qadr, which occurs during this period. The Prophet [SAWW](PBUH) used to make special arrangements for observing Itikaf, and we must also follow this practice of his.
Ayat 15. And he entered the city at a time of unawareness of its people, and he found there two men fighting, – one of his party (his religion – from the Children of Israel), and the other of his foes. The man of his (own) party asked him for help against his foe, so Musa AS (Moses) struck him with his fist and killed him. He said: “This is of Shaitan‘s (Satan) doing, verily, he is a plain misleading enemy.”
Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 15. And he entered the city at a time when its people were not watching: and he found there two men fighting,- one of his own religion, and the other, of his foes. Now the man of his own religion appealed to him against his foe, and Moses struck him with his fist and made an end of him. He said: “This is a work of Evil (Satan): for he is an enemy that manifestly misleads!” That may have been either the time of the noontide siesta, when all business is suspended even now in Egypt , or the time of night, when people are usually asleep. The latter is more probable, in view of verse 18 below. But there is also another suggestion. A guest in a Palace is not free to wander about at will in the plebeian quarters of the City at all sorts of hours, and this applies even more to an inmate of the Palace brought up as a son. Moses was therefore visiting the City privately and eluding the guards. His object may have been to see for himself how things were going on; perhaps he had heard that his people were being oppressed, as we may suppose that he had retained contact with his mother. His object was apparently to strike him so as to release the Israelite, not to kill the Egyptian. In fact he killed the Egyptian. This was unfortunate in more ways than one. His visit to the City was clandestine; he had taken the side of the weaker and despised party; and he had taken the life of an Egyptian. He was full of regrets and repentance, and he prayed to Allah, and obtained Allah’s forgiveness.
English Translation of Hadith
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) used to observe Itikaf every year (during Ramadan) for ten days; in the year in which he passed away, he observed Itikaf for twenty days.
[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 33, Hadith # 260].
Lesson : “Our beloved Prophet [SAWW](PBUH) were preparing himself for meeting with Allah (SWT) and We learn from these Hadith that the observance of Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan is Sunnah of the Prophet [SAWW](PBUH). But it can be done only in a mosque not at home. Itikaf helps to enhance one’s spiritual growth and to strive hard to worship Allah better as there is nothing to distract one’s attention from this noble pursuit.
Ayat 14. And when he attained his full strength, and was perfect (in manhood), We bestowed on him Hukman (Prophet hood, right judgment of the affairs) and religious knowledge [of the religion of his forefathers i.e., Islamic Monotheism]. And thus, do We reward the Muhsinun (i.e., good doers).
Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 14. When he reached full age, and was firmly established (in life), We bestowed on him wisdom and knowledge: for thus do We reward those who do good. Full age may be taken to be mature youth, say between 18 and 30 years of age. By that time, a person is fully established in life: his physical build is completed, and his mental and moral habits are formed. In this case, as Moses was good at heart, true and loyal to his people, and obedient and just to those among whom he lived, he was granted wisdom and knowledge from on high, to be used for the times of conflict which were coming for him. His internal development being complete, he now goes out into the outer world, where he is again tried and proved, until he gets his divine commission.
English Translation of Hadith
Hazrat Amr bin Al-Aas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, “The difference between our observance of Saum (fasting) and that of the people of the Scriptures is Suhur (predawn meal in Ramadan).”
[Muslim Book 06, Chapter 09, Hadith # 2413]
Lesson : We learn from this Hadith that Suhur is a distinctive mark with which Allah has blessed the Muslim Ummah.
Ayat 12. And We had already forbidden (other) foster suckling mothers for him, until she (his sister came up and) said: “Shall I direct you to a household who will rear him for you, and sincerely they will look after him in a good manner?”
Ayat 13. So did We restore him to his mother, that she might be delighted, and that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the Promise of Allah is true. But most of them know not.
Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 12 & 13. And we ordained that he refused suck at first, until (His sister came up and) said: “Shall I point out to you the people of a house that will nourish and bring him up for you and be sincerely attached to him?”…For you: i.e., on your behalf. Thus, Moses got the benefit of his mother’s milk (symbolic of all the traditions and spiritual heritage of his ancestry and his people) as well as the prestige and the opportunities of being brought up in the royal family, with the best of teachers to teach him Egyptian wisdom. In addition, there was comfort to his mother. Thus, did We restore him to his mother, that her eyes might be comforted, that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the promise of Allah is true: but most of them do not understand. Allah’s promise is always true, but short-sighted people, if they are a little thwarted in their plan, do not understand that Allah’s wisdom, power, and goodness are far more comprehensive than any little plans which they may form.
English Translation of Hadith
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, “He who spends a pair in the way of Allah will be called from the gates of Jannah: `O slave of Allah! This gate is better for you’ and one who is constant in Salat (prayer), will be called from the Gate of Salat; and whoever is eager in fighting in the Cause of Allah, will be called from the Gate of Jihad; and who is regular in observing Saum will be called from Ar-Raiyan Gate. The one who is generous in charity will be called from the Gate of Charity.” Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “O Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH)! May my mother and father be sacrificed for you! Those who are called from these gates will stand in need of nothing. Will anybody be called from all those gates?” He replied, “Yes, and I hope that you will be one of them.”
[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 31, Hadith # 121]
Lesson: “Pair” means two; in other channels of transmission, it has been explained thus: “They asked him, `Pair of what?’ He [SAWW](PBUH) said, `A pair of horses, cows, or camels’.” “Pair” in this Hadith, however, can be all-inclusive, i.e., fasting two days or performing two prayers, etc. This Hadith also mentions a special distinction of Abu Bakr As-Siddique (May Allah be pleased with him) and the esteem in which he was held by the Prophet [SAWW](PBUH). It also transpires from this Hadith that one can praise such a person right on his face about whom one does not fear that it will make him proud. This Hadith has also an inducement for giving in Sadaqah two instead of a single item.
Ayat 10. And the heart of the mother of Musa (Moses) became empty [from every thought, except the thought of Musa (Moses)]. She was very near to disclose his (case, i.e. the child is her son), had Allah not strengthened her heart (with Faith), so that she might remain as one of the believers.
Ayat 11. And she said to his [Musa’s (Moses)] sister: “Follow him.” So she (his sister) watched him from a far place secretly, while they perceived not.
Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 10 & 11. But there came to be a void in the heart of the mother of Moses: She was going almost to disclose his (case), had We not strengthened her heart (with faith), so that she might remain a (firm) believer. The mother heartfelt the gaping void at parting from her son; but her Faith in Allah’s Providence kept her from betraying herself. And she said to the sister of (Moses), “Follow him” so she (the sister) watched him in the character of a stranger. And they knew not.
English Translation of Hadith
Hazrat Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, “He who provides a fasting person something with which to break his fast, will earn the same reward as the one who was observing the fast, without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter.”
[At-Tirmidhi Hadith # 807].
Lesson : As mentioned in Hadith, rewards for providing drink and food to fasting people are due for awesome returns and we must make arrangements for poor and needy persons to have food on their table and in return earn enormous rewards in this world and hereafter.
Ayat 9. And the wife of Firaun (Pharaoh) said: “A comfort of the eye for me and for you. Kill him not, perhaps he may be of benefit to us, or we may adopt him as a son.” And they perceive not (the result of that).
Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 9. The wife of Pharaoh said: “(Here is) joy of the eye, for me and for thee: slay him not. It may be that he will be used to us, or we may adopt him as a son.” And they perceived not (what they were doing)! He was a darling to look at, and Pharaoh apparently had no son, but only a daughter, who afterwards was ironic. This is on the supposition that the Pharaoh was Totems In all life Providence so orders things that Evil is defeated by its own weapons. Not only is it defeated, but it actually, though unwittingly, advances the cause of Good! In non-religious language this is called the work of the Ironic Fates. If Thomas Hardy had not made Napoleon the Puppet of Fate in his “Dynasts”, he could well have taken Pharaoh as an illustration of the Irony of Fate, or, as we should prefer to call it, the working of the Universal Plan of Allah.
English Translation of Hadith
Hazrat Abu Said Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, “Every slave of Allah who observes Saum (fasting) for one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will draw his face farther from Hell-fire to the extent of a distance to be covered in seventy years.”
[Al-Bukhari Volume 4, Book 52, Hadith Number 93].
Lesson: The Hadith highlights the excellence of fasting for the sake of Allah which will serve, on the Day of Resurrection, as shield against Hellfire.
Ayat 8. Then the household of Firaun (Pharaoh) picked Musa AS (PBUH) up, that he might become for them an enemy and a (cause of) grief. Verily! Firaun (Pharaoh), Haman and their hosts were sinners.
Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 8. Then the people of Pharaoh picked him up (from the river): (It was intended) that (Moses) should be to them an adversary and a cause of sorrow: for Pharaoh and Haman and (all) their hosts were men of sin. This was the Plan of Providence; that the wicked might cast a net round themselves by fostering the man who was to bring them to naught and be the instrument of their punishment-or (looking at it from the other side) that Moses might learn all the wisdom of the Egyptians in order to expose all that was hollow and wicked in it.
Ayat 7. And We inspired the mother of Musa AS (Moses), (saying): “Suckle him [Musa (Moses)], but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve. Verily! We shall bring him back to you and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers.”
Tafseer of Surah Al-Qasas (The Narration) Ayat 7. So We sent this inspiration to the mother of Moses: “Suckle (thy child), but when thou hast fears about him, cast him into the river, but fear not nor grieve: for We shall restore him to thee, and We shall make him one of Our messengers.” The Egyptian midwives had orders to kill Israelite babies. Moses was saved from them, and his mother nursed the infant at her breast herself. But when the danger of discovery was imminent, she put him into a chest or basket, and floated him on the river Nile . It flowed by the King’s palace, and the chest with the baby was picked up, as related further on. The mother had no cause to fear or grieve afterwards, as the child grew up under her tender care and became afterwards one of the Prophets of Allah.
English Translation of Hadith
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah [SAWW](PBUH) said, “When any one of you is observing Saum (fasting) on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise the voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: `I am observing fast.”
[Al-Bukhari Book 03, Chapter 31, Hadith # 118].
Lesson: We learn from it that during Saum not only food, drink and husband and wife closeness are prohibited but the improper use of the tongue and the other organs of the body as well. When one is observing Saum, he should neither use abusive language nor talk foolishly nor tell lies nor make obscene conversation nor indulge in backbiting nor quarrel with anyone. If someone provokes him, he should keep himself quiet and remember that he is observing Saum and he has to abstain from such things. As far as possible, he should keep his tongue engaged in the remembrance of Allah and recitation of the Qur’an.
