وَلَمَّا وَرَدَ مَآءَ مَدْيَنَ وَجَدَ عَلَيْهِ أُمَّةً مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ يَسْقُونَ وَوَجَدَ مِن دُونِهِمُ ٱمْرَأَتَيْنِ تَذُودَانِ ۖ قَالَ مَا خَطْبُكُمَا ۖ قَالَتَا لَا نَسْقِى حَتَّىٰ يُصْدِرَ ٱلرِّعَآءُ ۖ وَأَبُونَا شَيْخٌ كَبِيرٌ 23
Translations
And when he came to the water [i.e., well] of Madyan, he found there a crowd of people watering [their flocks], and he found aside from them two women holding 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."
Transliteration
Wa-lamma warada maa'a madyana wajada alayhi ummatan mina an-nasi yasuqun wa-wajada min dunihim imra'atayn thadudan qala ma khatabukuma qalata la nasuqy hatta yasdira ar-rui'a wa-abuna shaykun kabir
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes Musa (Moses) arriving at the well of Madyan (Midian) where he encountered a large group of shepherds watering their flocks, and apart from them, two young women holding back their flock. When Musa asked them about their situation, they explained they could not water their animals until the shepherds had finished, as their father was an elderly man unable to perform this task himself. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this scene demonstrates Musa's virtue in recognizing their need and his compassionate nature, which would soon lead him to assist them and ultimately marry one of them (Safiyyah).
Revelation Context
This passage occurs in the narrative section of Surah Al-Qasam detailing Musa's journey after fleeing Egypt. The surah presents this as part of the divine story (qasa) showing how Allah guided Musa to Madyan where he would find refuge, employment, and marriage. The scene establishes the thematic importance of Musa's character and righteousness before his prophetic mission.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly quotes this ayah, Surah Al-Qasas itself is referenced in hadith collections regarding the stories of the prophets. The broader theme of compassion toward women and the elderly is reflected in various ahadith, such as those in Sahih Bukhari emphasizing kindness to relatives and the elderly.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that genuine righteousness involves recognizing the difficulties of others and offering immediate assistance without being asked, and that Allah places people in our paths at precise moments to test and develop our moral character. For modern readers, it emphasizes how small acts of kindness and social responsibility—especially toward the vulnerable—reflect true faith and often lead to unexpected blessings from Allah.