قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُنكِحَكَ إِحْدَى ٱبْنَتَىَّ هَـٰتَيْنِ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تَأْجُرَنِى ثَمَـٰنِىَ حِجَجٍ ۖ فَإِنْ أَتْمَمْتَ عَشْرًا فَمِنْ عِندِكَ ۖ وَمَآ أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَشُقَّ عَلَيْكَ ۚ سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ 27
Translations
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 Allāh wills, from among the righteous."
Transliteration
Qāla innī urīdu an unkiḥaka iḥdā abnatayya hātayni ʿalā an taʾjuranī thamāniya ḥijaj, fa-in atmamta ʿashran famim ʿindik, wa-mā urīdu an ashaqqa ʿalayk, satajidunī in shāʾa Allāhu mina al-ṣāliḥīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah records the proposal of Shuʿayb (peace be upon him) to Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) regarding marriage to one of his daughters in exchange for eight years of service tending his flocks. Classical exegetes like Ibn Kathir note that Shuʿayb's generous offer—to reduce the term to seven years if Musa completed ten voluntarily—demonstrates both the righteousness of Shuʿayb and the honorable nature of the transaction, establishing a contract of mutual benefit and kindness rather than exploitation.
Revelation Context
This verse is part of the broader narrative of Musa's migration to Madyan after fleeing Egypt, where he encountered Shuʿayb and his daughters at a well. The context illustrates divine providence in guiding Musa to safety and establishing him with a righteous family through a lawful contract of marriage and employment, setting the stage for his future prophetic mission.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their wives' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3895), reflecting the honorable treatment Shuʿayb showed in his proposal. Additionally, Umar ibn al-Khattab emphasized fair wages for workers, echoing the contractual fairness demonstrated in this verse.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches the importance of transparent, mutually beneficial agreements in marriage and employment, emphasizing that ethical dealings and generosity reflect true righteousness. For modern readers, it demonstrates that fulfilling obligations honorably, treating others justly, and going beyond minimum requirements are hallmarks of a person of integrity and faith.