وَنَزَعَ يَدَهُۥ فَإِذَا هِىَ بَيْضَآءُ لِلنَّـٰظِرِينَ 33
Translations
And he drew out his hand; thereupon it was white for the observers.
Transliteration
Wa nazaʿa yadahu fa-idha hiya bayḍāʾu lil-nāẓirīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes the first miracle of Prophet Musa (Moses) when he withdrew his hand from his bosom and it appeared white/radiant to all observers. According to classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this whiteness was not from leprosy but rather a luminous glow that served as a clear sign from Allah. This miraculous transformation occurred when Musa performed it before Pharaoh as evidence of his prophetic mission, demonstrating Allah's power to change the natural state of creation.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ash-Shu'ara, a Meccan chapter that recounts the stories of various prophets and their struggles against their people's disbelief. The context here is Musa's confrontation with Pharaoh, where Allah gave him miracles to prove his message. This story is presented to encourage Prophet Muhammad and the believers during the Meccan period of persecution.
Related Hadiths
The story of Musa's miracles is referenced in various hadiths regarding the signs of prophethood. Sahih Muslim contains narrations about the miracles given to the prophets as proofs of their truthfulness, which contextually relate to this display of divine power through Musa's hand.
Themes
Key Lesson
This miracle reminds us that Allah provides clear signs to those who are sincere in seeking truth, and that divine intervention can manifest in extraordinary ways to establish His message. For modern believers, it teaches reliance on Allah's support when facing opposition, trusting that truth will be made evident to those who genuinely seek it.