وَأَنَا ٱخْتَرْتُكَ فَٱسْتَمِعْ لِمَا يُوحَىٰٓ 13
Translations
And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed [to you].
Transliteration
Wa ana ikhtartu-ka fa-stami' li-ma yuh-wa
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah addresses Prophet Musa (Moses) directly, declaring that He has specifically chosen him from among all creation for the noble mission of prophethood and delivering His message to the people. The command to listen attentively to what is being revealed emphasizes the importance of receiving divine guidance with full concentration and obedience. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize this as Allah's affirmation of Musa's election and his obligation to fully comprehend and communicate the divine revelation.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the context of Surah Ta-Ha (20), which opens with Allah's direct address to Prophet Musa at Mount Sinai. This follows Musa's call to prophethood and serves as a reassurance from Allah affirming his selection and preparing him to receive the foundational guidance (likely referring to the Torah). The surah establishes the intimate relationship between Allah and His chosen messenger.
Related Hadiths
The principle of Allah's selection of messengers is supported by the hadith: 'Allah chose Ishmael from the children of Abraham, chose Kinana from the children of Ishmael, and chose Quraysh from Kinana' (Sahih Muslim 2276). Additionally, the emphasis on listening to revelation relates to the hadith where the Prophet ﷺ said, 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that Allah chooses individuals for sacred responsibilities based on His wisdom and divine plan, and those chosen bear the responsibility of complete dedication and focused attention to their mission. For believers today, it emphasizes the importance of listening mindfully to divine guidance and approaching the Qur'an with reverence and concentrated awareness.