۞ وَمَآ أَعْجَلَكَ عَن قَوْمِكَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰ 83
Translations
[Allāh said], "And what made you hasten from your people, O Moses?"
Transliteration
Wa mā aʿjalaká ʿan qawmiká yā Mūsā
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah asks Prophet Musa (Moses) why he hastened away from his people, referring to his departure from the Israelites to meet with Allah at Mount Sinai for forty nights to receive the Torah. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that this question is rhetorical, emphasizing Musa's eagerness to fulfill Allah's command, though it also sets the stage for revealing that his people had begun worshipping the golden calf in his absence. The verse highlights both Musa's obedience and the trials that would test his patience and faith.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Surah Taha detailing Musa's journey to Sinai and his return to find the Israelites in spiritual deviation. The context is Meccan revelation addressing the struggles of the Prophet Muhammad and believers facing similar tests of faith. This particular question from Allah to Musa occurs after he returns from the mountain to discover his people's transgression, emphasizing the theme of divine testing and human weakness.
Related Hadiths
The story is referenced in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 3397) where the Prophet Muhammad mentioned the forty nights Musa spent receiving the Torah. Additionally, Surah Taha's narrative parallels discussions in authentic hadith collections about trials sent to test the faith of believers and prophets.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that even when we obey Allah's commands with sincerity and haste, unforeseen trials may occur in our absence, reminding us to trust in Allah's wisdom and to remain patient through difficulties. It emphasizes that true faith is tested through adversity and that our responsibility extends to those we lead or influence spiritually.