Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

The Surah then gives an example that we all know well: Prophet Musa (AS). Allusion
is made to stress the hardships he endured while he was performing Da’wa (the call to
Allah) thanks to the care and support of Allah (SWT).
The Surah conveys the message that even though the Qur’an is a method of happiness
and rest, life will not be in smooth waters all the time without any problems or
sorrows. Life is rather full of complications and difficulties, especially if you are a
believer who carries the message of Allah (SWT) and calls for it. Nevertheless, such
difficulties do not cause suffering (suffering in this context means sadness,
depression, sorrow, or distress), because a believer is always connected to Allah
(SWT) and seeking continuously his help and support. Accordingly, a believer is
always satisfied and reassured.
Illuminating words
The story of Musa (SAWS) stresses the mercy and compassion of Allah (SWT) that
mark the fact of experiencing difficulties in one’s life. The way the story is narrated in
this Surah and the choice of words are totally different from those used to present
other events in Musa’s life elsewhere in the Holy Qur’an. Allah (SWT) says what can
be translated as, “When he saw a fire, he said to his family: “Wait! Verily, I have
seen a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand there from, or find
some guidance at the fire.” (TMQ, 20:10).
The Ayahs starts with a friendly question in order to support Musa (AS) in the hard
mission and lighten the burden that he carried. Allah (SWT) says what can be
translated as, “And what is that in your right hand, O Musa” (TMQ, 20:17).
When Prophet Musa (AS) prayed for Allah (SWT), he asked according to what he
knew about Allah’s (SWT) methodology: happiness, tranquility and facilitation. Allah
(SWT) says what can be translated as, “[Musa] said: “O my Lord! Open for me my
chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness).”And ease my task
for me; “And loose the knot (the defect) from my tongue, (i.e. remove the
incorrectness from my speech)” (TMQ, 20:25-27). The Ayahs hence continue to
address him gently and compassionately. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as:
“Allah said: “Grasp it and fear not; We shall return it to its former state” (TMQ,
20:21); “(Allah) said: “You are granted your request, O Musa!” (TMQ, 20:36);
“And indeed We conferred a favor on you another time (before).” (TMQ, 20:37);
“And I endued you with love from Me, in order that you may be brought up
under My Eye” (TMQ, 20:39).
Do you see how many times the words “fear not” were repeated It serves as a proof
for the victory Allah (SWT) grants for believers. This is the result of the trust Musa’s
(AS) mother had in Allah (SWT), and her obedience to Allah (SWT) when He
commanded her to throw her baby boy into the river. It is also a compensation for
Musa (AS) who was then thrown as a baby in a dark box (ark). Musa’s (AS) mother
exerted herself and got tired in resisting to her human weakness. In turn, Musa (AS)
got tired of his confrontation with Firaawn (the Pharaoh). Yet, Allah (SWT)
wonderfully reassured them. This is the situation of believers; despite the afflictions
they may experience, they are always satisfied and reassured.