يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَكُونُوا۟ كَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاذَوْا۟ مُوسَىٰ فَبَرَّأَهُ ٱللَّهُ مِمَّا قَالُوا۟ ۚ وَكَانَ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَجِيهًا 69
Translations
O you who have believed, be not like those who abused Moses; then Allāh cleared him of what they said. And he, in the sight of Allāh, was distinguished.
Transliteration
Ya ayyuha alladhina amanu la takunu ka alladhina adaw Musa fa barrahu Allahu mimma qalu wa kana inda Allahi wajihan
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah warns the believers not to resemble those who harmed Prophet Musa (Moses) with false accusations and insults, for Allah vindicated him from their slander and he held a most honored status with Allah. The verse serves as a cautionary reminder that those who harm the righteous and the Prophets will be exposed, while the oppressed will be cleared of blame and elevated by Allah. Ibn Kathir notes this refers to the disbelievers among Bani Israel who spoke ill of Musa, yet Allah protected his honor and reputation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Ahzab, which addresses the Muslim community's trials during the Battle of the Confederates (Ahzab). The verse uses the historical example of Musa's persecution to encourage believers to maintain integrity and patience in the face of slander and harm from enemies of the faith.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those of the best character,' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3662). Additionally, Aisha narrated that the Prophet said: 'The greatest sins are... speaking falsely about Allah and His Messenger,' (Sunan an-Nasa'i 4127).
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should refrain from spreading slander, accusing others falsely, or following those who defame the righteous, knowing that Allah ultimately vindicates the innocent and elevates their honor. This ayah teaches that maintaining truthfulness and integrity, especially regarding others' character, is essential to true faith and pleasing Allah.
Related Ayahs
وَٱذْكُرْنَ مَا يُتْلَىٰ فِى بُيُوتِكُنَّ مِنْ ءَايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلْحِكْمَةِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ لَطِيفًا خَبِيرًا
And remember what is recited in your houses of the verses of Allāh and wisdom. Indeed, Allāh is ever Subtle and Aware.
لِّيَجْزِىَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ بِصِدْقِهِمْ وَيُعَذِّبَ ٱلْمُنَـٰفِقِينَ إِن شَآءَ أَوْ يَتُوبَ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا
That Allāh may reward the truthful for their truth and punish the hypocrites if He wills or accept their repentance. Indeed, Allāh is ever Forgiving and Merciful.
وَإِن كُنتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ وَٱلدَّارَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ أَعَدَّ لِلْمُحْسِنَـٰتِ مِنكُنَّ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا
But if you should desire Allāh and His Messenger and the home of the Hereafter - then indeed, Allāh has prepared for the doers of good among you a great reward."
وَقَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَآ إِنَّآ أَطَعْنَا سَادَتَنَا وَكُبَرَآءَنَا فَأَضَلُّونَا ٱلسَّبِيلَا۠
And they will say, "Our Lord, indeed we obeyed our masters and our dignitaries, and they led us astray from the [right] way.