وَإِذْ فَرَقْنَا بِكُمُ ٱلْبَحْرَ فَأَنجَيْنَـٰكُمْ وَأَغْرَقْنَآ ءَالَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَأَنتُمْ تَنظُرُونَ 50
Translations
And [recall] when We parted the sea for you and saved you and drowned the people of Pharaoh while you were looking on.
Transliteration
Wa-idh faraqna bikumu al-bahr fa-anjaynaakum wa-aghraqna ala firawn wa-antum tanzurun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea during the exodus of the Children of Israel from Egypt, wherein Allah saved Moses and his people while drowning Pharaoh and his army. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the phrase 'wa-antum tanzurun' (while you are watching) emphasizes that the Israelites witnessed this divine miracle with their own eyes, making it an undeniable proof of Allah's power and His favor upon them. Al-Qurtubi notes that this event serves as a sign (ayah) of Allah's ability to protect His believers and destroy His enemies.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of a broader passage in Surah Al-Baqarah (ayahs 40-103) that reminds the Children of Israel of the favors Allah bestowed upon them throughout their history, particularly during their exodus from Egypt under Prophet Moses. The Medinan context addresses the Jewish communities of Medina, reminding them of their covenant with Allah and the consequences of breaking it.
Related Hadiths
The incident of the parting of the sea is referenced in multiple hadiths. In Sahih Bukhari (Vol. 4, Book 55, Hadith 583), the Prophet Muhammad mentions the signs of Allah's power, including His ability to part the seas. Additionally, Sunan Ibn Majah contains hadiths discussing the miracles given to Prophet Moses as evidence of prophethood.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that Allah's protection is real and tangible for those who have faith and obey His prophets, while warning that rejection of divine guidance leads to destruction. For modern readers, it serves as a reminder that witnessing or hearing of Allah's miracles should strengthen conviction and gratitude, not complacency or ingratitude.