وَجَآءَ رَجُلٌ مِّنْ أَقْصَا ٱلْمَدِينَةِ يَسْعَىٰ قَالَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِنَّ ٱلْمَلَأَ يَأْتَمِرُونَ بِكَ لِيَقْتُلُوكَ فَٱخْرُجْ إِنِّى لَكَ مِنَ ٱلنَّـٰصِحِينَ 20
Translations
And a man came from the farthest end of the city, running. He said, "O Moses, indeed the eminent ones are conferring over you [intending] to kill you, so leave [the city]; indeed, I am to you of the sincere advisors."
Transliteration
Wa jaa'a rajulun min aqsa al-madinati yas'a qala ya Musa inna al-mala'a ya'tamirun bika liyaqtuluka fakhraj inni laka mina al-nasihin
Tafsir (Explanation)
A believing man from the furthest part of the city came hastily to warn Musa (Moses) that the chiefs and leaders of Pharaoh's court were plotting to kill him, urging him to flee immediately. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this man's sincere counsel exemplified loyal friendship and concern for the truth, as he risked his own safety to warn Musa of imminent danger. The ayah demonstrates divine protection through unexpected means—Allah sent this righteous believer to preserve Musa's life at a critical moment before his migration to Madyan.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Musa's early life in Egypt, specifically after the incident where Musa killed the Copt in defense of an Israelite. The surah (Al-Qasam/The Stories) presents the story of Musa's escape from Pharaoh's persecution, and this verse captures the moment when Allah provided Musa with timely warning through a sincere believer, setting the stage for his journey to Madyan (Midian).
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly addresses this verse, Sunan Ibn Majah and other collections contain hadiths emphasizing the obligation of sincere counsel (nasihah) in Islam, with the Prophet ﷺ stating: 'The deen is sincere counsel' (Sahih Muslim 55). Additionally, hadiths about the protection of righteous believers resonate with this theme of divine safeguarding.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that sincere advice given with genuine concern and willingness to sacrifice is a noble act of worship, and that Allah often provides help through unexpected sources when we trust in Him. It reminds us to be vigilant in warning those in danger and to value genuine counsel over worldly advancement or safety.