فَخَرَجَ مِنْهَا خَآئِفًا يَتَرَقَّبُ ۖ قَالَ رَبِّ نَجِّنِى مِنَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ 21
Translations
So he left it, fearful and anticipating [apprehension]. He said, "My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people."
Transliteration
Fakharaja minhā khā'ifan yataraqqab, qāla rabbi najjinī minal-qawmiz-zālimīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This verse describes Prophet Musa's departure from Egypt in fear after killing the Coptic man, while remaining vigilant and watchful of his surroundings. He immediately turned to Allah in supplication, seeking deliverance from the oppressive people of Pharaoh. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi note that despite his fear, Musa's first instinct was to seek refuge in Allah, demonstrating the believer's response to danger—combining practical caution with complete reliance upon the Divine.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Prophet Musa in Surah Al-Qasas, which opens with 'The Stories' (tales of the Prophets). The context concerns Musa's early life in Egypt: after witnessing an Egyptian taskmaster beating an Israelite, Musa struck and unintentionally killed him, leading to his flight from Egypt. This event catalyzed his escape to Madyan and ultimately his prophetic mission.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly quotes this verse, Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim contain numerous ahadith about Prophet Musa's life and the virtue of seeking Allah's protection (istia'dhah) in times of fear and distress, reflecting the Quranic principle exemplified here.
Themes
Key Lesson
Even when facing immediate danger, the believer should couple practical vigilance with heartfelt supplication to Allah, recognizing that true safety lies only in His hands. This verse teaches that fear itself is not blameworthy when it drives us closer to Allah through sincere dua and dependence upon Him.