نَتْلُوا۟ عَلَيْكَ مِن نَّبَإِ مُوسَىٰ وَفِرْعَوْنَ بِٱلْحَقِّ لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ 3
Translations
We recite to you from the news of Moses and Pharaoh in truth for a people who believe.
Transliteration
Natlū ʿalayka min nabāʾi Mūsā wa-Firʿawna bil-ḥaqqi liqawmin yuʾminūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah addresses the Prophet Muhammad, stating that He recites to him the true account of the story of Musa (Moses) and Pharaoh. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this introduction emphasizes that the narrative being presented is established in truth and certainty, not mere speculation or fabrication. The phrase 'for people who believe' indicates that this account is especially meaningful and instructive for those who have faith and are willing to reflect upon its lessons.
Revelation Context
This ayah opens the narrative section of Surah Al-Qasas (revealed in Mecca), which focuses on the story of Prophet Musa as a central theme. The surah was revealed during the Meccan period when the Prophet and believers faced opposition from the Quraysh, and the story of Musa's struggle against Pharaoh served as an inspiring parallel to their own circumstances. The emphasis on 'truth' (bil-ḥaqqi) counters contemporary Arab skepticism about the authenticity of Quranic narratives.
Related Hadiths
Hadith from Sahih Muslim (#2286) where the Prophet said: 'The best of stories is that of the Quran' (Aḥsan al-ḥadīth al-Qurʾān), and Surah Al-Qasas exemplifies this by presenting the detailed story of Musa with profound wisdom.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that Quranic narratives are not merely historical tales but divinely-guided truths meant to strengthen faith and provide practical wisdom for navigating trials. Modern readers should recognize that stories of prophets facing opposition offer timeless guidance for maintaining conviction during adversity.
Related Ayahs
وَأَتْبَعْنَـٰهُمْ فِى هَـٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنْيَا لَعْنَةً ۖ وَيَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ هُم مِّنَ ٱلْمَقْبُوحِينَ
And We caused to overtake them in this world a curse, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be of the despised.
۞ وَلَقَدْ وَصَّلْنَا لَهُمُ ٱلْقَوْلَ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ
And We have [repeatedly] conveyed to them the word [i.e., the Qur’ān] that they might be reminded.
فَأَمَّا مَن تَابَ وَءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحًا فَعَسَىٰٓ أَن يَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُفْلِحِينَ
But as for one who had repented, believed, and done righteousness, it is expected [i.e., promised by Allāh] that he will be among the successful.
وَلَوْلَآ أَن تُصِيبَهُم مُّصِيبَةٌۢ بِمَا قَدَّمَتْ أَيْدِيهِمْ فَيَقُولُوا۟ رَبَّنَا لَوْلَآ أَرْسَلْتَ إِلَيْنَا رَسُولًا فَنَتَّبِعَ ءَايَـٰتِكَ وَنَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
And if not that a disaster should strike them for what their hands put forth [of sins] and they would say, "Our Lord, why did You not send us a messenger so we could have followed Your verses and been among the believers?"...