قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّى قَتَلْتُ مِنْهُمْ نَفْسًا فَأَخَافُ أَن يَقْتُلُونِ 33
Translations
He said, "My Lord, indeed I killed from among them someone, and I fear they will kill me.
Transliteration
Qala Rabbi inni qataltu minhum nafsan fa-akhaafu an yaqtulun
Tafsir (Explanation)
Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) confesses to his Lord that he killed one of the Egyptians and fears they will execute him in retaliation. This ayah illustrates Musa's consciousness of his action and his reliance on Allah for protection and guidance. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note this reflects Musa's humility before Allah and his acknowledgment of the gravity of taking a life, even in defense of an oppressed Israelite, showing that believers should turn to Allah in moments of fear and uncertainty.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within Surah Al-Qasas, which narrates the story of Prophet Musa's early life. The context immediately precedes Allah's command for Musa to flee Egypt after he inadvertently killed a Coptic man while defending an Israelite from oppression. This represents a pivotal moment when Musa, despite his good intention, becomes a fugitive and must rely entirely on Allah's protection and mercy.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly quotes this ayah, Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim contain narrations about the incident of Musa killing the Egyptian, confirming the historical authenticity of this event as mentioned in the Qur'an. The incident is also referenced in discussions about self-defense and protection of the oppressed.
Themes
Key Lesson
When facing overwhelming fear or consequences for our actions, we should turn to Allah in sincere supplication rather than despair, trusting that He alone can provide refuge and solutions. This teaches believers to maintain consciousness of Allah (Taqwa) and seek His guidance even in our darkest moments.
Related Ayahs
قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّى ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِى فَٱغْفِرْ لِى فَغَفَرَ لَهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
He said, "My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me," and He forgave him. Indeed, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.
إِنَّ فِرْعَوْنَ عَلَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَجَعَلَ أَهْلَهَا شِيَعًا يَسْتَضْعِفُ طَآئِفَةً مِّنْهُمْ يُذَبِّحُ أَبْنَآءَهُمْ وَيَسْتَحْىِۦ نِسَآءَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ
Indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people into factions, oppressing a sector among them, slaughtering their [newborn] sons and keeping their females alive. Indeed, he was of the corrupters.
قُلْ أَرَءَيْتُمْ إِن جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلَّيْلَ سَرْمَدًا إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ مَنْ إِلَـٰهٌ غَيْرُ ٱللَّهِ يَأْتِيكُم بِضِيَآءٍ ۖ أَفَلَا تَسْمَعُونَ
Say, "Have you considered: if Allāh should make for you the night continuous until the Day of Resurrection, what deity other than Allāh could bring you light? Then will you not hear?"
وَأَنْ أَلْقِ عَصَاكَ ۖ فَلَمَّا رَءَاهَا تَهْتَزُّ كَأَنَّهَا جَآنٌّ وَلَّىٰ مُدْبِرًا وَلَمْ يُعَقِّبْ ۚ يَـٰمُوسَىٰٓ أَقْبِلْ وَلَا تَخَفْ ۖ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلْـَٔامِنِينَ
And [he was told], "Throw down your staff." But when he saw it writhing as if it was a snake, he turned in flight and did not return. [Allāh said], "O Moses, approach and fear not. Indeed, you are of the secure.