Tafsir & Commentary
Those who drag forth (النازعات) · Meccan
فَأَرَىٰهُ ٱلْـَٔايَةَ ٱلْكُبْرَىٰ20
79:20
Translation — Sahih International
And he showed him the greatest sign,
Transliteration
Fa-arāhu al-āyat al-kubrā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Allah showing Musa (Moses) the greatest sign among the nine miracles given to him, which most scholars identify as the transformation of his staff into a serpent. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that this sign was particularly significant as it was the first miracle Musa witnessed and demonstrated Allah's absolute power over creation, serving as the foundation for his conviction and his mission to Pharaoh.
Revelation Context (Asbab al-Nuzul)
This ayah is part of the narrative about Musa's appointment as a messenger, describing the divine signs Allah granted him to convince Pharaoh and the Children of Israel. The surah focuses on the Day of Judgment and draws parallels to Allah's power demonstrated through Musa's miracles, emphasizing divine authority over all creation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned Musa's miracles in various contexts. In Sahih Bukhari, there are accounts of the Prophet discussing the nine signs/miracles (al-āyāt) given to Musa, which are understood to include the staff, the hand, the flood, locusts, lice, frogs, blood, and others from Surah Al-A'raf.
Themes
Key Lessons
This ayah reminds us that Allah provides clear signs and evidence to guide those He chooses as messengers, and by extension, to all believers who seek guidance. The greatest signs of Allah's power are often manifest in moments when we witness transformation from impossibility to reality, strengthening our faith and resolve in our own spiritual journeys.