قَالَ رَبُّ ٱلْمَشْرِقِ وَٱلْمَغْرِبِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَآ ۖ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ 28
Translations
[Moses] said, "Lord of the east and the west and that between them, if you were to reason."
Transliteration
Qala Rabbu al-mashriqi wa-al-maghrabi wa-ma baynahuma, in kuntum ta'qilun
Tafsir (Explanation)
Musa (Moses) responds to Pharaoh's demand to identify his Lord by declaring that Allah is the Lord of the East and West and everything between them, an irrefutable proof of Allah's absolute sovereignty and dominion over all creation. This statement appeals to reason and observable reality—the sun's rising in the east and setting in the west are undeniable signs that should convince any rational person of Allah's lordship. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that Musa presents logical evidence comprehensible to all people, challenging Pharaoh to use his intellect to recognize the truth.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Musa's confrontation with Pharaoh in Surah Ash-Shu'ara. Pharaoh arrogantly asks Musa about his Lord, and Musa responds with this powerful declaration of Allah's universality and omnipotence. The surah as a whole addresses the rejection of truth by arrogant disbelievers and validates the truthfulness of the prophets, including Musa.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly quotes this ayah, Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim contain numerous hadiths about recognizing Allah's signs in creation (ayat), such as the Prophet's (ﷺ) statements encouraging reflection upon the heavens and earth as evidence of Allah's existence and power.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that evidence of Allah's lordship is not hidden or mystical but observable to anyone who uses their intellect—the natural order of creation itself testifies to Allah's dominion. For modern believers, it encourages us to reflect upon the signs around us and use reason alongside faith, while reminding us that truth appeals to both heart and mind.