وَمَا تِلْكَ بِيَمِينِكَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰ 17
Translations
And what is that in your right hand, O Moses?"
Transliteration
Wa mā tilka biyamīnika yā mūsā
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah asks Prophet Musa (Moses) about the staff in his right hand, which was a miraculous object that would later perform extraordinary signs. This question serves as an introduction to one of the greatest miracles—the transformation of the staff into a serpent—demonstrating Allah's power and establishing Musa's authority as a messenger. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this moment marks the beginning of Musa's prophetic mission and his preparation for confronting Pharaoh.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Taha, which was revealed in Mecca and recounts the call of Prophet Musa at Mount Tur (Sinai). The context is Allah's conversation with Musa when He appeared to him in the form of fire in the valley of Tuwa, where Allah commissioned him as a prophet and provided him with miraculous signs to present to Pharaoh and the Children of Israel.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim contain accounts of Musa's staff and its miracles. A related hadith in Sahih Muslim describes how the staff became a serpent when cast down, demonstrating divine power and serving as one of the nine signs given to Musa.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that ordinary objects can become instruments of divine will and purpose; it teaches that Allah prepares and equips His messengers with what they need to fulfill their mission, encouraging believers to trust in divine providence when called to serve a greater purpose.