ٱشْدُدْ بِهِۦٓ أَزْرِى 31
Translations
Increase through him my strength
Transliteration
Ishdul bihi azri
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah is part of Prophet Musa's (Moses) supplication to Allah, where he asks Him to strengthen his back/resolve through his brother Harun (Aaron). Musa is requesting divine assistance to bear the burden of the prophethood and the mission ahead. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that 'azr' (back/strength) here refers to one's resolve, determination, and ability to carry out the divine mission, with Harun being a source of support and partnership in this task.
Revelation Context
This verse occurs within Surah Ta-Ha, a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of Islam. It is part of the narrative of Musa's conversation with Allah at Mount Sinai, where Musa is being commissioned as a messenger. The context shows Musa's initial hesitation and his requests for support from Allah before accepting the heavy responsibility of confronting Pharaoh and delivering the message to the Children of Israel.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly quotes this ayah, there is a thematic connection to the principle of mutual support in the hadith: 'The believer to another believer is like a building, one part supports the other' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, the concept of seeking strength through companionship relates to hadiths emphasizing the importance of righteous companions in one's faith journey.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that it is praiseworthy to acknowledge our limitations and seek support from Allah and righteous companions in facing life's challenges; true strength comes not from arrogance but from relying upon Allah while utilizing the resources and people He provides to assist us.
Related Ayahs
فَيَذَرُهَا قَاعًا صَفْصَفًا
And He will leave it [i.e., the earth] a level plain;
وَأْمُرْ أَهْلَكَ بِٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَٱصْطَبِرْ عَلَيْهَا ۖ لَا نَسْـَٔلُكَ رِزْقًا ۖ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكَ ۗ وَٱلْعَـٰقِبَةُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ
And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness.
فَرَجَعَ مُوسَىٰٓ إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِۦ غَضْبَـٰنَ أَسِفًا ۚ قَالَ يَـٰقَوْمِ أَلَمْ يَعِدْكُمْ رَبُّكُمْ وَعْدًا حَسَنًا ۚ أَفَطَالَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْعَهْدُ أَمْ أَرَدتُّمْ أَن يَحِلَّ عَلَيْكُمْ غَضَبٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَأَخْلَفْتُم مَّوْعِدِى
So Moses returned to his people, angry and grieved. He said, "O my people, did your Lord not make you a good promise? Then, was the time [of its fulfillment] too long for you, or did you wish that wrath from your Lord descend upon you, so you broke your promise [of obedience] to me?"
وَأَنَا ٱخْتَرْتُكَ فَٱسْتَمِعْ لِمَا يُوحَىٰٓ
And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed [to you].