Juz 20: An-Naml 56 to Al-ʿAnkabūt 45
Section 8 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
8. Musa's Growth, Mistake, and Flight to Madyan
As Musa (peace be upon him) grew to maturity in the house of Pharaoh, he developed into a man of exceptional strength and wisdom:
ولما بلغ أشده واستوى آتيناه حكما وعلما وكذلك نجزي المحسنين
“And when he reached his maturity and became perfect, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. This is how We reward those who are good in their deeds.”
Despite growing up in the royal household, Musa maintained a strong connection to his people, the oppressed Children of Israel. This connection would lead to a pivotal incident that changed the course of his life. One day, he entered the city and witnessed a physical altercation between an Egyptian and an Israelite. Instinctively defending his tribesman:
ودخل المدينة على حين غفلة من أهلها فوجد فيها رجلين يقتتلان هذا من شيعته وهذا من عدوه فاستغاثه الذي من شيعته على الذي من عدوه فوكزه موسى فقضى عليه
“Once he entered the city at a time when its people were not aware, and found therein two men fighting, one from his own group and the other from his enemies. Then the one from his own group called him for help against the one who was from his enemies. So, Musa struck him with his fist and finished him off.”
The result was unexpected and tragic - Musa's punch proved fatal to the Egyptian. Immediately, Musa recognized the gravity of his action:
قال هذا من عمل الشيطان إنه عدو مضل مبين قال رب إني ظلمت نفسي فاغفر لي فغفر له إنه هو الغفور الرحيم
“He said, "This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a clear enemy who misleads. He said, "O my Lord, I have wronged myself, so forgive me." So He forgave him. Indeed, He is the Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful.”
This incident reveals Musa's deep moral conscience. Despite his position and power as a prince of Egypt, he immediately acknowledged his wrongdoing and sought Allah's forgiveness, which was promptly granted. His response reflects the qualities of a true believer - recognition of error, immediate repentance, and commitment to change.
Following this incident, Musa became cautious, recognizing the potential consequences of his actions:
قال رب بما أنعمت علي فلن أكون ظهيرا للمجرمين
“He said, "O my Lord, since”