Surah Ta-Ha 20:32
سُورَةُ طه · Meccan · Verse 32 of 135
وَأَشْرِكْهُ فِىٓ أَمْرِى
Translation
Let him share my task
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
The verse "وَأَشْرِكْهُ فِىٓ أَمْرِى" (And make him a partner in my affair) is part of Prophet Musa's (Moses') profound supplication to Allah. After being commanded to confront Pharaoh, Musa, in his humility and understanding of the immense challenge ahead, asks Allah for various forms of divine assistance. This particular phrase is a plea for his brother, Harun (Aaron), to be made his partner in this momentous mission.
The Divine Mandate
The Arabic word "أَمْرِى" (`amrī`), meaning "my affair," is central here. The scholarly commentaries, like al-Jalalayn and al-Razi, clarify that this "affair" refers specifically to the grand mission of prophethood and conveying Allah's message (`ar-Risalah`). It is not merely a personal matter but the divine trust bestowed upon Musa. By specifying "my affair," Musa recognizes the sacredness and weight of the task ahead.
A Humble Partnership
The verb "وَأَشْرِكْهُ" (`wa ashrik-hu`) is presented in the form of a command, but in the context of supplication, it is a humble request. Musa is not declaring Harun his partner; rather, he is asking Allah to *ordain* Harun's partnership. As al-Zamakhshari notes, this demonstrates Musa's reliance on Allah for every aspect of his mission, even in seeking human support. The majority of recitations read this as a prayer (`du'a`), further emphasizing its nature as a plea to the Almighty.
The Deeper Purpose
Why did Musa ask for a partner? The verses immediately following (33-34) provide the profound answer: "كَيْ نُسَبِّحَكَ كَثِيراً * وَنَذْكُرَكَ كَثِيراً" (So that we may glorify You much, and remember You much). Ibn Ashur eloquently explains that having a partner like Harun would streamline the daunting task of calling people to Allah. With two prophets working together, they could cover more ground, share burdens, and dedicate more time to their divine duties. This multiplication of effort would naturally lead to a greater, more abundant (`kathiran`) glorification (`tasbih`) and remembrance (`dhikr`) of Allah. The primary goal was not personal comfort, but maximizing worship and the propagation of truth.
In essence, Musa's request highlights that even prophets, entrusted with immense responsibilities, require support and collaboration for their missions to thrive. It underscores that all strength ultimately comes from Allah, and that the ultimate aim of all efforts in His path is His abundant remembrance and glorification.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Ta-Ha 20:32 is discussed in 7 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Ta-Ha 20:32 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.