Surah An-Naml 27:10
سُورَةُ النَّمۡلِ · Meccan · Verse 10 of 93
وَأَلْقِ عَصَاكَ ۚ فَلَمَّا رَءَاهَا تَهْتَزُّ كَأَنَّهَا جَآنٌّۭ وَلَّىٰ مُدْبِرًۭا وَلَمْ يُعَقِّبْ ۚ يَٰمُوسَىٰ لَا تَخَفْ إِنِّى لَا يَخَافُ لَدَىَّ ٱلْمُرْسَلُونَ
Translation
Throw down your staff,’ but when he saw it moving like a snake, he turned and fled. ‘Moses, do not be afraid! The messengers need have no fear in My presence,
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
As Musa approached the fire, which was in fact a divine manifestation, Allah spoke to him, commanding him, `وَأَلْقِ عَصَاكَ` (And throw down your staff). This was no ordinary command; it was part of the very communication Musa was called to, a foundational moment in his prophetic journey.
The Startling Transformation
The verse continues, `فَلَمَّا رَءَاهَا تَهْتَزُّ كَأَنَّهَا جَآنٌّۭ وَلَّىٰ مُدْبِرًۭا وَلَمْ يُعَقِّبْ` (But when he saw it moving as if it were a jann, he turned his back, fleeing, and did not return). The choice of words here is precise and paints a vivid picture. `تَهْتَزُّ` describes a rapid, active shaking or agitation, not just a static change. This highlights the startling liveliness of the staff's transformation.
The word `جَانٌّۭ` refers to a small, quick-moving serpent, renowned for its swift, light movements, as noted by al-Razi and al-Zamakhshari. This contrasts with the larger, more powerful "thu'ban" (ثُعْبَان) mentioned in other verses, suggesting that Musa's initial shock was primarily from its rapid, sudden movement.
Musa's reaction, `وَلَّىٰ مُدْبِرًۭا وَلَمْ يُعَقِّبْ`, emphasizes the intensity of his flight. `وَلَّىٰ مُدْبِرًۭا` means he turned his back and fled, and `وَلَمْ يُعَقِّبْ` further stresses that he did not even pause or look back. As Ibn Ashur explains, this is a powerful confirmation of his swift and decisive escape, illustrating the natural, human fear that momentarily overwhelmed him, even a prophet in the presence of God.
Divine Reassurance
Immediately, Allah reassures him: `يَا مُوسَىٰ لَا تَخَفْ إِنِّي لَا يَخَافُ لَدَيَّ ٱلْمُرْسَلُونَ` (O Musa, do not fear. Indeed, in My presence, messengers do not fear). The prohibition `لَا تَخَفْ` (do not fear) isn't a rebuke for his initial fear, which was a natural human response, but rather a command to let that fear cease and not continue, as Ibn Ashur clarifies. The phrase `لَدَيَّ` (in My presence) is crucial. While typically referring to a place, here it signifies "in My presence" or "when receiving My message," indicating the special protection and steadfastness Allah grants His messengers. This statement is both a reassurance and an elevation of Musa to the rank of messenger, instilling in him the courage expected of such a station.
A Deeper Mercy
The verse then expands: `إِلَّا مَن ظَلَمَ ثُمَّ بَدَّلَ حُسْنًا بَعْدَ سُوءٍ فَإِنِّي غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ` (Except whoever has wronged, then replaced good after evil, indeed, I am Forgiving, Merciful). The word `إِلَّا` (except) here serves as a powerful nuance. While messengers are protected, this exception delivers a profound message of Allah's mercy. Many scholars, including Ibn Ashur, connect `مَن ظَلَمَ` (whoever wronged) specifically to Musa's earlier act of accidentally killing the Egyptian, an event Musa himself acknowledged by saying, "My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself."
The phrase `بَدَّلَ حُسْنًا بَعْدَ سُوءٍ` means to replace a state of sin or shortcoming (`سوء`) with sincere repentance and good deeds (`حسن`). This part of the verse, following immediately after the reassurance to Musa, served to calm his heart further, confirming that his past sincere repentance was accepted and forgiven. It broadens the scope of divine mercy, reminding us that for anyone who turns from wrongdoing to sincere repentance, Allah is `غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ` (Most Forgiving, Most Merciful).
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah An-Naml 27:10 is discussed in 3 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
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