Surah Al-Qasas 28:24
سُورَةُ القَصَصِ · Meccan · Verse 24 of 88
فَسَقَىٰ لَهُمَا ثُمَّ تَوَلَّىٰٓ إِلَى ٱلظِّلِّ فَقَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّى لِمَآ أَنزَلْتَ إِلَىَّ مِنْ خَيْرٍۢ فَقِيرٌۭ
Translation
He watered their flocks for them, withdrew into the shade, and prayed, ‘My Lord, I am in dire need of whatever good thing You may send me,’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
The verse (28:24) invites us into a moment of profound humility and reliance on Allah, as Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, seeks refuge and sustenance. After a long, arduous journey and a physically demanding act of kindness, his words capture the essence of a soul utterly dependent on its Creator.
A Heart of Compassion and Action
The verse begins, "فَسَقَىٰ لَهُمَا" (So he watered for them). The initial "فَ" (fa) is more than just "so" or "then"; it signals immediate action, a quick, unhesitating response from Musa upon seeing the two women in need. Ibn Ashur notes this "fa" conveys his promptness and alacrity. The phrase "لَهُمَا" (for them), meaning "for their sake," further emphasizes Musa's selfless compassion. He didn't just water the animals; he did it *for* the women, relieving them of their burden. The scholarly commentaries highlight that the object of his watering (their sheep or flock) is not explicitly mentioned. This omission, as Ibn Ashur explains, shifts the focus from *what* was watered to the *act* of watering itself, underscoring Musa's generous deed.
Retreating for Solace
Immediately after his exertion, the verse states, "ثُمَّ تَوَلَّىٰٓ إِلَى ٱلظِّلِّ" (Then he turned to the shade). The word "ثُمَّ" (thumma - then) suggests a sequence with a slight pause, indicating that Musa completed the task fully before tending to his own needs. The verb "تَوَلَّىٰ" (tawallā - he turned away/retreated) implies a decisive movement to seek respite. Al-Razi observes that seeking shade after watering points to the intense sun and heat in which Musa worked, underscoring his extraordinary strength despite his weakened state. This turning to the shade is a powerful image of a weary traveler seeking solace and rest.
The Humble Supplication
It is in this state of exhaustion and relief that Musa turns to his Lord, "فَقَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّى لِمَآ أَنزَلْتَ إِلَىَّ مِنْ خَيْرٍۢ فَقِيرٌۭ" (So he said, "My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to me, in need."). Again, the "فَ" (fa) shows an immediate consequence: rest in the shade led directly to turning to Allah.
His address "رَبِّ" (Rabbi - My Lord) is an intimate, heartfelt plea, a direct appeal to the One who nurtures and sustains. The particle "إِنِّى" (innī - indeed I am) adds emphasis, a deep, truthful admission of his condition.
The most profound aspect of this prayer lies in "لِمَآ أَنزَلْتَ إِلَىَّ مِنْ خَيْرٍۢ فَقِيرٌۭ." The word "فَقِيرٌ" (faqīr - needy, poor) is typically followed by "ila" (to), but here it's "li" (for). Al-Zamakhshari and al-Razi explain that this specific grammatical construction implies not just being poor *to* good, but actively *seeking* and *desiring* it, like one who asks for charity. It shows a proactive, urgent need.
Furthermore, Musa uses the past tense verb "أَنزَلْتَ" (anzalta - You have sent down), even though he is praying for future good. Ibn Ashur beautifully explains that this isn't just a request for what's yet to come, but a comprehensive expression of gratitude for all the good Allah had *already* sent him (like his salvation from Pharaoh, his wisdom, his safe journey) while also acknowledging his ongoing need for Allah's favors. It's a prayer that binds past blessings with present needs. The phrase "مِنْ خَيْرٍۢ" (min khayrin - of any good) is intentionally general, indicating Musa's openness to any form of provision, whether food, shelter, or companionship, as he was a hungry, lonely stranger.
This verse, through its precise wording, paints a vivid picture of Prophet Musa's reliance on Allah. It teaches us that after exhausting our human efforts and acting with compassion, we should turn to our Lord with humility, acknowledging Him as the source of all good, past, present, and future, in every aspect of our lives.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Qasas 28:24 is discussed in 11 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Qasas 28:24 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.