Surah Al-Qasas 28:30
سُورَةُ القَصَصِ · Meccan · Verse 30 of 88
فَلَمَّآ أَتَىٰهَا نُودِىَ مِن شَٰطِئِ ٱلْوَادِ ٱلْأَيْمَنِ فِى ٱلْبُقْعَةِ ٱلْمُبَٰرَكَةِ مِنَ ٱلشَّجَرَةِ أَن يَٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِنِّىٓ أَنَا ٱللَّهُ رَبُّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ
Translation
But when he reached it, a voice called out to him from the right-hand side of the valley, from a tree on the blessed ground: ‘Moses, I am God, the Lord of the Worlds.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
As Musa drew near to the mysterious fire, seeking warmth or guidance for his family, a profound event unfolded. The Quran tells us: "فَلَمَّآ أَتَىٰهَا نُودِىَ" (When he reached it, he was called out to). The word "نُودِىَ" (nūdiya), meaning "he was called out to," is presented in the passive voice. This choice of wording immediately focuses our attention on the *act* of the calling itself, creating a sense of awe and mystery before revealing the Caller. It emphasizes the momentous nature of the divine address.
A Sacred Place
The call came "مِن شَٰطِئِ ٱلْوَادِ ٱلْأَيْمَنِ فِي ٱلْبُقْعَةِ ٱلْمُبَٰرَكَةِ" (from the right bank of the valley, in the blessed spot). The description of the location is rich with meaning. The term "ٱلْأَيْمَنِ" (al-Ayman) can refer to the "right" side (as opposed to left) or, more significantly, mean "blessed," stemming from the Arabic word *yumn* (blessing). This duality suggests a location distinguished either by its geographical orientation or, more likely, by its inherent sacredness. This sacredness is further underlined by "ٱلْبُقْعَةِ ٱلْمُبَٰرَكَةِ" (the blessed spot), a specific piece of land chosen and blessed by Allah for the momentous occasion of His revelation to Musa.
The Source of the Voice
Then comes the powerful phrase: "مِنَ ٱلشَّجَرَةِ" (from the tree). Scholars like Ibn Ashur and al-Jalalayn explain that this signifies the call emanating from or being intimately connected with a particular tree within that blessed valley. The use of the definite article "al-" (the) in "al-Shajarah" (the Tree) indicates it wasn't just any tree, but a specific, known, and intended tree for this divine manifestation. It is crucial to understand that this does not mean Allah Himself was *in* the tree. Rather, as Imam al-Razi clarifies, Allah's speech is eternal and not confined to a physical space. The sounds Musa heard were created by Allah *at* or *from* the tree as a miraculous sign. It was a manifestation of divine power, allowing Musa to perceive the sound, much like other miraculous events in which created things become signs from Allah.
The Declaration of Identity
The call culminates in the direct, majestic declaration: "أَن يَٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِنِّىٓ أَنَا ٱللَّهُ رَبُّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ" (That: O Musa, indeed I am Allah, Lord of the Worlds). The repetition and emphasis in "إِنِّىٓ أَنَا ٱللَّهُ" (Indeed, I am Allah) leave no doubt about the Speaker's identity. This powerful and direct assertion underscores the absolute oneness and supreme authority of the Caller. Furthermore, the divine title "رَبُّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ" (Lord of the Worlds) is particularly significant here. As Ibn Ashur notes, this attribute assures Musa that the One speaking is the Sovereign over all creation and all beings. This reassurance was vital for Musa, preparing him for the immense responsibility of prophethood and fortifying his heart against any fear or doubt in the face of such a monumental encounter.
Sources: al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-Qasas 28:30 is discussed in one study guide on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
- Blessing (Barakah) (key verse)
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Al-Qasas 28:30 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.