Surah Al-A'raf 7:105
سُورَةُ الأَعۡرَافِ · Meccan · Verse 105 of 206
حَقِيقٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَن لَّآ أَقُولَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْحَقَّ ۚ قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِبَيِّنَةٍۢ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَأَرْسِلْ مَعِىَ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ
Translation
duty-bound to say nothing about God but the truth, and I have brought you a clear sign from your Lord. Let the Children of Israel go with me.’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, stood before Fir'awn, the powerful ruler of Egypt, to deliver a message from Allah. His words, though concise, carried immense weight and precision, carefully chosen to convey his divine authority and purpose. This verse captures a pivotal moment in that exchange.
Musa's Claim: Uttering Only Truth
Musa begins by declaring, "حَقِيقٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَن لَّآ أَقُولَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْحَقَّ" (It is proper for me to say nothing about Allah except the truth). The word "حَقِيقٌ" (haqeeq) means "worthy," "deserving," or "obligated." The phrasing "عَلَىٰٓ" (ala) after it, meaning "upon," emphasizes a profound sense of duty. As scholars like al-Zamakhshari and al-Razi explain, this isn't just a casual statement; it signifies that speaking the truth about Allah is a fundamental, inescapable obligation for Musa. Al-Zamakhshari notes that Musa is deeply immersing himself in describing his own truthfulness, asserting that only someone like him is suitable to speak and uphold such truth. The structure "لَّآ أَقُولَ... إِلَّا ٱلْحَقَّ" (I do not say... except the truth) further reinforces this, creating an emphatic exclusivity. It means Musa's speech about Allah is absolutely and unequivocally confined to what is true.
The Weight of Proof
Musa then supports his claim with "قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِبَيِّنَةٍۢ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ" (I have certainly come to you with a clear proof from your Lord). The particle "قَدْ" (qad) before "جِئْتُكُم" (I have come) adds a strong sense of affirmation and certainty, indicating that this is an accomplished fact. The word "بَيِّنَةٍۢ" (bayyinah) signifies a clear, compelling evidence or argument. Ibn Ashur points out that while *ayah* often refers to a miracle, *bayyinah* can encompass both rational arguments and miraculous signs. Musa is asserting that his message isn't just a claim, but is backed by undeniable evidence originating directly "مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ" (from your Lord). This directly challenges Fir'awn's self-proclaimed divinity by asserting the ultimate Lordship of Allah over all creation, including Fir'awn himself.
The Consequent Demand
Following this assertion of truthfulness and divine proof, Musa makes his demand: "فَأَرْسِلْ مَعِىَ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ" (So send forth with me the Children of Israel). The connecting particle "فَ" (fa) here implies a direct consequence; because Musa is a truthful messenger with clear proof from Allah, it logically follows that Fir'awn must release Bani Israel. The command "أَرْسِلْ" (arsil), meaning "release" or "send forth," is a demand to free them from their oppressive servitude. Crucially, Musa specifies "مَعِىَ" (with me). Ibn Ashur highlights the significance of "with me," indicating that the release is not merely for their freedom, but so they can be under Musa's guidance and leadership, fulfilling their purpose as a community led by a prophet.
Through these carefully chosen words, Musa establishes his authority, presents his evidence, and articulates his divine mission with clarity and purpose, leaving no room for doubt about the origin and legitimacy of his demands.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb)
Topics that discuss this verse
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