Ṭâ-Hâ (Surah 20)
Ṭâ-Hâ (Ṭâ-Hâ)
Makki SurahIntroduction
Since Moses (ﷺ) and Adam (ﷺ) are mentioned passingly in the previous sûrah, their stories are recounted here in great detail. This Meccan sûrah reassures the Prophet (ﷺ) that the truth always prevails even against the most tyrannical opposition (in the form of Pharaoh) and that Allah is able to open even the hardest of hearts (in the form of Pharaoh’s magicians). Both the beginning and the end of the sûrah emphasize the divine nature of the Quran as a source of guidance and eternal bliss. Those who turn away from the Quranic reminder are warned of misery in this world and horrifying punishment on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet (ﷺ) is advised to seek comfort in patience and prayer against pagan denial, which is detailed at the beginning of the next sûrah. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
The Message of the Quran
1. Ṭâ-Hâ. 2. We have not revealed the Quran to you (O Prophet) to cause you distress, 3. but as a reminder to those in awe (of Allah). 4. (It is) a revelation from the One Who created the earth and the high heavens— 5. the Most Compassionate, (Who is) established on the Throne. 6. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth and whatever is in between and whatever is underground. 7. Whether you speak openly (or not), He certainly knows what is secret and what is even more hidden. 8. Allah—there is no god (worthy of worship) except Him. He has the Most Beautiful Names.
Surah 20 - Ṭâ-Hâ (Ṭâ-Hâ) - Verses 1-8
Moses’ Great Encounter
9. Has the story of Moses reached you (O Prophet)? 10. When he saw a fire, he said to his family, “Wait here, (for) I have spotted a fire. Perhaps I can bring you a torch from it, or find some guidance at the fire.” 11. But when he approached it, he was called, “O Moses! 12. It is truly I. I am your Lord! So take off your sandals, for you are in the sacred valley of Ṭuwa. 13. I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed: 14. ‘It is truly I. I am Allah! There is no god (worthy of worship) except Me. So worship Me (alone), and establish prayer for My remembrance. 15. The Hour is sure to come. My Will is to keep it hidden, so that every soul may be rewarded according to their efforts. 16. So do not let those who disbelieve in it and follow their desires distract you from it, or you will be doomed.’”
Surah 20 - Ṭâ-Hâ (Ṭâ-Hâ) - Verses 9-16
Two Signs for Moses
17. (Allah added,) “And what is that in your right hand, O Moses?” 18. He replied, “It is my staff! I lean on it, and with it I beat down (branches) for my sheep, and have other uses for it.” 19. Allah said, “Throw it down, O Moses!” 20. So he did, then—behold!—it became a serpent, slithering. 21. Allah said, “Take it, and have no fear. We will return it to its former state. 22. And put your hand under your armpit, it will come out (shining) white, unblemished, as another sign, 23. so that We may show you some of Our greatest signs. 24. Go to Pharaoh, for he has truly transgressed (all bounds).”
Surah 20 - Ṭâ-Hâ (Ṭâ-Hâ) - Verses 17-24
Moses Prays for Help
25. Moses prayed, “My Lord! Uplift my heart for me, 26. and make my task easy, 27. and remove the impediment from my tongue 28. so people may understand my speech, 29. and grant me a helper from my family, 30. Aaron, my brother. 31. Strengthen me through him, 32. and let him share my task, 33. so that we may glorify You much 34. and remember You much, 35. for truly You have (always) been overseeing us.” 36. Allah responded, “All that you requested has been granted, O Moses!