Found in the 20th chapter of the Quran is the heartwarming surah Taha, which was revealed to the prophet mainly to reassure him and calm his anxiety.
You can raise your expectations of what can be found in this surah, from greatness, comfort, and exceptional storytelling.
Surah Taha Benefits
The Story of Prophet Musa
From the beginning of the message to the time when the Children of Israel took the calf after their exodus from Egypt, in detailed and lengthy ways. It is evident during this story that Allah cared for Musa, when Allah sent him to meet the Pharaoh, Musa expressed his fears. The reply that came back from Allah was:
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you, I hear and I see” (Taha: 46).
Several lessons emerge from this:
Trust in Allah
When Musa expressed his fears, Allah responded with reassurance and told him that he was with him all the way. This is an example from Surah Taha of trusting Allah’s presence and support in times of hardship.
Perseverance
There is no turning back for prophet Musa even when the matter gets very difficult. The trials and tests that prophet Musa went through and the patience he exercised in them are an inspiration in themselves.
Reliance upon Allah’s Mighty Power
The stick of the prophet Musa, which turns into a snake, is evidence of Allah’s mighty power. In other words, a true believer shall depend upon Allah’s mighty power that intervenes when necessary, and also knows that too much self-reliance over-exceeds the human’s potential.
The Story of Prophet Adam
The surah presented a quick, short story about prophet Adam, in which Allah’s mercy Adam after committing humanity’s first sin was highlighted. The story is filled with scenes of the Resurrection as if it were a continuation of what began in the highest place in the story of Adam, where the obedient will return to Paradise, and the disobedient will go to Hell.
“Indeed, they who deny Our verses and are arrogant toward them – the gates of Heaven will not be opened for them, nor will they enter Paradise until a camel enters into the eye of a needle. And thus do We recompense the criminals.” (Quran 7:40)
Remembrance of Allah:
Surah Taha talks about remembering Allah in every walk of life. Allah himself says to Musa:
“Establish prayer for My remembrance” (Quran 20:14).
This suggests frequent prayer and the mentioning of Allah are required to hold on tightly to spiritual purposes and attain peace of mind. It’s an unnegotiable part of connecting to Allah.
The Day of Judgment
The surah also talked about the Day of Judgment/Al Qiyamah, defining to the people that this world is nothing but a flea’s jump to the Hereafter. Reflecting on this helps in Prioritizing spiritual growth over material pursuits.
The Revelation of Surah Taha
It was revealed before the Prophet Muhammad migrated to Madina, which was the time when Prophet Muhammad was undergoing much opposition from the Quraysh in Makkah.
The opposition encompasses verbal accusations and physical sanctions against Muslims. But, when the surah was revealed, it comforted the Prophet and Muslims, urging them to be patient and trust in Allah’s plan. Evidently, the surah begins with Allah’s reassurance to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him):
“Taha, we have not sent down to you the Quran that you be distressed, but only as a reminder for those who fear Allah.” (Quran 20:1-3)
In the interpretation of At-Tabari, it is said that “Taha” in Nabatean means, “O man,” an invocation to the Prophet.
Youtube Video embedded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sg-I_fumtNg
Significance of Surah Taha
Surah Taha holds so much significance for Muslims because of its direct and empowering message; its structure is designed for demonstrations of Allah’s omnipotence and mercy, guiding the faithful through stories of past prophets to strengthen in them values of patience, trust, and submission to Allah’s will.
It’s also distinguished by the detailed narrative of the prophet Musa, which covers more than 80 verses. It comprises several milestones (the call for Prophet Musa, the mission to the Egyptian Pharoah, the series of signs and miracles of Musa, the plague, the fall of the pharaoh, the exodus, and the crossing of the sea)
take a few minutes to watch this engaging video about the narrative of Prophet Musa, The story is worth the time!
Classical and Modern Exegetical Views
Classical Exegesis
In classical exegesis, the interpretations forwarded by scholars such as Ibn Kathir and Al-Suyuti on these verses of surah Taha reflect deeper meanings. The love of Allah expressed for Prophet Musa in verses 39 and 41 is the focus point of their explanation. The words of Allah:
“And I bestowed upon you love from Me that you would be brought up under My eye” (Quran 20:39).
“And I have chosen you for Myself” (Quran 20:41).
They are unmistakably deep declarations of divine love and choice. The way that the prophet Musa hastened to Allah alone, leaving behind his people, is regarded as a manifestation of extreme love and longing from the scholars.
Al-Qurtubi, yet another classical scholar, explains it more on the emotional and spiritual plane. He says this is a case where prophet Musa is quite prepared to leave his people to meet Allah, no matter how putting one’s priorities in order might be very trying. It shows, therefore, how he was committed and loved Allah more than anything else.
Modern Exegesis
Modern-day scholars point toward the relevance of the lessons to contemporary issues. They urge the believers to draw spirit from the lessons that these stories give, such as the faith, steadfastness, and trust of prophet Musa in Allah amid adversity. This approach will enable Muslims to apply the major teachings of Surah Taha to their personal lives and communal living so that they get to be guided even more effectively by eternal Quranic wisdom.
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