وما اعجلك عن قومك يا موسى

۞ وَمَآ أَعْجَلَكَ عَن قَوْمِكَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰ

The context of this ayah, I believe, is after Musa (as) and his people were saved from Pharoah, Musa (as) went ahead of his people so he could attend his appointed meeting with Allah. In the time he was away, his people began worshipping the calf.

On reflection, the ayah – and the question of 'rushing / hastening' – has a double meaning for me: 

1)	'What made you rush?' - i.e. Intention:  Sometimes in life, we rush ahead, enthusiastically seeking to do something. But even if that thing is good (as was the case in the ayah), we must ask ourselves why we’re rushing towards it. What is the driving force for our energy and zeal?

2)	'Why did you rush?' - i,e. Responsibility:  In rushing to do good, and seeking personal spiritual growth, we must still consider the communal responsibilities we may have, and balance between the two. 

Keeping these two aspects in mind can help reinforce positive behaviour in a healthy way. 

Personally, as a father of 2 young girls, I often find it difficult to work a full day, then spend quality time with my children, and then find time to do extra worship. Sometimes I feel like I’m missing out on Quran reading time, because I’m playing tea party with them, and other times I feel like I’m not being a present and attentive father to them, because I’m maybe trying to practice my hifz whilst playing with them.

But reflecting on this ayah now, I realise that Allah will ask me about my personal growth, as well as my family investment. And if I get my intention right (i.e. to please Allah alone), then I should not see one as conflicting with the other, but rather see them as two sides of a weighing scale, with my goal being to keep it balanced. It’s not going to be easy, but if my intention is right, then whatever side I’m on, I’ll insha’Allah still be rushing towards Allah.

Reflections on Surah Taha Ayah 83