فلما قضى موسى الاجل وسار باهله انس من جانب الطور نارا قال لاهله امكثوا اني انست نارا لعلي اتيكم منها بخبر او جذوة من النار لعلكم تصطلون

۞ فَلَمَّا قَضَىٰ مُوسَى ٱلْأَجَلَ وَسَارَ بِأَهْلِهِۦٓ ءَانَسَ مِن جَانِبِ ٱلطُّورِ نَارًا قَالَ لِأَهْلِهِ ٱمْكُثُوٓا۟ إِنِّىٓ ءَانَسْتُ نَارًا لَّعَلِّىٓ ءَاتِيكُم مِّنْهَا بِخَبَرٍ أَوْ جَذْوَةٍ مِّنَ ٱلنَّارِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَصْطَلُونَ

I absolutely love how Allah SWT dedicated an entire Ayah in the Quran to show how Prophet Musa AS clearly communicated with his family: 'I have spotted a fire. I will either bring you some directions from there, or a burning torch so you may warm yourselves.' Instead of just doing things on his own, Prophet Musa AS expressed his thoughts, his intentions and his next point of action, and it made me think, Subhnallah, how ironic it is that many of us now struggle with communicating with our loved ones. How many of us suppress our thoughts and emotions, sweeping them away under the carpet? The Quran also immortalises the sincere Du'as that were made by our beloved Prophets (may Allah SWT be pleased with them all) - and these Du'as were verbally uttered. So even if we know Allah SWT could read our hearts and our minds, perhaps it is in the actual verbalising of our thoughts that we are able to declutter and process the internal chaos in our heads.

جزاك اللهُ خيراً Very good observation and very nicely put. Allah swt could have just said that Moosa AS saw fire and went after to check it out. We know Allah swt has placed every word and every ayat in the Quran with his infinite wisdom. I agree that in our close relationships we exchange a lot of information but lack at communicating, especially our sentiments of appreciation

Subhanallah! Musa (as) was lost in the cold desert. Suddenly Allah did not only (probably) showed him the way but charged him with even a greater prupose as a prophet! When we are in difficulties and don't see a way out, we are eager to solve the problem and find a way out while Allah might give you a whole other direction/purpose/solution than what you have (not even explicit) asked for on that exact point where you are lost!

Musa Aleyhisalam' Transformative Journey to Madyan: Timeless Life Lessons

When Musa Aleyhisalam arrived in Madyan, he was shrouded in uncertainty, his future path unclear. Yet, with unwavering trust in the Divine, he embarked on a journey that would forever alter his destiny. From a fugitive to a revered leader and prophet, Musa' (AS) metamorphosis serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith.

As we reflect on his remarkable journey, we discover invaluable lessons that continue to inspire and guide us:

1. The Power of Selfless Service: Before seeking personal solace, Musa extended a helping hand to Shuayb's daughters, demonstrating the profound impact of selflessness. By prioritizing others' needs, we become vessels of divine blessings.

2. Unfiltered Prayers: Musa' (AS) humble supplication, free from predetermined expectations, exemplifies the beauty of surrender. By releasing our notions of how prayers should be answered, we open ourselves to divine surprises.

3. Embracing Every Opportunity: Musa' (AS) acceptance of Shuayb's (AS) invitation illustrates the importance of recognizing potential in unexpected encounters. By broadening our perspective, we acknowledge the boundless knowledge of the Provider.

4. Seizing the Moment: Moses' humility in accepting the role of a shepherd and later, marriage, underscores the value of embracing opportunity without arrogance. He seized the opportunity, humbly accepting the offer. Despite being raised in Pharaoh's palace, nurtured in luxury, and holding a princely position in Pharaoh's council, he now willingly embraced the humble role of a shepherd. His willingness to serve teaches us to recognize and grasp life's openings.

5. Faithfulness in Small Things Precedes Greatness: 
Often, in pursuit of something greater, we neglect to understand and fulfill our existing responsibilities. We yearn for more, forgetting that our current behavior shapes our destiny. By failing to wholeheartedly fulfill the responsibilities Allah has entrusted to us, we jeopardize our potential for greater assignments. Our behavior today shapes tomorrow's opportunities. When Musa Aleyhisalam beheld the fire, he didn't perceive it as a beacon of prophethood. Instead, he approached it as a practical means to provide warmth for his family.

At that moment, Musa (AS) was simply fulfilling his immediate responsibility as a family leader, ensuring the comfort and well-being of his loved ones. Unaware of the profound destiny awaiting him, he remained focused on his present duties. But his excellence in his existing role led him to a greater purpose.

So Why did Allah orchestrate Moses' journey to prophethood in this way? It was to leave an indelible mark on humanity, guiding us through our own 'Madyans' – moments of uncertainty and self-doubt. By emulating Musa' (AS) selflessness, humility, and faith, we invite Divine providence to navigate life's twists and turns.

Note, as an oral tradition, stories were very important to the Arab and the sahaba particularly enjoyed the sequential nature of Quranic stories.
The burning bush is often described as a miracle because the fire did not spread to other areas or burn the bush to ashes as would be expected. But one thing many people don't notice is how Allah particularly chose fire to be what brings Musa to the message. Musa is in need of fire (remember his duaa of being impoverished and needing whatever Allah brings). Fire is in fact one of the necessities of life on earth, for food, warmth, safety, etc. This need was the conduit through which Musa was brought to Allah's message. Commonly referenced in the Quran is man's relationship with Allah's rizq. Some running to it with appreciation and love of Allah. Other's running to it with arrogance and thinking they're self-sufficient as referenced in surat Al-Alaq!

Allah is in no need to demonstrate the miracles of turning the staff into a snake. He has no obligation to grant Harun prophethood as well. He doesn't need to prime Musa (AS). It is Allah's mercy that He did that to assure Musa that He is safe and teach him of his 'tools' for this mission. 
One thing to remember is Musa AS is returning to Firawn's land 10 to 20 years after escaping! The two proofs are the staff and the hand. Stories of how the staff came to Musa vary and Allahu 3lam. 

What I find interesting is, Allah primes Musa to know how the miracles will happen (ie. he practices it). And yet, the biggest miracle (splitting of the sea), Musa doesn't know how it will take place. He just knows Allah will take care of him. Do we trust Allah when He shows us the way and when He keeps it hidden until it is time?

Personal Reflection on Surah Al-Qasas

You know… some Surahs, they whisper to your heart.
But Surah Al-Qasas… it feels like life itself is speaking.
Messy. Unexpected. But never out of Allah’s hands.

I didn’t expect it to hit this deep.But maybe that’s what Qur’an does it finds you in your life’s mess and reminds you… Hey… this chaos? It’s not random.

You look at Musa (AS), and honestly, it feels like watching someone just… fall from one test into another.
Born in danger.
Separated from his mother.
Raised by the enemy who wanted him dead.
Then forced to run away, all alone.

And I sat there thinking:
How many times has my life felt like that, too?

When you think you’ve finally reached peace, but something crumbles beneath your feet.
When you have to walk away from everything you know, because staying would destroy you.
When you’re standing in a desert of uncertainty thinking, 'Ya Allah… where now?'

And then…
This one ayah stops you in your tracks:

'And your Lord creates what He wills and chooses. Not for them was the choice.'

SubhanAllah.

How many times have I tried to write my own story,
getting frustrated when things didn’t go my way 
forgetting that it’s not my pen to hold in the first place.

Musa (AS) didn’t know the plan when he fled.
He didn’t know Midian would be a place of healing.
He didn’t know that a burning bush in the desert would change everything.

But Allah knew !!
Allah always knew.

And that’s what this Surah taught me:
Even when life looks like it’s falling apart, Allah is quietly piecing it together.

There’s another moment that broke me.

When Musa (AS) reaches Midian, exhausted and alone,
he helps two strangers ….no reward, no expectations.
And then what does he do?
He turns to Allah and says:

'My Lord, I am in desperate need of whatever good You would send down to me.'

No fancy dua.
No long speech.
Just honest, raw, human need.

And honestly?
I’ve prayed like that, too.
Those nights where words fail and all you can say is,
'Ya Allah… I’m tired. Please. Just help.'

And then?
Relief didn’t come as a miracle crashing down from the sky.
It came as kindness. As a home. As belonging.

It reminded me…
Sometimes Allah answers your prayers gently, quietly 
through people, through places, through peace you didn’t see coming.

But the Surah doesn’t just comfort you.
It also confronts you.

Because then you meet Pharaoh.
The man who thought he was untouchable.
Powerful. Eternal.
But he drowned.
All that arrogance, gone in a single wave.And I had to ask myself…How much Pharaoh is hiding in me?
How many times have I clung to control,
wanted to be in charge,or chased this world like it would last forever?

Then Allah says something that hit me hard:

'The home of the Hereafter, We assign it to those who do not desire exaltedness on the earth or corruption. And the best outcome is for the righteous.'

It’s like Allah is asking:
Are you still trying to be important in a world that’s fading?
Are you still building castles in sand?

And deep down… I knew.
I have a long way to go.

But maybe, like Musa (AS), it’s not about being perfect.
It’s about being real.
Running to Allah tired, scared, broken, but sincere.

So what did this Surah leave me with?

→ Life’s detours are divine directions.
→ Humility opens doors that power never will.
→ My job isn’t to control the story …it’s to trust the Author.
→ And maybe the hardest part?
I have to kill the Pharaoh in my own heart before death does it for me.

That truth hurts.
But I’m learning to sit with it.
Because maybe the cracks in my heart…
are exactly where Allah’s light can finally enter 🤲🏻

#quranicreflection #personal reflection #surah

JazakAllahu Khairan  Very comforting and to the point. It also summarizes the cycle of life, in between tests and tribulation there are moments of peace and stability. Great lessons in the lives of the Prophets Musa and our own beloved Muhammad PBUH. 


Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh!  

InshaAllah we will continue our Live Interactive Reflection Workshops -Reflection Retreats at 2:30pm (GMT) / 3 January 2026. 

These workshops are designed to help you in reflecting on the Quran more effectively inshAllah. The sessions touch on;  

1- The Five Lenses for reflecting on the Quran as developed by our resident scholar Dr. Sohaib Saeed which you can find here http://www.quranreflect.com/5lenses  
2- The Way to The Quran by Ustadh Khurram Murad (RA)  
3- Tadubbur Tips developed by Sr. Ilham  
4- Following a brief discussion of the above by our Quran Reflect Moderators (Br. Basit and Sr. Ilham and myself) we will then apply the principles learnt to a case study verse(s) in the Quran.  
5- Before our forthcoming workshop we invite you to study the following Surah/ Verses in advance: [Surah Al-Qasas,  (28), Verses 1-15]   

Please join us and see details below.  

📅 Session Date: Saturday, 3 January 2026  
⏰ Time: 
2:30 PM GMT (UK) 
9:30 AM EST (New York) 
7:30 PM PKT (Pakistan) 
10:30 PM MYT (Malaysia) 
5:30 PM AST (Saudi Arabia)   

👉 Join and interact live: www.quranreflect.com/zoom
#reflectionRetreat ​ ​ ​#alqasas ​ ​ ​

While speaking about the names of surahs, the connections between a surah's name and its theme, and how frequently the story of Moosaa is mentioned throughout the Qur'an, al-Suyooti mentioned:

[قال بعضهم : كاد القرآن أن يكون كله لموسى وكان أولى سورة أن تسمى به سورة طه أو سورة القصص أو الأعراف ; لبسط قصته في الثلاثة ما لم يبسط في غيرها]

Some have said: Nearly the entire Qur'an is about Moosaa, and the surah that would be most entitled to be named after him is surah Taha, or surah al-Qasas, or surah al-A'raaf, for his story is drawn out in greater detail in these three surahs than it is in any other surahs.

[al-Itqan 1/204]