By Abul Kasem
A note to the readers
In Part 1, I wrote that verses 2:51 and 7:142 contradicted. However, the Qur’an says in both the verses that Moses' appointment with Allah was for forty nights. Verse 2:51 clearly says forty nights. Yusuf Ali translates 7:142 in this manner (to be fair, please ignore Yusuf Ali’s insertions inside the parentheses):
A note to the readers
In Part 1, I wrote that verses 2:51 and 7:142 contradicted. However, the Qur’an says in both the verses that Moses' appointment with Allah was for forty nights. Verse 2:51 clearly says forty nights. Yusuf Ali translates 7:142 in this manner (to be fair, please ignore Yusuf Ali’s insertions inside the parentheses):
We appointed for Moses thirty nights, and completed (the period) with ten (more): thus was completed the term (of communion) with his Lord, forty nights. And Moses had charged his brother Aaron (before he went up): "Act for me amongst my people: Do right, and follow not the way of those who do mischief."Ibn Kathir explains the ambiguity in this manner:
‘Allah reminds the Children of Israel of the guidance that He sent to them by speaking directly to Musa and revealing the Tawrah to him. In it, was their law and the details of their legislation. Allah stated here that He appointed thirty nights for Musa. The scholars of Tafsir said that Musa fasted this period, and when they ended, Musa cleaned his teeth with a twig. Allah commanded him to complete the term adding ten more days, making the total forty. When the appointed term finished, Musa was about to return to Mount Tur.’This explanation is confusing. To say the least—could it that Allah’s instruction to Moses was to fast during night (forty nights in total) and seek audience with Allah during the day (forty days in total). It could be either. I chose the first option: that is, Moses fasted during nights and met Allah during day. Read more ...
Source: Islam Watch
 |
Posts
