Surah Al-Qasas — Verse 28

Key Words and Phrases:

• Ayyamā al-ajalayni (أَيَّمَا الْأَجَلَيْنِ): "Whichever of the two terms" – referring to the two options of eight or ten years.
• Qadaytu (قَضَيْتُ): "I fulfill" or "I complete" – meaning to finish and carry out the agreed period.
• Lā ʿudwāna (فَلَا عُدْوَانَ): "No aggression" or "no transgression" – meaning no one may wrongfully demand more than what was agreed.
• Wakīl (وَكِيل): "Guardian," "Trustee," or "Witness" – One who watches over and ensures the fulfillment of an agreement.

Explanation of the Verse:

In this blessed verse, Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) responds to the noble offer made by the righteous man of Madyan, who proposed to marry his daughter to Musa in exchange for eight years of service, with the option of completing ten years as an act of voluntary goodness. Musa, peace be upon him, accepted this agreement with a spirit of sincerity, fairness, and trust in Allah.

He said: "This agreement is settled between me and you" – meaning, this contract is binding and clear between us, and we will not deviate from it. Then he specified: "Whichever of the two terms I fulfill – whether eight years or ten years – then no aggression shall be upon me." In other words, if I complete the eight years, I have fully discharged my obligation, and you have no right to demand more. And if I choose to complete the ten years out of goodwill and generosity, that is an extra virtue on my part, not an obligation.

This statement reflects the beautiful character of Musa, peace be upon him: he was precise in his commitments, honest in his words, and keen to define the terms clearly from the beginning to avoid any future dispute or misunderstanding. He did not leave room for ambiguity or exploitation, but rather set the boundaries of fairness with wisdom and clarity.

Then he concluded with the most beautiful seal of any agreement: "And Allah is Guardian over what we say." This means that Allah is the Witness and Trustee over this covenant we have made. He hears our words, knows our intentions, and will hold each of us accountable for fulfilling what we have promised. This is the hallmark of a true believer: to place every transaction, every promise, and every relationship under the watchful eye of Allah, knowing that Allah is the ultimate Guarantor of justice.

A Da'wah Reflection:

This verse teaches us profound lessons that are as relevant today as they were in the time of Musa, peace be upon him:

1. Clarity in Agreements: Islam urges us to be clear and precise in our contracts and promises. When you define your terms from the beginning, you protect yourself and others from future disputes. This is a sign of maturity and God-consciousness.
2. Fulfilling Promises: Musa, peace be upon him, did not merely speak words; he committed himself to years of hard work and service. He was a prophet who worked with his own hands, showing us that honorable work and fulfilling one's duties are acts of worship when done with sincerity.
3. Trust in Allah: By saying "Allah is Guardian over what we say," Musa teaches us to always involve Allah in our affairs. When you know that Allah is watching and will judge between you and others on the Day of Judgment, you will be more careful to be honest, fair, and true to your word.
4. The Beauty of Voluntary Goodness: The option of ten years instead of eight was not an obligation but a choice. This teaches us that Islam encourages going beyond what is required – not out of compulsion, but out of love, generosity, and the desire to please Allah and earn the gratitude of others.

Dear reader, imagine the peace of mind that comes from living a life where your word is your bond, where your agreements are clear, and where you place all your affairs in the hands of Allah. This is the tranquility that Islam offers. This is the character of the prophets, and it is available to you today. When you deal with people – in business, in marriage, in friendship – let this verse be your guide: be clear, be honest, fulfill your promises, and leave the rest to Allah, the Guardian over all that we say and do.

May Allah make us among those who honor their covenants and who are trusted by others, just as Musa, peace be upon him, was trusted by the people of Madyan.