Surah al-Qasas (The Stories) 28 : 32

Explanatory Note

Again Moses did as he was instructed, putting his hand inside his garment’s top opening. Drawing it out, he received yet another shock. His hand was now a shining white, though clearly healthy. Its original colour would have been rather dark, weathered by the sun and elements. This change of colour thus symbolized the clear truth: one supported by undeniable, irrefutable evidence.

Again Moses’ spontaneous personality caught up with him as he trembled, struck with awe. But God’s care was soon forthcoming, giving him another instruction so as to calm him down: “Then draw your arm close to your side to allay your fear.” In the Arabic text, the word janāh is used to denote “side”, giving the impression that he draws it over himself like a bird, to reassure himself.

So Moses has now been given clear signs, causing him fear at first before he was reassured. Now it is time he learned of what lay ahead of him: “These, then, are two proofs from your Lord to Pharaoh and his nobles. They are indeed wicked people.” He is given a message to deliver to Pharaoh and his lieutenants, in fulfilment of the promise his mother was given when he was still a newborn baby: “We shall restore him to you, and shall make him one of Our messengers.” Despite the passage of many years, the promise has remained true, given by God who always speaks the truth.