Surah al-Qasas (The Stories) 28 : 28

Explanatory Note

Moses accepted the offer, and the contract was made, clear and precise, with God as a witness. Contractual agreements must be made in all clarity, leaving no room for ambiguity. Neither parry should allow shyness or embarrassment to interfere with such purpose. Thus, Moses approves the offer and accepts the conditions outlined by the old man. He then repeats the main condition to ensure that there is no misunderstanding: “Whichever of the two terms I fulfil, I trust I shall not be wronged.” Whether I stay eight or ten years I shall not be wronged with regard to the working conditions, or with being forced to stay ten years. Any stay beyond eight years is a matter of my own choice. “God is the witness to all we say.” God is the witness who ensures justice between the two parties to any contract.

Moses put this so clearly because he was a straight and frank person who wanted the agreement to be absolutely clear and precise. Yet he also intended to stay the longer term, and did actually do so. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned that Moses “spent the longer and better of the two terms.” [Related by al- Bukhārī.]

Thus Moses found a place of security in his father-in-law’s home, having no fear of Pharaoh and his designs. This was certainly for a definite purpose God wanted to accomplish. We will now let this episode pass, as the sūrah does not state anything further about it.