Surah Al-Qasas (28) — Ayah 34

(Ayah 34){ وَ اَخِيْ هٰرُوْنُ هُوَ اَفْصَحُ مِنِّيْ لِسَانًا … : ’’ رِدْاً ‘‘} Helper, a buttress of a wall that is placed to strengthen it. In some narrations, it is mentioned that once in childhood, Musa (peace be upon him) grabbed Pharaoh’s beard, so he said, “This is the one about whom the prophecy was made that my kingdom will fall at his hands.” Because of this, he firmly resolved to kill Musa (peace be upon him). Asiyah (peace be upon her) said, “He is just a child, what does he know of such things? Place a burning coal and a jewel before him and see.” When a burning coal and a jewel were placed before Musa (peace be upon him) to test him, and he reached out towards the jewel, Jibril (peace be upon him) took his hand and directed it towards the coal, and he picked it up and put it in his mouth, which burned his tongue and caused a stutter. However, this story is not established from any reliable source. But from the supplication of Musa (peace be upon him) mentioned in Surah Ta-Ha (25 to 28), it is known that there was some knot in his tongue due to which he had difficulty in making things understood, and he prayed for its removal. Pharaoh also taunted him about this: «{ اَمْ اَنَا خَيْرٌ مِّنْ هٰذَا الَّذِيْ هُوَ مَهِيْنٌ وَّ لَا يَكَادُ يُبِيْنُ }» [ الزخرف : ۵۲ ] “Rather, am I not better than this one who is insignificant and can hardly make himself clear?”

Here, the second danger he mentioned is that, due to not being able to make things fully clear, he fears that Pharaoh and his chiefs will deny him. Harun’s tongue is more eloquent than mine; if it comes to debate, he will prove to be my helper, so send him with me as a helper so that he may confirm me, that is, explain the truth thoroughly, respond to the objections of the disbelievers in such a way that they do not dare to deny it. In Surah Ta-Ha (29 to 36), this matter is mentioned in more detail. From these verses, it is evident how sincere Musa (peace be upon him) was in fulfilling the responsibility of prophethood in the best manner and how concerned he was for it.

34-1 According to Israeli traditions, Prophet Musa (Moses) ؑ had a stammer in his tongue, and the reason given is that a burning coal and a date or a pearl were placed before Prophet Musa ؑ, and he picked up the coal and put it in his mouth, which burned his tongue. Whether this reason is authentic or not, at least from this text of the Noble Quran it is established that compared to Prophet Musa ؑ, Prophet Harun (Aaron) ؑ was more eloquent, and there was a knot in Prophet Musa’s ؑ tongue. He prayed for its removal after being honored with prophethood. The meaning of ردءا is helper, supporter, one who gives strength. That is, Harun ؑ will help and strengthen me with his eloquence.

34. "And my brother Aaron is more eloquent in speech than I am, so send him with me as a helper to confirm what I say. I fear that they will reject me [44]."

[44]
The Concerns and Plea of Sayyiduna Musa (Moses) ؑ, Allah’s Assurance of Safety, and the Granting of Prophethood to Harun (Aaron):

Musa ؑ could not refuse this tremendous trial, but he did present the dangers he foresaw in this mission. One was that he might be seized and killed for his previous crime, and the other was how those who themselves claimed to be gods would accept his invitation. Therefore, he requested at least one companion. If his brother Harun were also granted prophethood, firstly, his speech was eloquent and he could present what Musa ؑ conveyed with clarity. Secondly, he would be a helper for Musa ؑ. When everyone else denied him, at least there would be one to affirm him, which would provide some support and encouragement.