and others said: thirty-three years. “And he became mature,” that is, he reached forty years of age. (1) Sa‘id ibn Jubayr also narrated this from Ibn ‘Abbas. (2) It was also said that “he became mature” means that his youth had come to an end. “We granted him judgment and knowledge,” that is, understanding, sound reason, and knowledge of the religion. Thus Moses possessed knowledge and exercised judgment before he was sent as a prophet. “Thus do We reward those who do good.”

“And he entered the city at a time when its people were unaware, and found there two men fighting: one from his own people and the other from his enemy. The one from his own people appealed to him for help against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him with his fist and killed him. He said, ‘This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.’” (15)

Regarding His saying, “And he entered the city”: that is, Moses entered the city. Al-Suddi said: It was the city of Manf in Egypt. Muqatil said: It was the village of Habin, at a distance of two farsakhs from Egypt. It was also said that it was the city of Ain Shams. (3) “At a time when its people were unaware,” meaning at the time of the midday rest, when people were occupied with their siesta. Muhammad ibn Ka‘b al-Qurazi said: He entered it between sunset and nightfall.

They differed over the reason Moses entered the city at that time. Al-Suddi said: Moses, peace be upon him, was called Pharaoh’s son. He would ride Pharaoh’s mounts and wear clothing like his. One day Pharaoh rode out while Moses was not with him. When Moses came, he was told, “Pharaoh has ridden out.” So he rode after him, and the time for the midday rest overtook him in the land of Manf. He entered it at noon, when there was no one at its outskirts. This is the meaning of His saying, exalted is He: “And he entered the city at a time when its people were unaware.”

Ibn Ishaq said: Moses had followers among the Children of Israel who listened to him and followed his example. When he recognized the truth upon which he stood, he saw that he must part from Pharaoh and his people. He therefore opposed them in their religion, until this became known of him; they feared him, and he feared them. Thus he would enter no town except in fear and apprehension. One day, he entered it at a time when its people were unaware.

Ibn Zayd said: When Moses struck Pharaoh with the staff during his childhood and gained the upper hand over him, Pharaoh intended to kill him. But Pharaoh’s wife said, “He is only a child.” So he refrained from killing him and ordered that he be expelled from his city. Moses did not return among them until he had grown up and reached his full strength. Then he entered the city at a time when its people were unaware—that is, unaware of Moses, having forgotten his news and his affair because so long a time had passed since they had known him. (4)