Tafsir of Ta-Ha 20:9

He followed it with the story of Moses, peace be upon him, so that he [the Prophet] might take him as an example in bearing the burdens of prophethood, the obligations of the message, and patience in enduring hardships, until he attains success and the praiseworthy station with Allah.

It is permissible for the phrase {When he saw a fire, he said to his family, "Stay here; indeed, I have perceived a fire; perhaps I can bring you a torch from it or find at the fire some guidance"} to be:

1. An adverbial modifier for "the story," because it is a narrative.
2. Or an implicit modifier, meaning: "At the time when he saw a fire, such and such happened."
3. Or an object of "mention."

Moses had asked Shu'ayb, peace be upon them both, for permission to visit his mother, and he set out with his family. On the way, a son was born to him on a cold, dark, snowy night. He lost his way, his livestock scattered, he had no water, and his fire-striker failed to produce a spark. It was then that he saw the fire. It is said it was a Friday night.

{Stay here}: Remain in your place.

{I have perceived (anastu)}: This is clear vision, free of doubt. From this comes the word insan (human/pupil of the eye), because things are clearly perceived through it. Al-Ins (mankind) are so named because they are manifest, just as al-Jinn are named for their concealment. It is also said it means seeing that which brings comfort (uns).

Since his perception was certain and absolute, he confirmed it to them with the word "indeed" (inna) to settle their minds. Because bringing a torch and finding guidance were anticipated and expected, he framed them with hope and desire, saying {perhaps}, and did not speak definitively by saying "I will bring you," so as not to promise what he was not certain of fulfilling.

{A torch (qabas)}: Fire taken from a source on the tip of a stick, a wick, or similar.

{Guidance (huda)}: Meaning people who would guide me to the path, or who would benefit me with their guidance in matters of religion—this is according to Mujahid and Qatada. This is because the thoughts of the righteous are immersed in religious concern in all their states; no distraction keeps them from it. The meaning is "possessors of guidance," or that if he found the guides, he would have found the guidance.

The meaning of "upon" ('ala) in {at the fire} is that those at the fire occupy the space near it, as Sibawayh said regarding "I passed by Zayd": it is a proximity to Zayd. Or, it is because those warming themselves by it and enjoying it, when they surround it standing or sitting, are overlooking it. From this is the saying of al-A'sha: "And he spent the night at the fire, al-Nada and al-Muhallaq."

{And when he came to it, he was called, "O Moses. Indeed, I am your Lord, so remove your sandals. Indeed, you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa. And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed. Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance."}