28:15
And he entered the city at a time when its people were not watching: and he found there two men fighting,- one of his own religion, and the other, of his foes. Now the man of his own religion appealed to him against his foe, and Moses struck him with his fist and made an end of him. He said: “This is a work of Evil (Satan): for he is an enemy that manifestly misleads!”
The Qurʾānic phrase “he entered the city at a time when its people were unaware” (Qurʾān 28:15) has been interpreted by many commentators as referring to the principal city of Egypt. The wording “he entered” suggests that Moses (peace be upon him) had previously been away from the city and then returned at a time when the inhabitants were generally inattentive. Some interpretations propose that this occurred during a time when people were typically resting, such as the afternoon siesta. Other commentators suggest that it may have taken place during the night when people were asleep.
According to certain historical reports, the incident involving the killing of the Egyptian (Qibṭī) occurred after Moses had begun proclaiming the message of truth and calling people to faith. As a result of his preaching, some individuals had accepted his message and were recognized as his followers. This interpretation is supported by the Qurʾānic phrase “a man from his group” (Qurʾān 28:15), which indicates that Moses already had supporters. Some narrations reported by early historians such as Ibn Isḥāq and Ibn Zayd suggest that when Moses began openly preaching, Pharaoh reacted with hostility and initially intended to have him killed. However, according to these reports, Pharaoh’s wife, Āsiyah, intervened and persuaded him not to execute Moses, after which Moses was instead forced into exile. Thereafter, Moses is said to have lived in hiding and returned to the city occasionally.
The Qurʾānic narrative then describes Moses striking the Egyptian. The Arabic term wakaza used in the verse denotes striking or delivering a forceful blow, often translated as striking with the fist. Classical commentators explain that the expression indicates that the blow proved fatal, resulting in the man’s death (see commentaries such as al-Qurṭubī and al-Maẓharī).
References:
Shafi, Muhammad (2008). Maariful Quran. (Vol .6 surah 28 verse 15).