Indexed OCR Text

rewarded). You are taking revenge on us merely because we believed in the Aayaat
(miracles) of our Rabb when it came to us. O our Rabb! Grant us fortitude (patience) and
give us death as Muslims (as people who submit themselves to You)."
Verses 80-82 of Surah Yunus state:
فَلَمَّا جَاءَ السَّحَرَةُ قَالَ لَهُمْ مُّؤْسَى الْقُوْا مَا أَنْتُمْ مُلْقُوْنَ (٨٠) فَلَمَّا الْقَوْا قَالَ مُؤْسَى مَا جِئْتُمْ بِهِ تٌ السِّحْرُ ٥﴿ إِنَّ
اللّهَ سَيُبْطِلُهُ ﴿ إِنَّ اللهَ لَا يُصْلِحُ عَمَلَ الْمُفْسِدِينَ (٨١) وَيُحِقُّ اللهُ الْحَقَّ بِكَلِمُتِمٍ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُجْرِمُونَ (٨٢)
TRANSLATION: Then, when the magicians came (to challenge Moosa v and asked him whether
he would like to begin the contest), Moosa v told them, "Throw that (sticks and ropes) which
you throw (to create your magic)." When they threw (their sticks and ropes which seemed to turn
into snakes) Moosa v told them, "What you have displayed is magic (and not what I had shown
to Fir'oun). Allaah shall soon eliminate it (destroy its effect). Surely Allaah does not allow the
actions of mischief-makers to materialise (to have significant results)." Allaah establishes
(confirms) the truth with His words (His decrees and promises) even though the wrong-doers
(the Kuffaar) detest it.
The Truth Prevails
The magicians were masters of their field and knew instantly that what Hadhrat
Moosa v displayed was not magic, but something from above. The truth that
Fir'oun tried to conceal was now evident before them and they immediately
admitted that they accepted the Rabb of Hadhrat Moosa v and Hadhrat Haaroon
0. Saying this, they fell prostrate before Allaah.
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Now that Fir'oun had lost his last chance of proving Hadhrat Moosa v wrong, he
immediately decided to take drastic action to prevent the masses from following
Hadhrat Moosa v. He therefore announced that Hadhrat Moosa u was the
teacher of the magicians and that this had been an orchestrated plot between
Hadhrat Moosa v and the magicians and it is because of this that they professed
Imaan without his permission. He then said that he would punish them severely
for their action by amputating their arms and legs before crucifying them.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
The Imaan of the magicians and the anger of Fir'oun are recounted in the
following verses of the Qur'aan:
Verses 71-76 of Surah TaaHaa state:
قَالَ أُمَنْتُمْ لَمْ قَبْلَ أَنْ أُذَنَ لَكُمْ ﴿ إِنَّمَّ لَكَبِيْرُكُمُ الَّذِى عَلَّمَكُمُ السِّحْرَ ﴿ فَلَأُ قَطَّعَنَّ أَيْدِيَكُمْ وَ آَرْجُلَّكُمْ مِّنْ خِلَافٍ وَّ
لَأُصَلْبَنَّكُمْ فِىْ جُنُوْعِ النَّخْلِ ﴿ وَ لَتَعْلَمُنَّ أَيُّنَا أَشَدُّ عَذَابًا وَ أَبْقَى (٧١) قَالُوا لَنْ نُؤْثِرَكَ عَلَى مَا جَاءَنَا مِنَ
الْبَيَِّتِ وَ الَّذِيْ فَطَرَنَا فَاقْضِ مَا أَنْتَ قَاضِ ٥﴿ إِنَّمَا تَقْضِىَ بُذِهِ الْحَيَوةَ الدُّنْيَا (٧٢٠) إِنَّا أَمَنَّا بِرَبِّنَا لِيَغْفِرَ لَنَا
خَطْيَنَا وَمَا أَكْرَ بْتَنَا عَلَيْهِ مِنَ السِّحْرِ * وَ اللَّهُ خَيْرٌ وَّ أَبْقَى (٧٣) إِنَّمَ مَنْ يَّتِ رَبَّهَ مُجْرِمًا فَإِنَّ لَمْ جَهَنَّمَ ٥-
لَا يَمُؤْتُ فِيْهَا وَ لَا يَحْيِى (٧٢) وَ مَنْ يَّأْتِهِ مُؤْمِنًا قَدْ عَمِلَ الصُّلِحَتِ فَأُولَئِكَ لَهُمُ الدَّرَحْتُ الْعُلى (٧٥) جَنْتُ
عَدْنٍ تَجْرِئٌ مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهُرُ خُلِدِيْنَ فِيْهَا * وَ ذُلِكَ جَزْؤًا مَنْ تَزَكَّى (٪٧۶)
TRANSLATION: Fir'oun said, "Do you believe in Moosa before I have permitted you (to do
so) ? He (Moosa) must surely be your superior (your leader) who has taught you magic. I
shall certainly cut off your hands and your legs on opposite sides and will surely crucify
you on the trunks of date palms. Then you will learn which of us (myself or the Rabb of
Moosa v) is more severe in punishment and whose punishment is more lingering (lasting)."
They (the magicians) replied, "We shall never prefer you to the clear signs that have come
to us and to the One Who has created us. So do as you decide. You can make a decision
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only in this worldly life (you can end our lives only in this world and have no control over our lives
in the Aakhirah, when Allaah will grant us Jannah). We have verily believed in our Rabb so that
He may forgive us for our sins and for the magic that you have forced us to practise.
Allaah is Best and Eternal." Indeed whoever comes to his Rabb as a criminal (Kaafir or
sinner), then he shall have Jahannam where he shall neither live (a life of comfort) nor die
(because there is no death in the Aakhirah). As for him who comes to his Rabb as a Mu'min,
having performed good acts (for Allaah's pleasure), then these people will have the lofty
ranks (high places in Jannah). (Their reward will be) The eternal Jannaat beneath which rivers
flow. There they shall live forever. This is the reward for those who are pure (who purify
their inner selves from all types of evil).
Verses 123-126 of Surah A'raaf read:
قَالَ فِرْ عَوْنُ أَمَنْتُمْ بِ قَبْلَ أَنْ أَذَنَ لَكُمّْإِنَّ بُذَا لَمَكْرٌ مَّكَرْتُمُوْهُ فِى الْمَدِيْنَةِ لِتُخْرِجُوْا مِنْهَا أَبْلَهَاءٌ فَسَوْفَ تَعْلَّمُوْنَ
(١٢٣) لَأُقَطَّعَنَّ أَيْدِيَّكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُمْ مِّنْ خِلافٍ ثُمَّ لَأُصَلِّبَنَّكُمْ أَجْمَعِيْنَ (١٢٣) قَالُوْا إِنَّا إِلَى رَبَِّا مُنْقَلِبُوْنَ (١٢٥)
وَمَا تَنْقِمُ مِنَّ إِلَّ أَنْ أَمَنَّا بِأَيْتِ رَبَِّا لَمَّا جَاءَتْنَا - رَبَّنَا أَفْرِعْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَتَوَفَّنَا مُسْلِمِيْنَ (١٢٩)٪
TRANSLATION: Fir'oun exclaimed (to deceive the masses and to conceal his defeat), "Do you
believe in Him before I have permitted you (to believe) ? This must certainly be a grand
scheme that you all have devised in the city to remove its inhabitants from it (so that you
could rule it). Soon you shall come to know (how I shall punish you for this) ! I will certainly cut
off your hands and your feet from alternate sides (right hands and left feet) and crucify every
one of you." They (the magicians) said, "Indeed we shall return to our Rabb (after our deaths,
when we shall be rewarded). You are taking revenge on us merely because we believed in
the Aayaat (miracles) of our Rabb when it came to us. O our Rabb! Grant us fortitude
(patience) and give us death as Muslims (as people who submit themselves to You)."
Verses 46-51 of Surah Shu'araa state:
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فَأَلْقِىَ السَّحَرَةُ سُجِدِيْنَ (٣٢) قَالُوا أَمَنَّا بِرَبِّ الْعُلَمِيْنَ (٣٧) رَبِّ مُؤْسِى وَ بُرُونَ (٣٨) قَالَ أَمَنْتُمْ لَمَّ قَبْلَ أَنْ
أَذَنَ لَكُمْ ◌َّ إِنَّهْ لَكَبِيْرُكُمُ الَّذِى عَلَّمَكُمُ السِّحْرَ ةَ، فَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُوْنَ ن لَأُقَطَّعَنَّ أَيْدِيَكُمْ وَ أَرْجُلَكُمْ مِّنْ خِلَافٍ وَّ
لَأُوْ صَلّبَنَّكُمْ أَجْمَعِيْنَ (٣٩٦) قَالُوا لَا ضَيْرَ وْ إِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا مُنْقَلِبُوْنَ (٥٠٩) إِنَّا نَطْمَعُ أَنْ يَّغْفِرَ لَنَا رَبُّنَا خَطْيُنَا
أَنْ كُنَّا أَوَّلَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ (٢٪٥١)
TRANSLATION: (Realising that the feat of Moosa v was not mere magic, but something possible
only with Allaah's help,) The magicians were cast down in prostration (they were forced to
prostrate before Allaah to show that they now believed in Allaah). They submitted, "We believe in
the Rabb of the universe; in the Rabb of Moosa v and Haaroon v." He (Fir'oun) said, "Have
you believed him (Moosa v) before I could permit you (to believe) ? He (Moosa v) must
certainly be your leader who has taught you magic! You shall shortly come to learn (how I
deal with people who refuse to worship me) ! I will cut off your hands and feet from opposite
sides and crucify all of you!" They (the magicians) said, "It matters not (what you do to us
because we will still not reconsider our decision). (If you kill us) We shall surely return to our
Rabb (Who will reward us for our Imaan). (All) We desire (is) that our Rabb forgive our sins
(Shirk and magic) because we have been the first Mu'mineen (to follow Moosa v)."
Vengeance
Historical reports suggest that six hundred thousand people accepted Imaan
along with the magicians. Whereas there had been only two people to oppose
Fir'oun before this, he now had many thousand opponents. Of course, he would
not allow this to happen all too easily and decided to resume killing all boys born
to the Bani Israa'eel so that they would fear him and return to their previous
religion. With this to spearhead his campaign of terror against all Mu'mineen,
Fir'oun started to resort to all sorts of other terrible methods of coercion.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
His vengeful behaviour is stated in the following verses of the Qur'aan:
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Verses 127-129 of Surah A'raaf state:
وَ قَالَ الْمَلَأُّ مِنْ قَوْمٍ فِرْ عَوْنَ آَتَذَرُ مُؤْسَى وَ قَوْمَهْ لِيُفْسِدُوْا فِى الْأَرْضِ وَيَذَرَكَ وَ الِهَتَكَ * قَالَ سَنُقَتِّلُ ابْنَآءَبُمْ
وَ نَسْتَحْى نِسَآءَهُمْ وَ إِنَّا فَوْقَهُمْ قُبِرُوْنَ (١٢٧) قَالَ مُؤْسُىٍ لِقَوْمِهِ اسْتَعِيْنُوْا بِاللهِ وَ اصْبِرُؤْاء إِنَّ الْأَرْضَ للهِ ◌ّ
يُؤْرِثُهَا مَنْ يَّشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ - وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِيْنَ (١٢٨) قَالُوا أُوْذِيْنَا مِنْ قَبْلٍ أَنْ تَأْتِيَنَا وَمِنَّ بَعْدِ مَا جِئْتَنَا ، قَالَ
عَسَى رَبُّكُمْ أَنْ يُّهْلِكَ عَدُوَّكُمْ وَ يَسْتَخْلِفَكُمْ فِى الْأَرْضِ فَيَنْظُرَ كَيْفَ تَعْمَلُوْنَ (١٢٩)٪
TRANSLATION: The chieftains from the nation of Fir'oun said (to Fir'oun), "Will you leave
Moosa and his people to spread corruption in the land (by turning people against you) and to
discard you and your gods (While regarding Fir'oun to be their highest god, the people of Egypt
also worshipped idols) ?" He (Fir'oun) replied, "We shall now kill their sons and allow their
daughters to live (as we had been doing previously). (Despite what they do) We still have power
over them." (When the Bani Israa'eel complained to Moosa v about Fir'oun's oppression against
them) Moosa v said to his people, "Seek help from Allaah (Who is more powerful than Fir'oun)
and be patient. Surely the earth belongs to Allaah. He gives it (its ownership) as inheritance
to whichever of His bondsmen He desires. The final outcome (ultimate good) shall be in
favour of those with Taqwa (they shall be successful in the Aakhirah)."" They (the Bani Israa'eel)
said, "We were tormented before you came to us and after that as well." He replied,
"Soon your Rabb shall destroy your enemy and make you (their) successors on earth. Then
(by giving you freedom and power) He shall see how you behave (whether you behave as true
Mu'mineen or not)."
Verses 23-27 of Surah Mu'min state:
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مُؤْسِى بِأَيْتِنَا وَ سُلْطُنٍ مُّبِينٍ (٢٣) إِلَى فِرْعَوْنَ وَ بَامُنَ وَ قَارُوْنَ فَقَالُوا سُحِرٌ كَذَّبٌ (٢٣) فَلَمَّا
جَاءَبُمْ بِالْحَقِّ مِنْ عِنْدِنَا قَالُوا اقْتُلُوَا ابْنَآءَ الَّذِيْنَ أَمَنُوْا مَعَهُ وَ اسْتَحْيُوْا نِسَآءَبُمْ ﴿ وَمَا كَيْدُ الْكُفِرِيْنَ إِلَّ فِئْ ضَلْلٍ
(٢٥) وَ قَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ ذَرُوْنِىَ اقْتُلْ مُؤْسى وَلْيَدْعُ رَبَّرٌَّ إِنَّيْ آَخَافُ أَنْ يُبَدِّلَ دِيْنَكُمْ أَوْ أَنْ يُظْهِرَ فِى الْأَرْضِ
الْفَسَادَ (٢٢) وَ قَالَ مُؤْسَى إِنِّىْ عُذْتُ بِرَبِّى وَرَبِّكُمْ مِّنْ كُلِّ مُتَكَبِّرٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُ بِيَوْمِ الْحِسَابِ (٢٧٪)
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TRANSLATION: Verily, We sent Moosa v with Our Aayaat and a clear proof (his miracles
which proved that he was truly Allaah's Rasool) to Fir'oun, Haamaan (Fir'oun's prime minister) and
Qaaroon (the richest man among the Bani Israa'eel). (However, instead of accepting his message,)
They said, "He is a magician and a liar." When he came to them with the truth from Us,
they (Fir'oun and his ministers) said, "Kill the sons of those who believe in him (Moosa v) and
keep their women alive (to serve us as slaves)." (However,) The schemes of the Kaafiroon (to
harm the Mu'mineen) are ever lost. (Seeing that Moosa v was amassing a large following,) Fir'oun
said, "Leave me to kill Moosa, and let him call for his Rabb (to assist him). (O people! I am
doing this for your benefit because) I fear that he may change your religion or that he may
spread corruption on earth." Moosa v said, "I seek the protection of my Rabb and your
Rabb from every haughty person who does not believe in the Day of Reckoning."
Verses 87-89 of Surah Yunus state:
وَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَى مُؤْسِى وَآَخِيْهِ أَنْ تَبَوَّأُ لِقَوْمِكُمَا بِمِصْرَ بُيُوْنًا وَّ اجْعَلُوْا بُيُوْتَكُمْ قِبْلَةً وَّ أَقِيْمُوا الصَّلَوةَ ﴾﴿ وَبَشِّرِ
الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ (٨٧) وَقَالَ مُؤْسَى رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ أَتَّيْتَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَمَلَأَهْ زِيْنَةً وَّأَمْوَالًا فِى الْحَيْوةِ الدُّنْيَا تُ رَبَّنَا لِيُضِلُّوْا
عَنْ سَبِيْلِكَ وَّ رَبَّنَا اطْمِسْ عَلَى أَمْوَالِمْ وَاشْدُدْ عَلَى قُوْبِهِمْ فَلَا يُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّى يَرَوُا الْعَذَابَ الْأَلِيْمَ (٨٨) قَالَ قَدْ
أُجِيْبَتْ دَّعْوَتُكُمَا فَاسْتَقِيْمَا وَ لَا تَتَّبِعَنِّ سَبِيْلَ الَّذِيْنَ لَا يَعْلَمُوْنَ (٨٩)
TRANSLATION: We sent revelation (orders) to Moosa v and his brother (Haaroon v) (saying to
them), "Establish homes for your people in Egypt, make your homes places of worship,
establish salaah (despite Fir'oun preventing you from salaah) and give good news to the
Mu'mineen (that We shall soon assist them against their enemies and will enter them into Jannah in
the Aakhirah)." Moosa v said, "O our Rabb! Indeed you have granted splendour (luxuries,
riches) and wealth to Fir'oun and his ministers in this worldly life. O our Rabb! This (they
use) to lead (others) astray from Your path (from Towheed). O our Rabb! Destroy their
wealth (so that they cannot use it for evil purposes) and harden their hearts so that they do
not have Imaan until they witness a painful punishment (a time when having Imaan will be
futile since it will be too late)." (Haaroon v also joined Moosa v in this du'aa by saying "Aameen".)
He (Allaah) said, "The prayer that the two of you have made has been accepted. So remain
upright (steadfast on your mission) and never follow the path of those without knowledge."
(Do not follow those who fail to understand that We have sound reasons for not punishing people
immediately.)
The Mu'min from Fir'own's People
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Fir'oun managed to convince his minsters and courtiers that they had nothing to
fear from Hadhrat Moosa v because there would soon be none to follow him
since the numbers of the Bani Israa'eel being cut by the executions and others
were being intimidated not to follow him. However, Fir'oun was himself not
convinced that the danger was over and therefore resolved to assassinate
Hadhrat Moosa v.
He therefore addressed his ministers and senior counsellors one day to tell them
that he feared that if left alive, Hadhrat Moosa v would corrupt the people and
their religion. In this way, he pronounced the death sentence for Hadhrat Moosa
0. However, Hadhrat Moosa v was not afraid because of his reliance in Allaah.
As Fir'oun discussed these matters with his advisors and ministers, he was
unaware of the fact that one of these men had accepted Imaan and was really a
Mu'min, but was concealing his Imaan. When the assassination of Hadhrat
Moosa v was being discussed, this Mu'min told them to first consider the
situation well. He told them to consider the fact that Hadhrat Moosa u had
proven to them with his miracles that he was indeed the messenger of Allaah.
However, if they refused to accept this, then too it would be foolish to kill him
because if he really was a Nabi, then any attempt on his life would instantly draw
the wrath of Allaah.
Imaams of Tafseer such as Hadhrat Muqaatil ly and Hadhrat Hasan Basri ilu.
state that this Mu'min was the son of Fir'oun's paternal uncle. It was this same
man who hastened to warn Hadhrat Moosa v of the death sentence issued
against him when the Egyptian was killed. While some say that his name was
Habeeb, others say his name was Sham'aan. The historian Tha'labi reports from
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t that his name was Hizqeel. The historian Suhayli
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states that the man's name was Sham'aan because Habeeb was the man
referred to in Surah Yaaseen.
Imaam Qurtubi alto, reports a Hadith in which Rasulullaah p said that there have
been only a few Siddeeqeen. Amongst them was Habeeb Najjaar mentioned in
Surah Yaaseen, the Mu'min from the family of Fir'oun and Hadhrat Abu Bakr T,
who was the best of them all.
The entire discourse that this Mu'min delivered is mentioned in the verses of the
Qur'aan that will be quoted ahead. It contains important facts of the history of
the Bani Israa'eel that even they had forgotten. This discourse holds great
importance when discussing the preaching of the Ambiyaa Jul . Whereas the
story of Hadhrat Moosa v contains many villains in the form of Fir'oun, Haamaan
and Qaaroon, this discourse provides a refreshing insight into the opposite end
of the scale by portraying the support that Hadhrat Moosa v received from men
of great dignity and courage.
In the Words of the Qur'aan
The discourse of the Mu'min from the family of Fir'oun is contained in verses 28-
44 of Surah Mu'min, as follows:
وَ قَالَ رَجُلٌ مُّؤْمِنٌ مِّنْ أَلِ فِرْعَوْنَ يَكْتُمُ اِيْمَانَمَ اتَقْتُلُوْنَ رَجُلًا أَنْ يَّقُوْلَ رَبِّىَ اللهُ وَ قَدْ جَاءَكُمْ بِالْبَيِّنْتِ مِنْ
رَّبِّكُمْ ﴿ وَ إِنْ يَّكُ كَاذِبًا فَعَلَيْهِ كَذِبُهٌ وَ إِنْ يَّكُ صَادِقًا يُصِبْكُمْ بَعْضُ الَّذِىْ يَعِدُكُمْ ﴿ إِنَّ اللّهَ لَا يَهْدِىْ مَنْ بُوَ مُسْرِفٌ
كَذَّبٌ (٢٨) يُقَوْمِ لَكُمُ الْمُلْكُ الْيَوْمَ ظْهِرِيْنَ فِى الْأَرْضِ فَمَنْ يَنْصُرُنَا مِنَّ بَآسِ اللهِ إِنْ جَاءَنَا * قَالَ فِرْ عَوْنُ مَا
أُرِيِّكُمْ إِلَّا مَا آَرَى وَمَا أَبْدِيْكُمْ إِلَّا سَبِيْلَ الرَّشَادِ (٢٩) وَ قَالَ الَّذِى أَمَنَ يُقَوْمِ إِنِّىْ آَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ مِّثْلَ يَوْمِ
الْأَحْزَابِ (٣٠) مِثْلَ دَابِ قَوْمٍ نُوْحٍ وَّ عَادٍ وَّ ثَمُؤْدَ وَالَّذِينَ مِنْ بَعْدِيِمْ * وَمَا اللهُ يُرِيِّدُ ظُلْمًا لَّلْعِبَادِ (٣١) وَ يُقَوْمِ
إِنِّىَّ أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ يَوْمَ التَّنَادِ (٣٢) يَوْمَ تُوَلَّوْنَ مُدْبِرِيْنٌَ مَا لَكُمْ مِّنَ اللّهِ مِنْ عَاصِمٌٍ وَ مَنْ يُضْلِلِ اللهُ فَمَا لَمْ
مِنْ بَادٍ (٣٣) وَ لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ يُؤْسُفُ مِنْ قَبْلُ بِالْبَيِّنْتِ فَمَا زِلْتُمْ فِىْ شَكٌّ مِّمَّا جَاءَكُمْ بِم + حَتَّى إِذَا بَلَكَ قُلْتُمْ لَنْ
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يَّبْعَثَ اللهُ مِنَّ بَعْدِهِ رَسُوْلًا ﴿ كَذَلِكَ يُضِلُّ اللهُ مَنْ بُوَ مُسْرِفٌ مُّرْتَابٌّ (٣٢) الَّذِيْنَ يُجَادِلُوْنَ فِىَ أَيْتِ اللهِ
بِغَيْرِ سُلْطَنِ آَتْهُمْ - كَبُرَ مَقْتًا عِنْدَ اللهِ وَ عِنْدَ الَّذِيْنَ أُمَنُوْا ﴿ كَذُلِكَ يَطْبَعُ اللهُ عَلَى كُلِّ قَلْبِ مُتَكَبِّرٍ جَبَّارٍ (٣٥) وَ
قَالَ فِرْ عَوْنُ يُهَامُنُ ابْنِ لِىْ صَرْحًا لَّعَلَّىْ أَبْلُغُ الْأَسْبَابَ (٣٢) أَسْبَابَ السَّمُوتِ فَطَّلِعَ إِلَى الَّهِ مُؤْسَى وَ إِنِّىْ
لَأَظُنُّهَ كَاذِبًا * وَكَذَلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِفِرْعَوْنَ سُؤَءُ عَمَلِمٍ وَ صُدَّ عَنِ السَِّيْلِ * وَمَا كَيْدُ فِرْعَوْنَ إِلَّا فِىْ تَبَابٍ (٣٧٪) وَ
قَالَ الَّذِى أُمَنَ يُقَوْمِ اتَّبِعُوْنِ آَبْدِكُمْ سَبِيْلَ الرَّشَادِ (٣٨٣) يُقَوْمِ إِنَّمَا بُذِهِ الْحَيْوةُ الدُّنْيَا مَتَاعٌ وَ إِنَّ الْآخِرَةَ بِيَ دَارُ
الْقَرَارِ (٣٩) مَنْ عَمِلَ سَيِّئَةَّ فَلَا يُجْزِى إِلَّا مِثْلَهَا وَ مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِّنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَى وَ بُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَأُولَئِكَ
يَدْخُلُوْنَ الْجَنَّةَ يُرْزَ قُوْنَ فِيْهَا بِغَيْرٍ حِسَابٍ (٢٠) وَ يُقَوْمِ مَا لِى أَدْعُوْكُمْ إِلَى النَّجُوةِ وَ تَدْعُوْنَنِى إِلَى النَّارِ
(٣١٠) تَدْعُوْنَنِىَّ لِأَكْفُرَ بِاللهِ وَ أُشْرِكَ بِم مَا لَيْسَ لِيْ بِمٍ عِلْمٌ وَّ أَنَا اَدْعُوْكُمْ إِلَى الْعَزِيْزِ الْغَفَّارِ (٣٢) لَا
جَرَمَ أَنَّمَا تَدْعُوْنَنِىِ اِلَيْهِ لَيْسَ لَمْ دَعْوَةٌ فِى الدُّنْيَا وَلَا فِى الْآخِرَةِ وَ أَنَّ مَرَدَّنَا إِلَى اللهِ وَ أَنَّ الْمُسْرِفِيْنَ بُمْ
أَصْحُبُ النَّارِ (٣٣) فَسَتَذْكُرُوْنَ مَا أَقُوْلُ لَكُمْ ، وَ أُفَوِّضُ أَمْرِئَ إِلَى اللهِ * إِنَّ اللّهَ بَصِيْرُّ بِالْعِبَادِ (٣٣)
TRANSLATION: A Mu'min from Fir'oun's people, who (had until then) concealed his Imaan
(from Fir'oun and the others), said, "Will you kill a man for saying `Allaah is my Rabb', when
he has brought the truth to you from your Rabb? If he is lying, then his lies shall be to his
own detriment (why should we then have his blood on our hands?). However, if he is truthful, a
part of what (punishment) he has promised shall befall you. Verily, Allaah does not guide
him who exceeds the limits and is a liar. O my people! You have kingdom (rule over Egypt)
today and are dominant in the land but (despite all of this) who can assist us against
Allaah's punishment when it comes to us (on account of assassinating His Rasool)?" (Feeling
intimidated by the words of the Mu'min,) Fir'oun said (to regain the undivided support of his
people), "I am suggesting to you only what I regard to be correct, and I am guiding you
only towards the path of guidance." The one who had Imaan said, "O my people! I fear
that you may suffer a day of (punishment like that which struck) the (previous) nations
something like the plight of the nation of Nooh v, the Aad, the Thamud and those (Kuffaar
nations) after them. Allaah never desires injustice for His bondsmen (and will punish them
only when they deserve punishment on account of their evil) O my people! Verily I fear the day of
Calling for you (referring to the Day of Qiyaamah when people will be called to account for their
actions and they will also be calling to each other for help) ; the day when you will turn back on
your heels (in an effort to run away from Jahannam) and there shall be none to protect you
from (the punishment of) Allaah. There can be no guide for the one whom Allaah sends
astray. Without doubt, Yusuf v came to you with clear signs (to prove that he was Allaah's
true Rasool), but you remained in constant doubt about what he brought to you until the
time came when he passed away, then you said, `Allaah shall never ever send a Rasool
after him (Allaah knows that it is futile to send another because we will reject him just as we
rejected Yusuf v).' Thus does Allaah allow those people to go astray who transgress the
limits and who are sceptical those who dispute about Allaah's Aayaat without any warrant
(justification) coming to them. This is extremely detestable in the sight of Allaah and in the
sight of those who have Imaan. Thus (by allowing people to continue their evil ways) does
Allaah set a seal on the heart of every haughty and tyrannical person (because of which they
are unable to accept the truth)." (Scoffing Towheed,) Fir'oun said, "O Haamaan, build a tower
for me so that I may reach the roads the roads to the heavens so that I can have a close
look at the Ilaah of Moosa v. I strongly feel that he is a liar." In this manner the evil of his
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actions was made appealing to Fir'oun, and he was prevented from the path (of the truth).
The scheme of Fir'oun led only to destruction. The one who had Imaan said, "O my
people! Follow me and I shall lead you to the path of guidance. O my people! This worldly
life is a trivial gain (because it will soon come to an end). Undoubtedly the Aakhirah (the life in
Jannah) is really a place to live (because it will not come to an end). Whoever commits a sin
shall be punished only for it (without the punishment being increased). (On the other hand,)
Whichever male or female carries out a good deed as a Mu'min shall enter Jannah, where
they will be sustained without restriction (even though their deeds may have been limited). O
my people! How is it that I call you towards salvation, whereas you call me towards the
Fire? You call me to disbelieve in Allaah and to ascribe such partners to Him for which I
have no justification. On the other hand, I am calling you towards the Mighty, the Most
Forgiving." (While you ought to be listening to me, you endeavour to mislead me with you.) It is a
fact that those (gods) towards which you call me have no claim (no control, no influence)
in this world or in the Aakhirah. (After death,) Our return shall certainly be to Allaah, and
(when he passes judgement) the transgressors (Kuffaar and sinners) will be the inmates of the
Fire. You shall soon recall (after you are punished in this world or after you die) what I am
telling you (because you will realise that it is the truth). (Sensing that the people were not pleased
with what he told them, he added,) I surrender my affairs to Allaah. Allaah is definitely
Watchful over His bondsmen (He will protect me against your evil)."
A Good End
The Mu'min ended his discourse by saying, "You shall soon recall what I am telling
you". This tells us that he was so convinced of the truth that he saw it his
bounden duty to propagate it even though he knew for certain that he would
lose his life because of it. Such courageous feats can be accomplished only by the
most resolute of people.
Imaam Muqaatil ail das, writes that when the others intended to apprehend and
assault the Mu'min, he fled from the scene and managed to escape into the
mountains, where they were unable to find him. In this way, Allaah rescued him
from their sacrilegious hands. Rather than they being able to punish him, it was
they who suffered punishment when they were annihilated in the sea.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
The Qur'aan related the conclusion of the story together with the plight of the
people of Fir'oun in verses 45-50 of Surah Mu'min, which reads:
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فَوَقُمُ اللهُ سَيِّأْتِ مَا مَكَرُوا وَ حَاقَ بِأَلِ فِرْعَوْنَ سُؤْءُ الْعَذَابِ (٢٥) النَّارُ يُعْرَضُوْنَ عَلَيْهَا غُدُوًّا وَ عَشِيًّاٌ وَ
يَوْمَ تَقُوْمُ السَّاعَةُ: أَدْخِلُوا أَلَ فِرْعَوْنَ أَشَدَّ الْعَذَابِ (٣٢) وَ إِذْ يَتَحَاجُّوْنَ فِى النَّارِ فَيَقُوْلُ الضُّعَفُوا لِلَّذِيْنَ
اسْتَكْبَرُوا إِنَّا كُنَّا لَكُمْ تَبَعَّا فَهَلْ أَنْتُمْ مُغْنُوْنَ عَنَّا نَصِيْبًا مِّنَ النَّارِ (٣٧) قَالَ الَّذِيْنَ اسْتَكْبَرُوا إِنَّا كُلُّ فِيْهَا " إِنَّ اللّهَ
قَدْ حَكَمَ بَيْنَ الْعِبَادِ (٢٨) وَ قَالَ الَّذِيْنَ فِى النَّارِ لِخَزَنَةِ جَهَنَّمَ ادْعُوْا رَبَّكُمْ يُخَفِّفْ عَنَّا يَوْمًا مِّنَ الْعَذَابِ (٣٩)
قَالُوا أَوَلَمْ تَكُ تَأْنِيْكُمْ رُسُلُكُمْ بِالْبَيِّنْتِ ﴿ قَالُوْا بَلَى - قَالُوْا فَادْعُوْاءٌ وَ مَا دُعُوا الْكُفِرِيْنَ إِلَّا فِىْ ضَلْلٍ (٥٠)
TRANSLATION: So Allaah saved him from the evils of the plots they made, and a terrible
punishment enveloped the people of Fir'oun (when they were drowned in the Red Sea). They
(Fir'oun and his followers) will be presented before the Fire morning and evening (in their
graves). And, on the day that Qiyaamah will take place, (the angels will be told) "Enter the
people of Fir'oun into the worst of punishments." (Do not forget the time) When they (the
people of Jahannam) will argue with each other in the Fire. Then the weak ones will say to
the haughty ones (their Kuffaar leaders), "Verily we were your followers (in the world), so (as
our leaders) can you remove a portion of the Fire from us?" The haughty ones will say, "We
are all together in the Fire (and shall all suffer here for our kufr. We can neither help you nor
ourselves). Allaah has already passed judgement between His bondsmen (and we have been
doomed to Jahannam. There can be no reversing Allaah's judgement)." The people in Jahannam
will say to the keepers of Jahannam, "Supplicate to (request) your Rabb to lessen a day
(even a little bit) of the punishment for us." They (the keepers) will ask, "Did your Rusul not
come to you with clear signs (miracles to prove that they were Allaah's true Ambiyaa)?" They
(the people in Jahannam) will reply, "Certainly." They (the keepers) will then say, "Then you
(continue to) pray (for relief from punishment). (However,) The prayer of the Kaafiroon is lost
(your plea will never be answered)."
Commenting on these verses, Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas'ood t stated that the
souls of the people of Fir'oun will take the shape of black beasts and will be
brought in front of Jahannam every morning and evening. They will then be told
that this shall be their eternal abode in the Aakhirah.171
The Nine Signs (Miracles)
171
Tafseer Maz'hari.
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Despite everything Hadhrat Moosa u did to convince Fir'oun and his people to
worship only One Allaah, only a few people accepted his message. In fact, Fir'oun
started to have the male offspring of the Bani Israa'eel killed all over again and
exerted his efforts to get people to worship him.
Hadhrat Moosa v then received revelation that he should warn Fir'oun and his
people that they would soon be punished if they failed to heed. However, the
ignored the warning and continued doing as they always did. Eventually, Allaah
sent several forms of punishment. Whenever they were unable to bear any
punishment, they pleaded with Hadhrat Moosa v to pray that Allaah alleviates it.
However, as soon as Hadhrat Moosa u did this and the punishment disappeared,
they immediately returned to their old ways. Eventually, they were destroyed in
the sea.
Surah Bani Israa'eel mentions that Hadhrat Moosa u showed nine miracles to
Fir'oun and his people in total. Surahs TaaHaa, Naml, Zukhruf and Naazi'aat also
make reference to these miracles, describing them as clear, detailed and
magnificent signs. These verses do not list all the signs, but mention many
separate ones. All of those mentioned number 15 in total and they are:
1. The staff
2. The hand
3. Drought
4. Shortage in produce
5. Storms
6. Locusts
7. Lice
8. Frogs
9. Blood
10. Splitting the sea
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11. Mann and Salwa
12. Being shaded by the clouds
13. Water from a rock
14. Raising a mountain over the heads of the Bani Israa'eel
15. Revelation of the Torah
All these miracles of Hadhrat Moosa u have been mentioned in the Qur'aan. The
Ahadeeth also mention a few more. A narration of Tirmidhi from Hadhrat
Safwaan bin Mu'attal t states that two Jews decided to test Rasulullaah p, so
they asked him to explain what were the nine signs that Hadhrat Moosa v
showed the people. Rasulullaah p replied that the nine signs were:
1. Not to commit Shirk
2. Not to commit adultery
3.
Not to murder
4. Not to steal
5. Not to commit black magic
6.
Not to take interest
7. Not to accuse a chaste person of adultery
8. Not to flee from the battlefield
9. Not to contravene the sacredness of the Sabbath
When they heard this, the two Jews kissed Rasulullaah p's hands and left. Since
these nine signs seem contrary to the ones mentioned in the Qur'aan, scholars
have rendered various explanations, which are too length to repeat here.
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t has listed the following as the nine signs:
1. The staff
2. The hand
3. Drought
4. Shortage in produce
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5. Storms
6. Locusts
7. Lice
8. Frogs
9. Blood
These have also been listed by Hadhrat Mujahid al>, Hadhrat Ikramah aiwa),
Hadhrat Sha'bi il and Hadhrat Qataadah . Allama In Kather il has
preferred this opinion.
The Arabic word Aayaat ('signs') refers to both the commands of Allaah as well
as miracles. Many Mufassireen have interpreted the word to refer to miracles
and also state that while nine are mentioned, it is not restricted to nine. There
therefore could be more. Nine has been stated because of their greater
significance. Then there are those Mufassireen who interpret the word Aayaat
as commands of Allaah. In their opinion, the nine commands are those stated in
the Hadith of Tirmidhi.
Details of the nine miracles stated by Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t are:
1. The Staff: The staff of Hadhrat Moosa v was not the common wooden staff
used by people, but said to be from Jannah. When it struck a rock, water
would emerge from the rock. It would also extend in length when Hadhrat
Moosa v needed to reach for leaves higher up in the trees for his animals.
Furthermore, it would transform into a snake when thrown down, which
consumed the snakes of the magicians at the time of the contest.
2. The hand: Hadhrat Moosa v's right hand used to shine as brightly as the sun
at noon after he placed it in his armpit. It was so bright that none was able to
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look at it. When he then placed it back under his arm, it would return to
normal. Hadhrat Moosa u showed this to Fir'oun and his ministers and also
used this miracle to defeat the magicians
3. Drought: Hadhrat Moosa v warned Fir'oun and his people about a severe
drought that would strike if they refused to submit, but they merely scoffed
at him. A drought then arrived and lasted for seven years, during which
time the people of Egypt suffered terribly. A narration from Hadhrat
Abdullah bin Abbaas t and Hadhrat Qataadah il , states that the drought
directly affected the rural areas, while the cities were affected by a drastic
shortage of produce and food
4. Shortage in Produce: The drought caused this severe shortage on food and
also caused the cities to lose their beauty when foliage and vegetation dried
up. This was unbearable for the people in the city
5. Storms: The people were struck with a tempest and hailstorm that caused
flooding and devastated the land to the extent that there was no cultivatable
piece of land left
6. Locusts: Such huge swarms of locusts swept through the land that stripped
miles of cultivation bare in just a few hours. Some narrations state that the
locusts also devoured the doors and roofs of the people of Fir'oun
7. Lice: The lice also came as a plague upon the people of Fir'oun. Not only did
it infest their hair and clothing, causing them to suffer terribly, but the lice
also infested their food and their stores of grain
8. Frogs: Although frogs are usually aquatic creatures, the frogs that came as a
form of punishment to the people of Fir'oun bred in the homes of people. So
many of them infested people's homes that there was scarcely an empty
space in any house that was not filled with these slimy frogs. People found
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them in their clothing, their shoes, their beds, their food, and their utensils
and even in the food they cooked.
After every one of the above forms of punishment, the people begged Hadhrat
Moosa v to pray to Allaah to remove them, promising that they would then
follow him. However, they reneged on their promises each and every time.
9. Blood: This punishment caused all their water to turn to blood. Whether
they had prepared food, drawn water from a well, river or spring, it turned
to blood as soon as they tried to drink it. In fact, Mufassireen write that
there were occasions when an Israa'eeli and an Egyptian would be eating
together on the same table, but the food and drink of the Egyptian would
turn to blood, while the Israa'eeli would be able to eat the same food and
drink the same water without a problem. This caused tremendous
suffering for the people, but it was alleviated after seven days by the du'aa
of Hadhrat Moosa v.
After citing the various forms of punishment, Allaah says, "Whenever a punishment
afflicted them they said, "O Moosa! Pray for us to your Rabb by the pledge that He had
made with you (the pledge that He would remove the punishment if we accepted Imaan). We
swear that if you remove the punishment from us, we would certainly believe (totally) in
you and send the Bani Israa'eel with you." (However, each time) When We removed the
punishment from them up to the period appointed for them to reach (the period appointed
for their destruction or the time between each punishment), they suddenly violated (broke their
promise to accept Imaan)" .
A narration by Ibn Mundhir from Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t states that
each of these forms of punishment lasted for seven days. It would start on a
Saturday and end by the following Saturday, with a break of three weeks in
between each punishment to give the people time to repent and mend their
ways. However, they did not.
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A narration in Baghawi also from Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t states that
when the people of Fir'oun remained unchanged after the drought, Hadhrat
Moosa v prayed to Allaah to afflict them with more severe forms of punishment
so that they may take heed and also for the Bani Israa'eel to be warned. It was
then that the other forms of punishment came.
In the Words of the Qur'aan
Verse 12 of Surah Naml states:
وَ أَدْخِلْ يَدَكَ فِىْ حَيْبِكَ تَخْرُجْ بَيْضَاءَ مِنْ غَيْرِ سُؤْءٍ ﴿ فِئْ تِسْعِ أَيْتٍ إِلَى فِرْعَوْنَ وَ قَوْمِمٍ * إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوْا
قَوْمًا فَسِقِيْنَ (١٢)
TRANSLATION: (Demonstrating another miracle to Moosa v, Allaah commanded him further saying,)
"Put your hand into your collar, it will emerge shining white (bright) without any ailment
(the light will not be because of any disease). These two are among the nine Aayaat (miracles)
with which you will go to (preach Towheed to) Fir'oun and his people (to prove to them that
you are My Rasool). They are certainly a disobedient nation (and need guidance)."
Allaah says in verse 20-21 of Surah Naazi'aat:
فَارُمُ الْأَيَةَ الْكُبْرِى (٢٠) فَكَذَّبَ وَ عَصى (٢١)
So he (Moosa v) showed him (Fir'oun) a great Aayah (many miracles). But he (Fir'oun) rejected
(the message) and disobeyed (the commands of Allaah that Moosa v conveyed to him).
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Verses 107-108 of Surah A'raaf state:
فَالْقَى عَصَاهُ فَإِذَا بِىَ ثُعْبَانٌ مُّبِيْنٌ (١٠٧))) وَّ نَزَعَ يَدَةً فَإِذَا بِىَ بَيْضَآءُ لِلنَّظِرِيْنَ (١٠٨)٪
TRANSLATION: So he (Moosa v) threw down his staff (the first miracle) and it suddenly
became a (terrifying and huge) serpent in no uncertain terms. And when he (Moosa v) drew
forth his hand (from beneath his armpit), it suddenly became (shining) bright for all to see (the
second miracle).
Verses 130-135 of Surah A'raaf state:
وَلَقَدْ آَخَذْنَا أَلَ فِرْعَوْنَ بِالسِّنِيْنَ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الثَّمَرَتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُوْنَ (١٣٠) فَإِذَا جَاءَتْهُمُ الْحَسَنَةُ قَالُوْا لَنَا بُذِهٌِ وَ
إِنْ تُصِبْهُمْ سَيِّئَةٌ يَّطَّيَّرُوْا بِمُؤْسِى وَمَنَّ مَّعَمَ هْ آَلَا إِنَّمَا طَئِرُبُمْ عِنْدَ اللهِ وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَبُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُوْنَ (١٣١) وَقَالُوْا
مَهْمَا تَأْتِنَا بِمٍ مِنْ آيَةٍ لَتَسْحَرَنَا بِهَا" فَمَا نَحْنُ لَكَ بِمُؤْمِنِيْنَ (١٣٢) فَارْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ الطُّوْفَانَ وَالْجَرَادَ وَالْقُمَّلَ
وَالضَّفَادِعَ وَالدَّمَ أَيْتٍ مُّفَصَّلْتٍ فَاسْتَكْبَرُوْا وَكَانُوْا قَوْمًا مُّجْرِمِيْنَ (١٣٣) وَلَمَّا وَقَعَ عَلَيْهِمُ الرِّجْزُ قَالُوْا
يُمُؤْسَى ادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ بِمَا عَهِدَ عِنْدَكٌَ لَئِنْ كَشَفْتَ عَنَّا الرِّجْزَ لَنُؤْمِنَنَّ لَكَ وَلَنُرْسِلَنَّ مَعَكَ بَنِىَ إِسْرَاءِيْلَ
(١٣٣) فَلَمَّا كَشَفْنَا عَنْهُمُ الرِّجْزَ إِلَى أَجَلٍ بُمْ بَلِغُوْهُ إِذَا بُمْ يَنْكُثُّوْنَ (١٣٥)
TRANSLATION: Without doubt We afflicted (punished) the people of Fir'oun with droughts
(the third miracle) and shortages in their produce (the fourth miracle) so that they take heed
(so that they realise that they are suffering because of their kufr and therefore accept Imaan). When
favourable conditions prevailed they (failed to thank Allaah and) said, "This is what we
deserve." However, when adverse conditions afflicted them, they would attribute the
misfortune to Moosa v and to those with him (saying that it is because of their evil presence
that these difficulties exist). Behold! Their misfortune is with Allaah (in Allaah's control), but
most of them do not know it (they think that it is because of other reasons). They (the Kuffaar)
said (to Moosa v), "Whatever Aayah (miracle) you bring before us to bewitch us, we still do
not want to believe in you." So (to punish them) We sent to them the flood (the fifth miracle,
which flooded their homes), the (plagues of) locusts (which ate up all heir food and crops - the sixth
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miracle), the ticks (which infested their homes - the seventh miracle), the frogs (which they found
everywhere, even in their utensils - the eighth miracle) and the blood (all their water turned to blood
- the ninth miracle) as detailed Aayaat (to persuade them to mend their ways). However, they
were an arrogant and a sinful nation (their sins increased and they did not learn their lesson).
Whenever a punishment afflicted them they said, "O Moosa! Pray for us to your Rabb by
the pledge that He had made with you (the pledge that He would remove the punishment if we
accepted Imaan). We swear that if you remove the punishment from us, we would certainly
believe (totally) in you and send the Bani Israa'eel with you." (However, each time) When We
removed the punishment from them up to the period appointed for them to reach (the
period appointed for their destruction or the time between each punishment), they suddenly
violated (broke their promise to accept Imaan).
Verse 101 of Surah Bani Israa'eel states:
وَلَقَدْ أَنَّيْنَا مُؤْسى تِسْعَ أَيْتٍ بَيِّنْتٍ فَسْتَلْ بَنِئْ اِسْرَاءِيْلَ إِذْ جَاءَبُمْ فَقَالَ لَمْ فِرْعَوْنُ إِنِّيْ لَاَظُنُّكَ يُمُؤْسَى مَسْخُوْرًا
TRANSLATION: Indeed We granted Moosa v nine clear Aayaat (to prove to the people that he
was Allaah's Rasool. These were his staff, his shining hand, the drought which affected the people of
Fir'oun, shortages in their produce, the flood, the locusts, the ticks, the frogs and the blood [see
verses 107 to 133 of Surah 7]), so ask the Bani Israa'eel when he came to them and Fir'oun
said to him, "O Moosa! I really think that you are bewitched (and therefore have a disturbed
mind)."
Verses 43-48 of Surah Shu'araa state:
قَالَ لَهُمْ مُّؤْسَى الْقُوْا مَا آَنْتُمْ مُلْقُوْنَ (٣٣) فَلْقَوْا حِبَالَهُمْ وَ عِصِيَّهُمْ وَ قَالُوْا بِعِزَّةٍ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّا لَنَحْنُ الْغُلِبُوْنَ
(٣٣) فَلْقَى مُؤْسَى عَصَاهُ فَإِذَا بِىَ تَلْقَفُ مَا يَأْفِكُوْنَ (٣ ٣٥) فَأَلْقِىَ السَّحَرَةُ سُجِدِيْنَ (٣٢) قَالُوا أَمَنَّا بِرَبِّ
الْعَلَمِيْنَ (٣٧) رَبِّ مُؤْسَى وَبُرُونَ (٣٨)
TRANSLATION: Moosa v said (to the magicians), "Throw what you wish to throw." So they
threw their ropes and staffs saying, "By Fir'oun's honour! We shall certainly be the victors
(because our ropes and staffs appear to be slithering snakes to the people) !" Then Moosa threw
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his staff, which (turned into a real snake and) instantly swallowed what (snakes) they
conjured (the optical illusions which made the people think that the snakes were real). (Realising
that the feat of Moosa v was not mere magic, but something possible only with Allaah's help,) The
magicians were cast down in prostration (they were forced to prostrate before Allaah to show
that they now believed in Allaah). They submitted, "We believe in the Rabb of the universe, in
the Rabb of Moosa v and Haaroon v."
Verses 46-48 of Surah Zukhruf state:
وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مُؤْسَى بِأَيْتِنَا إِلَى فِرْعَوْنَ وَ مَلَائِمٍ فَقَالَ إِنِّيْ رَسُوْلُ رَبِّ الْعَلَمِيْنَ (٣٢) فَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ بِأَيْتِنَا إِذَا بُْ
مِّنْهَا يَضْحَكُوْنَ (٢٧) وَمَا نُرِيِهِمْ مِّنْ أَيَةٍ إِلَّ بِىَ أَكْبَرُ مِنْ أُخْتِهَا نْ وَ آَخَذْنُهُمْ بِالْعَذَابِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُوْنَ (٣٨)
وَقَالُوْا يَأَيُّهَ السُّحِرُ ادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ بِمَا عَبِدَ عِنْدَكَ نَّ إِنَّنَا لَمُهْتَدُوْنَ (٢٩) فَلَمَّا كَشَفْنَا عَنْهُمُ الْعَذَابَ إِذَا بُمْ
يَنْكُثُوْنَ (٥٠)
TRANSLATION: Undoubtedly, We sent Moosa v with Our Aayaat (miracles) to Fir'oun and
his ministers. He (Moosa v) said, "I am the Rasool of the Rabb of the universe." When he
came to them with Our Aayaat (miracles), they began to laugh at them. Every Aayah
(miracle) We showed them was greater than the other. (Together with showing them these
miracles,) We afflicted them with punishment so that they may return (to Towheed after
committing kufr). (As each punishment afflicted them,) They said (to Moosa v), "O magician (used
as a title of honour in those days) ! On our behalf, pray to your Rabb for the covenant He has
made with you (that He would remove the punishment if we accept Imaan). Then (when the
punishment is removed) we will surely be rightly guided." (However,) When We removed the
punishment from them, they immediately broke their promise (and continued committing
Shirk).
Pursuit and the Splitting of the Ocean
As stated in Surah A'raaf, Fir'oun would ask Hadhrat Moosa v to pray to Allaah
to remove every punishment that afflicted them, promising to meet his demands
each time. However, he reneged on his word every time. Hadhrat Moosa v
warned Fir'oun and his people each time punishment was about to arrive. This
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