028 Al-Qasas

These are the verses of the clear Book.

We recount to you part of the story of Moses and Pharaoh in truth for people who believe.

Indeed, Pharaoh arrogantly elevated himself in the land and divided its people into different factions; oppressing one group of them[2], slaughtering their sons and sparing their women alive[3]. He was truly one of those who spread corruption.

Translation notes: [2] i.e., the Children of Israel. [3] For their own service and as a sign of humiliation to the Children of Israel.

But We wanted to bestow favor upon those who were oppressed in the land[4], and make them leaders and inheritors [of the land],

Translation notes: [4] i.e., the Children of Israel who were oppressed by Pharaoh in Egypt.

and to establish them in the land, and to show Pharaoh, Hāmān[5] and their soldiers[6] that which they feared[7].

Translation notes: [5] Hāmān was Pharaoh’s minister during the time of Moses. [6] Through those whom they oppressed and enslaved. [7] i.e., the fulfillment of the Pharaoh’s old dream that his kingdom would come to an end at the hands of a newborn from the Children of Israel.

We inspired the mother of Moses, “Suckle him; but when you fear for him, cast him into the river, and do not fear or grieve. We will surely return him to you, and will make him one of the messengers.”

Then the household of Pharaoh picked him up, so that he may become an enemy to them and a source of grief. Indeed, Pharaoh, Hāmān and their soldiers were wrongdoers.

Pharaoh’s wife said, “He is a source of joy for me and you. Do not kill him; he will probably benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son.” They were unaware [of the consequences].

The heart of Moses’ mother became restless; she was about to disclose it, had We not reassured her heart so that she would maintain her faith [in Allah’s promise].

She said to his sister, “Keep track of him.” So she watched him from a distance, without them noticing.

We had already forbidden for him all wet nurses[8], then she said, “Shall I direct you to a household who will nurse him for you and take good care of him?”

Translation notes: [8] Moses had refused to nurse from any other woman.

Then We returned him to his mother so that she would be comforted and not grieve, and so that she would know that Allah’s promise is true. Yet most of them do not know.

When he reached his full strength and maturity, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. This is how We reward those who do good.

Once he entered the city unnoticed by its people[9], and found two men fighting: one of his own people and the other of his enemies. The one from his own people called him for help against his enemy, so Moses struck him with his fist, causing his death. Moses said, “This is of Satan’s work; he is a sworn enemy who mislead people.”

Translation notes: [9] i.e., as it was the time of rest at noon.

He said, “My Lord, I have wronged myself, so forgive me,” Then He forgave him, for He is indeed the All-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

He said, “My Lord, because of the blessings that You have bestowed upon me, I will never be a supporter of the wicked.”

Then he became fearful and vigilant in the city; suddenly the one who sought his help the day before cried out to him again for help. Moses said to him, “You are clearly a troublemaker.”

When he was about to strike the one who was an enemy to both of them, he[10] said, “O Moses, do you want to kill me as you killed that person yesterday? You only want to be a tyrant in the land, and you do not want to be one of those who put things right!”

Translation notes: [10] i.e., the Israelite thought that Moses wanted to strike him.

Then there came a man rushing from the farthest end of the city, and said, “O Moses, the chiefs are conspiring to kill you, so leave. I am giving you sincere advice.”

So he left the city, fearful and vigilant. He said, “My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people.”

When he headed towards Midian, he said, “My Lord will surely guide me to a straight way.”

When he arrived at the well of Midian, he found a crowd of people watering [their flocks] and found apart from them two women holding [their flocks] back. He said, “What is the matter with you?” They said, “We cannot water [them] until the shepherds take [their flocks] away, and our father is a very old man.”

So he watered [their flocks] for them, then he turned to the shade and said, “My Lord, I am desperately in need of whatever good You may send down to me[11].”

Translation notes: [11] Moses left Egypt having nothing until he arrived in Midian. As soon as he sought Allah's help, Allah gave him a wife, a livelihood, and a home.

Then one of the two women came to him, walking modestly. She said, “My father[12] is inviting you so that he may reward you for watering [our flocks] for us.” When he came to him and told him the whole story, he said, “Have no fear. You are now safe from the wrongdoing people.”

Translation notes: [12] Prophet Shu‘ayb, the father of the two women.

One of the two daughters said, “O dear father, hire him; the best one you can hire is the strong and trustworthy.”

He said, “I would like to give you one of these two daughters of mine in marriage, provided that you serve me for eight years; if you complete ten, it will be of your own free will. I do not want to make things difficult for you. You will find me, if Allah wills, from among the righteous.”

Moses said, “Let that be the agreement between me and you. Whichever of the two terms I complete, there will be no further obligation on me, and Allah is Witness over what we say.”

When Moses had completed the term[13] and was traveling with his family, he spotted a fire in the direction of Mount Tūr. He said to his family[14], “Stay here; I have spotted a fire. Perhaps I will bring you from there some news or a brand of fire so that you may warm yourselves.”

Translation notes: [13] Moses completed the ten years term instead of eight years. [14] From Midian to Egypt.

But when he came to it, he was called from the tree[15] in the sacred ground on the right side of the valley: “O Moses, I am Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

Translation notes: [15] Which was within the fire.

Throw down your staff.” But when he saw it slithering as if it were a snake, he turned and ran away without looking back. [Allah said], “O Moses, come back, and have no fear; you are perfectly safe.

Put your hand into your garment, it will come out shining white without blemish, and draw your arms tight to you to calm your fear. These are two proofs from your Lord to Pharaoh and his chiefs, for they are indeed a rebellious people.”

Moses said, “My Lord, I have killed one of their men, and I fear that they may kill me.

My brother Aaron is more eloquent than me in speech, so send him with me as a helper to confirm my words, for I fear that they may reject me.”

Allah said, “We will strengthen you through your brother and give you both power, so they cannot harm you. With Our signs, you and your followers will prevail.”

When Moses came to them with Our clear signs, they said, “This is nothing but fabricated magic; we have not heard of this from our earlier ancestors.”

Moses said, “My Lord knows best who has come with guidance from Him and who will have the best abode in the end. The wrongdoers will never succeed.”

Pharaoh said, “O chiefs, I do not know for you any god other than myself. So bake for me bricks out of clay, O Hāmān, and build for me a tower so that I may have a look at the God of Moses, for I think he is a liar.”

He and his soldiers were arrogant in the land without any right and thought that they would not be brought back to Us.

So We seized him and his soldiers and flung them into the sea[16]. See how was the end of the wrongdoers!

Translation notes: [16] Allah caused them to enter the sea in pursuit of Moses and the believers.

We made them leaders[17] calling to the Fire, and on the Day of Resurrection they will not be helped.

Translation notes: [17] i.e., precedents or role models, followed by subsequent tyrants.

We caused a curse to pursue them in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be among those who are despised.

We gave Moses the Scripture after destroying earlier nations, as an insight for mankind, and a guidance and mercy, so that they may take heed.

You were not [O Prophet] on the western side [of the mountain] when We gave Moses Our commandment, nor did you witness that event[18].

Translation notes: [18] The pagans of Makkah are recurrently reminded in the Quran that the Prophet (ﷺ) did not witness any of these events that happened centuries before his birth. See 12:102, 3:44, 11:49. So the only logical way of knowing about these stories is the divine revelation.

But We brought forth many generations [after Moses], and a long time passed on them[19]. And you [O Prophet] did not dwell among the people of Midian, rehearsing with them Our verses[20], but it is We Who sent you as a messenger [and revealed to you their stories].

Translation notes: [19] So they forgot and neglected the ordinances of Allah over time. [20] The Prophet (ﷺ) had no way of knowing these stories except through the revelation from Allah.

You were not at the side of Mount Tūr when We called out [to Moses]. But [you have been sent] as a mercy from your Lord, to warn a people to whom no warner had come before you, so that they may take heed.

So they would not say – if struck by a calamity because of what their hands have sent forth, “Our Lord, if only You had sent us a messenger, so we could follow Your verses and be among the believers?”

But when the truth came to them from Us, they said, “If only he was given the like of what was given to Moses before[21].” Did they not reject what was given to Moses before? They say, “Both [revelations] are works of magic, supporting each other”, adding, “We truly reject both of them[22].”

Translation notes: [21] The pagans of Makkah demanded that the Qur’an should have been revealed all at once like the Torah, and the Prophet (ﷺ) should have brought us tangible miracles like Moses’ staff, illuminating hand, etc. [22] It refers to the pagans of Makkah concerning the Qur’an and the Torah.

Say, “Then bring a scripture from Allah which is better in guidance than these two so that I may follow it, if you are truthful.”

But if they do not respond to you, then know that they only follow their desires. Who is more astray than one who follows his desire without any guidance from Allah? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

And We have constantly conveyed the Word [of admonition] to them[23], so that they may take heed.

Translation notes: [23] i.e., to the pagans of Makkah and the Jews from among the Children of Israel about the consequences of the doomed nations.

As for those whom We gave the Scripture before this [Qur’an], they[24] do believe in it.

Translation notes: [24] i.e., the sincere believers among the People of the Book.

When this [Qur’an] is recited to them, they say, “We believe in it, for it is the truth from our Lord. We had already submitted [as Muslims even] before this[25].”

Translation notes: [25] Such as ‘Abdullah ibn Salām and Salmān al-Fārisi.

They will be given their reward twice for their patience, repelling evil with good[26], and for spending out of what We have provided for them.

Translation notes: [26] i.e., compensating their misdeeds with good deeds, or responding to evil with what is good.

When they hear vain talk, they turn away from it and say, “We are accountable for our deeds and you for yours. Peace [is our response] to you[27]! We do not want [to be with] the ignorant.”

Translation notes: [27] i.e., "You are secure from being treated in a like manner by us."

You cannot guide whoever you like, but Allah guides whom He wills, and He knows best who will be guided.

They say, “If we follow the guidance with you [O Prophet], we will be snatched away from our land[28].” Have We not established for them a safe sanctuary [in Makkah] to which fruits of all kinds are brought as provision from Us? But most of them do not know.

Translation notes: [28] By other Arab tribes.

How many a town We have destroyed that were arrogant due to their affluence! Those are their dwellings which were never inhabited after them except briefly[29]. It is We Who were the Inheritors.

Translation notes: [29] By travelers of pagans of Makkah seeking temporary shelter.

Your Lord would never destroy towns without first sending to their main city a messenger, reciting to them Our verses. Nor would We destroy towns unless their people were wrongdoers.

Whatever you have been given is only an enjoyment and adornment of the life of this world, but what is with Allah is better and more lasting. Will you not then understand?

Is one whom We promised a good promise – which he is going to obtain – like one whom We gave the pleasure of the life of this world, then on the Day of Resurrection he will be among those summoned [to Hellfire]?

And [beware of] the Day when He will call out to them and say, “Where are those whom you claimed to be My partners?”

Those against whom the word will be fulfilled[30] will say, “Our Lord, these are the ones whom we led astray; we led them astray as we ourselves went astray. We disassociate ourselves [from them] before You; it was not us that they used to worship[31].”

Translation notes: [30] i.e., the disbelievers upon whom the decree of punishment has been passed. [31] i.e., We did not force them, nor did they obey us; rather, they obeyed their own desires.

Then they will be told, “Call upon your [so-called] partners [for help].” They will call upon them, but will receive no response. They will see the punishment, wishing that they had followed guidance.

On the Day when He will call out to them, saying, “What response did you give to the messengers?”

They will be dumbstruck[32] on that Day, not even able to ask one another.

Translation notes: [32] Not being able to make excuses or invent lies.

But whoever repents and believes, and does righteous deeds, he will be among the successful.

Your Lord creates and chooses what He wills; they have no choice. Glorified is Allah and Exalted is He far above what they associate with Him.

Your Lord knows all that their hearts conceal and all that they reveal.

He is Allah: none has the right to be worshiped except Him. All praise belongs to Him in this life and the Hereafter. His is the Judgment, and to Him you will all be returned.

Say, “What do you think, if Allah were to make the night perpetual for you until the Day of Resurrection, which god other than Allah could bring you shining light? Do you not then listen?”

Say, “What do you think, if Allah were to make the day perpetual for you until the Day of Resurrection, which god other than Allah could bring you night to rest in? Do you not then see?”

It is out of His mercy that He made for you the night and day, so that you may rest therein and seek of His bounty, and so that you may be grateful.

And [beware of] the Day when He will call out to them and say, “Where are those whom you claimed to be My partners?”

We will bring forth from every nation a witness[33] and say, “Bring your proof.” They will then know that the truth is with Allah, and all [false gods] that they used to invent will be lost from them.

Translation notes: [33] i.e., a prophet.

Indeed, Korah[34] was one of the people of Moses, but he behaved arrogantly towards them. We had given him such treasures that their keys would weigh down a group of strong men. When his people said to him, “Do not exult, for Allah does not like the exultant.

Translation notes: [34] Korah was Moses’ cousin. Instead of helping his people, he behaved arrogantly toward them.

Rather, seek with what Allah has given you the abode of the Hereafter, without forgetting your share of this world, and do good as Allah has done good to you, and do not seek to spread corruption in the land, for Allah does not like those who spread corruption.”

He said, “I have been given all this because of the knowledge that I have.” Did he not know that Allah destroyed some generations before him who were superior to him in power and greater in accumulating [wealth]? There will be no need for the wicked to be asked about their sins[35].

Translation notes: [35] Since Allah already knows their sins; they will only be interrogated as a form of censure and rebuke.

He came out before his people in all his glamor. Those who desired the life of this world said, “Oh, would that we had the like of what Korah has been given! He is indeed a man of great fortune.”

But those who were given knowledge said, “Woe to you! Allah’s reward is better for those who believe and do righteous deeds. But none will attain this except those who are steadfast.”

Then We caused the earth to swallow him and his house. There was no one to help him against Allah, nor was he able to help himself.

Those who had wished for his position the day before started saying, “Oh, it is surely Allah Who extends provisions to whom He wills or restricts it. If Allah had not favored us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too. Oh, indeed the disbelievers will never succeed.”

That is the abode of the Hereafter We will assign to those who neither seek superiority nor corruption on earth. The best outcome is for those who fear Allah.

Whoever comes with a good deed will be rewarded with what is better, and whoever comes with an evil deed, the evildoers will only be recompensed for what they used to do.

Indeed, the One Who has ordained for you the Qur’an will bring you back home[36]. Say, “My Lord knows best who has come with guidance and who is clearly misguided.”

Translation notes: [36] This is referring to the return of the Prophet (ﷺ) to Makkah after emigration to Medina, which did take place eventually as a conquerer.

You were not expecting the Book to be revealed to you, but it was a mercy from your Lord. So never be a supporter to the disbelievers[37].

Translation notes: [37] By making any concessions to their beliefs.

Do not let them turn you away from Allah’s verses after they have been sent down to you. Rather, call people to your Lord, and never be among those who associate partners with Allah.

Do not invoke with Allah another god; none has the right to be worshiped except Him. Everything will perish except His Face[38]. His is the Judgment and to Him you will all be brought back.

Translation notes: [38] i.e., except Himself. The commentators have two interpretations here: 1. that Allah is Permanent and Eternal, for everything will perish except Himself. 2. that everything will perish except what is done for the sake (Face) of Allah.