Juz 16: Al-Kahf 75 to Ṭā Hā
Section 15 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
15. Musa Confronts Pharaoh
After Allah bestowed prophethood upon Musa (peace be upon him) and equipped him with miraculous signs, He commanded him to confront Pharaoh. This confrontation represents one of the most significant episodes in the Qur'an, illustrating the clash between truth and falsehood, between divine guidance and tyrannical oppression.
Allah instructed Musa and his brother Harun to approach Pharaoh with gentleness despite his claims of divinity. This divine instruction contains a profound lesson for all who engage in da'wah (inviting to Islam):
اذْهَبَا إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُ طَغَىٰ فَقُولَا لَهُ قَوْلًا لَّيِّنًا لَّعَلَّهُ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَىٰ
“Go, both of you, to Pharaoh. Indeed, he has crossed all bounds. So speak to him in soft words; perhaps he may take to advice or may have some fear.”
This verse establishes a fundamental principle of da'wah – gentleness in speech even with the most arrogant opponents. Despite Pharaoh's extreme tyranny and blasphemous claims of divinity, Allah instructed His prophets to approach him with gentle discourse.
When contemplating this monumental task – confronting the most powerful ruler of his time – Musa (peace be upon him) experienced a natural human reaction mentioned in verse 67:
فَأَوْجَسَ فِي نَفْسِهِ خِيفَةً مُّوسَىٰ
“So, Musa conceived fear in his heart.”
This momentary fear demonstrates the humanity of the prophets. They were not immune to human emotions, but their response to fear differentiates them from others. When faced with the intimidating army of magicians, Musa felt apprehension, but Allah immediately reassured him:
قُلْنَا لَا تَخَفْ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْأَعْلَىٰ
“We said, 'Do not fear. You are certainly going to be the upper most.'”
This divine reassurance teaches us that when confronting difficulties in upholding truth, believers should not be overwhelmed by fear. Rather, they should place their trust in Allah who provides support and ultimate victory.
The confrontation with Pharaoh's magicians represents another pivotal moment. Despite the magicians' impressive illusions that made ropes appear as serpents, Musa's divinely-empowered staff transformed into a genuine serpent that consumed their fabrications. This dramatic demonstration of divine power led the magicians, who recognized authentic supernatural power when they saw it, to immediate prostration and faith:
فَأُلْقِيَ السَّحَرَةُ سُجَّدًا قَالُوا آمَنَّا بِرَبِّ هَارُونَ وَمُوسَىٰ
“So, the magicians were cast down in prostration. They said, 'We have believed in the Lord of Hārūn and Mūsā.'”
This instantaneous conversion of specialists in deception – those who understood the difference between illusion and divine miracle – stands as a powerful testimony to the authenticity of Musa's prophethood. These magicians, summoned to defeat Musa, became witnesses to his truth.
Pharaoh's response to this development reveals the typical reaction of tyrants when their authority is threatened. He threatened severe punishment, but the newly-faithful magicians displayed remarkable steadfastness:
قَالُوا لَن نُّؤْثِرَكَ عَلَىٰ مَا جَاءَنَا مِنَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَالَّذِي فَطَرَنَا ۖ فَاقْضِ مَا أَنتَ قَاضٍ ۖ إِنَّمَا تَقْضِي هَٰذِهِ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا
“They said, 'We will never prefer you over the clear signs that have come to us, and over Him who has created us. So, decide whatever you have to decide. You will decide only for this worldly life.'”
Their declaration represents the triumph of faith over fear of worldly punishment. Though they knew their profession of faith would lead to torture and death, they recognized the temporary nature of Pharaoh's power compared to the eternal consequences of rejecting truth.
After Pharaoh's persistent rejection despite numerous signs, Allah commanded Musa to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The miraculous parting of the sea, Pharaoh's drowning, and the Israelites' deliverance all serve as powerful reminders of Allah's support for believers and His ultimate justice against oppressors.