About the Surah

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

Taa-Seen-Meem (Allah Alone knows their meanings).

These (revelations) are the Verses of a clear Book. 

(Here) We describe to you part of the true story of Musa ( )  and Firaun for (the benefit of) the people who believe (in the Quran).

Indeed, Firaun was extremely arrogant in the land and he had divided his people into many groups. He was very oppressive to one of those groups by kill-ing their sons and letting their females survive. Indeed, he was one of the tyrants.

And We wished to do a favour to those who were oppressed in the land (i.e. Egypt) and We make them (religious) leaders and inheritors (of land).

And that We give them authority and power in the land and We showed Firaun and Hamaan and their army the (unpleasant event) which they feared (i.e. Children of Israel may overpower Firaun).

And We inspired the mother of Musa ( )  (stating): “Suckle Musa ( ) , so when you fear for him (from the secret service personnel), then put him in the river (Nile) and don’t fear nor grieve. Indeed, We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of (Our) mes-sengers.”

Then the family of Firaun picked him up so that he might become an enemy for them and also cause them grief (in the future). Indeed, Firaun, Hamaan and their army were sinners (so Allah destroyed them by this child).

And the wife of Firaun (Hazrat Asia) said: “(This child) is the comfort of my eyes and yours too (i.e. we will be pleased to look at this lovely child). Don’t kill him. He may benefit us or we may adopt him as a son. And they were not aware of it (that they had killed several hundred innocent children to kill this very child).

And the heart of the mother of Musa ( )  became impa-tient and she was about to reveal the story [of Musa ( ) ], had We not strengthened her heart (with Faith) so that she might remain as one of the believers (that the child will be returned to her). 

And the mother of Musa ( )  told Musa’s ( peace be up-on him )  sister to follow him. So she saw Musa ( )  from the distance (secretly) and they were not aware of it.

And We had already forbidden the milk of (other) suckling mothers for Musa ( )  until she (Musa’s sister) said: “Would you like that I point out to you a household which will bring up the child for you and look after him nicely?”

Hence, We returned Musa ( )  to his mother to comfort her eyes, and that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the Promise of Allah is true. But most of them don’t know.

And when Musa ( )  attained his youth and full strength, We granted him wisdom (Prophethood) and (religious) knowledge. And thus We reward the good-doers.

And Musa ( )  entered the city when most of the people were unaware of it (since they were resting). He found two men fighting there – one was from his group (i.e. from the Children of Israel) and the other from his foes. The one from his group called Musa ( )  for help against his foe, so Musa ( )  hit him with his fist which killed him (accidentally). (Musa ( )  felt sorry within and said to himself): “This is from  Satan’s doing. Indeed, Satan is an obvious misleading enemy.”

(Musa ( )  repented and) said: “My Creator, indeed, I have wronged myself, so forgive me (please).” Then Allah forgave him. Indeed, Allah is Very-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

(Musa ( )  also) said: “My Creator! Since you have done a favour to me, so I shall never help the criminals (in future).

So in the morning, Musa ( )  went to the city very frightened and with great vigilance (to see the results of his crime). Surprisingly the same person who called for his help yesterday, called Musa ( )  (for help again). Musa ( )  said to him: “You are clearly a misled person.”

Then when Musa ( )  stretched his hand to seize the (Firaun’s) man who was an enemy to both of them, the caller [from Musa’s ( )  group] said: “Do you intend to kill me as you killed a man yesterday? [Since this quarrelsome person from Musa’s ( )  group felt that Musa ( )  will kill him for fighting with others repeatedly]. You intend to be a tyrant in the land and not the one of those who reform (people).”

[The man from Firaun’s group heard this information and conveyed it to Firaun. Firaun decided to kill Musa ( )  for his crime.] And a man came running, from the end of the city, he said: “Indeed, the chiefs are consulting mutually regarding  you, to kill you, so get away from here. Truly, I am one of your well-wishers.”

So Musa ( )  escaped from there terrified and with great cau-tion. Musa ( )  said: “My Creator! Save me from the people who are wrong-doers (and lead me to a peaceful place).”

And when Musa ( )  went towards Madyan, he said: “I hope that my Creator will guide me to a Right Path (which leads to a peaceful place).”

And when he arrived at the water (the well) of Madyan, he noticed that a group of men let their cattle drink water from the well. And Musa ( )  also noticed that two ladies were holding back (their cattle). Musa ( )  said to them: “What is the matter with you?” They said: “We cannot let our cattle drink water until the shepherds drive away (their cat-tle), and our father is a very old man.”

So Musa ( )  helped their cattle to drink water. Then Musa ( )  retreated to a shade (of a tree) and said: “My Crea-tor! Indeed, I am badly in need of whatever favour you bestow upon me!”

Then one of the two ladies came to him walking bashfully. She said: “In-deed, my father is calling to reward you for your help (to let our cattle) drink water.” So when Musa ( )  reached him and narrated to him the story, he said: “Don’t fear. You have escaped from the people who are wrong-doers.”

And one of the two ladies said: “O my father! Hire him. Indeed, the best (of men) for you to hire is the strong and (simultaneously) the trustworthy one,”

He said [to Musa ( ) ]: “I intend to marry one of my two daughters to you provided that you serve me for eight years, but if you complete ten years, so it will be a favour from you. I, however, do not intend to cause you any hardship (regarding its timing). If Allah wills, you will find me very nice to work with.”

[Musa ( ) ] said: “That is agreed between me and you. It will be up to me to complete whichever term I can. So there will be no pressure put on me. And Allah is Guardian (and witness) over what we say.”

So when Musa ( )  had completed the term, and was travelling with his family, he saw a fire (which was actually a light) in the direc-tion of (mountain) Tur. He said to his family: “Wait here, I have seen a fire. I may bring some information from there or a burning fire-brand for you so that you may warm yourselves.”

So when Musa ( )  reached near it (the fire), he was called from the right side of the valley from a tree, in this blessed ground: “O Musa ( ) ! Indeed, I am Allah, the Creator of the universe!

“And throw your stick!” So when he saw it moving as if it were a snake, he ran backward and did not even care to look back. (It was said): “O Musa ( ) ! Come forward, and don’t fear. Indeed, you are from those who are fully secure. (In fact it is a miracle for you, and here is another miracle).

“Put your hand in your bosom, and then bring it out. It will become brilliant white without any disease or defect. (To dispel your fear) put your hand under your armpit, (it will return to its original form). These are two proofs (of your Prophethood) from your Creator to Firaun and his chiefs. Indeed, they are the people who are disobedient (to Allah).”

Musa ( )  said: “My Creator! I have killed a man from them, so I fear that they will kill me,

“And my brother Harun ( )  – he is more eloquent in speech than me, so send him with me as a supporter to confirm me. Indeed, I fear that they will deny me.”

Allah said: “We will strengthen your arm with your brother and We will make you dominate, so they will not be able to reach you. You and those who follow you will be victorious due to Our Signs.”

So when Musa ( )  came to them with Our miracles, they said: “This is nothing but an invented magic. And we never heard of this among our forefathers.”

And Musa ( )  said: “My Creator knows best who came with guidance from Him, and who will have (happy) end in the Hereafter. In-deed, the wrong-doers will not be successful.”

And Firaun said: “O chiefs! I don’t know that you have a god other than me. O Hamaan! Light some fire to bake (bricks out of) clay and construct a lofty tower so that I may glance at the God of Musa ( ) . And, in-deed, I think Musa ( )  is one of the liars.”

And he (i.e. Firaun) and his army were arrogant in the land unjustly, and they thought that they would never return to Us.

So We seized him and his army, then We threw them all into the sea, so see what was the (bad) end of the wrong-doers.

And We made them leaders who invite others to the Fire. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will not be helped.

And We made a curse to follow them in this world, and on the Day of Res-urrection they will be among those who are in an extremely disgusting condition.

And after We had destroyed the earlier generations, We gave Musa ( ) , the Scripture as an en-lightenment, guidance, and mercy for mankind so that they might learn a lesson from it.

[Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)] And you were not on the western side of the mountain when We gave commandment (i.e. Tau-rat) to Musa ( )  and you were not among the witnesses (of this scene). Also Surah Aal-Imran:44 

And We created many genera-tions [after Musa ( ) ] and long ages passed over them. And [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] you never resided among the people of Madyan reciting Our Verses to them. But We kept sending messengers. (Similarly, We have sent you as a messenger).

And you [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] were not also present at the side of mountain Tur when We called [Musa ( )  to grant him Prophethood]. But it is due to the Mercy of your Creator (Who sent you as a messenger) to warn people to whom no warner had come before you so that they may receive some advice.

(And if We had not sent you as a messenger) whenever an adversity came to them due to that (their evil deeds) which their hands have sent forth,  they would have said: “Our Creator! Why did you not send us a messenger, so we would have followed your revelations and would have been among the believers?”

So when the truth [i.e. Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be up-on him) with his message] has come to them from Us, they say: “Why is he not given similar to what was given to Musa ( )  (i.e. Why the Quran did not come altogether as Taurat did?). Did they not disbelieve in that which was given to Musa ( )  before this? They say (about the Quran and the Taurat): “Two kinds of magic supporting each other!” They (further) say: “We, indeed, dis-be-lieve all of them.”

[O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say (to them): “Then bring a Book from Allah, which offers better guidance than these two Books so that I may follow it, if you are truthful (in your claim).”

But if they don’t answer you, then know that they only follow their vain desires. And who is more astray than one who follows his vain desires, without guidance from Allah? Indeed, Allah does not guide the people who are wrong-doers.

And We have, indeed, sent our Word (i.e. the Quran) to them so that they may seek advice from it. 

Those to whom We gave Scriptures before it, they (the just scholars) believe (in the Quran).

And when it is recited to them, they say: “We believe that it is the truth from our Creator. Indeed, even before this we were Muslims (i.e. followers of all the messengers are Muslims).”

Those will be given double reward because they are patient and return evil with goodness and spend (in charity) out of what We have given them.

And when they hear vain talk, they walk away from it and say: “Our deeds are for us and your deeds are for you. Salam to you, we don’t seek (the way of) the ignorant people.”

[O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Indeed, you cannot guide whom you like, but only Allah guides whom He wills. And He knows best those who are guided.

(The disbelievers refuse to embrace Islam for the following reasons). And they say: “If we follow the guidance with you, we would be snatched away from our land”. (But it is not a valid excuse) Have We not stationed them around Ha-ram (sanctuary) which is a place of peace and security and all kinds of fruits are brought to it as provision from Ourselves, but most of them don’t know it?

And how many communities We have destroyed which used to rejoice a lot for the luxuries of their life. And those are their homes (as ruins) which were never inhabited after them again except very little. And We have been the inher-itor (of all their belongings).

And your Creator will never destroy any community until He sends to their capi-tal city a messenger who recites Our Verses to them. And We never destroy a community unless its people insist upon wrong-doings.

And whatever you have been given is for the enjoyment and splendour of this worldly life and that which is with Allah (in the Hereafter) is far superior and lasting. Have you then no sense (to make the correct choice)?

Is he whom We have made a fantastic promise (i.e. Paradise) – and he will find this promise come true – like him whom We have given the comforts of the life of this world, and he will be among those who are seized (and punished) on the Day of Judgement? 

And (remember) the Day when He will call to them and say: “Where are those whom you used to consider My (so-called) partners?”

Those about whom the Word (for punishment) has been justified, will say: “Our Creator! These are those whom we led astray. We led them astray (without any force), just as we went astray (without anybody forcing us. These are our and their voluntary choices. Though we are criminals, but they are criminals too). We declare in Your presence that we have no relation with them. They did not wor-ship us. (They were simply following their own vain desires).

And it will be said (to them): “Call upon your (so-called) partners (of Al-lah),” and they will call upon them, but their false gods will not even answer, and they all will see the torment. (They will then wish) that if only they had been guided.

And (remember) the Day when He (Allah) will call to them and say: “What answer did you give to the messengers?”

Then all (good) answers will be erased (from their brains) on that Day and they will not be able to consult each other.

But as for him who believed after repentance, and did good deeds, he will be among those who are successful.

And your Creator creates what-soever He wills and He chooses (whatsoever He wills). People have no choice. Glorified is Allah  above all that they associate (as partners with Him).

And your Creator has (perfect) knowledge of what is hidden in their hearts and what they reveal.

And He is Allah. None has the right to be worshipped but Him. All praise and thanks are due to Him (Alone) in this world and in the Hereafter. And Sov-ereignty is for Him Alone, and to Him you all shall be returned.

[O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “Tell me! If Allah made the night perpetual for you till the Day of Resurrection, which god besides Allah could bring you light? Don’t you hear?”

[O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “Tell me! If Allah made the day perpetual for you till the Day of Resurrection, which god besides Allah could bring you night in which you may rest? Don’t you see (this point)?”

And it is due to His Mercy that He has created for you the night and the day so that you may rest (during the night) and so that you may seek His Bounty (during the day) – and in order that you may be grateful (to Him for both fa-vours).

And (remember) the Day when He (Allah) will call them (the idolaters), and will say: “Where are those whom you used to consider my partners (in wor-ship)?”

And We shall bring out from every nation a witness (i.e. Prophet), and We shall say (to the idolaters): “Show your proof.” At that time they shall know (and realize) that the truth is with Allah (Alone) and the lies which they used to invent will disappear from them.

Indeed, Qarun was from Musa’s ( )  people but he was arrogant towards them (due to his wealth). And We gave him such treasures, that several strong persons could hardly carry the keys of his treasures. (Remember) when his people said to him: “Don’t act triumphant or boastful (with riches). Indeed, Allah does not like those who are boastful (with riches).

“And seek the good of the Hereafter with the wealth which Allah has given you. And spend reasonably for your worldly needs and be kind to the people as Allah has been kind to you (i.e. give in charity to help people). And don’t seek to spread mischief in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like the mischief makers.”

Qarun said: “This has been given to me only due to the knowledge I pos-sess.” Did he not know that Allah had destroyed communities before him, which were stronger than him in power and much greater in riches and the criminals are not questioned about their sins (they will be punished without any accountability process).

So he came out before his people with great pomp and show. Those who preferred the life of this world, said: “Ah! We wish that we had similar to what Qarun has been given! Indeed, he is a very fortunate person.”

But those who had been given the (religious) knowledge said: “Woe to you! The reward of Allah (in the Hereafter) is far superior for those who believe and do good deeds, and this point is put in the minds of only those who are very pa-tient.”

So We made the earth to swallow him along with his castle. Then he had no group to help him against Us (although he belonged to a big group), nor was he one of those who could save themselves.

And those who had desired to be like Qarun the day before, said: “It is clear that it is Allah Who bestows His riches on whom He wills and limits it for whom He wills among His slaves. And if Allah had not been Gracious to us, the earth could have swallowed us too. Don’t you see that the disbelievers will never be successful?”

We have assigned the home of the Hereafter (i.e. Paradise) for those who are not arrogant and they do not spread mischief in the land. And the pious people have an enviable end.

Whoever brings good deeds, he shall receive more reward than what he de-serves. And whoever brings evil deeds, he will be punished according to his deeds (and no injustice will be done to him).

[O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Indeed, He Who has made it obligatory for you (to preach and follow the commands of) the Quran, will bring you back to the place of return (i.e. home or Makkah. Hence, reciting the Quran and following its teachings ensure Allah’s help and victory). [O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] Say: “My Cre-ator knows best the one who brings (true) guidance, and the one who is obviously astray.

And it never occurred (to your mind) that a Book will be revealed to you but (it was sent down) due to the Mercy of your Creator. Hence, you should never be a supporter of the disbelievers.

[O Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)!] And let the disbelievers not stop you from preaching the Commands of Allah (as it has not happened so far) after they have been sent down to you. And (continue) inviting people to (the religion of) your Creator, and don’t be one of the idolaters.

And don’t worship any other god along with Allah. None has the right to be worshipped but He. Everything will perish except Allah. He is the Sovereign and all of you shall be returned to Him. (Also Surah Ar-Rahman:26-27).