Pharaoh (Fir’aun in Arabic) is depicted in the Quran as a tyrannical ruler of Egypt who oppressed the Israelites. The story unfolds with the birth of Moses during a time when Pharaoh had ordered the killing of all newborn Israelite males to prevent a prophecy that one would overthrow him.
Key Events in the Story
- Moses’ Early Life:
- Moses was born during a year when male infants were to be killed. His mother, following divine inspiration, placed him in a basket and set it afloat on the Nile River. He was found and adopted by Pharaoh’s wife, Asiyah.
- Moses’ Prophethood:
- As an adult, Moses fled Egypt after accidentally killing an Egyptian. He later received prophethood and was commanded by God to return to Egypt and demand the release of the Israelites.
- Confrontation with Pharaoh:
- Moses and his brother Aaron (Harun) confronted Pharaoh, presenting signs from Allah, such as Moses’ walking stick turning into a serpent and his hand shining with a bright light. Despite these miracles, Pharaoh and his court mocked and rejected them.
- The Plagues:
- Allah sent a series of plagues upon Egypt, including locusts, frogs, and blood, to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Each time, Pharaoh promised to let them go but reneged once the plague was lifted.
- The Exodus:
- Finally, Allah commanded Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Pharaoh pursued them with his army, but Allah parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross. When Pharaoh and his forces followed, the sea closed in on them, drowning Pharaoh and his army.
Lessons from the Story
The story of Pharaoh and Moses is rich with lessons about faith, perseverance, and the consequences of arrogance and tyranny. It emphasizes the importance of trusting in Allah’s plan and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Pharaoh, particularly the one who opposed Moses, is often depicted as an epitome of arrogance and tyranny in religious texts. His story is a powerful example of how pride and refusal to acknowledge a higher power can lead to downfall.
Key Aspects of Pharaoh’s Arrogance
- Self-Perception as a God:
- Pharaoh considered himself a deity, demanding worship and absolute obedience from his subjects. This inflated sense of self-importance contributed to his tyrannical rule.
- Oppression of the Israelites:
- Pharaoh’s arrogance was evident in his harsh treatment of the Israelites, whom he enslaved and subjected to brutal labor. His refusal to free them, despite witnessing numerous divine signs and plagues, showcased his stubbornness and pride.
- Defiance Against Allah:
- Despite the miracles performed by Moses, Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his heart and refused to submit to Allah’s will. This defiance ultimately led to his demise when he pursued the Israelites into the Red Sea, only to be drowned along with his army.
Lessons from Pharaoh’s Story
Pharaoh’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance and the importance of humility. It highlights the consequences of refusing to acknowledge one’s limitations and the ultimate authority of Allah.
Pharaoh claimed to be a god as recorded in Surah An-Nazi’at at Verse 24 which means “So he (Pharaoh) said: I am your god, the supreme”. Finally, Pharaoh drowned in the Red Sea.
The ‘Ad and Thamud, respectively, were famous for their strength and progress but denied the prophet and were arrogant. Their story reminds us that pride will bring destruction and destruction, while submission to Allah brings security and peace.
Verse 266 of Surah Al-Baqarah which means: “Is there one of you who covets a garden with dates and vines, under which rivers flow, having all kinds of fruits, and he is old, has children who are young and weak, and then the garden is struck by a tornado that brings fire to the fire? Thus, Allah has explained His verses to you, so that you may think about them.”
ALLAH has the power to raise and depose leaders
Verse 26 of Surah Ali ‘Imran which means: “Say (Muhammad): ‘O Lord who has a kingdom, You give a kingdom to whomever You will, and You take away the kingdom from whomever You will. You glorify whomever You will, and You despise whomever You will. In Your Power all goodness. Indeed, You are Almighty over all things.”
Lesson from this verse: This verse reminds us that all power and sovereignty in this world is under the will of ALLAH. No one can possess or maintain it except with His permission.
Power, position, or honor are not permanent and only temporary. ALLAH has the power to give or take away from anyone according to His wisdom. Therefore, man should not be arrogant with what he has.
All forms of goodness are in the power of ALLAH. Man must depend on Him by praying and asking for help.
ALLAH gives glory and can humiliate anyone based on His wisdom and justice. Therefore, man must constantly improve himself in order to gain His relief.
This verse teaches us not to depend solely on humans or worldliness, but on Allah Almighty over everything.
Only Allah can glorify or humiliate someone. Therefore, humans should not be afraid of the threats of other humans or rely too much on creatures to achieve things.
This verse invites people to always be humble and grateful because all the blessings and positions given are trusts from Allah that need to be managed properly.
The conclusion of this verse reminds people that all the affairs of the world, such as power, respect, and humiliation, are under the sole dominion of Allah. Therefore, we must always trust, be grateful for His blessings, and strive to live in obedience to Him.
Finally, whether the fire and destruction in LA is Allah’s retribution to those who oppress the Palestinian people, we think with a calm heart.
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