Surah al-Qasas (The Stories) 28 : 43

Explanatory Note

The sūrah leaves out the entire history of the Children of Israel’s departure from Egypt, and the events that followed, in order to mention Moses’ lot after having shown us Pharaoh’s: "And so after We had destroyed those earlier generations, We gave Moses the book providing insight for mankind, as a guidance and grace, so that they may reflect." This is certainly a great favour given to Moses. His is an honourable bequest: a book revealed to him by God in order to give mankind new insight and guidance into what is right. Believers must, however, remember how God’s power intervened to save the weak and overcome the powerful. They must reflect on how oppressors are destroyed and the oppressed avenged and given power.

Thus ends the story of Moses and Pharaoh as related in this sūrah. It makes clear that safety and security can only be achieved by being on God’s side, while fear is always associated with moving away from Him. It also shows how God’s hand intervenes to challenge tyranny and overcome it, when its power seems irresistible. The fledgling Muslim community in Makkah needed to understand this concept and be sure of it, while the arrogant idolaters also needed to reflect on it. Moreover, this concept is needed whenever and wherever believers advocate the truth and tyranny stands in its way.

This is yet another example, then, of how the Qur’ān uses historical accounts as educative material, and also to establish certain facts and principles which need to be reflected upon.