Surah Ta Ha (Ta Ha) 20 : 81

Explanatory Note

God reminds them of all these favours and warns them against transgression, in the form of indulgence in physical pleasure and neglect of the duties they left Egypt to fulfil. God is preparing for them an assignment which they must undertake. The Arabic word used here for transgression, taţghaw, is the same word that signifies the tyranny they experienced in their very recent past. Hence, they are warned: “Eat of the wholesome things which We have provided for you and do not transgress, lest you should incur My wrath. He that incurs My wrath has indeed thrown himself into utter ruin.” (Verse 81) Pharaoh had thrown himself into such ruin only recently, falling off his throne and drowning in the sea. To experience such ruin is to fall from high, which contrasts with tyranny that exalts the tyrant and assumes for him a high position of power. The Qur’ān here juxtaposes such contrasting elements in word and meaning to achieve both heightened effect and perfect harmony.