Surah ash-Shu`ara' (The Poets ) 26 : 17

Explanatory Note

For this is the truth that allows no half measures. As messengers from the Lord of the universe, they make their demands clear: “We are messengers from the Lord of all the worlds. Let the Children of Israel go with us.” It is clear from this statement and similar ones in the Qur’ān that Moses was not required to address his message to Pharaoh and his people, or to call on them to believe in his faith or implement the message entrusted to him. He simply required them to set the Children of Israel free so that they could worship their Lord as they pleased. They were aware of their true faith, which they had held since the time of their first father, Israel, or Jacob, (peace be upon him). This faith, however, had weakened in their hearts allowing alien beliefs to creep in. Therefore, God sent Moses to save them from Pharaoh’s injustice and to purge their monotheistic faith of all foreign and corrupt elements.