28al-QaṣaṣThe Narrativeسُورَةُ القصص

Ṭā-Sīn-Mīm [Ṭ-S-M].

[Such alphabetical letters constitute] the āyāt of this distinct Scripture.

We arrange for you [Muhammad] in reading order information about Mūsā and Pharaoh in truth and impartiality: [such information] suits people who are committed to Allah [and confirm His supremacy and dominance].

Indeed, Pharaoh soared in power on earth and turned its inhabitants into factions, one of whom [Children of Israel] he picked on by killing [off] their sons and sparing [only] their women: for, behold, he was corrupt and corrupting.

But We want to favor those [very people] who have been oppressed on earth and make of them leaders and make of them heirs [to Pharaoh’s power],

And [We want to] fortify for them their position [of social justice] on earth and We want to show Pharaoh and Hāmān [Pharaoh’s master architect] and their militaries what they [Pharaoh and Hāmān] dread to see coming [their way] from the oppressed.

And We inspired the mother of Mūsā to breastfeed him, and then [prompting her], “If you [the mother of Mūsā, have reason to] fear for him, place him upon the surfs of deep water and do not fear and do not grieve; We are assuredly going to return him to you and [We will be] appointing him as one of Our apostles.”

[After Mūsā was placed in that sea of moving waters] the confidants of Pharaoh [came along and] lifted him [out of danger, not realizing] that he [Mūsā, after a time] would become their enemy and heartache. Indeed, Pharaoh and Hāmān [Pharaoh’s master architect] and their legions were knowingly wrong.

And [when baby Mūsā was brought to the attention of Pharaoh’s wife] she said, “How delightful! He [baby Mūsā] is a [prize of] elation for me and you [Pharaoh]. Do not take his life [as you do to the other baby boys belonging to the Children of Israel]; he [Mūsā] may be of value to us or we may [just as well] adopt him” — and they [Pharaoh’s family] were not conscious [of what the future would hold for them].

[Knowing all of this] the passion of Mūsā’s mother was painfully depleted [in despair, to such an extent] that she was on the verge of divulging the truth about him [Mūsā being her son] had We not steadied her heart so as to have her [acquire the character] of committed muslims.

And so she [Mūsā’s mother] said to his [Mūsā’s] sister, “Track [stalk] him [and keep an eye on him]” — and she [Mūsā’s sister] stealthily [and at a distance] watched out for him, though they [Pharaoh’s family] were not aware [of the sister’s close watch].

And We [from the commencement of Mūsā’s presence in Pharaoh’s household] made breastfeeding him [by Egyptian wet nurses] impossible; and [since Mūsā’s sister was watching out for him] she said, “Shall I refer you [Pharaoh’s household] to a family that will assume responsibility for him [Mūsā] on your behalf — a family that will take care of him [Mūsā] with affection?”

[In this manner] We returned him [baby Mūsā] to his mother so that she may be comforted and not [continue to] be distressed; and so that she might realize Allah’s promise always comes true [according to His time-setting, not man’s] — even though most of them [Pharaoh’s people] did not realize [the intricacies of this developing narrative].

And when he [Mūsā] reached his [physical] prime and mental maturity, We granted him wisdom and knowledge — and thus do We reward perfection seekers.

And [it so happened that] he [Mūsā] entered the city [center] when most of its people there were inattentive [to him in the public square]. Thereupon he [Mūsā] encountered two men fighting one another — one belonging to his own people [an Israeli] and one belonging to his enemy’s [citizenry — an Egyptian]. So the one belonging to his own people called on Mūsā for help against the one from his enemy’s, whereupon Mūsā punched him [with his fist] thereby ending his life [the Egyptian]. [Astounded by what just happened, Mūsā] said, “This is an act befitting Satan. Verily, he [Satan] is an apparent and deceptive enemy.”

Continued [Mūsā], “O my Sustainer! I have wronged myself, so forgive me,” and He forgave him: for, verily, He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

Said [Mūsā], “O my Sustainer! [I swear that] with the bounties You have given me, I will never [again] be an accessory to criminals.”

[After that, Mūsā, being] in that city, became fearful [of the consequences of his killing of an Egyptian] and watchful; [and as Mūsā was on his guard] the same person [from Mūsā’s crowd] who had called on Mūsā for assistance [against the Egyptian the previous day] shouted out [to Mūsā for help again, whereupon] Mūsā said to him, “You are, indeed, obviously a conniving [man].”

And when he [Mūsā] was on the verge of coming to violent blows with their common enemy, he [the enemy] said, “O Mūsā! Do you want to kill me as you killed an individual yesterday? Doing so would put you [on your way to] becoming a bully on earth for you [show no interest in] ameliorating things.”

And [then] came a man who had travailed to get there from the outer reaches of the city, saying, “O Mūsā! The elites are conspiring to have you killed. Therefore [you had better] escape [from this city]: I am indeed giving you [honest] advice.”

Thereupon, he [Mūsā] departed from it [that land] in a state of fear and caution, and beseeched, “O my Sustainer! Rescue me from people of injustice [and inequality].

And when he [Mūsā] aimed toward [the land of] Madyan, he said, “I am hopeful that my Sustainer will guide me to a steady direction.”

And when he [Mūsā] arrived at the water-springs of Madyan, he found a crew of people drawing water, but he noticed to the exclusion of them two women who were keeping their flock under control. [And so] he asked [the two women], “What is your purpose [for being here]?” They [both] answered, “We cannot draw water until the herdsmen pull out [of the well area with their herds], [as you can see, we are defenseless women] and our father is an elderly nobleman.”

Thereupon Mūsā fetched water for them [and their herd], and then retired to a shaded area, [and] then said, “My Sustainer! I am, indeed, very insignificant compared to what You have bestowed upon me.”

Thereafter one of them [the two ladies] came to him walking bashfully and said, “Behold! My father invites you so that he can compensate you for your effort [in drawing water] for us [my sister and I].” And when he [Mūsā] came to him [the father of the two ladies] and narrated to him the sequence of events [that brought Mūsā to Madyan], he [the elderly father said to Mūsā], “Do not fear; you have [now] escaped from overbearing [and cruel] people.”

One of them [the two ladies] said, “O dear father! Hire him [Mūsā]: for, indeed, the best person to hire is one who is strong and trustworthy.”

[Following that] he [the father] said [to Mūsā], “I wish for you to marry one of my two daughters provided that you offer me eight years of service; and should you finish ten [years] it would be [out] of your good character. I do not mean to burden you: [to the contrary] you will find me to be one of the upright [and honorable in their dealings].”

Answered [Mūsā], “That [shall be an agreement] between me and you; whichever of the two terms I fulfill, let there be no infringement against me — and Allah is the arbiter of our assertion.”

And after Mūsā finished doing his time [of service to his father-in-law] and while he and his family were on their way [to Egypt], he [Mūsā] caught sight of a fire on the side of the mount [Mt. Sinai]. [And so] he said to his family, “Stay here. I have caught sight of a fire and it might be that I will return from it with some news or [at least] some embers from that fire so that you may warm yourselves.”

So, when he [Mūsā] approached it [the fire] he was called upon from his right-hand side in the blessed locale of the [burning] tree, “O Mūsā! Verily, I am Allah, the Sustainer of the worlds [of life].”

And [then the words commanded Mūsā], “Throw down your staff”; but as soon as Mūsā saw it convulsing as if it were possessed he retreated and moved away [in fear], and did not resume [his original position]. [Mūsā heard the voice say to him], “O Musa! Come forward. Do not be afraid — for you are, definitely, included among those who [I deem to be] safe and secure.

“[Now] draw your hand into the opening of your garment’s top: it will come out looking pale even though it is not diseased. And now pull back your extended hands that you stretched out from fear [of your pale hand]. Those two [miracles — the oscillating snake, and your pale hand —] are two proofs from your Sustainer [to be displayed] to Pharaoh and his elite — for, indeed, they have been a people of degenerate character.”

He [Mūsā] said, “My Sustainer! I have killed one of them [Egyptians], so I fear that they may [want to] kill me;

“And [also, would You consider] my brother Hārūn who is more articulate than I am: therefore send him with me as an assistant who will [eloquently] corroborate me [in what I say to Pharaoh]: for I, really, fear that they [the establishment of Pharaoh] will accuse me of lying.”

[Allah] replied, “We will bolster you with your brother and endow you both with effectiveness so that they [Pharaoh and company] will not get hold of you two. [Supplemented] with Our power and authority, both of you and those who are with you [in faith and function] are the victors.”

And so when Mūsā approached them [Pharaoh and his elite] with Our demonstrations of power, evident as they are, they said, “This is nothing but contrived sorcery; we have never heard of this even among our ancient ancestors.”

And so, Mūsā proclaimed, “My Sustainer knows very well the person who delivers guidance from Him and [He knows] which side [of this polarization] shall prevail in the future. Indeed, perpetrators of injustice can never be constructive!”

Whereupon Pharaoh said, “Attention elites! I know of no other god [besides me] befitting you. Therefore, O Hāmān [Pharaoh’s master architect]! Ignite a fire for [the purpose of baking] clay so that you can build a high tower that may give me access to the god of Mūsā; even so, I actually think he belongs to the [class of] liars.”

And he [Pharaoh] and his legions conducted themselves with unwarranted arrogance and not the least bit of attention to truth and justice throughout the land, actually thinking that they are not [eventually] returning to Us.

So We [finally] got hold of him and his legions and cast them into deep flowing waters: thus, contemplate how the undoing of justice violators came about.

And We caused them [Pharaoh and his administrators] to become leaders who maneuver [people] into the fire; and on the Day of Resurrection they will not be buttressed.

And We have shadowed them by a condemnation in this world and [similarly] on the Day of Resurrection they shall be [from] a crowd of nasty and obnoxious people.

And, indeed, after We had destroyed ancient generations [like Pharaoh and his elites], We granted Mūsā scripture as insights for people and guidance and mercy in the hope that they will consciously summon up [these societal facts and evade decimating consequences].

And you [O Muhammad] were not present at the western side [of the mount] as We decreed to Mūsā the issue [of lawmaking], and [so] you were not a witness [to that event].

But [between the time of Mūsā and your time] We evolved lapsing generations [who eventually deviated from prophet and scripture]: and neither were you [Muhammad] a dweller among the people of Madyan, arranging [and explaining] Our illustrations of power and influence — but We were always sending apostles [to humanity].

And neither were you [Muhammad] next to the mount when We announced [Our commands]; but [you, too are sent] as a mercy from your Sustainer to warn a population [the people of Makkah and Arabia] to which no warner had come before you in the hope that they may consciously bear in mind [the facts of history and life].

[And We have sent you O Muhammad] lest they [the addressees of this Qur’an] incur a calamity with their own hands and then [show up on Judgement Day] saying, “O our Sustainer! If only You had sent a messenger to us so that we may have followed your instructive āyāt and become committed muslims!”

And yet, now that truth and justice came to them [the people of Arabia and other people] from Our particular presence, they said, “If only he [Muhammad] was granted what Mūsā was granted [of miracles and wonders]?!” But is it not true that they refuted what Mūsā was granted in the historical past? [For] they do say, “Two [scriptures tantamount to two forms of] sorceries in conjunction with each other.” And they add, “We, certainly, deny [the authenticity of] each.”

Say [O Muhammad], “[If that is the case, and this Qur’an amounts to a disingenuous scam] then produce a book from the handiwork of Allah that has superior guidance to them both [the Torah and the Qur’an] and I will follow it if you are truthful ones.”

And if they do not respond [favorably] to you [for they cannot], then be advised that they are following their selfish desires [and envies]: and who could be more in the wrong than he who follows his selfish desires without guidance from Allah? Verily, Allah does not guide people who are justice violators.

Now, in fact, We communicated Our word to them in a gradual manner so that they may consciously call to mind [the truth and justice herein].

As for those to whom We have granted scripture in times preceding this Qur’an, they will [in due time] devote themselves to it [the Qur’an];

And whenever its [āyāt] are put in order for them [so that they clearly understand] they [are wont to] say, “We are committed to it; it is truth and justice from our Sustainer — and, verily, even before it [was revealed], we were in compliance [with Allah].”

They are to be twice awarded their [heavenly] reimbursement due to their patience as they warded off wickedness with kindness and spent out of what We provided for them,

And whenever they heard gossip [and chatter] they would turn away and say, “We are responsible for our deeds and you [idle-talkers] are responsible for your deeds. Peace be upon you; we do not seek [the company of] unintelligent [frivolous] people.”

You [O Muhammad] cannot guide everyone you are keen on [guiding]; rather Allah guides he who wants to be guided and He knows very well those who are [to be] guided.

And they [Quraysh] said, “If we are to follow guidance along with you [O Muhammad] we will be torn away from our land.” Have We not established firmly for them [Quraysh] a secure sanctuary [al-Bayt al-Ḥarām] to which all produce [and products] are brought as sustenance — as a courtesy from Us to you? But most of them are oblivious [or ignorant].

How many a civic society have We destroyed as a result of its indulgence [and disregard for Allah’s granted provisions]. [Look and learn!] Those are their dwellings: all but a very few of them have never been occupied after [that civic society] ended with destruction: for it is We, indeed, who have always been [and will always be] the heirs [of those who destroyed themselves].

And your Sustainer is never to destroy a civic society until after He sends from within its own core a messenger who correlates Our meanings, messages [and miracles] for them; and We never terminate civic societies except when their inhabitants are violators of justice.

And [be sure to recognize], whatever [leisure and pleasure] you are given, [know that] it is worldly and life amusement [and diversion] and an [appealing] ornament; but whatever Allah has is better and more enduring. Will you not, then, use your reason [when you think through these things]?

Is he whom We have promised a superb promise — a promise [of Paradise] that he will eventually come upon — the same as he whom We have permitted to enjoy [and relish] earthly [material] life but then will be brought forth on the Day of Resurrection [to Our court of justice]?

For, on that Day, He will call on them [the mushriks], saying, “Where are My associates that you claimed [were My equivalent deities and/or rival divinities]?”

[Whereupon] those who will have incurred Our final ruling will respond, “Our Sustainer! These individuals whom we deluded, we but deluded them in the same manner as we deluded ourselves; [now] we declare to You our innocence [of their religious fabrications], for it was not we that they adulated [rather, it was their own lusts and desires].”

And it will be said [to them, the mushriks], “Call on your power deities that you correlated with Allah [during your life on earth].” And they [the mushriks] will call for them but they [those fake deities] will not respond to them, and [then] they will see [with their own eyes] the [looming] affliction, [which they would not have had to experience] if only they had been guided [while they had their pre-death opportunity].

And on that Day, He will address them [the mushriks], asking, “What was your response to the apostles [I sent]?”

[And by the time they are so asked] on that day they would have become absentminded about the information [required for their salvation] and they will not [be able to] obtain any [helpful] answer from one another.

But as for he who repented and did what is right and righteous [in his earthly life], there is hope that he will be of those succeeding [in this Final Day test].

And your Sustainer creates what He intends [to create] and He decides [on what He chooses]; but as for them [the mushriks and those of like minds], they have no option [in matters beyond their capacity] — exceptionally praised is Allah and exalted above all that they [the mushriks and those of like minds] liken to Him.

And your Sustainer knows what they conceal in their bosoms and [He knows] what they divulge:

For it is He who is Allah; there is no other deity/authority together with Him; due unto Him is praise in the initial life and in the final life; and His is the final decision; and unto Him you [all] shall return.

Say [O Muhammad to the God-deniers], “Can you not apprehend that were Allah to impose upon you a continuous and perpetual nighttime until the Day of Resurrection, then which deity [could you call on] alongside Allah who could bring you luminosity? Will you not, then, listen [to what I am relaying from on high to you]?”

Say [to them in the same vein], “Can you not apprehend that were Allah to impose upon you a continuous and perpetual daytime until the Day of Resurrection, then which deity [could you call on] alongside Allah who could bring you [hours of] darkness in which you relax and settle? Can you not comprehend the message [I am conveying to you]?”

For, it is out of His mercy that He patterned night and day for you so that you are able to unwind and settle down [within the divine sequence of night and day] and so that you can pursue His abundant provision [in life] — and [all this] so that you may [have the opportunity to] be thankful.

And on that Day, He will summon them [the mushriks], saying, “Where are My divinity rivals that you claimed [to be gods]?”

And [they will be dumbfounded, for] We would have extricated out of every nation a witness [who was their messenger], whereupon We will say [to these mushriks], “Present your proof [and evidence of multiple gods].” [At that time] they [the mushriks] will come to realize that truth and justice belong to Allah; and that all their fabrications [about multiple gods] will be nowhere to be seen.

Verily, Qārūn belonged to the people of Mūsā but then he behaved badly toward them — simply because We gave him riches [and assets to such an extent] that [carrying] the keys to their vaults would exhaust a team of mighty power. Seeing this, his people advised him, “Do not be overjoyed [because you are very wealthy] — for, verily, Allah does not like those who are overjoyed [by their wealth].

Rather, seek with what Allah has given you [of wealth and riches] the realm of the final life [through offerings and assistances]; and do not forget your [fair] share of this world [by giving everything away]; and be kind the way Allah has been kind to you; and do not seek to cause corruption on earth: for, indeed, Allah is not fond of corruption purveyors.”

Replied [Qārūn], “I have been given [all my wealth] because of my intrinsic knowledge [and experience].” Does he [Qārūn] not know that Allah has destroyed in times before him many a generation that had more power and more wealth than he? And criminals [on that day] are not going to be queried about their crimes [as Allah has all relevant details].

And, in this manner, he [Qārūn] pompously made his public appearance in front of his people [displaying all his regalia]. [Seeing that], those people who were anxious to be materially affluent said, “O how we wish we had what Qārūn has been given; he is very fortunate.”

But those who were endowed with knowledge said, “Woe unto you! Allah’s compensation is better for those who commit themselves [to Allah] and do what is right and rightful — but none will obtain to it except for those who are patient [with the vicissitudes of life’s ups and downs].”

Thereupon We submerged him and his residence into the earth and he had no faction to the exclusion of Allah that could come to support him and so he was not among the winners.

And then those who wished they were in his place [just] yesterday came out saying, “Wow! We should have known that Allah extends His provisions of abundance to whomever He decrees and gives it in meager measure [to whom He decrees]. Had Allah favored us [like Qārūn] He would have submerged us, too, [into the earth like Qārūn]. Wow! It appears He does not grant [laudable] success to deniers [of His wealth and power].”

That domain of the final life [after death] We reserve for those who do not seek [ego] supremacy on earth or corruption; and the conclusion [of world affairs] belongs to those observant [of Allah’s power and affluence].

Whoever comes [for final judgement] with a good deed shall be rewarded with a better payback; and as to whoever comes with a bad deed [let it be known that] those who do terrible things [in life] shall have a payback commensurate with what they did.

Verily, He who has mandated this Qur’an upon you [O Muhammad] will certainly bring you back to where you [rightfully] belong [Makkah, and eventually the hereafter]. Say [to those who reject you], “My Sustainer knows very well he who comes forth in a state of guidance and [He knows] he who is in manifest waywardness!”

Never [in your best of imagination] would you have thought that this Scripture would [one day] be disclosed to you except as an expression of your Sustainer’s mercy. So, definitely, be not in corroboration with God-deniers,

And never allow them [the mushriks] to repel you from Allah’s illustrations [of power and authority] after they have been revealed to you. Rather, call [the general public] unto your Sustainer and never be one of the mushriks,

And do not invoke besides Allah another deity/authority. There is no deity/authority except Him. Everything shall [inevitably] perish except for His glorified Self. His is the [concluding] judgement, and to Him you [all] will return.