Surah 28

Tâ-Sîn-Mîm

These are the Verses of the manifest Book (that makes clear truth from falsehood, good from evil).

We recite to you some of the news of Mûsâ (Moses) and Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) in truth, for a people who believe (in this Qur’ân, and in the Oneness of Allâh).

Verily, Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) exalted himself in the land and made its people sects, weakening (oppressing) a group (i.e. Children of Israel) among them: killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the Mufsidûn(i.e. those who commit great sins and crimes, oppressors, tyrants).

And We wished to do a favour to those who were weak (and oppressed) in the land, and to make them rulers and to make them the inheritors,

And to establish them in the land, and We let Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) and Hâmân and their hosts receive from them that which they feared.

And We inspired the mother of Mûsâ (Moses): (telling): "Suckle him [Mûsâ (Moses)], but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve. Verily, We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers." [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi]

Then the household of Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) picked him up, that he might become for them an enemy and a (cause of) grief. Verily, Fir‘aun (Pharaoh), Hâmân and their hosts were sinners.

And the wife of Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) said: "A comfort of the eye for me and for you. Kill him not, perhaps he may be of benefit to us, or we may adopt him as a son." And they perceived not (the result of that).

And the heart of the mother of Mûsâ (Moses) became empty [from every thought, except the thought of Mûsâ (Moses)]. She was very near to disclose his (case, i.e. the child is her son), had We not strengthened her heart (with Faith), so that she might remain as one of the believers.

And she said to his [Mûsâ’s (Moses)] sister: "Follow him." So she (his sister) watched him from a far place secretly, while they perceived not.

And We had already forbidden (other) foster suckling mothers for him, until she (his sister came up and) said: "Shall I direct you to a household who will rear him for you, and look after him in a good manner?"

So did We restore him to his mother, that her eye might be comforted, and that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the Promise of Allâh is true. But most of them know not.

And when he attained his full strength, and was perfect (in manhood), We bestowed on him Hukm (Prophethood and right judgement of the affairs) and religious knowledge [of the religion of his forefathers i.e. Islâmic Monotheism]. And thus do We reward the Muhsinûn (i.e. good doers. See the footnote of V.9:120).

And he entered the city at a time of unawareness of its people: and he found there two men fighting, - one of his party (his religion - from the Children of Israel), and the other of his foes. The man of his (own) party asked him for help against his foe, so Mûsâ (Moses) struck him with his fist and killed him. He said: "This is of Shaitan’s (Satan) doing: verily, he is a plain misleading enemy."

He said: "My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, so forgive me." Then He forgave him. Verily, He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

He said: "My Lord! For that with which You have favoured me, I will never more be a helper of the Mujrimûn (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners)!"

So he became afraid, looking about in the city (waiting as to what will be the result of his crime of killing), when behold, the man who had sought his help the day before, called for his help (again). Mûsâ (Moses) said to him: "Verily, you are a plain misleader!"

Then when he decided to seize the man who was an enemy to both of them, the man said: "O Mûsâ (Moses)! Is it your intention to kill me as you killed a man yesterday? Your aim is nothing but to become a tyrant in the land, and not to be one of those who do right."

And there came a man running, from the farthest end of the city. He said: "O Mûsâ (Moses)! Verily, the chiefs are taking counsel together about you, to kill you, so escape. Truly, I am one of the good advisers to you."