Pharaoh said: “Let me kill Moses, and let him call upon his Lord. I fear that he may change your religion or spread corruption in the land.”
- Pharaoh intends to kill Moses (Musa, peace be upon him), but he does not want to do so without the approval of those around him. He seeks political support and may fear criticism from his circle.
Moses said: “Indeed, I seek refuge in both my Lord and your Lord from every arrogant one who does not believe in the Day of Reckoning.”
- Musa (peace be upon him), sensing the situation is escalating, warns them to fear only Allah and not to be arrogant.
A believing man from Pharaoh’s family, who had concealed his faith, said: “Would you kill a man simply because he says, ‘My Lord is Allah,’ while he has brought you clear proofs from your Lord? If he is lying, then his lie will be upon him; but if he is truthful, then some of what he warns you about will befall you. Indeed, Allah does not guide one who is a transgressor and a liar.”
- Here, help comes from the Lord of the Worlds. A believer from Pharaoh’s family supports Musa (peace be upon him). From his speech, it is clear that the people present acknowledge Allah but are too arrogant to submit.
He continued: “O my people! Today, you have dominion in the land, and you are powerful. But who will help us if Allah’s punishment comes upon us?” Pharaoh said, “I only advise you based on what I see, and I only guide you to the right path.”
- Pharaoh dismisses the warning, claiming he is only guiding them to what he believes is correct.
The believing man said: “O my people, I fear for you a day like that of the factions—like the fate of the people of Noah, ‘Ad, Thamud, and those after them. Allah does not intend to wrong His servants.”
- The believer warns his people about two things: division into factions and the Day of Judgment. The “day of factions” refers to the division and disputes that arise after the truth becomes clear, leading to destruction, as happened to the nations mentioned.
He added: “O my people, I fear for you the Day of Calling—the Day you will turn and flee, with no one to protect you from Allah. Whoever Allah leaves astray will have no guide.”
- He warns them of a day when they will try to flee but find no escape from Allah’s judgment.
“Indeed, Joseph (Yusuf) came to you earlier with clear proofs, but you continued to doubt what he brought you. When he died, you said, ‘Allah will never send a messenger after him.’ This is how Allah leaves the transgressors and doubters astray.”
- This refers to the story of Yusuf (Joseph, peace be upon him), as detailed in Surah Yusuf. The Children of Israel came to Egypt through Yusuf (peace be upon him) and initially held a respected position. Over time, they lost their status and were oppressed by Pharaoh and his people.