Taha · Makki · ayah 24 of 135

Taha 20:24

ٱذْهَبْ إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُۥ طَغَىٰ

“Go to Pharaoh. Indeed, he has transgressed [i.e., tyrannized]."”

Saheeh International

Essence

The command met at 79:17 comes here as the goal of all Musa was shown: go to Pharaoh, for he has transgressed.

A reflection

Everything before was preparation

This command is treated in full at 79:17. In Taha it lands differently, because of what comes before it.

Think of the long scene at Tuwa. Take off your sandals. I have chosen you. There is no god but Me. Worship, pray, remember the Hour, do not be turned aside. Throw your staff. Take it back. Press your hand to your side. Only now: go to Pharaoh.

One commentator names this exactly. This command, he says, is the move to the very purpose for which all the preceding preliminaries were laid down. It is set apart from the earlier commands to mark it as the main one. In effect: go to him with what you have seen of Our greatest signs.

Picture a young lawyer before her first trial. For months her senior has made her read files, sit in other trials, rehearse cross-examinations. She wondered when she would be allowed into court. Then, one Monday: you are ready; go. Everything before was for this.

If Allah has been preparing you through a long, quiet season, it may not be wasted time. It may be the laying down of what you will need when He finally says: go.

The full entry has 2 more reflections, questions to sit with, and "Live it today" - with the words, the roots and the tafsir alongside. Free, no account, works offline.