Taha · Makki · ayah 49 of 135

Taha 20:49

قَالَ فَمَن رَّبُّكُمَا يَـٰمُوسَىٰ

“[Pharaoh] said, "So who is the Lord of you two, O Moses?"”

Saheeh International

Essence

The most powerful man on earth answers the message with a question, and the oldest question of all: then who is this Lord of yours?

A reflection

Even Pharaoh asked first

One classical commentator notices something surprising in Pharaoh's response. Pharaoh had armies, power and a long record of cruelty. He could have had the brothers seized on the spot. Instead, he asked a question. He entered into debate.

Why? The commentator suggests that had Pharaoh begun with violence, he would have been seen as foolish and crude, and even he disdained that. Then the commentator draws a sharp conclusion. Even Pharaoh, in all his ignorance and disbelief, would not stoop to insult without argument. How then can it suit those who claim Islam and knowledge?

He draws a second lesson from Musa's side. The one who holds the truth, he writes, must listen to the one who holds falsehood and answer him without harm or alienation. He cites the Quran's own instructions: invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good counsel (16:125). And if one of the idolaters seeks your protection, protect him until he hears the word of Allah (9:6).

Picture a university fair. At the Islamic society's stall, a student leans in with a smirk. Who made God, then? The volunteer could laugh him off or bristle. Instead she smiles and says: good question; sit down, have a cup of tea, and let's talk about it. He sits for forty minutes. He leaves without converting, but with a different picture of the people at that stall.

Musa did not resent Pharaoh's question. He welcomed it, and answered it with the clearest argument he had. That is a model for every believer who is asked a hard question by someone who does not share their faith. The question is not an attack to be repelled. It is a door, however grudgingly opened.

The full entry has 5 more reflections, questions to sit with, and "Live it today" - with the words, the roots and the tafsir alongside. Free, no account, works offline.