Chapter 20 - 42
Ta Ha (Surah At-TaHa)
(135 verses in total; revealed in Early Makkah Time – around 6th year – Prior to Omar’s conversion)
This longer chapter details stories of Prophet Moses, like the chapter before which narrates the stories of Prophet Jesus – two chapters clarifying the theology and history of the tow prior religious group – Christians and Jews - whose presence in Arabia was existent at the time of the Prophet. This time an Arab prophet and an Arabic scripture are being presented to educate the Arab who were longing for God’s message.
Key themes in this chapter are as follows:
· Moses was safeguarded from his childhood, his growing up in the household of Pharaoh, his adult life with his family and eventual coming to speak with God on Mt. Sinai as part of a larger plan from God
· Just like the life and work of Prophet Moses, God is intimately aware of all that is in the heavens and the earth – all being God’s creation and under God’s constant supervision
· Prophet Moses and his followers were constantly tested by God to affirm their belief in God and their commitment to follow the guidance, just like every other human being.
· The narrative of Adam, Eve and the Devil is touched on again, but this time with details about Adam and Eve forgetting God’s command and falling victim to the Devil
· The Prophet and the early believers are encouraged to have patience and be constant in their devotion to God and following the revealed guidance
In the Name of God, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
Ta Ha!
We (God) are not revealing this Qur’an to cause you stress. Rather we are sending a Reminder for those who are in awe of God! A revelation from the One Who created the earth and the high heavens – God of Mercy, established on the Throne! To Whom belongs all that is in the heavens, on earth, in-between these and what is beneath the soil. God knows whatever you may say aloud, keep quiet in secret and even your inner consciousness! This is God – there is no deity worthy of worship except God Who has beautiful names! (v. 1-8)
Has the story of Moses come to you (Prophet) yet? When he saw a fire (at a distance), he said to his family, “Stay here, I see a fire. Perhaps I can bring a flaming brand back to you or find guidance by the fire.” When he approached the fire, a voice called out, “O Moses! I am your Sustainer God! Take off your shoes and enter the sacred valley of Tuwa. I have chosen you, so pay attention to what is being revealed. Indeed, I am God, there is no deity but Me and keep your devotion to Me being mindful. The Hour is coming, while I keep a secret so that every soul may be rewarded what it strives for. So do not let anyone who disbelieve in it and follow their vain desires, distracts you from it, lest you are harmed (by such negligence).” (v. 9-16)
“And what is in you right hand, Moses?”
He said, “It is my stick. I lean on it, bring down leaves for my sheep and I have other usage.”
God said, “Moses, throw down your stick.”
As soon as he did, it became a live serpent and gliding away fast!
God said, “Grab it and don’t be afraid. We will return it as it was before. Now hide your arm by your side and it will come out white, without any harm; this is another sign as We are about to show you signs of much greater importance. Now, go to Pharaoh who has become a tyrant.” (v. 17-24)
Moses said, “My Sustainer God, increase my capacity for me, make my tasks manageable for me, and strengthen my words so that they can comprehend my message. Also, give me a helper from my family – my brother Aaron – to add strength to me, share my tasks with me, and together we can glorify You often. Indeed, You are a watcher over us both!”
God said, “Moses, your prayer is granted. (Remember) We also granted you favor another time in the past.” (v. 25-37)
We revealed to your mother, as an inspiration – put him (Moses) in a container and then float it in the river. Let the river bring it to a shore, where an enemy of Mine and an enemy of his will shelter him. I showered My love on you thus that you may be brought up under My watch. (v. 38-39)
Your sister went and said (to Pharaoh’s household), “Shall I direct you to someone who can nurse this boy?” This is how We brought you back to your mother so that she can be comforted and not grieve! Later you did kill a man, and We did save you from distress. We tried you with many trials and you did reside in Midian for a long time. Now you come here as already planned (qadarin), O Moses! (v. 40)
I have chosen you for Myself! Now, go – you and your brother – with My signs and don’t fail in keeping Me in your remembrance! Go – you both – to Pharaoh as he has become a tyrant. But speak to him gently – perhaps you will pay attention or show respect! (v. 41-44)
They (Moses and Aaron) said, “Our Sustainer God, we are afraid. He (Pharaoh) might do us harm or transgress further.” God replied, “Fear not. I am with you. I do hear, and I do see! Go to him and say, ‘We are two messengers from your God. Let the Children of Israel go with us and do not torment them. We have brought a message to you from your God, and we wish peace to him who follows the guidance. It has also been revealed to us that whoever rejects and turns away will face the consequences.’” (v. 45-48)
Pharaoh said, “Moses, who is the God of you two?
Moses said, “Our God is the One Who gives everything its creation and then guides.”
Pharaoh said, “What is the state of the former generations?”
Moses said, “Such knowledge is with my God and is in a written document. My God neither errs nor forgets.”
God made the earth expansive for you and laid out pathways on it, sends down water from clouds. This is how We (God) bring forth all kinds of vegetations in pairs so that you can eat and let your cattle pasture. In all of these, there is evidence for people of intelligence. (v. 49-54)
From the earth We created you, into it We shall return you and from it We shall raise you for the second time! (v. 55)
Indeed, We showed Pharaoh Our signs, all of them, but he denied and refused. Pharaoh said, “Moses, have you come to us to drive us out of our homes by your magic? We too can bring you such magic. Let’s convene in a central place, an appointment that neither you nor we will break.” Moses said, “Yes, let’s our appointment be the day of festivity. Let people gather in the early afternoon.” (v. 56-59)
Then Pharaoh left, made his plan, and then came back. Moses said to them, “Are you trying to fabricate a lie against God? Such fabrications have consequences, and every fabricator fail in the end.” So they (Pharoah and his advisors) debated among themselves what to do and kept their discourse secret, while Pharoah told them, “These two magicians are here to drive you out from this land by their magic and destroy our way of life. Therefore, firm up our plan, rally together and whoever prevails on this day will prosper.” (v. 60-64)
They said, “Moses, will you cast first or shall we?”
Moses said, “You cast your spell first”.
Instantly their cords and rods appeared alive and moving, causing fear in the mind of Moses.
God said, “Fear not! You will prevail! Cast what is in your right hand and it will consume all that they had devised. What they have produced is nothing but tricks of a sorcerer. Such enchantment never succeeds no matter where they come from.” (v. 65-69)
All the sorcerers fell to their knees and said, “We believe in the God of Moses and Aaron.” (Pharaoh) said, “Do you believe in him before I give you permission? For sure, he is your chief and taught you sorcery. I will cut off your hands and feet from opposite sides and crucify you on the trunks of palm trees. Thus, you will know which of us can inflict a more severe and lasting punishment.” They said, “We cannot give you preference over what became manifest to us and over God Who created us in the first place. Therefore, decide as you will decide—your decision is only about this life whereas we believe (and aspire) that our Sustainer God will forgive our faults and the magic that you had compelled us to perform. God is the Best and Ever Living! (v. 70-73)
Whoever comes as guilty to his Sustainer God is surely bound for Hell where he will neither die nor live, but those who come to God as believers and have done good, for them is the higher rank—Paradise of Perpetuity, flowing fountains and comfortable living—such is the reward for those who keeps themselves pure! (v. 74-76)
We certainly inspired (revealed to) Moses to travel by night with My servants and made for them a dry path across the sea, without fear of being overtaken or being afraid. Pharaoh pursued them with his armies but were overwhelmed as the sea engulfed them. Pharaoh misled his people, and he had no guidance! (v. 77-79)
O Children of Israel, God delivered you from your enemy and made a covenant with you by the right side of the mountain and sent you manna and quails. Eat of these good things that We have given you as provisions and do not act in arrogance because of such blessings, lest God’s displeasure touches you. Anyone God is displeased with, is indeed ruined! (v. 80-81)
I (God) am forgiving to those who amend their ways, truly believe, do good deeds and stay the course! (v. 82)
(God asked) “Moses, what made you come back (to Me) from your people in a such hurry?”
He said, “My people are following my teachings. Then I rushed back to you, my Sustainer God, so that You may be pleased.”
God said, “We have tested your people in your absence, and Samiri has led them off your teachings.” (v 83-85)
Moses then returned to his people, being angry and grieving. He addressed them, “Did not your God made a promise that was full of goodness? Were you impatient regarding the timing of this promise or you wished God’s displeasure to come down on you? Is that why you broke your promise to me?”
They replied, “We did not break our promise with you on our own. We were burdened with people’s jewelry and following Samiri’s suggestion we melt them in a pit and so did he. Then he made a golden calf out of it, and it emitted a lowing sound, to which they said, “This is your God and the God of Moses, who went in search for it.” (v. 86-88)
How could they not see that it made no reply to them and could do no harm or bring no benefit to them? Even Aaron cautioned them, “My People, you are being tested by this. Your true God is the God of Mercy. Follow me and obey my command.” They said, “We will not refrain from our devotion to this until we hear from Moses.” (v. 89-91)
(Moses) said, “Aaron, what stopped you, when you saw them doing deviant things, that you did not come after me? How could you disobey my order?”
Aaron said, “Son of my mother (Moses), do not pull me by my beard or my head. I was afraid that you would say, ‘I caused division among the Children of Israel and did not follow what you said to me.’”
(Moses turned to and) said, “Samiri, what possessed you?”
He said, “I could perceive what they could not. So, I adopted some and discarded other of the messages of the messenger. I was thus tempted by my soul.” (v. 92-96)
Moses said, “Go away from us. It is your shame in this life that you say, “Touch me not.”, and a consequence that will not fail you. This your God that you are devoted to, we shall grind it and scatter it in the sea. (People), your true deity is none but God – there is no God but He, Who truly comprehends all things in His knowledge.” (v. 97-98)
This is how We (God) relate to you what has gone before, and We have given you a true Reminder from Ourselves! Whoever turns away from this will face its consequences on the day of Resurrection – absorbed in an evil of a burden - to carry to the day of Resurrection! (v. 99-101)
The day when the trumpet is sounded, and We (God) gather the sinful blind on that day!1 They will whisper to one another – “We only stayed (on earth) about ten days. We know best what they will say but the more perceptive of them will say, “Your stay was only but a day!”
They ask you about the mountains. Say, “God will scatter them (on that day) as dust, rendering them as flat plains, you will see no valleys or hills. (v. 102-107)
On that day, they will follow the summoner, a voice clear and without escape, whereas other voices before the God of Mercy will be low – you could hardly hear except a soft murmur. On that day, no intercession will work except whom the God of Mercy allows and whose words God is pleased with. God knows what is ahead of them (future) and what was behind them (past), while their knowledge can hardly comprehend any. People will be humbled before the Living and the Eternal God while those who caused and carried out injustice will be undone! But whoever did good work and was a believer will have neither fear of injustice, nor be deprived of what is due! (v.108-112)
This is why We sent the Qur’an in Arabic and clearly stated cautions and warnings that they may act responsibly, guarding against evils and be reminded. (v113)
God is truly exalted, the Sovereign, the Truth! Do not make haste in reciting the Qur’an until its revelation is complete, and say, “God, may you increase my knowledge.” (v. 114)
God gave a command to Adam before, but he failed to remember. We did not find in him resoluteness.2 (Remember) when God said the angels, “Bow down to Adam.” They all did but not Iblis (Satan) – he refused! We3 said, “Adam, this is an enemy to you and to your wife. Do not let him drive you out of this garden (paradise) that you may face difficulty. Here you will not suffer hunger or nakedness or thirst or the heat of the sun.” But the devil whispered to him, saying, “Adam, shall I lead you to the tree of immortality and a kingdom that never ceases?” (v. 115-120)
They both ate from it, became aware of the evils of their nakedness and started gathering leaves from the garden to cover themselves. Thus, Adam disobeyed God and was disappointed by his mistake. Later God brought him near, forgave him and guided him. (v. 121-122)
God said, “Go forth from here – all of you – as enemies of one another, but Guidance will come forth from Me. Whoever will follow My Guidance will not err or face difficulty. But whoever turns away from My Reminder will face difficulty and We will raise him as blind on the day of Resurrection.” (v. 123-124)
He will say, God, why did you raise me as blind, while I used to see? God will say, “This is how it is – you neglected our messages when it came to you, and today you are also being neglected.” This is how We take retribution from those who obey no boundaries and deny the messages. The chastisement of the hereafter is even more severe and even more lasting! (v. 125-127)
Does it not occur to them that many a generation, whose dwelling places they now walk on, have been destroyed before them? Indeed, people with understanding should take lessons from these! (v128)
Were it not for a Word from your God that had already gone forth before, the inevitable would have already occurred. But the term has been fixed. So, be patient regarding what they say, and glorify the praise your God – before the rising of the sun and it’s setting, during the hours of the night, and during parts of the day – that you may find contentment. (v. 129-130)
Do not be enticed by and have longing for what We have given some of them to enjoy – the finery and splendor of the worldly life. We try them with these, while the provision that is with your God is better and more enduring! (v. 131)
Encourage your family and your community to establish worship and maintain constancy in it yourself. We do not ask of any provision from you, instead We provide, and the good end belongs to those who act responsibly. (v. 132)
They say, “Why has he not brought a sign from his God?” Have not such signs been already delivered in the previous scriptures? If We had brought them to accountability before this Qur’an, they would have said, “God, why did you not send to us a messenger that we could have followed your guidance, before facing disgrace and shame?” Say, “We all are waiting; you too then wait. Soon you will come to know who walks the true path and who is truly guided.” (v. 133-135)
1The word “zurq” literally means blue eyed
2This could mean either he lacked constancy in following command, but given the context where he is said to have forgotten, it could also mean he did not disobey (ate the fruit) intentionally.
3Here “We” could mean both God and the angels
