Intermediate
History & Lessons
Surah: Ghafir (28)
The Believer of Pharaoh's Family — Concealment then Proclamation
Quranic context:
When Pharaoh decided to kill Musa, a man from Pharaoh's own family who had been concealing his faith stood up and publicly defended him: "Would you kill a man for saying my Lord is Allah?"
Context:
He argued with them rationally, historically, and logically: he reminded them of nations before who perished; he said if Musa is a liar his lie is upon him, but if truthful some of his warnings will befall them. He ended with surrender and trust: "You will remember what I say to you — and I entrust my affair to Allah."
Lesson:
Concealment in certain circumstances is lawful until the moment of proclamation arrives. A courageous believer chooses the right moment to declare the truth publicly. Entrusting one's affair to Allah after fulfilling duty is the highest degree of reliance on Him.
When Pharaoh decided to kill Musa, a man from Pharaoh's own family who had been concealing his faith stood up and publicly defended him: "Would you kill a man for saying my Lord is Allah?"
Context:
He argued with them rationally, historically, and logically: he reminded them of nations before who perished; he said if Musa is a liar his lie is upon him, but if truthful some of his warnings will befall them. He ended with surrender and trust: "You will remember what I say to you — and I entrust my affair to Allah."
Lesson:
Concealment in certain circumstances is lawful until the moment of proclamation arrives. A courageous believer chooses the right moment to declare the truth publicly. Entrusting one's affair to Allah after fulfilling duty is the highest degree of reliance on Him.
Source: Ibn Kathir Tafsir (7/132); Al-Tabari Tafsir (24/60); Al-Sadi Tafsir
Test Yourself
What was the argument of the believer of Pharaoh's family when he defended Musa before Pharaoh?
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