The Believer of Pharaoh's Family — Concealment then Proclamation
stories
Level: intermediate
history
st-062
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.
Source: Ibn Kathir Tafsir (7/132); Al-Tabari Tafsir (24/60); Al-Sadi Tafsir
Question: What was the argument of the believer of Pharaoh's family when he defended Musa before Pharaoh?
Answer: If he is a liar his lie is upon him, and if truthful some of his warnings will befall you — combined with reminders of the fate of previous nations.