Surah Qasas, the 28th Surah of the Noble Quran, was revealed on the route from Makkah Mukarramah to Madinah Munwwarah during the Hijrah. The Surah deals with Prophet Moosa alaihis salaam’s encounter with the Pharaoh, and towards the end the episode with Qaroon is recounted.
Here are selected lessons from the Surah:
LESSON 1: The test of power and authority is to use it for the good of people and not abuse it.
“Pharaoh became high-handed in the land and divided its people into different groups, persecuting a group of them.” (Verse 4)
Power went to the head of Pharaoh and led to him discriminating against the Israelites. His political position made him feel untouchable and above the law. People in positions of authority and control need to use that power correctly.
LESSON 2: Tough times are meant to build us, not break us. They herald goodness in this world and high stages in Paradise if approached correctly.
“And We intended to favour those who were held as weak in the land, make them leaders, inheritors (of the land) and give them power in the land.” (Verse 5-6)
The Israelites had to undergo immense suffering at the hands of Pharaoh and the Copts. In the Divine scheme of things, it had a purpose: to ultimately grant them true freedom and security.
Trust in the Plan of Allah Ta’ala, tailor-made for each person.
LESSON 3: The potential for anything to harm or help is in the control of Allah Ta’ala.
“When you fear for him, cast him into the river.” (Verse 7)
The River Nile could have been the means of drowning the baby Moosa alaihis salaam or taking him forever away from his mother. Yet Allah Ta’ala made the same river deliver him safely to the door of Pharaoh’s palace. As a result, he enjoyed a safe upbringing, united with his mother.
Harm or benefit in any item is in the control of Allah Ta’ala.
LESSON 4: Our approach determines the outcome.
“The family of Pharaoh picked him up so that he becomes an enemy for them and a cause of grief.” (Verse 8)
The approach of Pharaoh’s wife in wanting to adopt baby Moosa alaihis salaam saw this becoming a means of blessing for her. On the other hand, he became a means of Pharaoh’s destruction.
The way we carry out actions will determine if it will be a means of benefit or harm.
LESSON 5: Having a connection with Allah Ta’ala gives one resolve in testing times.
“The heart of the mother of Moosa became restless. She was about to disclose this had we not strengthened her heart.” (Verse 10)
When Moosa alaihis salaam’s mother became restless with the anxiety of losing him, she was given Divine strength of heart to deal with the crisis and not break down.
If we have a relationship with Allah Ta’ala by doing what pleases Him, we will navigate the turbulent times of life without being totally overwhelmed.
LESSON 6: We might not like a situation in life, yet it might be better for us.
“Thus We brought him back to his mother, so that her eye may take comfort.” (Verse 13)
The loss of the baby Moosa alaihis salaam was a terrifying episode for his mother. Yet within a day or so it was the means of him getting safety from being killed, finding a place within the palace, and being returned to his mother who was actually paid to take care of him.
Difficult times in life might be the stepping stone to greater success and fortune though it may not seem like that on the surface.
LESSON 7: Audit our personal actions more stringently than those of others.
“Oh my Lord, I have wronged myself, so forgive me!” (Verse 16)
Moosa alaihis salaam killed the Coptic in trying to save the Israelite. Although the killing was accidental and permissible, yet the Prophets would take extra care in special cases in doing permissible acts and would avoid them unless they received Divine instruction.
Taking a hard look at our personal behaviour and practices, and being critical, is a key to personal reform and progress.
LESSON 8: Action coupled with supplication is the recipe for success.
He went out of the city in a state of fear, waiting for what comes next. He said, “Oh my Lord, save me from the cruel people.” (Verse 21)
Moosa alaihis salaam was targeted for execution by Pharaoh’s security forces. He did what was needed by leaving Pharaoh’s realm. He added a Dua to Allah Ta’ala to his actions asking for help. Moosa alaihis salaam turns to Allah Ta’ala at every critical juncture in his life.
When we do what needs to be done in terms of our worldly needs, we should only rely on our actions but rather ask Allah Ta’ala for success.
LESSON 9: Helping the weak and oppressed.
“So he drew water (for their animals for their sake).” (Verse 24)
On arriving in Madyan, Moosa alaihis salaam found two ladies waiting to give water to their animals after the other shepherds had left. It is a quality of the Prophets to help the weak. As he had done for the Israelite under attack by the Coptic, Moosa alaihis salaam did not let his personal needs stop him from helping the women.
Looking out for the weak and helpless is a quality that will earn us the Duas of those we help, taking us far in life.
LESSON 10: Qualities in a worker.
“Dear father, hire him. The best man you can hire is the one who is strong and trustworthy.” (Verse 26)
One of the ladies recommended that their father hire Moosa alaihis salaam as he had the qualities of strength and trustworthiness. In hiring people, their suitability for the job should not only include the qualifications needed but also their integrity and trustworthiness. By the same token, the worker needs to bring these skills and qualities to his job.
LESSON 11: Spot skills and nurture them.
“My brother Haroon is more fluent in speech than I am, so send him with me as a helper.” (Verse 34)
When Moosa alaihis salaam was appointed as a Prophet, he accepted the task. He did an assessment on how best to carry it out and accepted his limitations in terms of having a speech impediment. He looked at how to overcome that limitation by asking for his brother to be made a Prophet as well. It displayed his eye for skills and how to utilise them in teamwork to realise his goals.
We need to nurture young talent in our communities and nurture and mentor it. This will benefit the community as a whole in the long term. There is no limit to what we can achieve as a society as long as we don’t mind who takes credit for it.
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