The Story of Musa (AS) and Pharaoh: Invitation, Rejection, and Divine Punishment
Authored by: Dr. Raza Abdullah Pasha (Hafizahullah)
❖ Question:
What is the story of Sayyiduna Musa (AS) with Pharaoh?
❖ Answer:
Allah ﷻ says:
﴿قَالَ مُوسَىٰ أَتَقُولُونَ لِلْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَاءَكُمْ ۖ أَسِحْرٌ هَٰذَا وَلَا يُفْلِحُ السَّاحِرُونَ ﴾ [يونس: 77]
"Musa said: Do you say of the truth when it has come to you, ‘Is this sorcery?’ But sorcerers will never succeed."
The story of Musa (AS) with Pharaoh is that Pharaoh constantly tried to guard himself against him, yet Musa (AS) grew up and matured within his very household. Allah ﷻ created the means for Musa (AS) to leave Pharaoh’s domain and then honored him with Prophethood and Messengership so that he might return to Pharaoh with the call of truth.
Despite Pharaoh’s authority and kingship, by the decree of Allah ﷻ, Musa (AS) stood before him as the Messenger of Allah, supported only by his brother Harun (AS).
Pharaoh, in arrogance and pride, rejected him. He was overtaken by his corrupt nature and false zeal, turning away with might and denying the truth. He claimed what was never his right, embraced rebellion, and humiliated the believing group from Banu Isra’il.
But Allah ﷻ protected His Messenger Musa (AS) and his brother Harun (AS), surrounding them with His care and guarding them with an ever-watchful eye. Musa (AS) presented proof after proof, clear arguments, and mighty signs — miracles that astounded the intellects and struck awe into the hearts of those endowed with reason.
Yet, Pharaoh and his followers, out of arrogance and enmity, resolved to reject them all. Then Allah ﷻ unleashed upon them an unrelenting punishment, drowning them all in a single morning.
Allah ﷻ says:
﴿فَقُطِعَ دَابِرُ الْقَوْمِ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا ۚ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴾ [الأنعام: 45]
"So the roots of the people who had wronged were cut off, and all praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds."
