1 00:00:00,460 --> 00:00:08,580 Stories of the Prophets... Stories of the Prophets, peace be upon them. 2 00:00:25,379 --> 00:00:28,379 The Story of Moses, peace be upon him. 3 00:00:29,379 --> 00:00:33,500 In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 4 00:00:34,500 --> 00:00:36,500 All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation. 5 00:00:37,500 --> 00:00:39,500 May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, 6 00:00:40,500 --> 00:00:42,500 and upon his family and all his Companions. 7 00:00:43,500 --> 00:00:44,530 To proceed: 8 00:00:45,909 --> 00:00:47,909 In the previous session, we listened to 9 00:00:48,909 --> 00:00:50,909 how the Qur'an described to us with precise detail 10 00:00:51,909 --> 00:00:54,909 the arrival of Moses, peace be upon him, at the sacred valley, 11 00:00:55,909 --> 00:00:58,909 the nature of the tree and the fire within it, 12 00:00:59,909 --> 00:01:01,909 and other such precise descriptions, 13 00:01:01,909 --> 00:01:05,909 some of which the People of the Book knew, while of others they were ignorant. 14 00:01:07,359 --> 00:01:10,359 The Jews used to hear the Prophet's (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) presentation 15 00:01:11,359 --> 00:01:12,359 of these events 16 00:01:13,359 --> 00:01:16,359 that happened to Moses (peace be upon him) in Egypt, Midian, 17 00:01:17,359 --> 00:01:18,359 and in the sacred valley, 18 00:01:19,359 --> 00:01:22,359 and they would find it confirming what they possessed in the Torah. 19 00:01:23,359 --> 00:01:24,359 So they would say, 20 00:01:25,359 --> 00:01:28,359 "How did Muhammad know this when he is unlettered?" 21 00:01:29,359 --> 00:01:30,390 In this, without a doubt, lies 22 00:01:30,390 --> 00:01:33,390 proof that the Qur'an is from Allah Almighty, 23 00:01:34,390 --> 00:01:38,390 just as Allah said to His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): 24 00:01:39,390 --> 00:01:42,549 “And thou (Muhammad) wast not on the western side (of the Mount) when We expounded unto Moses the commandment, and thou wast not among those present;” (28:44) 25 00:01:43,549 --> 00:01:45,549 “And thou (Muhammad) wast not on the western side (of the Mount) when We expounded unto Moses the commandment, and thou wast not among those present;” (28:44) 26 00:01:46,549 --> 00:01:49,549 “And thou (Muhammad) wast not on the western side (of the Mount) when We expounded unto Moses the commandment, and thou wast not among those present;” (28:44) 27 00:01:50,549 --> 00:01:54,549 "But We brought forth generations, 28 00:01:55,549 --> 00:01:57,549 and life was prolonged for them... 29 00:01:57,549 --> 00:02:01,549 “But We brought forth generations, and their lives dragged on for them. And thou wast not a dweller in Midian, reciting unto them Our revelations, but We kept sending (messengers to men).” (28:45) 30 00:02:02,549 --> 00:02:05,549 reciting to them Our verses, 31 00:02:06,549 --> 00:02:09,550 but We were sending messengers... 32 00:02:10,550 --> 00:02:12,550 “And thou was not beside the Mount when We did call; but (the knowledge of it is) a mercy from thy Lord that thou mayst warn a folk unto whom no warner came before thee, that haply they may give heed.” (28:46) 33 00:02:13,550 --> 00:02:17,550 “And thou was not beside the Mount when We did call; but (the knowledge of it is) a mercy from thy Lord that thou mayst warn a folk unto whom no warner came before thee, that haply they may give heed.” (28:46) 34 00:02:18,550 --> 00:02:22,550 so that you may warn a people to whom no warner has come... 35 00:02:22,550 --> 00:02:30,550 that you may warn a people to whom no warner has come before you, 36 00:02:31,650 --> 00:02:33,650 so that they may take heed." 37 00:02:34,650 --> 00:02:38,930 We return once again to the story of Moses, peace be upon him, 38 00:02:39,930 --> 00:02:42,930 as he went to his brother Aaron in Egypt, 39 00:02:43,930 --> 00:02:46,930 giving him the glad tidings that Allah had chosen him as a prophet alongside him, 40 00:02:47,930 --> 00:02:49,930 that He had sent them both to Pharaoh, 41 00:02:50,930 --> 00:02:52,930 supported them with miraculous signs, 42 00:02:53,930 --> 00:02:56,930 instructed them to maintain constant remembrance of Him, the Glorified, 43 00:02:57,930 --> 00:02:59,930 and never to slacken in doing so, 44 00:03:00,930 --> 00:03:02,930 for it is their true provision and real strength. 45 00:03:03,930 --> 00:03:07,930 He also commanded them to speak gently to Pharaoh, 46 00:03:08,930 --> 00:03:10,930 that he might perhaps remember or fear. 47 00:03:11,960 --> 00:03:13,960 Moses and Aaron (peace be upon them) said: 48 00:03:14,960 --> 00:03:15,960 "O our Lord, 49 00:03:16,960 --> 00:03:18,960 we truly fear that Pharaoh 50 00:03:19,960 --> 00:03:22,960 may hasten to kill us before we can convey Your message to him." 51 00:03:24,060 --> 00:03:25,060 So Allah said to them: 52 00:03:26,060 --> 00:03:28,060 "Be reassured and do not fear; 53 00:03:29,060 --> 00:03:32,060 I am with you both, hearing and seeing everything. 54 00:03:33,150 --> 00:03:36,150 Go to him, call him to worship Me, 55 00:03:37,150 --> 00:03:40,150 demand of him to cease tormenting the Children of Israel, 56 00:03:41,150 --> 00:03:42,150 and to let them go with you, 57 00:03:43,150 --> 00:03:47,150 and inform him that the punishment will be upon whoever denies and turns away." 58 00:03:48,469 --> 00:03:50,819 Allah Almighty said: 59 00:03:50,819 --> 00:03:56,819 “Go, thou and thy brother, with My tokens, and be not faint in remembrance of Me.” (20:42) 60 00:03:57,819 --> 00:04:00,819 "Go to Pharaoh; indeed, he has transgressed." 61 00:04:01,819 --> 00:04:07,819 “And speak unto him a gentle word, that peradventure he may heed or fear.” (20:44) 62 00:04:08,819 --> 00:04:15,819 “They said: Our Lord! Lo! we fear that he may be beforehand with us or that he may play the tyrant.” (20:45) 63 00:04:16,819 --> 00:04:18,819 "He said, 'Fear not...'" 64 00:04:18,819 --> 00:04:22,620 “He said: Fear not. Lo! I am with you twain, Hearing and Seeing.” (20:46) 65 00:04:23,620 --> 00:04:27,620 “So go ye unto him and say: Lo! we are two messengers of thy Lord. So let the children of Israel go with us, and torment them not. We bring thee a token from thy Lord. And peace will be for him who followeth right guidance.” (20:47) 66 00:04:28,620 --> 00:04:34,620 “So go ye unto him and say: Lo! we are two messengers of thy Lord. So let the children of Israel go with us, and torment them not. We bring thee a token from thy Lord. And peace will be for him who followeth right guidance.” (20:47) 67 00:04:35,620 --> 00:04:38,620 "...and do not torment them." 68 00:04:39,620 --> 00:04:42,620 “So go ye unto him and say: Lo! we are two messengers of thy Lord. So let the children of Israel go with us, and torment them not. We bring thee a token from thy Lord. And peace will be for him who followeth right guidance.” (20:47) 69 00:04:43,620 --> 00:04:46,620 “So go ye unto him and say: Lo! we are two messengers of thy Lord. So let the children of Israel go with us, and torment them not. We bring thee a token from thy Lord. And peace will be for him who followeth right guidance.” (20:47) 70 00:04:47,620 --> 00:04:55,620 “Lo! it hath been revealed unto us that the doom will be for him who denieth and turneth away.” (20:48) 71 00:04:56,620 --> 00:05:01,009 Moses, peace be upon him, went to confront the tyrant Pharaoh, 72 00:05:02,009 --> 00:05:04,009 composed in heart and resolute in determination, 73 00:05:05,009 --> 00:05:07,009 fully confident in Allah's victory and support, 74 00:05:08,009 --> 00:05:11,009 accompanied by his brother Aaron, peace be upon him. 75 00:05:12,009 --> 00:05:14,009 When they entered upon Pharaoh, 76 00:05:14,009 --> 00:05:18,009 they said to him, "We are indeed messengers from your Lord to you." 77 00:05:19,170 --> 00:05:23,170 Pharaoh asked them, "And who is your Lord, O Moses?" 78 00:05:24,170 --> 00:05:27,170 The vile Pharaoh claimed not to know his Lord, 79 00:05:28,170 --> 00:05:30,170 feigning inquiry about Him, 80 00:05:31,170 --> 00:05:35,170 directing the question specifically to Moses because he was the principal messenger, 81 00:05:36,170 --> 00:05:38,170 while Aaron was his aide and deputy. 82 00:05:39,259 --> 00:05:41,259 Moses, peace be upon him, answered him: 83 00:05:41,259 --> 00:05:46,259 "Our Lord is the One Who gave each thing its fitting form, 84 00:05:47,259 --> 00:05:51,259 then guided every creature to benefit from what Allah created for it." 85 00:05:52,259 --> 00:05:56,519 Pharaoh said, "What then was the state of the former generations that passed away, 86 00:05:57,519 --> 00:06:00,519 when they used to worship idols and deny the Resurrection?" 87 00:06:01,519 --> 00:06:07,779 Moses replied, "The knowledge of their deeds is preserved with Allah in the Preserved Tablet, 88 00:06:08,779 --> 00:06:09,779 and He will recompense them for them, 89 00:06:09,779 --> 00:06:12,779 rewarding the doer of good and punishing the disbeliever. 90 00:06:13,779 --> 00:06:16,779 For He, the Glorified, misses nothing, 91 00:06:17,779 --> 00:06:18,779 nor does anything escape Him." 92 00:06:19,779 --> 00:06:22,829 Pharaoh neither believed nor softened; 93 00:06:23,829 --> 00:06:25,829 rather, he began to oppose Moses, 94 00:06:26,829 --> 00:06:29,829 shifting from dialogue to reminding Moses of past favors to humiliate him. 95 00:06:30,829 --> 00:06:36,860 He said to him, "Did we not favor you and raise you among us since you were an infant in the cradle, 96 00:06:36,860 --> 00:06:39,860 and you remained in our care for years of your life? 97 00:06:40,860 --> 00:06:45,860 Yet you committed a crime by killing a man from my people when you struck and pushed him, 98 00:06:46,860 --> 00:06:50,860 and you are ungrateful for my favors, denying my lordship!" 99 00:06:51,860 --> 00:06:53,990 Moses, peace be upon him, replied: 100 00:06:54,990 --> 00:06:59,990 "I did what you mentioned before Allah granted me revelation and sent me as a messenger. 101 00:07:00,990 --> 00:07:03,990 So I fled from your midst to Midian 102 00:07:03,990 --> 00:07:07,990 when I feared you would kill me for what I had done unintentionally. 103 00:07:08,990 --> 00:07:12,990 Then my Lord graciously granted me prophethood and knowledge, 104 00:07:13,990 --> 00:07:15,990 and made me one of the messengers. 105 00:07:16,990 --> 00:07:18,990 Furthermore, what favor are you holding over me? 106 00:07:19,990 --> 00:07:22,990 That which you boast of as a favor over me is in reality a curse; 107 00:07:23,990 --> 00:07:27,990 for what favor can you claim over me when you have enslaved my people, 108 00:07:28,990 --> 00:07:29,990 and I am one of them?" 109 00:07:30,990 --> 00:07:33,379 With this reproving answer, 110 00:07:34,379 --> 00:07:36,379 Moses, peace be upon him, silenced Pharaoh, 111 00:07:37,379 --> 00:07:40,379 causing him to deflect the conversation away from this issue 112 00:07:41,379 --> 00:07:44,379 concerning his upbringing of Moses and boasting of favors, 113 00:07:45,379 --> 00:07:47,379 and move on to something else. 114 00:07:48,379 --> 00:07:55,379 So Pharaoh said, "And what is the Lord of the worlds whom you and your brother have come to convey His message to me?" 115 00:07:56,379 --> 00:07:59,540 This question illustrates Pharaoh's tyranny 116 00:08:00,540 --> 00:08:02,540 and his transgression of every bound in wickedness, 117 00:08:02,540 --> 00:08:08,540 for this question implicitly carried a disdainful denial that there could be any god besides himself. 118 00:08:09,540 --> 00:08:12,730 Then came the response from Moses, peace be upon him, 119 00:08:13,730 --> 00:08:16,730 just as Allah Almighty mentioned in His Noble Book: 120 00:08:17,730 --> 00:08:21,949 “Pharaoh said: And what is the Lord of the Worlds?” (26:23) 121 00:08:22,949 --> 00:08:27,949 “(Moses) said: Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, if ye had but sure belief.” (26:24) 122 00:08:27,949 --> 00:08:33,950 "...if you should be certain." 123 00:08:34,950 --> 00:08:38,950 “(Pharaoh) said unto those around him: Hear ye not?” (26:25) 124 00:08:39,950 --> 00:08:45,950 “He said: Your Lord and the Lord of your fathers.” (26:26) 125 00:08:46,950 --> 00:08:52,950 “(Pharaoh) said: Lo! your messenger who hath been sent unto you is indeed a madman!” (26:27) 126 00:08:52,950 --> 00:09:02,950 “He said: Lord of the East and the West and all that is between them, if ye did but understand.” (26:28) 127 00:09:03,950 --> 00:09:10,950 “(Pharaoh) said: If thou choosest a god other than me, I assuredly shall place thee among the prisoners.” (26:29) 128 00:09:12,820 --> 00:09:16,820 Pharaoh felt that Moses's argument had completely stunned and silenced him, 129 00:09:17,820 --> 00:09:21,820 so he shifted from the method of debate to threats and intimidation. 130 00:09:21,820 --> 00:09:24,820 This is the nature of tyrants in every era 131 00:09:25,820 --> 00:09:28,820 whenever they are incapable of refuting an argument with an argument. 132 00:09:29,879 --> 00:09:31,879 He said in a surge of rage and fury: 133 00:09:32,879 --> 00:09:34,879 "If you take a god other than me, O Moses, 134 00:09:35,879 --> 00:09:39,879 I will surely make you one of the prisoners in my dungeon! 135 00:09:40,879 --> 00:09:43,879 And this is my way with anyone who defies my obedience." 136 00:09:44,879 --> 00:09:48,879 It was Pharaoh's custom, whenever he wished to imprison someone, 137 00:09:48,879 --> 00:09:53,879 to cast him into a deep, subterranean pit in the earth 138 00:09:54,879 --> 00:09:56,879 wherein he could neither see nor hear, 139 00:09:57,879 --> 00:09:59,879 which was worse than death itself. 140 00:10:00,879 --> 00:10:04,039 Moses said, "Would you make me one of the prisoners 141 00:10:05,039 --> 00:10:09,039 even if I brought you a decisive, clear proof that demonstrates my truthfulness?" 142 00:10:10,039 --> 00:10:12,039 Moses only said this 143 00:10:13,039 --> 00:10:14,039 because it is human nature 144 00:10:15,039 --> 00:10:17,039 to submit to the truth once clear proof is presented. 145 00:10:17,039 --> 00:10:21,169 Pharaoh had no choice but to say to Moses, 146 00:10:22,169 --> 00:10:34,330 "He said: 'If you have brought a sign, then produce it, if you are of the truthful.'" 147 00:10:35,330 --> 00:10:41,330 "So he threw his staff, and thereupon it was a serpent manifest, 148 00:10:42,330 --> 00:10:49,330 and he drew out his hand, and thereupon it was white for the onlookers." 149 00:10:50,809 --> 00:10:55,809 Pharaoh and his courtiers were astonished by the miracles of Moses, peace be upon him, which they saw; 150 00:10:56,809 --> 00:10:59,809 yet instead of submitting and yielding to the truth, 151 00:11:00,809 --> 00:11:02,809 they rejected them out of injustice and arrogance. 152 00:11:03,809 --> 00:11:06,809 They said, "This is a learned sorcerer! 153 00:11:07,809 --> 00:11:09,809 “Who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what counsel ye?” (26:35) 154 00:11:09,809 --> 00:11:11,809 What then do you advise?" 155 00:11:12,809 --> 00:11:14,940 The prominent chiefs among Pharaoh's people said— 156 00:11:15,940 --> 00:11:17,940 and they were his retinue and evil entourage: 157 00:11:18,940 --> 00:11:21,940 "Delay Moses and his brother until an appointed time, 158 00:11:22,940 --> 00:11:24,940 and send forth into all regions and parts of Egypt 159 00:11:25,940 --> 00:11:28,940 to bring you every skilled sorcerer." 160 00:11:29,940 --> 00:11:32,000 Pharaoh agreed to this proposal 161 00:11:33,000 --> 00:11:34,000 and said to Moses, 162 00:11:35,000 --> 00:11:38,000 “He said: Hast come to drive us out from our land by thy magic, O Moses?” (20:57) 163 00:11:38,000 --> 00:11:42,000 "We will surely bring you magic like it, and even greater; 164 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:47,000 so set between us an appointed time that neither of us will fail to keep, 165 00:11:48,000 --> 00:11:50,000 so we may see which of us possesses the greater magic." 166 00:11:51,000 --> 00:11:53,059 Moses, peace be upon him, said: 167 00:11:54,059 --> 00:11:57,059 "Your appointed time shall be the day of your festival, the Day of Adornment, 168 00:11:58,059 --> 00:11:59,059 at mid-morning." 169 00:12:00,059 --> 00:12:03,059 Moses, peace be upon him, chose this appointed time 170 00:12:04,059 --> 00:12:06,059 so that it would be more conducive to drawing a large gathering of people, 171 00:12:06,059 --> 00:12:09,059 thereby establishing the proof decisively against Pharaoh and his people. 172 00:12:10,059 --> 00:12:12,320 Pharaoh agreed to the appointed time, 173 00:12:13,320 --> 00:12:17,320 and the master sorcerers were summoned from all corners of Egypt. 174 00:12:18,320 --> 00:12:20,379 When they arrived at the appointed time— 175 00:12:21,379 --> 00:12:22,379 and they were seventy sorcerers— 176 00:12:23,379 --> 00:12:25,379 Moses, peace be upon him, turned to them 177 00:12:26,379 --> 00:12:28,379 and said to them privately: 178 00:12:29,379 --> 00:12:32,379 "Woe to you! Do not fabricate a lie against Allah, 179 00:12:32,379 --> 00:12:35,379 lest He annihilate you with a punishment from Him." 180 00:12:36,379 --> 00:12:38,379 “Moses said unto them: Woe unto you! Invent not a lie against Allah, lest He extirpate you by some punishment. He who lieth faileth miserably.” (20:61) 181 00:12:39,379 --> 00:12:41,509 The sorcerers debated the matter among themselves in secret 182 00:12:42,509 --> 00:12:43,509 and said: 183 00:12:44,509 --> 00:12:46,509 "These two are nothing but sorcerers 184 00:12:47,509 --> 00:12:51,509 who wish to overcome you and drive you out of your land with their magic; 185 00:12:52,509 --> 00:12:55,509 so resolve upon your plan and unite your plot, 186 00:12:56,509 --> 00:12:59,509 then come forward in line to confront Moses and his brother, 187 00:12:59,509 --> 00:13:02,539 for he who triumphs today will surely succeed." 188 00:13:03,539 --> 00:13:05,830 Allah Almighty said: 189 00:13:06,830 --> 00:13:11,929 “And We verily did show him all Our tokens, but he denied them and refused.” (20:56) 190 00:13:12,929 --> 00:13:17,929 “He said: Hast come to drive us out from our land by thy magic, O Moses?” (20:57) 191 00:13:18,929 --> 00:13:21,929 "We will surely bring you magic like it..." 192 00:13:22,929 --> 00:13:25,929 "...so make between us and you an appointment..." 193 00:13:26,929 --> 00:13:35,929 “But we surely can produce for thee magic the like thereof; so appoint a tryst between us and you, which neither we nor thou shall fail to keep, at a place convenient (to us both).” (20:58) 194 00:13:36,929 --> 00:13:43,929 “(Moses) said: Your tryst shall be the day of the feast, and let the people assemble when the sun hath risen high.” (20:59) 195 00:13:44,929 --> 00:13:49,929 "So Pharaoh went away, put together his plot, and then came." 196 00:13:49,929 --> 00:13:58,929 “Moses said unto them: Woe unto you! Invent not a lie against Allah, lest He extirpate you by some punishment. He who lieth faileth miserably.” (20:61) 197 00:13:59,929 --> 00:14:01,929 “Moses said unto them: Woe unto you! Invent not a lie against Allah, lest He extirpate you by some punishment. He who lieth faileth miserably.” (20:61) 198 00:14:02,929 --> 00:14:08,929 "And they disputed over their affair among themselves and concealed private conversation." 199 00:14:08,929 --> 00:14:26,929 “They said: Lo! these are two wizards who would drive you out from your country by their magic, and destroy your best traditions;” (20:63) 200 00:14:27,929 --> 00:14:32,929 “So arrange your plan, and come in battle line. Whoso is uppermost this day will be indeed successful.” (20:64) 201 00:14:33,929 --> 00:14:36,929 "And he has succeeded today who overcomes." 202 00:14:39,500 --> 00:14:46,500 The sorcerers turned to Pharaoh and said to him, "Will we have a reward if we overcome Moses today?" 203 00:14:47,500 --> 00:14:56,500 Pharaoh said, "Yes, you will have a great reward, and in addition, I will make you among those brought near to me." 204 00:14:57,500 --> 00:15:01,659 The sorcerers rejoiced at that, and then they said to Moses, 205 00:15:01,659 --> 00:15:07,659 "Either you cast your magic first, O Moses, or we will be the ones who cast." 206 00:15:08,659 --> 00:15:09,659 Moses said to them: 207 00:15:10,659 --> 00:15:13,659 "Rather, you cast your magic first." 208 00:15:14,659 --> 00:15:20,750 So all the sorcerers threw their ropes and staffs all at once, 209 00:15:20,750 --> 00:15:22,750 and bewitched the eyes of the people, 210 00:15:23,750 --> 00:15:31,750 so that they appeared as snakes and serpents moving before them in an imposing sight and a magnificent display of magic. 211 00:15:32,750 --> 00:15:37,750 “Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said: By Pharaoh's might, lo! we verily are the winners.” (26:44) 212 00:15:38,909 --> 00:15:41,909 Thereupon, Moses, peace be upon him, felt a sense of fear within himself. 213 00:15:42,940 --> 00:15:45,940 Moses (peace be upon him) did not doubt Allah's victory for him, 214 00:15:45,940 --> 00:15:51,940 but he feared that the people might be swayed by these sorcerers due to their great numbers, 215 00:15:52,940 --> 00:15:57,940 or that they would not wait to see the miracles that Moses possessed. 216 00:15:58,940 --> 00:16:02,940 So Allah revealed to Moses: "Do not fear, and cast your staff; 217 00:16:03,940 --> 00:16:06,940 it will swallow up what they have crafted and nullify their magic." 218 00:16:07,940 --> 00:16:10,139 At that point, Moses said to the sorcerers: 219 00:16:11,139 --> 00:16:14,139 "What you have brought is nothing more than sorcery, 220 00:16:14,139 --> 00:16:16,139 and Allah, my Lord, will surely invalidate it." 221 00:16:17,139 --> 00:16:20,139 “And when they had cast, Moses said: That which ye have brought is magic. Lo! Allah will make it vain. Lo! Allah upholdeth not the work of mischief-makers.” (10:81) 222 00:16:21,139 --> 00:16:23,200 Then Moses cast his staff, 223 00:16:24,200 --> 00:16:27,200 and the staff transformed into a real serpent 224 00:16:28,200 --> 00:16:31,200 that began devouring the magic and falsehood they had cast, 225 00:16:32,200 --> 00:16:34,200 by which they had deceived the eyes of the people 226 00:16:35,200 --> 00:16:36,200 when it had no real substance. 227 00:16:38,480 --> 00:16:41,480 Moses's staff swallowed all the ropes and staffs of the people 228 00:16:42,480 --> 00:16:46,480 in plain view of Pharaoh, the sorcerers, and all the people. 229 00:16:47,480 --> 00:16:51,480 Thus the truth was established, and all that they were doing was nullified. 230 00:16:52,480 --> 00:16:54,480 Pharaoh and those with him were overcome, 231 00:16:55,480 --> 00:16:57,480 and they turned back, utterly humiliated and debased. 232 00:16:58,740 --> 00:17:00,740 As for the greatest surprise, 233 00:17:01,740 --> 00:17:02,740 it came from the sorcerers, 234 00:17:03,740 --> 00:17:05,740 For they knew that this was not magic, 235 00:17:06,740 --> 00:17:09,740 and that it surpassed the craft of all magicians combined. 236 00:17:10,740 --> 00:17:12,740 So they fell down prostrating to Allah, 237 00:17:13,740 --> 00:17:14,740 and all declared together, 238 00:17:15,740 --> 00:17:17,740 "We believe in Allah, the Lord of all the worlds, 239 00:17:18,740 --> 00:17:20,740 the Lord of Moses and Aaron." 240 00:17:22,019 --> 00:17:24,019 Pharaoh flew into a furious rage at the magicians 241 00:17:25,019 --> 00:17:26,019 and said to them: 242 00:17:27,220 --> 00:17:31,220 "Have you believed in him before I gave you permission? 243 00:17:32,220 --> 00:17:37,220 Indeed, he must be your chief who taught you magic! 244 00:17:37,220 --> 00:17:43,220 “(Pharaoh) said: Ye put faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he is your chief who taught you magic. Now surely I shall cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and I shall crucify you on the trunks of palm trees, and ye shall know for certain which of us hath sterner and more lasting punishment.” (20:71) 245 00:17:44,220 --> 00:17:52,220 “(Pharaoh) said: Ye put faith in him before I give you leave. Lo! he is your chief who taught you magic. Now surely I shall cut off your hands and your feet alternately, and I shall crucify you on the trunks of palm trees, and ye shall know for certain which of us hath sterner and more lasting punishment.” (20:71) 246 00:17:53,220 --> 00:17:58,220 And you will surely come to know which of us is more severe in punishment and more enduring." 247 00:17:59,220 --> 00:18:08,220 “They said: We choose thee not above the clear proofs that have come unto us, and above Him Who created us. So decree what thou wilt decree. Thou wilt end for us only this life of the world.” (20:72) 248 00:18:09,220 --> 00:18:12,220 "So decree whatever you will decree! 249 00:18:13,220 --> 00:18:18,220 “They said: We choose thee not above the clear proofs that have come unto us, and above Him Who created us. So decree what thou wilt decree. Thou wilt end for us only this life of the world.” (20:72) 250 00:18:19,220 --> 00:18:25,279 Indeed, we have believed in our Lord so that He may forgive us our sins, 251 00:18:26,279 --> 00:18:28,279 so that He may forgive us our sins, 252 00:18:29,279 --> 00:18:32,279 “Lo! we believe in our Lord, that He may forgive us our sins and the magic unto which thou didst force us. Allah is better and more lasting.” (20:73) 253 00:18:33,279 --> 00:18:36,279 and Allah is better and more enduring." 254 00:18:37,279 --> 00:18:41,279 “Lo! whoso cometh guilty unto his Lord, verily for him is hell. There he will neither die nor live.” (20:74) 255 00:18:42,279 --> 00:18:53,279 “Lo! whoso cometh guilty unto his Lord, verily for him is hell. There he will neither die nor live.” (20:74) 256 00:18:53,279 --> 00:19:03,279 “But whoso cometh unto Him a believer, having done good works, for such are the high stations;” (20:75) 257 00:19:04,279 --> 00:19:12,279 Gardens of perpetual residence beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein eternally. 258 00:19:13,279 --> 00:19:17,279 And that is the reward of whoever purifies himself. 259 00:19:18,279 --> 00:19:21,890 Pharaoh also leveled another accusation against them, 260 00:19:21,890 --> 00:19:28,890 “Pharaoh said: Ye believe in Him before I give you leave! Lo! this is the plot that ye have plotted in the city that ye may drive its people hence. But ye shall come to know!” (7:123) 261 00:19:29,890 --> 00:19:31,890 threatening them with execution and crucifixion. 262 00:19:32,890 --> 00:19:35,920 But they said, with faith having deeply entered their hearts: 263 00:19:36,920 --> 00:19:40,920 "There is no harm to us if you kill us or carry out your threat against us." 264 00:19:41,920 --> 00:19:44,920 “And lo! unto our Lord we surely are returning.” (43:14) 265 00:19:44,920 --> 00:19:51,920 “Lo! we ardently hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers.” (26:51) 266 00:19:53,109 --> 00:19:57,109 So the tyrannical Pharaoh issued his orders, and they were all put to death. 267 00:19:58,109 --> 00:20:01,369 Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: 268 00:20:02,400 --> 00:20:07,400 "They were magicians at the beginning of the day, and righteous martyrs by its end." 269 00:20:08,400 --> 00:20:12,460 The notables and chieftains of Pharaoh's people saw 270 00:20:12,460 --> 00:20:18,460 large numbers of the Children of Israel believing in Moses and following him. 271 00:20:19,490 --> 00:20:22,490 So they said to Pharaoh, inciting and provoking him: 272 00:20:23,490 --> 00:20:28,490 "Will you leave Moses and his people among the Children of Israel to corrupt the people in the land of Egypt, 273 00:20:29,490 --> 00:20:34,490 altering their religion by worshiping Allah and abandoning your worship and the worship of your gods?" 274 00:20:35,490 --> 00:20:39,809 Pharaoh said, "We will slaughter the sons of the Children of Israel, 275 00:20:39,809 --> 00:20:42,809 and keep their women alive for servitude, 276 00:20:43,809 --> 00:20:47,809 for indeed we have complete dominion and power over them." 277 00:20:48,809 --> 00:20:53,970 When this threat and menace from Pharaoh and his chiefs reached Moses and his people, 278 00:20:54,970 --> 00:20:57,970 Moses, peace be upon him, paid them no heed. 279 00:20:58,970 --> 00:21:02,970 Rather, he exhorted his people to be patient, promised them victory, 280 00:21:03,970 --> 00:21:06,970 and gave them hope that Allah would make them inherit the land of Egypt. 281 00:21:07,970 --> 00:21:11,960 The Children of Israel said to Moses, peace be upon him, 282 00:21:12,960 --> 00:21:14,960 in reply to his counsel to them: 283 00:21:15,960 --> 00:21:20,960 "We suffered harm from Pharaoh before you brought us the message, O Moses; 284 00:21:21,960 --> 00:21:25,960 that tyrant slaughtered many of our sons, 285 00:21:26,960 --> 00:21:29,960 and inflicted various forms of injustice and oppression upon us; 286 00:21:30,960 --> 00:21:33,960 and we have continued to suffer harm even after you brought us the message, 287 00:21:34,960 --> 00:21:36,960 as you can see from our dire circumstances 288 00:21:37,960 --> 00:21:39,960 and degrading, humiliating labor." 289 00:21:40,960 --> 00:21:43,019 Moses said to them: 290 00:21:44,059 --> 00:21:47,059 "Perhaps your Lord will destroy your enemy, Pharaoh and his people, 291 00:21:48,059 --> 00:21:51,059 and make you successors in their land after their destruction, 292 00:21:52,059 --> 00:21:54,059 so that He may see how you act, 293 00:21:55,059 --> 00:21:57,059 whether you will be grateful or ungrateful." 294 00:21:58,920 --> 00:22:01,920 And Allah Almighty revealed to Moses and his brother Aaron, 295 00:22:02,920 --> 00:22:04,920 after Pharaoh persisted obstinately in his tyranny 296 00:22:05,920 --> 00:22:07,920 and in inflicting torment upon the believers, 297 00:22:08,920 --> 00:22:13,920 that they should designate specific houses for their believing people in Egypt, 298 00:22:14,920 --> 00:22:16,920 wherein they could reside and settle, 299 00:22:17,920 --> 00:22:19,920 keeping apart from Pharaoh and his soldiers 300 00:22:20,920 --> 00:22:23,920 until Allah brings about a matter already decreed. 301 00:22:24,920 --> 00:22:28,140 "And make these houses in which you reside 302 00:22:29,140 --> 00:22:31,140 places for your prayer and worship, 303 00:22:32,140 --> 00:22:36,140 now that Pharaoh and his soldiers have prevented you from performing worship 304 00:22:36,140 --> 00:22:39,140 in the designated places." 305 00:22:41,970 --> 00:22:43,970 To be continued, if Allah wills. 306 00:22:44,970 --> 00:22:45,970 And Allah knows best. 307 00:22:46,970 --> 00:22:48,970 Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 308 00:22:49,970 --> 00:22:51,970 May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, 309 00:22:52,970 --> 00:22:55,970 and upon all his family and Companions. 310 00:22:58,380 --> 00:23:00,380 You have been listening to Stories of the Prophets.