Ṭâ-Hâ (Surah 20)

Introduction

Since Moses (ﷺ) and Adam (ﷺ) are mentioned passingly in the previous sûrah, their stories are recounted here in great detail. This Meccan sûrah reassures the Prophet (ﷺ) that the truth always prevails even against the most tyrannical opposition (in the form of Pharaoh) and that Allah is able to open even the hardest of hearts (in the form of Pharaoh’s magicians). Both the beginning and the end of the sûrah emphasize the divine nature of the Quran as a source of guidance and eternal bliss. Those who turn away from the Quranic reminder are warned of misery in this world and horrifying punishment on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet (ﷺ) is advised to seek comfort in patience and prayer against pagan denial, which is detailed at the beginning of the next sûrah. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful