Al-Qaṣaṣ (Surah 28)

Introduction

In 26:18-19, Pharaoh reminds Moses (ﷺ) of his up-bringing in the care of Pharaoh and how Moses (ﷺ) killed an Egyptian (accidentally). Unlike the previous sûrah, this Meccan sûrah focuses on these two aspects of Moses’ life in Egypt, along with his escape to Midian where he met his future wife. Another aspect is the story of Korah, one of the people of Moses, who behaved arrogantly, leading to his own destruction. Just like the previous sûrah, it reaffirms Allah’s power and the authenticity of the Quran. Again, the Prophet (ﷺ) is reminded that his duty is not to convert, but to convey. After criticizing the polytheists (verses 45-75), the sûrah concludes by bidding the Prophet (ﷺ) to be steadfast. The next sûrah starts off by talking about steadfastness. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful