Ghafir (The Forgiver)

28. And a believing man of Pharaoh's family who concealed his faith said: “Would you slay a man because he says: ‘My Lord is Allah and he has come to you with clear signs from your Lord? And if he is a liar, upon him will be [the sin of] his lie; but if he is telling the truth, then some of that [misfortune] wherewith he threatens you will befall on you.’” Indeed Allah guides not one who is a transgressor [of limits] a liar!

One of the manifestations of Divine Succor springing from seeking refuge in Him is appearance of adherents among opponents. Bounties of forbidding evil extend to such degree that a Messenger may be saved from being slain and he may save a society from perdition.

This Verse treats of another episode in the history of Moses (as) and Pharaoh which is solely attested in this Chapter. It is the story of the believer of Pharaoh’s family, one of his kith and kin who acknowledged Moses’ (as) Call to monotheism.

However, he did not reveal his faith since he considered it incumbent upon himself to render Moses (as) well measured support. When he observed that Pharaoh was severely wrathful and he could jeopardize the life of the Messenger, he valiantly stepped forward and nullified the conspiracy aiming at taking his life.

The blessed Verse reads:

“A believing man of Pharaoh's family who concealed his faith said: ‘Would you slay a man because he says: ‘My Lord is Allah and he has come to you with clear signs from your Lord?’”

Can you deny his miracles like those of his walking stick and his illuminating hand? Did you not see him who defeated sorcerers such that they surrendered to him? Did you not see that they were not moved by our threats and spared their lives for the sake of their faith in Moses’ (as) Lord? Can such person be called a sorcerer?

Think twice before resorting to any hasty measure. Think about the consequences of your acts otherwise you will regret your negligence.

Furthermore, there are two alternatives:

“If he is a liar, upon him will be [the sin of] his lie; but if he is telling the truth, then some of that [misfortune] wherewith he threatens you will befall on you.”

In other words he is saying that if Moses (as) happens to be a liar, he will be disgraced and will be recompensed for his lies, but it is also possible that he is an honest man appointed by Allah to impart Divine Promises and Warnings; consequently, it would be unwise to slay him.

Then he adds:

“Allah guides not one who is a transgressor [of limits] a liar!”

If a believer proceeds toward transgression of bounds and telling lies, he will certainly lose Divine Guidance and if you happen to act likewise, he will be deprived of His Guidance.

It is worthy of note that the words of the believing man of Pharaoh's family aimed at impressing Pharaoh and his people from different angles: firstly, Moses (as) does not deserve such severe reaction; secondly, one should not forget that he produces his own arguments which sound justified and confrontation with such a man will entail perils; thirdly, there is no need for your measures, since if he happens to be a liar, he will be chastised by God Almighty, but there exists the possibility that he is right and we will be chastised by his Lord!