Tazkirul Quran, Qur’an 40:28–29
The Forgiver (Ghafir)
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
English text; the translator is not named in the archive’s data.
Translation
(28) A believer, a man from among the people of Pharaoh, who had concealed his faith, said, ‘Would you slay a man merely because he says, “My Lord is God.” He has brought you clear signs from your Lord, and if he is lying, the sin of his will be on his own head; but if he is truthful, a part of that of which he warns you will surely befall you. Certainly, God does not guide one who is a transgressor and a liar. (29) My people! Yours is the kingdom today, you have dominion in the land; but who will help us against the scourge of God if it befalls us?’ But Pharaoh said, ‘I point out to you only that which I consider right; and I guide you to the right path.’
Commentary
(a) The true believer mentioned here was a member of the royal family of Pharaoh and was probably one of the high-ranking officials of the court. This venerable gentleman had been influenced by Moses’ call to the Unity of God. However, he had kept his faith a secret. But, when he saw that Pharaoh intended to kill Moses, he openly came to his support. He defended Moses in a very wise and effective manner.
This event teaches us that the dawah process is in itself a power which creates its sympathisers and supporters in the camp of dire opponents also, even if the enemy be as tyrannical as Pharaoh.