Overview (Verses 96 - 99)

A Double Curse for Pharaoh’s People

In the series of historical accounts given in this sūrah, the final reference is made to Moses and Pharaoh. We have here only a very brief account with several references to the details of the story, but no specifics are given here. The end which Pharaoh and his people met is recorded, along with a very vivid and real scene of the Day of Resurrection. We also have a statement of a basic Islamic principle whereby individual responsibility cannot be overlooked simply because the individual concerned chooses to follow his master or ruler.

The account given here opens with God’s sending Moses to Pharaoh, the great ruler of Egypt, and the chiefs of his government. God gives Moses strength and clear authority. “We sent Moses with Our signs and a manifest authority to Pharaoh and his noble men.” (Verses 96-97) No details are given before the end is stated. The people simply obeyed Pharaoh and disobeyed God, despite all the stupidity, short- sightedness and excesses which characterized all that Pharaoh had done. “They, however, followed only Pharaoh’s bidding. Pharaoh’s bidding led by no means to what is right.” (Verse 97)

The people chose to follow Pharaoh blindly, without stopping to think whether he guided them rightly or not. They degraded themselves and trampled over their own freedom and the will with which God had endowed them. Hence, it was only natural, as the Qur’ān states, that Pharaoh will lead them on the Day of Resurrection, and that they will follow him: “He will come at the head of his people on the Day of Resurrection.” (Verse 98)

We have so far been listening to a story that happened in the past and to a promise which will be realized in the future. The scene, however, changes here and what was to be the future is now past. Pharaoh has led his people to hell, and the matter is over: “leading them to the fire.” (Verse 98) He has led them like a shepherd leads his flock. After all, they were sheep moving blindly. They have foregone the very basic essential of humanity, namely, the freedom of choice. He has led them to hell. The Arabic expression used here has the added connotation of aiming to lead them to a fountain where they can drink. What a drink they will have, which satisfies no thirst: “Vile was the destination towards which they were led.” (Verse 98)

We note here that all this, the leadership of Pharaoh, and their destination to which he has led them took place a long time ago. A comment is made on it, followed by ridicule: “A curse is made to follow them in this world and on the Day of Resurrection. Vile was the renewable gift which they were given.” (Verse 99)

The curse followed them in this life and will be sure to follow them on the Day of Resurrection. This was the gift Pharaoh gave to his people. He had indeed promised his sorcerers generous gifts. Now everyone realizes what sort of gifts Pharaoh is able to give. What is more is the fact that the gift is always renewable, never ending. “Vile was the renewable gift which they were given.” (Verse 99)