Surah Al-Qasas: God’s Power vs Man’s Wealth and Power

TEHRAN (IQNA) – There have been different groups of people throughout history who have relied on their power and wealth to stand against the divine rule but they have all failed as neither the effluent’s wealth nor the powerful people’s might can confront the divine power.

This is what part of Surah Al-Qasas of the Holy Quran talks about.

It is the 28^th chapter of the Quran. A Makki Surah, it has 88 verses and is in the 20^th Juz of the Holy Book. It is the 49^th Surah revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

The name Al-Qasas (stories) comes from the stories about some messengers of God mentioned in this chapter. They include the birth of Prophet Moses (AS), his marriage with the daughter of Prophet Shuaib (AS), his confrontation with pharaoh, and the story of Qaroon (Croesus).

It also talks about the excuses that the disbelievers of Mecca made for refusing to become believers.

Allameh Tabatabaei says the main purpose of this Surah is promising the victory of the believers who were a small group and lived in adverse conditions in Mecca before leaving the city for Medina.

This Surah, which was revealed when Muslims were suffering from hardships, narrates the story of Moses (AS) from his birth to his victory over pharaoh and promises the believers that they will also defeat the pharaohs of the time.

It pledges that the Taghuts (in Islamic terminology refers to those who worship other than God) who rely on their wealth and power to confront men of God will be defeated and the faithful will inherit the earth.

This is emphasized in the story of Qaroon who was arrogant because of his wealth and knowledge but faced an end like that of pharaoh.

According to the Nemouneh Exegesis of the Quran, the stories of the defeat of pharaoh and Qaroon against Moses (AS) signifies that fact that neither the rich nor the powerful disbelievers in Mecca have the power to impede God’s plan to lead believers to victory.

Some other verses of Surah Al-Qasas offer lessons on monotheism, the Resurrection Day, importance of the Quran, guidance and straying, and the situation for disbelievers on the Day of Judgment. They also respond to the excuses made by disbelievers who refused to accept the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) invitation to the right path.