The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

40: 38 The Forgiver
23 We sent Moses with Our signs and clear authority 24 to Pharaoh,
Haman, and Korah and they said, ‘Sorcerer! Liar!’ 25 When he
brought the truth to them from Us, they said, ‘Kill the sons of those
who believe with him; spare only their women’– the scheming of
those who reject the truth can only go wrong – 26 and Pharaoh said,
‘Leave me to kill Moses – let him call upon his Lord! – for I fear he
may cause you to change your religion, or spread disorder in the
land.’ 27 Moses said, ‘I seek refuge with my Lord and yours from
every tyrant who refuses to believe in the Day of Reckoning.’
28 A secret believer from Pharaoh’s family said, ‘How can you kill a
man just for saying, “My Lord is God”? He has brought you clear
signs from your Lord – if he is a liar, on his own head be it – and if he
is truthful, then at least some of what he has threatened will happen
to you. God does not guide any rebellious, outrageous liar. 29 My
people, as masters in the land you have the power today, but who will
help us against God’s might if it comes upon us?’ But Pharaoh said, ‘I
have told you what I think; I am guiding you along the right path.’
30 The believer said, ‘My people, I fear your fate will be the fate of
those others who opposed [their prophets]: 31 the fate of the people
of Noah, Ad, Thamud, and those who came after them – God never
wills injustice on His creatures. 32 My people, I fear for you on the
Day you will cry out to one another, 33 the Day you will turn tail
and flee with no one to defend you from God! Whoever God leaves
to stray will have no one to guide him. 34 Joseph came to you before
with clear signs, but you never ceased to doubt the message he
brought you. When he died, you said, “God will not send another
messenger.”’
In this way God leaves the doubting rebels to stray – 35 those who
dispute God’s messages, with no authority given to them, are doing
something that is loathed by God and by those who believe. In this
way God seals up the heart of every arrogant tyrant. 36 Pharaoh said,
‘Haman, build me a tall tower so that I may reach the ropes a that
lead 37 to the heavens to look for this God of Moses. I am convinced
that he is lying.’ In this way the evil of Pharaoh’s deed was made
alluring to him and he was barred from the right path – his scheming
led only to ruin.
38 The believer said, ‘My people, follow me! I will guide you to
a Cf. 22: 15, where sabab has the meaning ‘rope’.
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