Translation
Moses said: “Do you say that this truth that has come to you is a deception? (Do you know that) those who deceive will never succeed?” They responded: “Have you come to us to move us away from what we found our forefathers to be following (of belief and social norms)? And perhaps you two wish to have greatness in the land. We are not going to have any faith in you two.” Pharaoh then commanded: “Bring all skilled magicians to me.” 481
When the magicians gathered, Moses told them: “Go head and cast your spell.” So, when they displayed their spell, Moses said: What you just brought forth is nothing but deception and God will bring these to nothing. God does not allow works of deception, mischief and corruption to thrive.” God will surely establish the truth by His words, though those who are guilty will dislike. But none believed in Moses, except a few from his own community, for fear of persecution from Pharaoh and his chiefs, who were oppressive in the land and they were drawn to excess (abuse of power and wealth).
Moses told his people: “O my followers, if you believe in God, then rely on Him, as a mark of your true submission [muslim].” His followers prayed: “We put our trust in God. O our Sustainer God, may You not render us as a source of persecution for people who are unjust and may You deliver us, by Your Mercy, from people who deny Your Grace.”
Interpretation
481 The conversation between Moses and the Court of Pharaoh is a prime and noble example of speaking truth to power. Prophet Moses and his brother did so with clarity, humility, and reliance on God in the face of overwhelming oppressive behavior by Pharaoh and his chiefs and their inordinate pride in themselves, their power, and their possessions. In the face of enormous odds and daily abuse and persecution, Moses and his followers practiced restraint, relied on the grace of God for spiritual and physical sustenance, and sought God’s protection against the Pharaoh and his people.
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REFLECTION
The abuse of average citizens, misuse of power and wealth by the wealthy and powerful, and widespread political corruption and abuse are resurfacing in the world today, and so are the defiance of God and unwillingness to seek refuge in God for solace, to establish personal and spiritual connections with God, and to define our aspirations and pursuits in light of teachings from God.
ACTION
The empowerment of individuals and communities that comes from practicing truthfulness and speaking truth to power is under assault through lack of faith in ourselves, diminishing faith in God, and the permissive and coercive nature of our political, economic, social and religious systems, beliefs, and practices. Great teachers like Moses and his followers who, under enormous odds, redefined history and showed the world what is possible, have been repeated throughout history, and the time has come for our generation to do the same.