Surah Ta-Ha

This Surah begins by defining the purpose of the revelation of the Qur’an: “(O Muhammad )ﷺWe have not sent down to you the Qur’an that you be distressed but only as a reminder for those who fear (Allah). A revelation from He who created the earth and highest heavens.” After this introduction, the Surah abruptly moves on to relate the story of Prophet Moses without any apparent relevancy and without even hinting at its applicability to the events of the period. However, if we read between the lines, we realise that the discourse is addressed very relevantly to the people of Makkah. We must keep in view the fact that the Arabs in general acknowledged Moses as a Prophet of Allah. This was because they had been influenced by the large number of the Jews around them and by the neighbouring Christian kingdoms. Now, let us state those things which are hidden between the lines of the story:

1. Allah does not appoint a Prophet by celebrating the occasion in a formal ceremony to announce that such a person is being appointed as a Prophet.

On the contrary, He bestows Prophethood in a confidential manner just as He did in the case of Prophet Moses. Therefore, you should not consider it strange if Muhammad ﷺhas suddenly been appointed as a Prophet, without any public proclamation.

1. The fundamental principles presented by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Monotheism (Tawhid) and the Hereafter are just the same as were taught to Prophet Moses.
2. Prophet Muhammad ﷺhas been made the envoy of the message to the people of Quraysh, just as Prophet Moses was entrusted with the mission to go to Pharaoh. These are the mysterious ways of Allah. He catches hold of a wayfarer of Midian on his way to Egypt and says go and fight with the greatest tyrant of the time. He did not provide him with armies and provisions for this mission. The only thing He did was to appoint his brother as his assistant at his request.
3. The people of Makkah are reminded that Pharaoh employed the same devices against Prophet Moses as they are employing against Prophet Muhammad ;ﷺjest, objections, accusations and cruel persecutions. It should also be noted that Allah’s Prophet was victorious over Pharaoh who possessed large armies. Incidentally, the Muslims have been comforted that they should not be afraid of fighting against the Quraysh despite the fearful odds, for victory is from Allah. At the same time the Muslims have been exhorted to follow the excellent example of the magicians of Egypt who converted and remained steadfast in their Faith, though Pharaoh threatened them with horrible vengeance.
4. An incident from the story of the Israelites has been cited to show in what ridiculous manner the idolatry of false gods and goddesses starts and that the Prophets of Allah do not tolerate even the slightest tinge of this preposterous practice. Likewise, Prophet Muhammad ﷺis following the former Prophets in opposing polytheism (Shirk) and idol worship.

Thus, the story of Moses has been used to throw light on all those matters which were connected with the conflict between the Prophet ﷺand the Quraysh. Then at the end of the story, the Quraysh have been briefly admonished, stating that the Qur’an has been sent down in their Arabic language for their own good. If they listen to it and follow its admonition, they will be doing so for their own good but if they reject it, they will be met with an evil end.”

After this the story of Prophet Adam has been narrated, as if to tell the Quraysh that they are following the way of Satan, whereas the right way for a man is to follow his father, Adam. Adam was beguiled by Satan, but when he realised his error, he plainly confessed it and repented and again turned back to the service of Allah and won His favour. On the other hand, if a person follows Satan and sticks to his error stubbornly in spite of admonition, he only harms himself. In the end, the Prophet ﷺand the Muslims have been advised not to be impatient in regard to the punishment to the disbelievers, since Allah has His own plan concerning them. He does not seize them at once but gives them sufficient respite. Therefore, you should not grow impatient but bear the persecutions with fortitude and go on conveying the Message.” In this connection, great emphasis has been laid on prayer (salah) so that it may create in the Believers the virtues of patience, forbearance, contentment, resignation to the will of Allah and self-analysis, for these are greatly needed in the service of the message of truth. The Muslim have been advised to learn lessons from the life of Musa and his struggle against the Pharaoh of his time.38 Connection between the beginning and the ending of the Surah The Qur’an is a reminder (dhikr) for those who fear Allah mentioned in the beginning of the Surah and a warning of a depressed life for those turn away from the Dhikr; “But only as a reminder for those who fear (Allah).” (20:3) “And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.”

38 Tafheem al-Qur’an, Mawdudi.