Surah Name: Al-Qasas (سورة القصص)
Translation: The Stories
Origin of name: The name "Al-Qasas" comes from verse 25, where the word refers to "stories" or “narrations.” The surah contains detailed accounts, especially of Prophet Musa (Moses), thus the name reflects its narrative content.
Surah Number: 28
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 88
Makki or Madani: Makki
Approximate Time of Revelation: During a time of increasing persecution in the late Makkan period, after the revelation of Surah An-Naml.
Historical Context
Surah Al-Qasas was revealed in Makkah during a period when the Muslim community was enduring serious oppression and marginalization by the powerful Quraysh leadership. This was a time when the believers were few in number and lacked social or political influence. The leaders of Makkah, much like Pharaoh in the story of Musa, used their power to suppress and belittle those who followed the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
At the time of revelation, the Muslims were being mocked, particularly due to their weakness and low societal status. Many in Makkah saw socio-political and economic power as signs of divine favor and rightfulness. Hence, the rich elites, much like Qarun—a wealthy figure from the nation of Moses—viewed themselves as superior and untouchable.
Surah Al-Qasas came as both a reminder and a comfort. By recounting the story of Musa, Pharaoh, and Qarun, it drew a parallel between the situation of the early Muslims and the oppressed followers of previous prophets. The story of Musa’s rise from weakness and vulnerability to a position of strength (by Allah's will) served as inspiration for the believers, while Pharaoh’s and Qarun’s downfall showed the eventual fate of tyranny and corruption.
A significant moment also referenced in this surah is related to the Prophet’s (pbuh) personal experience with his uncle Abu Talib. Although a close protector of the Prophet (pbuh), Abu Talib did not accept Islam before his death. Verse 56 was revealed in connection with this event [1,2,3], emphasizing that guidance is ultimately in Allah’s hands.
Altogether, Surah Al-Qasas offered a powerful historical analogy: just as Musa succeeded against immense odds, the nascent Muslim community, though small and oppressed, would eventually rise with Allah’s help. It instilled patience, trust in God, and a long-term vision for justice and truth.
References:
[1] Musnad Ahmad, vol. 2, pp. 434, 441
[2] Bukhari, “Manaqib al-Ansar”, 40
[3] Al-Wahidi, Asbab al-Nuzul, pp. 193–194
Main Themes
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Divine Power and Care for the Oppressed:
The surah highlights Allah’s ability to control all events, especially in protecting and uplifting the weak. The story of Prophet Musa (Moses) shows how those oppressed by powerful rulers like Pharaoh can be saved through divine support. -
The Story of Musa (Moses) and Pharaoh:
A major part of the surah tells the story of Prophet Musa, from his infancy and escape from Egypt to his return as a prophet confronting Pharaoh. It emphasizes themes of patience, trust in Allah, and the eventual defeat of arrogance and tyranny. -
Comfort and Hope for the Prophet:
The surah draws parallels between the experiences of Prophet Musa with Pharaoh and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) with the Quraysh leaders. It offers comfort to the Prophet, assuring him that truth will prevail despite the rejection and opposition he faces. -
Divine Guidance is from Allah Alone:
Allah reminds the Prophet that guidance is in His hands. Even if the Prophet wants someone, like his uncle Abu Talib, to believe, only Allah can guide hearts. This teaches reliance on Allah and accepting outcomes without losing hope. -
The Trial of Wealth – The Story of Qarun:
The story of Qarun, a wealthy but arrogant man from Musa’s people, teaches that wealth is a test. Qarun’s pride and misuse of wealth led to his destruction. The surah warns against greed, pride, and using wealth for harm. -
The Temporary Nature of This World:
The surah emphasizes that worldly success and power are temporary. It contrasts the temporary joy of this life with the lasting reward of the hereafter for those who are humble and do good. -
Accountability in the Afterlife:
Scenes from the Day of Judgment are described to remind people that ultimate justice will be served. Good deeds will be rewarded generously, and evil actions will face their equal punishment. -
Lessons Through Stories:
The stories of Musa, Pharaoh, and Qarun are not just history—they are lessons. They show how arrogance in power and wealth leads to downfall, while faith, humility, and justice lead to ultimate success. -
Tawheed (Oneness of God):
The surah ends by affirming that everything will perish except Allah. This closing verse reminds believers to place their ultimate trust in Allah alone and to live a life based on His guidance.
Key Lessons from Surah Al-Qasas
- Allah supports the oppressed and can raise them to power, as shown in the story of Musa.
- Even those who seem powerless can succeed if they trust and obey Allah.
- Leadership and wealth, when used with arrogance and injustice like Pharaoh and Qarun, lead to ruin.
- True power and success come from faith, patience, and righteousness.
- Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) cannot guide whom he wills; guidance is only from Allah.
- Worldly life is temporary; real success is in the hereafter.
- Arrogance and pride cause people to reject the truth and mistreat others.
- Wealth should be used responsibly and shared with those in need.
- Those who avoid pride and corruption will be rewarded in the next life.
- Everything in creation will perish except Allah, the One True God.
Notable Ayahs from Surah Al-Qasas
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Verse 3:
"We narrate to you ˹O Prophet˺ part of the story of Moses and Pharaoh in truth for people who believe."
This verse introduces the truthful account of Prophet Musa and Pharaoh, aimed at those who seek faith and understanding. -
Verse 7:
"We inspired the mother of Moses: “Nurse him, but when you fear for him, put him then into the river, and do not fear or grieve. We will certainly return him to you, and make him one of the messengers.”"
A reminder of Allah’s protection and promise during hardship. -
Verse 14:
"And when he reached full strength and maturity, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. This is how We reward the good-doers."
Allah grants wisdom and knowledge to the righteous. -
Verse 20:
"And there came a man, rushing from the farthest end of the city. He said, “O Moses! The chiefs are actually conspiring against you to put you to death, so leave ˹the city˺. I really advise you ˹to do so˺.”"
A turning point where Prophet Musa is warned and must flee for his safety. -
Verse 56:
"You surely cannot guide whoever you like ˹O Prophet˺, but it is Allah Who guides whoever He wills, and He knows best who are ˹fit to be˺ guided."
A powerful statement about divine guidance, often linked to the Prophet’s sorrow about his uncle Abu Talib. -
Verse 76:
"Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he behaved arrogantly towards them. We had granted him such treasures that even their keys would burden a group of strong men. ˹Some of˺ his people advised him, “Do not be prideful! Surely Allah does not like the prideful."
This introduces the story of Qarun, symbolizing the dangers of arrogance and excessive pride over wealth. -
Verse 79:
"Then he came out before his people in all his glamour. Those who desired the life of this world wished, “If only we could have something like what Qarun has been given. He is truly a man of great fortune!”"
The reaction of worldly people to Qarun's wealth, showing the allure and danger of materialism. -
Verse 82:
"And those who had craved his position the previous day began to say, “Ah! It is certainly Allah Who gives abundant or limited provisions to whoever He wills of His servants. Had it not been for the grace of Allah, He could have surely caused the earth to swallow us up! Oh, indeed! The disbelievers will never succeed.”'"
The realization that true success lies not in wealth but in Allah’s grace. -
Verse 84:
"Whoever does good will be rewarded with something better. But whoever does evil will be punished only for what they did."
A clear message of divine justice and reward. -
Verse 88:
"And do not invoke any other god with Allah. There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him. Everything is bound to perish except He Himself. All authority belongs to Him. And to Him you will ˹all˺ be returned."
The final verse affirms the core doctrine of tawheed (the oneness of God) and the reality of the afterlife.
