Between Gold and Guidance

These verses from Surah Az-Zukhruf and Surah Al-Haqqah serve as deep reminders—not just of what happened to past nations, but of how easy it is for anyone, including us today, to fall into the same patterns of behavior.

Pharaoh didn’t just boast about his power—he used rhetoric and status to dismiss truth and belittle Prophet Musa (peace be upon him). And what did the people do? They listened. Not because they were seeking the truth, but because they were swayed by appearances, wealth, and comfort.

They followed what they wanted to hear, not what they needed to reflect on. The verses say: “he misled his people, and they obeyed him.” It’s a warning about the power of influence, and the ease of manipulation when faith isn’t rooted in conscious awareness.

Then in Surah Al-Haqqah, Allah reminds us that when the flood came in Nuh’s time, He carried those who listened—literally and spiritually. He says it was “so that a keen ear may understand.” That’s deep. It means we’re not just accountable for what we see and experience, but for what we hear, process, and choose to accept or ignore.

Today, we’re not facing floods or tyrant kings in the same way. But we are flooded with opinions, media, gossip, and judgments—and we’re often quick to form an opinion, side with a narrative, or dismiss someone without truly listening.

We chase what aligns with our desires and ignore what challenges us to grow in character and faith. Sometimes, we even risk jeopardizing our own spiritual fairness just to defend a feeling, a bias, or a desire to be right.

These verses aren’t just about punishment—they’re about protection. They remind us to me mindful of what we hear and accept as truth, listen deeply and reflect fairly. Pride should never be a factor in our judgment. Faith is built on what the heart knows to be just, not on what's loud or shiny. 

43:51

And Fir’aun (Pharaoh) proclaimed among his people, saying: “O my people! Is not mine the dominion of Egypt, and these rivers flowing underneath me. See you not then?”

 43:52

“Am I not better than this one (Mûsa (Moses)), who is Mahîn (has no honour nor any respect), and is weak and despicable and can scarcely express himself clearly?

 43:53

“Why then are not golden bracelets bestowed on him, or angels sent along with him?”

 43:54

Thus he (Fir’aun (Pharaoh)) befooled and misled his people, and they obeyed him. Verily, they were ever a people who were Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).

69:9

And Fir’aun (Pharaoh), and those before him, and the cities overthrown [i.e. the people of Lût] committed sin,

 69:10

And they disobeyed their Lord’s Messenger, so He seized them with a strong punishment.

 69:11

Verily! When the water rose beyond its limits [Nûh’s (Noah) Flood], We carried you (mankind) in the floating [ship that was constructed by Nûh (Noah)].

 69:12

That We might make it a remembrance for you, and the keen ear (person) may (hear and) understand it.