Rival or Just Tribal?
Allah, in His infinite wisdom, presents the story of Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) throughout the Qur’an not just as a historical recollection, but as a living testimony of a Prophet’s struggles, striving, and solutions. Musa’s mission highlights the resistance of people against belief, the arrogance of leadership, and the recurring human tendency to regress despite witnessing divine signs. His testimony serves as a mirror for all humanity, because the same attitudes are repeated across time, by different peoples, in different forms.
In the Qur’an, Allah also elaborates on the regression of the Jews at the time of revelation. Many clung to the Torah yet resisted the Qur’an, even when it confirmed their scripture. Their dissonance was not merely intellectual, but rooted in fear of losing power, tradition, or identity. Similarly, Allah addresses the pagan Arabs who blatantly regressed according to their own terms, setting conditions for belief and wielding their demands as barriers to surrender. Their rejection was not born of ignorance of the truth, but of arrogance against it.
Religion and the Holy Land are centered in the Middle East precisely because this was the axis where belief was most challenged, most disputed, and most tested. The confrontation between Semitic groups—Jews holding to the Torah, Arabs confronting the Qur’an—was more than theological; it was a contest of pride, manhood, and power. In truth, the battle was less about genuine belief and more about maintaining dominance through threats, intimidation, and exploiting perceived weakness. This same pattern persists today, woven into the fabric of worldly struggles: the drive to control outweighing the humility to submit to divine truth.
Allah reveals in Surah As-Saffat how the pagans of Makkah were consumed with pride, mocking the idea of being guided by a man like Muhammad ﷺ, even as he came with clear proofs. In Surah Al-An’am (6:156–157), Allah exposes their mentality: they claimed faith as though doing a favor, yet continually sought exemptions from its duties. They displayed outward belief to benefit from Islam’s growing presence, while inwardly deceiving themselves, unwilling to commit to the true work of faith. This hypocrisy, this cognitive dissonance, was not a flaw of understanding but of intention.
In His wisdom, Allah revealed the Qur’an in Arabic, making His message mentally and spiritually accessible to the very people whose pride and dissonance blinded them. The language stripped away excuses, yet the Arabs still contradicted themselves—acknowledging the signs but refusing the responsibility of upholding them. In Surah Fussilat (41:44), Allah notes that had the Qur’an been revealed in a different language, they would have resented it. And even in Arabic, they questioned why it included the story of Musa, despite the Torah already mentioning him—revealing how tribal rivalry and status-based thinking corrupted their ability to see divine wisdom.
Allah demonstrates that the resistance to belief is not about language, scripture, or even clarity of proof. It is about the human ego: the arrogance to reject responsibility, the envy that fuels rivalry, and the false sense of superiority that veils the heart. The Qur’an, though revealed in Arabic, is universal—it speaks to the soul that seeks light, learning, and guidance. But for those who choose pride over humility, its clarity becomes a proof against them.
Bism Illah Al Rahman Al Raheem:
Surah Jathiyah
1. Ha-Mim.
[These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’an and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings].
2. The revelation of the Book (this Qur’an) is from Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
3. Verily, in the heavens and the earth are signs for the believers.
4. And in your creation, and what He scattered (through the earth) of moving (living) creatures are signs for people who have Faith with certainty.
5. And in the alternation of night and day, and the provision (rain) that Allah sends down from the sky, and revives therewith the earth after its death, and in the turning about of the winds (i.e. sometimes towards the east or north, and sometimes towards the south or west etc., sometimes bringing glad tidings of rain etc., and sometimes bringing the torment), are signs for a people who understand.
6. These are the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, revelations, etc.) of Allah, which We recite to you (O Muhammad ) with truth. Then in which speech after Allah and His Ayat will they believe?
7. Woe to every sinful liar,
8. Who hears the Verses of Allah (being) recited to him, yet persists with pride as if he heard them not. So announce to him a painful torment!
9. And when he learns something of Our Verses (this Qur’an), he makes them a jest. For such there will be a humiliating torment.
10. In front of them there is Hell, and that which they have earned will be of no profit to them, nor (will be of any profit to them) those whom they have taken as Auliya’ (protectors, helpers, etc.) besides Allah. And theirs will be a great torment.
11. This (Qur’an) is a guidance. And those who disbelieve in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord, for them there is a painful torment of Rijz (a severe kind of punishment).
12. Allah it is He Who has subjected to you the sea, that ships may sail through it by His Command, and that you may seek of His Bounty, and that you may be thankful,
13. And has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth; it is all as a favour and kindness from Him. Verily, in it are signs for a people who think deeply.
14. Say (O Muhammad ) to the believers to forgive those who (harm them and) hope not for the Days of Allah (i.e. His Recompense), that He may recompense people according to what they have earned (i.e. to punish these disbelievers, who harm the believers).
15. Whosoever does a good deed, it is for his ownself, and whosoever does evil, it is against (his ownself). Then to your Lord you will be made to return.
16. And indeed We gave the Children of Israel the Scripture, and the understanding of the Scripture and its laws, and the Prophethood; and provided them with good things, and preferred them above the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns) (of their time, during that period),
17. And gave them clear proofs in matters [by revealing to them the Taurat (Torah)]. And they differed not until after the knowledge came to them, through envy among themselves. Verily, Your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about that wherein they used to differ.
18. Then We have put you (O Muhammad ) on a plain way of (Our) commandment [like the one which We commanded Our Messengers before you (i.e. legal ways and laws of the Islamic Monotheism)]. So follow you that (Islamic Monotheism and its laws), and follow not the desires of those who know not. [Tafsir At-Tabari Vol. 25, Page 146].
19. Verily, they can avail you nothing against Allah (if He wants to punish you). Verily, the Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers, etc.) are Auliya’ (protectors, helpers, etc.) to one another, but Allah is the Wali (Helper, Protector, etc.) of the Muttaqun (pious – see V.2:2).
20. This (Qur’an) is a clear insight and evidence for mankind, and a guidance and a mercy for people who have Faith with certainty .
21. Or do those who earn evil deeds think that We shall hold them equal with those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, in their present life and after their death? Worst is the judgement that they make.
22. And Allah has created the heavens and the earth with truth, in order that each person may be recompensed what he has earned, and they will not be wronged .
23. Have you seen him who takes his own lust (vain desires) as his ilah (god), and Allah knowing (him as such), left him astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart, and put a cover on his sight. Who then will guide him after Allah? Will you not then remember?
24. And they say: “There is nothing but our life of this world, we die and we live and nothing destroys us except Ad-Dahr (the time). And they have no knowledge of it, they only conjecture.
25. And when Our Clear Verses are recited to them, their argument is no other than that they say: “Bring back our (dead) fathers, if you are truthful!”
26. Say (to them): “Allah gives you life, then causes you to die, then He will assemble you on the Day of Resurrection about which there is no doubt. But most of mankind know not.”
27. And to Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. And on the Day that the Hour will be established, on that Day the followers of falsehood (polytheists, disbelievers, worshippers of false deities, etc.) shall lose (everything).
28. And you will see each nation humbled to their knees (kneeling), each nation will be called to its Record (of deeds). This Day you shall be recompensed for what you used to do.
29. This Our Record speaks about you with truth. Verily, We were recording what you used to do (i.e. Our angels used to record your deeds).
30. Then, as for those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) and did righteous good deeds, their Lord will admit them to His Mercy. That will be the evident success.
31. But as for those who disbelieved (it will be said to them): “Were not Our Verses recited to you? But you were proud, and you were a people who were Mujrimun (polytheists, disbelievers, sinners, criminals).”
32. And when it was said: “Verily! Allah’s Promise is the truth, and there is no doubt about the coming of the Hour,” you said; “We know not what is the Hour, we do not think it but as a conjecture, and we have no firm convincing belief (therein).”
33. And the evil of what they did will appear to them, and they will be completely encircled by that which they used to mock at!
34. And it will be said: “This Day We will forget you as you forgot the Meeting of this Day of yours. And your abode is the Fire, and there is none to help you.”
35. This, because you took the revelations of Allah (this Qur’an) in mockery, and the life of the world deceived you. So this Day, they shall not be taken out from there (Hell), nor shall they be Yusta’tabun (i.e. they shall not return to the worldly life, so that they repent to Allah, and beg His Pardon for their sins).
36. So all the praises and thanks are to Allah, the Lord of the heavens and the Lord of the earth, and the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).
37. And His (Alone) is the Majesty in the heavens and the earth, and He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
Surah Saffat:
1. By those (angels) ranged in ranks (or rows).
2. By those (angels) who drive the clouds in a good way.
3. By those (angels) who bring the Book and the Qur’an from Allah to mankind [Tafsir Ibn Kathir].
4. Verily your Ilah (God) is indeed One (i.e. Allah);
5. Lord of the heavens and of the earth, and all that is between them, and Lord of every point of the sun’s risings. (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah).
6. Verily! We have adorned the near heaven with the stars (for beauty).
7. And to guard against every rebellious devil.
8. They cannot listen to the higher group (angels) for they are pelted from every side.
9. Outcast, and theirs is a constant (or painful) torment.
10. Except such as snatch away something by stealing and they are pursued by a flaming fire of piercing brightness.
11. Then ask them (i.e. these polytheists, O Muhammad ): “Are they stronger as creation, or those (others like the heavens and the earth and the mountains, etc.) whom We have created?” Verily, We created them of a sticky clay.
12. Nay, you (O Muhammad ) wondered (at their insolence) while they mock (at you and at the Qur’an).
13. And when they are reminded, they pay no attention.
14. And when they see an Ayah (a sign, a proof, or an evidence) from Allah, they mock at it.
15. And they say: “This is nothing but evident magic!
16. “When we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we (then) verily be resurrected?
17. “And also our fathers of old?”
18. Say (O Muhammad ): “Yes, and you shall then be humiliated.”
19. It will be a single Zajrah [shout (i.e. the second blowing of the Trumpet)], and behold, they will be staring!
20. They will say: “Woe to us! This is the Day of Recompense!”
21. (It will be said): “This is the Day of Judgement which you used to deny.”
22. (It will be said to the angels): “Assemble those who did wrong, together with their companions (from the devils) and what they used to worship.
23. “Instead of Allah, and lead them on to the way of flaming Fire (Hell);
24. “But stop them, verily they are to be questioned.
25. “What is the matter with you? Why do you not help one another (as you used to do in the world)?”
26. Nay, but that Day they shall surrender,
27. And they will turn to one another and question one another.
28. They will say: “It was you who used to come to us from the right side [i.e. from the right side of one of us and beautify for us every evil, order us for polytheism, and stop us from the truth i.e. Islamic Monotheism and from every good deed].”
29. They will reply: “Nay, you yourselves were not believers.
30. “And we had no authority over you. Nay! But you were transgressing people (disobedient, polytheists, and disbelievers).
31. “So now the Word of our Lord has been justified against us, that we shall certainly (have to) taste (the torment).
32. “So we led you astray because we were ourselves astray.”
33. Then verily, that Day, they will (all) share in the torment.
34. Certainly, that is how We deal with Al-Mujrimun (polytheists, sinners, criminals, the disobedient to Allah, etc.).
35. Truly, when it was said to them: La ilaha ill-Allah “(none has the right to be worshipped but Allah),” they puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it).
36. And (they) said: “Are we going to abandon our aliha (gods) for the sake of a mad poet?
37. Nay! he (Muhammad ) has come with the truth (i.e. Allah’s Religion – Islamic Monotheism and this Qur’an) and he confirms the Messengers (before him who brought Allah’s religion – Islamic Monotheism).
38. Verily, you (pagans of Makkah) are going to taste the painful torment;
39. And you will be requited nothing except for what you used to do (evil deeds, sins, and Allah’s disobedience which you used to do in this world);
40. Save the chosen slaves of Allah (faithful, obedient, true believers of Islamic Monotheism).
41. For them there will be a known provision (in Paradise).
42. Fruits; and they shall be honoured,
43. In the Gardens of delight (Paradise),
44. Facing one another on thrones,
45. Round them will be passed a cup of pure wine;
46. White, delicious to the drinkers,
47. Neither they will have Ghoul (any kind of hurt, abdominal pain, headache, a sin, etc.) from that, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom.
48. And with them will be chaste females, restraining their glances (desiring none except their husbands), with wide and beautiful eyes.
49. (Delicate and pure) as if they were (hidden) eggs (well) preserved.
50. Then they will turn to one another, mutually questioning.
51. A speaker of them will say: “Verily, I had a companion (in the world),
52. Who used to say: “Are you among those who believe (in resurrection after death).
53. “(That) when we die and become dust and bones, shall we indeed (be raised up) to receive reward or punishment (according to our deeds)?”
54. (The man) said: “Will you look down?”
55. So he looked down and saw him in the midst of the Fire.
56. He said: “By Allah! You have nearly ruined me.
57. “Had it not been for the Grace of my Lord, I would certainly have been among those brought forth (to Hell).”
58. (Allah informs about that true believer that he said): “Are we then not to die (any more)?
59. “Except our first death, and we shall not be punished? (after we have entered Paradise).”
60. Truly, this is the supreme success!
61. For the like of this let the workers work.
62. Is that (Paradise) better entertainment or the tree of Zaqqum (a horrible tree in Hell)?
63. Truly We have made it (as) a trail for the Zalimun (polytheists, disbelievers, wrong-doers, etc.).
64. Verily, it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of Hell-fire,
65. The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of Shayatin (devils);
66. Truly, they will eat thereof and fill their bellies therewith.
67. Then on the top of that they will be given boiling water to drink so that it becomes a mixture (of boiling water and Zaqqum in their bellies).
68. Then thereafter, verily, their return is to the flaming fire of Hell.
69. Verily, they found their fathers on the wrong path;
70. So they (too) made haste to follow in their footsteps!
71. And indeed most of the men of old went astray before them;
72. And indeed We sent among them warners (Messengers);
73. Then see what was the end of those who were warned (but heeded not).
74. Except the chosen slaves of Allah (faithful, obedient, and true believers of Islamic Monotheism).
75. And indeed Nuh (Noah) invoked Us, and We are the Best of those who answer (the request).
76. And We rescued him and his family from the great distress (i.e. drowning),
77. And, his progeny, them We made the survivors (i.e. Shem, Ham and Japheth).
78. And left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations to come in later times:
79. Salamun (peace) be upon Nuh (Noah) (from Us) among the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)!”
80. Verily, thus We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers – see V.2:112).
81. Verily, he [Nuh (Noah)] was one of Our believing slaves.
82. Then We drowned the other (disbelievers and polytheists, etc.).
83. And, verily, among those who followed his [Nuh’s (Noah)] way (Islamic Monotheism) was Ibrahim (Abraham).
84. When he came to his Lord with a pure heart [attached to Allah Alone and none else, worshipping none but Allah Alone true Islamic Monotheism, pure from the filth of polytheism].
85. When he said to his father and to his people: “What is it that which you worship?
86. “Is it a falsehood aliha (gods) other than Allah that you seek?
87. “Then what do you think about the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists)?”
88. Then he cast a glance at the stars (to deceive them),
89. And he said: “Verily, I am sick (with plague. He did this trick to remain in their temple of idols to destroy them and not to accompany them to the pagan’s feast).”
90. So they turned away from him, and departed (for fear of the disease).
91. Then he turned to their aliha (gods) and said: “Will you not eat (of the offering before you)?
92. “What is the matter with you that you speak not?”
93. Then he turned upon them, striking (them) with (his) right hand.
94. Then they (the worshippers of idols) came, towards him, hastening.
95. He said: “Worship you that which you (yourselves) carve?
96. “While Allah has created you and what you make!”
97. They said: “Build for him a building (it is said that the building was like a furnace) and throw him into the blazing fire!”
98. So they plotted a plot against him, but We made them the lowest.
99. And he said (after his rescue from the fire): “Verily, I am going to my Lord. He will guide me!”
100. “My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous.”
101. So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy.
102. And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: “O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in sacrifice to Allah), so look what you think!” He said: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Insha’ Allah (if Allah will), you shall find me of As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).”
103. Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering);
104. And We called out to him: “O Abraham!
105. You have fulfilled the dream (vision)!” Verily! Thus do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers – see V.2:112).
106. Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial
107. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. ßÈÔ – a ram);
108. And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times.
109. Salamun (peace) be upon Ibrahim (Abraham)!”
110. Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers – see V.2:112).
111. Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.
112. And We gave him the glad tidings of Ishaque (Isaac) a Prophet from the righteous.
113. We blessed him and Ishaque (Isaac), and of their progeny are (some) that do right, and some that plainly wrong themselves.
114. And, indeed We gave Our Grace to Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron).
115. And We saved them and their people from the great distress;
116. And helped them, so that they became the victors;
117. And We gave them the clear Scripture;
118. And guided them to the Right Path;
119. And We left for them (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times;
120. Salamun (peace) be upon Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)!”
121. Verily, thus do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers – see V.2:112).
122. Verily! They were two of Our believing slaves.
123. And verily, Iliyas (Elias) was one of the Messengers.
124. When he said to his people: “Will you not fear Allah?
125. “Will you call upon Ba’l (a well- known idol of his nation whom they used to worship) and forsake the Best of creators,
126. “Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?”
127. But they denied him [Iliyas (Elias)], so they will certainly be brought forth (to the punishment),
128. Except the chosen slaves of Allah.
129. And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times;
130. Salamun (peace) be upon Ilyasin (Elias)!”
131. Verily, thus do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers, who perform good deeds totally for Allah’s sake only – see V.2:112).
132. Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.
133. And verily, Lout (Lot) was one of the Messengers.
134. When We saved him and his family, all,
135. Except an old woman (his wife) who was among those who remained behind.
136. Then We destroyed the rest [i.e. the towns of Sodom at the place of the Dead Sea (now) in Palestine]. [See the “Book of History” by Ibn Kathir].
137. Verily, you pass by them in the morning.
138. And at night; will you not then reflect?
139. And, verily, Yunus (Jonah) was one of the Messengers.
140. When he ran to the laden ship,
141. He (agreed to) cast lots, and he was among the losers,
142. Then a (big) fish swallowed him and he had done an act worthy of blame.
143. Had he not been of them who glorify Allah,
144. He would have indeed remained inside its belly (the fish) till the Day of Resurrection.
145. But We cast him forth on the naked shore while he was sick,
146. And We caused a plant of gourd to grow over him.
147. And We sent him to a hundred thousand (people) or even more.
148. And they believed; so We gave them enjoyment for a while.
149. Now ask them (O Muhammad ): “Are there (only) daughters for your Lord and sons for them?”
150. Or did We create the angels females while they were witnesses?
151. Verily, it is of their falsehood that they (Quraish pagans) say:
152. “Allah has begotten off spring or children (i.e. angels are the daughters of Allah)?” And, verily, they are liars!
153. Has He (then) chosen daughters rather than sons?
154. What is the matter with you? How do you decide?
155. Will you not then remember?
156. Or is there for you a plain authority?
157. Then bring your Book if you are truthful!
158. And they have invented a kinship between Him and the jinns, but the jinns know well that they have indeed to appear (before Him) (i.e. they will be brought for accounts).
159. Glorified is Allah! (He is Free) from what they attribute unto Him!
160. Except the slaves of Allah, whom He choses (for His Mercy i.e. true believers of Islamic Monotheism who do not attribute false things unto Allah).
161. So, verily you (pagans) and those whom you worship (idols).
162. Cannot lead astray [turn away from Him (Allah) anyone of the believers],
163. Except those who are predestined to burn in Hell!
164. There is not one of us (angels) but has his known place (or position);
165. Verily, we (angels), we stand in rows for the prayers (as you Muslims stand in rows for your prayers);
166. Verily, we (angels), we are they who glorify (Allah’s Praises i.e. perform prayers).
167. And indeed they (Arab pagans) used to say;
168. “If we had a reminder as had the men of old (before the coming of Prophet Muhammad as a Messenger of Allah).
169. “We would have indeed been the chosen slaves of Allah (true believers of Islamic Monotheism)!”
170. But (now that the Qur’an has come) they disbelieve therein (i.e. in the Qur’an and in Prophet Muhammad , and all that which he brought, the Divine Revelation), so they will come to know!
171. And, verily, Our Word has gone forth of old for Our slaves, the Messengers,
172. That they verily would be made triumphant.
173. And that Our hosts, they verily would be the victors.
174. So turn away (O Muhammad ) from them for a while,
175. And watch them and they shall see (the punishment)!
176. Do they seek to hasten on Our Torment?
177. Then, when it descends into their courtyard (i.e. near to them), evil will be the morning for those who had been warned!
178. So turn (O Muhammad ) away from them for a while,
179. And watch and they shall see (the torment)!
180. Glorified be your Lord, the Lord of Honour and Power! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him!
181. And peace be on the Messengers!
182. And all the praise and thanks be to Allah, Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).