In this chapter the account of Prophet Musa (A) and Fir‘awn is narrated first...

In this chapter the account of Prophet Musa (A) and Fir‘awn is narrated first, and then after relating the accounts of other Prophets, namely Prophets Ibrahim (A), Nuh (A), Hud (A), Salih (A), Lut (A) and Shu‘aib (A), the Qur’an talks of their tireless and determined efforts to propagate their messages, which contained the most fundamental and deep truths, all over the world.

And by recounting their struggle against the polytheism, corruption and oppression of their time, the verse consoles the Prophet of Islam (S) regarding the unpleasantness and difficulties that he was facing, and strengthen his heart with the following beautiful phrase, “so rely on the most-Mighty and Merciful.” ( wa tawakkal ‘al’l ‘aziz l-rahim ) In all the verses in which the terms ‘aziz and rahim are mentioned together, the subject is the Divine retribution against the stubborn disbelievers for their lifelong recalcitrance and corrupt conduct and for rejecting the truth despite witnessing clear proofs.

Their continuation down this path of darkness and their constant transgressions ultimately caused their hearts to be sealed, and left them to forever wander in darkness. A question that arises here is: Why does the Qur’an use the terms ‘aziz and rahim to describe God, the Holy, after describing the descent of His wrath and the deserved punishment of a nation who were destroyed for their atheism and defiance?

To answer this question, we must understand the true meaning contained in these two Divine attributes and in particular, the significance of their repetition in Surat ul Shu‘ara’. Additionally, we need to uncover what message there is for mankind in the usage of the two terms in juxtaposition and what lesson we can learn from it. We know that amongst man’s deviant inclinations is his selfish nature and his love of power.

In human society we frequently see individuals who have an inflated sense of self-importance and are fond of exaggerating their achievements. This perverse inclination only serves to mislead and further increases the domination of base desires over the intellect of the individual and brings about many misfortunes for him. Of course, this quality is weaker in some individuals than in others.