Surah 28: Al-Qasas (The Stories)
Moses' story and Qarun's fate illustrate divine justice.
Surah 28, titled Al-Qasas (The Stories), is a Meccan sura that centers on the narrative of Moses and his confrontation with Pharaoh, as well as the fate of Qarun. The sura opens with the disconnected letters Ta, Seen, Meem (Surah 28:1) and immediately describes Pharaoh's tyranny: he exalted himself, divided the people, and slaughtered newborn sons while sparing females (Surah 28:4). The story of Moses unfolds from his infancy, when his mother was inspired to cast him into the river (Surah 28:7), through his flight to Madyan (Surah 28:22), his marriage agreement (Surah 28:28), and his prophetic commission with the staff turning into a snake (Surah 28:31). The sura also includes the account of Qarun, a wealthy but tyrannical figure from Moses' people (Surah 28:76), and concludes with warnings about the Hereafter and the mercy of Allah in creating night and day (Surah 28:73).
- Sura number
- 28
- Title
- Al-Qasas (The Stories)
- Key figures mentioned
- Pharaoh, Moses, Aaron, Qarun, Moses' mother, two women of Madyan
- Major events
- Moses' infancy and rescue, killing of an Egyptian, flight to Madyan, marriage, prophetic call at the mount, destruction of Pharaoh and his soldiers, destruction of insolent cities, Qarun's downfall
- Themes
- Divine guidance, mercy, punishment of tyrants, the Hereafter, repentance and righteousness
Lore & Background
The sura presents Moses as a chosen messenger from infancy, protected by divine intervention. His mother is inspired to cast him into the river, and Allah promises to return him and make him a messenger (Surah 28:7). After accidentally killing an Egyptian, Moses flees to Madyan, where he helps two women water their flocks and eventually marries one of them (Surah 28:25-28). At the sacred mount, Moses is commanded to throw his staff, which becomes a snake, and is reassured of his security (Surah 28:31). He requests his brother Aaron as a support due to his own lack of eloquence (Surah 28:34). Pharaoh and his soldiers are ultimately thrown into the sea as punishment for their wrongdoing (Surah 28:40).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray Moses as a reluctant but divinely guided prophet who experiences personal growth from a fugitive to a leader. His mother's faith is tested and strengthened (Surah 28:10, 28:13). Moses acknowledges his own sin and seeks forgiveness (Surah 28:16). In Madyan, he demonstrates humility and integrity, leading to a marriage contract (Surah 28:28). His prophetic mission is confirmed by miraculous signs and the support of Aaron (Surah 28:31, 28:34). The sura contrasts the fate of the righteous with that of tyrants like Pharaoh and Qarun, who are destroyed (Surah 28:40, 28:58). Qarun's wealth and arrogance lead to his ruin, and those who envied him later recognize Allah's control over provision (Surah 28:76, 28:79, 28:82). The sura emphasizes that true success comes through repentance, belief, and righteous deeds (Surah 28:67), and that Allah alone is worthy of praise in this life and the Hereafter (Surah 28:70).
Did You Know?
- The sura opens with the disconnected letters Ta, Seen, Meem, whose meaning is traditionally considered known only to Allah (Surah 28:1).
- Moses' mother is described as having her heart 'bound fast' by Allah to prevent her from revealing the secret of her son (Surah 28:10).
- Moses made an agreement to serve for one of two terms in Madyan as a bride price, with no injustice to him (Surah 28:28).
- Qarun's treasures were so vast that their keys would burden a band of strong men (Surah 28:76).
More in Surahs 21–40
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