Surah 28: The Narration - Overview

Introduction

This Surah continues the subject of Revelation and its reception by those to whom it is sent. But it emphasizes new points: how the recipient of inspiration is prepared for his high destiny, even in the growth of his ordinary life, and how the rejection of God's Message by groups of men or by individuals is caused by overweening arrogance or avarice. The plight of those who reject the Truth is contrasted with the reward of the righteous.

With the possible exception of a few verses, it belongs to the late Makkan period, just preceding the Hijrah.

Summary

1- Pharaoh was arrogant and unjust, but God's Plan was to strengthen the weak: in infancy Moses was prepared for his mission; in youth he trusted in the Lord and was guided; in his exile he found help and love; and when he was called, he was supported by God. (28:1-42)

Life of Moses [28:1-42] God's Messengers are men, and win through good life by God's Grace and their Faith. So Moses was saved from the Tyrant's wrath in infancy, and reared in the Tyrant's own den, but gently in a mother's love. In youth he was endowed with wisdom and knowledge; strength and the will to do right. In sorrow or misfortune he trusted on God and opened his heart to Him. On self-imposed exile he won love by his chivalry and confidence by Truth. In his mission he triumphed over arrogant wrong by his meekness, patience, and Faith. So good follows good, and Evil must fall, cursed, loathed, disgraced and despised.

2- So was the Holy Prophet Muhammad fed spiritually by God's Grace, and his Revelation was recognized by those who knew the earlier Revelations: it came to an old and sacred Center, to warn those seduced by this world's life. (28:43-60)

Mercy to Men [28:43-60] As with Moses, so with the Prophet Muhammad: Revelation was given to him, by which he knew and understood, and led men and was kind; he was a Mercy to men, sent by God, to warn those in sin, and, by precept and example, to bring the Light to their very doors. Those who had spiritual eyes rejoiced, and walked in God's ancient Way, now reopened, valuing the things of the Spirit as God's own gifts, to be their possession forever!

3- The Future is with those who repent, have faith, and do good: for all Mercy and Truth are with God. (28:61-75)

Individual Accountability [28:61-75] Material good is nothing compared to the spiritual. In the Hereafter no plea 'that others misled' will avail. Each soul must answer for itself. Whether it honored God alone or worshipped something else, and whether it received or rejected the Teachers sent by God. The Wisdom and Plan of God are beyond all praise; and mercy and truth proceed from Him, and there is no other--none--besides Him.

4- But men puffed up with wealth, like Qarun, will come to an evil end, while the lowly and the righteous will attain God's Mercy. (28:76-88)

Purpose of Wealth [28:76-88] Men puffed up with wealth, like Qarun, are not pleasing to God: for wealth is for service, not for hoarding or show . In the midst of his pride was Qarun swallowed up in the earth, and the earth knew him no more! It is the righteous that attain a happy End. Let nothing keep your eyes back from that End: then, and only then, shall ye reach the Eternal Reality, the glorious Reality, which is God, Who endureth forever!