The Majestic Quran

20. Ta Ha Ta Ha This is an early Makkan chapter, its central theme is how God guides humanity through messengers, exemplified by featuring the life story of Moses . The story begins when Moses is returning from Madyan to Egypt. He is appointed as a messenger and given miracles. The chapter flips back to the time of his birth, recalling how as a baby he was rescued from Pharaoh’s murderous plan: “I wrapped you up in My Divine Love so that you may grow up under My Eyes” (39). How loving is God! Moses heads straight for Pharaoh’s court. A heated conversation follows and the Pharaoh gets angry, but Moses boldly – yet gently – continues to invite him to God. Despite witnessing the two miracles of Moses , the Pharaoh remains stubbornly unwilling to listen to him. He mistakenly believes Moses is a magician so challenges him to duel his magicians. A vivid description of the duel offers insights into the working of magic, and why magic failed. These expert magicians realised that Moses was not a magician, so they accepted his victory and his prophethood. The Pharaoh was enraged and had them martyred. Even after this defeat and witnessing nine miracles, the Pharaoh refused to accept Moses . Finally, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. The Pharaoh chased them, but was drowned. Once in the Sinai Peninsula, the Israelites enjoyed freedom and were blessed with the Heavenly gifts of quail and Manna. However, when Moses left them for a short while – he visited Mount Sinai to meet God – the Israelites made an idol to worship. Moses was angry with his brother Aaron for not stopping them. Samiri the Goldsmith, the