Discover Surah 28: Al-Qasas (The Stories) with a clear English translation and insightful comments. Explore the powerful narratives of Prophet Musa (Moses), lessons on faith, divine justice, and the rise and fall of nations, presented in simple and meaningful language for deeper understanding.
Surah 28: Al-Qasas (The Stories)
Introduction
Surah Al-Qasas, meaning ‘The Stories’, is the 28th chapter of the Holy Qur’an. It was revealed in Makkah and consists of 88 verses. This Surah mainly focuses on the story of Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him), giving detailed accounts of his birth, his early life in Pharaoh’s palace, his exile, his prophetic mission, and the eventual downfall of Pharaoh. Through this narrative, the Surah emphasizes Allah’s supreme control over all affairs, the certainty of His promises, and the consequences of arrogance and disbelief. It highlights how divine wisdom operates behind events, even when they seem difficult or painful. The Surah also addresses the disbelievers of Makkah, drawing parallels between their rejection of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the past nations who rejected their messengers. It warns against pride, greed, and attachment to worldly wealth, using the example of Qarun, a wealthy and arrogant man destroyed for his ungratefulness. Overall, the Surah encourages patience, trust in Allah, and reliance on His justice and mercy. 0 0 0
Surah 28: Al-Qasas (The Stories): Text
In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. Tā Sīn Mīm.
2. These are verses from the Clear Book.
3. We relate to you the true story of Moses and Pharaoh, for a people who believe.
4. Pharaoh had risen in the land, and he divided its people into factions, oppressing one group by slaughtering their sons and keeping their women alive. He was truly a corrupter.
5. But We wanted to favour those who were oppressed in the land, to make them leaders and heirs,
6. To establish them in the land, and to show Pharaoh, Hāmān, and their armies what they feared most.
7. And We inspired the mother of Moses: ‘Nurse him, but when you fear for him, place him in the river. Do not fear or grieve, for We will return him to you and make him one of the messengers.’
8. Then the family of Pharaoh picked him up, only for him to become an enemy and a source of sorrow for them. Surely Pharaoh, Hāmān, and their troops were sinful.
9. Pharaoh’s wife said, ‘This child may be a joy for me and for you. Do not kill him—he may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son.’ But they did not realize what was coming.
10. The heart of Moses’ mother became empty. She was about to reveal the truth about him, had We not strengthened her heart so that she would be among the believers.
11. She said to his sister, ‘Follow him.’ So she watched him from a distance, and they didn’t know.
12. Earlier, We had forbidden all wet nurses for him. So she (his sister) said, ‘Shall I tell you of a household who will raise him for you and take good care of him?’
13. So We returned him to his mother, so her heart would be comforted and she would not grieve, and so that she would know that Allah’s promise is always true. But most of them do not know.
14. When he reached his full strength and maturity, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. That is how We reward those who do good.
15. One day, Moses entered the city unnoticed by its people. There he found two men fighting—one from his own people and the other from his enemies. The man from his people cried out to him for help against his enemy, so Moses struck the man and killed him. He said, ‘This is Satan’s doing. He is a clear enemy who misleads.’
16. He prayed, ‘My Lord, I have wronged myself, so forgive me.’ So Allah forgave him. He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
17. He said, ‘My Lord, because of the favour You have given me, I will never support the wrongdoers again.’
18. The next morning, he was in the city, fearful and watchful. Then suddenly, the same man who had asked for his help the day before cried out to him again. Moses said, ‘You are clearly a troublemaker.’
19. Then, when Moses wanted to strike the man who was their enemy, he said, ‘O Moses, do you intend to kill me as you killed someone yesterday? You only want to be a tyrant in the land, not a reformer!’
20. Then a man came running from the farthest part of the city and said, ‘O Moses, the chiefs are plotting to kill you, so leave at once! I’m giving you sincere advice.’
21. So Moses left, fearful and watching his surroundings. He prayed, ‘My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people.’
22. When he made his way towards Madyan, he said, ‘I hope my Lord will guide me to the right way.’
23. When he reached the well of Madyan, he found a group of men watering their flocks, and he saw two women standing apart, holding back their sheep. He asked them, ‘What is the matter with you?’ They said, ‘We cannot water our flock until the shepherds are done, and our father is an old man.’
24. So he watered their flock for them. Then he turned to the shade and said, ‘My Lord, I am in desperate need of whatever good You send down to me.’
25. Then one of the two women came to him, walking modestly. She said, ‘My father is calling you, so he can reward you for watering our flock.’ When Moses came to him and told him his story, the old man said, ‘Do not be afraid. You have escaped from the wrongdoing people.’
26. One of the daughters said, ‘O my father, hire him! The best person you can hire is one who is strong and trustworthy.’
27. He said, ‘I wish to marry one of these two daughters of mine to you, on the condition that you work for me for eight years. But if you complete ten, it will be out of your own choice. I do not wish to make it hard for you. You will find me, if Allah wills, one of the righteous.’
28. Moses said, ‘That is an agreement between you and me. Whichever of the two terms I fulfill, there will be no blame on me. And Allah is a witness to what we have agreed.’
29. When Moses completed the agreed term and was traveling with his family, he saw a fire on the side of the mountain. He said to his family, ‘Stay here. I have seen a fire. Maybe I can bring you some news from it, or a burning torch so you may warm yourselves.’
30. When he came to it, he was called from the right side of the valley, from the tree in the blessed spot: ‘O Moses, I am Allah, the Lord of all worlds.’
31. ‘Throw down your staff.’ When he saw it moving like a snake, he turned and ran without looking back. Allah said, ‘O Moses, come forward and do not be afraid. You are perfectly safe.’
32. ‘Put your hand inside your cloak—it will come out shining white without harm. Now draw your arm close to your side to calm your fear. These are two signs from your Lord to Pharaoh and his chiefs. They are truly a rebellious people.’
33. Moses said, ‘My Lord, I have killed a man among them, and I fear they will kill me.’
34. ‘My brother Aaron is more eloquent than I am, so send him with me as a helper to support me. I fear they may reject me.’
35. Allah said, ‘We will strengthen your arm through your brother and give both of you power. They will not be able to harm you. With Our signs, you and those who follow you will triumph.’
36. When Moses came to them with Our clear signs, they said, ‘This is nothing but magic invented. We have never heard of this in the time of our ancestors.’
37. Moses replied, ‘My Lord knows best who has come with true guidance from Him, and who will have the best outcome in the end. Indeed, the wrongdoers will never succeed.’
38. Pharaoh said, ‘O chiefs, I know no god for you but me. So, O Hāmān, bake clay for me and build me a tall tower, so I may climb up to see the God of Moses. I think he is a liar.’
39. Pharaoh and his armies acted arrogantly in the land with no right, thinking they would never be returned to Us.
40. So We seized him and his armies and threw them into the sea. See what became of the wrongdoers!
41. We made them leaders who called others to the Fire. On the Day of Judgment, they will not be helped.
42. And We caused them to be followed by a curse in this life, and on the Day of Judgment they will be among the despised.
43. We gave Moses the Scripture after We had destroyed earlier generations, as a clear guide for people, and a mercy and reminder so they may take heed.
44. You were not on the western side of the mountain when We gave Moses the command, and you were not among the witnesses.
45. But We raised many generations, and a long time passed over them. You were not living among the people of Madyan, reciting Our revelations to them. But it is We Who sent the message.
46. Nor were you at the side of the mountain when We called out to Moses. But you have been sent as a mercy from your Lord, to warn people to whom no warner came before you, so that they may take heed.
47. Otherwise, if a disaster were to strike them because of what they did, they would say, ‘Our Lord, why didn’t You send us a messenger so we could follow Your revelations and be among the believers?’
48. But when the truth came to them from Us, they said, ‘Why hasn’t he been given the same as Moses was?’ Did they not reject what Moses was given before? They said, ‘These two are magic that support each other,’ and they said, ‘We reject both of them.’
49. Say, ‘Then bring a scripture from Allah that is better in guidance than these two, and I will follow it, if you are truthful.’
50. But if they do not respond to you, then know that they only follow their own desires. Who is more astray than one who follows his own desire without guidance from Allah? Truly, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.
501 And indeed, We have kept sending them the message so they may be mindful.
52. Those to whom We gave the Scripture before believe in it.
53. When it is recited to them, they say, ‘We believe in it. It is the truth from our Lord. We were already submitting to Him even before it came.’
54. These will be given their reward twice, because they remained steadfast, and they repel evil with good, and they give from what We have provided them.
55. When they hear idle or offensive talk, they turn away from it and say, ‘We have our deeds and you have yours. Peace be upon you. We do not seek the company of the ignorant.’
56. You cannot guide whom you love, but Allah guides whom He wills, and He knows best who deserves to be guided.
57. They say, ‘If we follow the guidance with you, we will be driven out of our land.’ But have We not established for them a safe sanctuary to which fruits of all kinds are brought as a provision from Us? But most of them do not know.
58. How many towns have We destroyed that once exulted in their comfortable lives? Here are their dwellings, never inhabited after them except a few. We alone were the inheritors.
59. Your Lord would never destroy towns until He had sent a messenger to their main city, reciting Our verses to them. And We never destroy towns unless their people are wrongdoers.
60. Whatever you are given is only a temporary enjoyment of this worldly life and its glitter, but what is with Allah is far better and everlasting. Will you not understand?
61. Is the one to whom We have promised a good reward—which he will surely receive—like the one whom We let enjoy the pleasures of this world for a while, then he will be brought to punishment on the Day of Judgment?
62. On that Day, Allah will call to them and say, ‘Where are those you claimed were My partners?’
63. Those against whom the word has proven true will say, ‘Our Lord, these are the ones we misled. We led them astray as we ourselves went astray. We declare our innocence before You—it was not us they worshipped.’
64. It will be said, ‘Call upon your partners!’ But they will not answer them, and they will see the punishment. If only they had been guided!
65. On that Day He will ask them, ‘What response did you give to the messengers?’
66. But all explanations will be hidden from them on that Day, and they will not even be able to ask one another.
67. But whoever repents, believes, and does good deeds—it is they who will be among the successful.
68. Your Lord creates whatever He wills and chooses. They have no right to choose. Glory be to Allah! He is far above what they associate with Him.
69. Your Lord knows what their hearts conceal and what they reveal.
70. He is Allah—there is no god except Him. All praise belongs to Him in this life and the next. His is the final decision, and to Him you will all be returned.
71. Say, ‘Have you ever considered: if Allah were to make the night continuous for you until the Day of Judgment, who other than Allah could bring you light? Will you not then listen?’
72. Say, ‘Have you ever considered: if Allah were to make the day continuous for you until the Day of Judgment, who other than Allah could bring you night so that you may rest in it? Will you not then see?’
723 It is out of His mercy that He made for you the night and the day—so you may rest during the night and seek His bounty during the day—and so that you may be grateful.
74. On the Day He will call to them and say, ‘Where are those partners you used to claim?’
75. We will bring forth a witness from every nation and say, ‘Present your proof.’ Then they will know that the truth belongs to Allah, and whatever they used to invent will abandon them.
76. Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he acted arrogantly towards them. We had given him such treasures that even their keys would weigh down a strong group of men. His people said to him, ‘Do not rejoice in pride. Surely, Allah does not like those who are arrogant.’
77. ‘Seek the reward of the Hereafter with what Allah has given you, and do not forget your share of this world. Do good as Allah has done good to you, and do not seek to spread corruption in the land. Allah does not like the corrupters.’
78. But he said, ‘I was only given this because of knowledge I have.’ Did he not know that Allah had destroyed generations before him who were far stronger than him and richer? But the wicked are not questioned about their sins.
79. So he came out before his people in all his splendour. Those who desired the life of this world said, ‘If only we had what Qarun has! He is truly fortunate.’
80. But those who had been given knowledge said, ‘Woe to you! The reward of Allah is better for those who believe and do good deeds—and none will attain it except those who are patient.’
81. Then We caused the earth to swallow him and his home. He had no one to help him against Allah, nor was he one of those who could save themselves.
82. Those who had wished for his position the day before began to say, ‘Ah! It is indeed Allah who gives abundant provision to whom He wills and restricts it for whom He wills. Had Allah not been gracious to us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too! Oh, indeed, the disbelievers never succeed.’
83. That home of the Hereafter—We reserve it for those who do not seek superiority on earth or spread corruption. The outcome is for those who are mindful of Allah.
84. Whoever comes with a good deed will be rewarded with something better. But whoever comes with an evil deed—then such people will only be punished for what they have done.
85. The One who made the Qur’an binding on you will surely bring you back to your place of return. Say, ‘My Lord knows best who has brought true guidance and who is clearly astray.’
86. You had never expected the Book to be revealed to you. It is only a mercy from your Lord. So never support the disbelievers.
87. And never let them turn you away from the revelations of Allah after they have been revealed to you. Call people to your Lord, and never be one of those who associate others with Him.
88. Do not call upon any other god besides Allah. There is no god except Him. Everything will perish except His Face. His is the judgment, and to Him you will all be returned. 0 0 0
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Comment
The Surah Al-Qasas highlights the story of Prophet Musa as a central theme. It flows smoothly, uses clear language, and captures both the historical and spiritual lessons of the Surah. What makes it effective is that it doesn’t just list events—it also reflects on the deeper meanings, such as Allah’s justice, the downfall of arrogance, and the encouragement given to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during a time of hardship.
To add even more value, you could briefly mention how the Surah connects to the broader message of the Qur’an—like the way it reassures believers that truth and patience always overcome falsehood and oppression. Including a line about the emotional and moral impact these stories have on the listener might also deepen the reader’s connection to the message. 0 0 0
Al-Qasas (The Stories): Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions on Surah Al-Qasas
Q1. What is Surah Al-Qasas?
Surah Al-Qasas is the 28th chapter of the Holy Quran. The name Al-Qasas means The Stories, and it mainly focuses on the life of Prophet Musa (Moses). Al-Qasas presents his childhood, exile, mission, and struggle against Pharaoh. The central theme of Al-Qasas is that Allah always supports the righteous and defeats the arrogant.
Q2. Why is Surah 28 named Al-Qasas?
Surah 28 is named Al-Qasas because it narrates detailed stories of Prophet Musa in a way that teaches lessons of faith and patience. The word Al-Qasas means narration or story, and this chapter offers one of the longest and most detailed accounts of Musa’s life, making it unique among Quranic chapters.
Q3. What is the main message of Al-Qasas?
The main message of Al-Qasas is that power and wealth cannot protect oppressors from the justice of Allah. Pharaoh and Qarun, who appear in Al-Qasas, symbolize arrogance and greed, while Musa represents truth and perseverance. Al-Qasas encourages believers to remain patient because Allah’s plan always prevails.
Q4. What stories are mentioned in Al-Qasas?
Al-Qasas narrates the story of Prophet Musa’s birth, how he was placed in a basket in the Nile, raised in Pharaoh’s palace, and later fled to Madyan after an accidental killing. Al-Qasas also tells the story of Musa’s mission, his return to Egypt, the confrontation with Pharaoh, and the downfall of Qarun.
Q5. How does Al-Qasas describe Pharaoh?
Al-Qasas describes Pharaoh as the epitome of arrogance and tyranny. He oppressed the Israelites, killed innocent children, and rejected divine guidance. The downfall of Pharaoh in Al-Qasas demonstrates that no matter how strong a ruler is, he cannot escape Allah’s justice.
Q6. What lesson does the story of Qarun in Al-Qasas teach?
The story of Qarun in Al-Qasas teaches that wealth and pride can lead to destruction. Qarun was immensely wealthy but arrogant, and Al-Qasas records that the earth swallowed him as a sign that material riches without gratitude bring ruin.
Q7. How is Prophet Musa presented in Al-Qasas?
In Al-Qasas, Prophet Musa is presented as a chosen prophet who faced great trials yet always trusted Allah. From his childhood in Pharaoh’s palace to his mission of leading the Israelites, Al-Qasas portrays Musa as a role model of patience, courage, and faith.
Q8. How does Al-Qasas connect to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?
Al-Qasas connects the story of Musa with the struggles of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Both faced opposition from powerful leaders and were forced to leave their lands. Al-Qasas reassures Muhammad (PBUH) that just as Musa was helped, he too would be victorious with Allah’s support.
Q9. Why is Al-Qasas important for Muslims today?
Al-Qasas is important for Muslims today because it teaches timeless lessons. It reminds believers to be patient in hardship, humble in success, and always grateful to Allah. The downfall of Pharaoh and Qarun in Al-Qasas shows that arrogance and greed never succeed.
Q10. How does Al-Qasas highlight divine justice?
Al-Qasas highlights divine justice by showing how oppressors like Pharaoh and Qarun were destroyed, while prophets and believers were protected. The chapter emphasizes that injustice may appear strong for a while, but ultimately Allah’s justice prevails.
Q11. What role does faith play in Al-Qasas?
Faith plays a central role in Al-Qasas. Prophet Musa’s mother trusted Allah when she placed him in the river. Musa trusted Allah during exile and mission. The stories in Al-Qasas emphasize that faith is the key to survival and success against all odds.
Q12. What makes Al-Qasas unique among Quranic chapters?
Al-Qasas is unique because it provides one of the most detailed and vivid accounts of Prophet Musa’s life. While other surahs also mention Musa, Al-Qasas presents a continuous story filled with lessons, making it a powerful narrative of divine wisdom. 0 0 0
The Narrative of Al-Qasas
By the banks of the Nile, a mother wept in silence,
placing her infant in a basket of trust.
The waters carried him past soldiers and swords,
for Allah had promised that fear would turn to peace.
The palace of Pharaoh became the child’s shelter,
though Pharaoh’s own hand sought the lives of many.
Musa grew beneath marble halls and golden walls,
yet his heart longed for the God of the oppressed.
One day, in haste, a blow was struck,
a man lay lifeless, and Musa fled.
Across the desert he walked in sorrow,
until he reached Madyan, where kindness awaited.
There he labored with patience,
and there he found a family and peace.
But on the mountain of Sinai, a flame appeared,
and from its light came the voice of truth.
“Go to Pharaoh,” the command was clear,
“for he has risen in pride and led his people astray.”
With a staff that turned to a serpent,
Musa returned, and falsehood trembled.
Pharaoh stood in arrogance,
claiming the river and the kingdom as his own.
But the river swallowed him in fury,
and the sea sang of his defeat.
Then came Qarun, the man of treasure,
his keys too heavy for the strongest of men.
Yet his pride led him to the earth’s embrace,
for the ground itself consumed his hoarded wealth.
Al-Qasas tells of the rise and the fall,
of rulers who boast and believers who endure.
It whispers to hearts that patience is victory,
and trust in Allah is the path of return.
To Muhammad, peace be upon him,
Al-Qasas brought comfort and hope:
just as Musa triumphed by Allah’s will,
so too will truth shine in Makkah’s night.
And so the stories flow like a river of light,
not tales of the past, but signs for today.
For power fades, and wealth deceives,
but faith remains, eternal and strong. 0 0 0
