The Ocean of the Quran

A verse by verse explanation of The Ultimate Scripture

Al-Zukhruf – Verse 50

فَلَمّا كَشَفنا عَنهُمُ العَذابَ إِذا هُم يَنكُثونَ

But when We lifted the punishment from them, behold, they would break their pledge.

EXEGESIS

The particle idhā (behold) here denotes sudden occurrence, and thus the verse indicates that as soon as the punishment was lifted from them, they instantly reneged on their pledge.[1]

Yankuthūn (they would break) is a conjugate of the verb nakatha which refers to the act of unravelling woven fabrics or threads, and is similar to the concept of breaking (naqḍ). The term is metaphorically used for breaking a covenant.[2]

EXPOSITION

This verse describes their recalcitrant attitude: every time God would have mercy on them and relieve them of their punishment, they would break their pledge – referred to in the previous verse – to accept the message of Prophet Moses (a) and become true believers. This attitude, however, was not unique to the people of Egypt. The Quran describes the people of Mecca as sharing the very same trait, Should We have mercy upon them and remove their distress from them, they would surely persist, bewildered in their rebellion (23:75), Indeed We will withdraw the punishment a little; but you will indeed revert [to your earlier ways] (44:15).[3]

This served as a vivid and profound lesson for the Muslims and a source of solace for the Holy Prophet. It reminds him not to waver in the face of the stubbornness and obstinacy of his opponents and not to let despair take hold of his soul. Instead, he and his followers must continue on their path with unwavering determination, courage, and resolve, just as Prophet Moses (a) and the Children of Israel were steadfast to their positions and persevered until they triumphed over Pharaoh and his forces.[4]

It is also a warning to the obstinate and defiant adversaries of Mecca, reminding them that they are neither stronger nor more formidable than Pharaoh and his people; so let them consider the ultimate fate of those who came before them and reflect on the potential consequences awaiting them.[5]

This verse is also a stark reminder of the nature of man. When he is in distress, he turns to God and pleads desperately, but when he is relieved and back in his comfort zone, he returns to his old ways: When they board the ship, they invoke Allah putting exclusive faith in Him, but when He delivers them to land, behold, they ascribe partners [to Him] (29:65).[6]

INSIGHTS FROM OTHER TRADITIONS

  1. Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, “Entreat the LORD that He may take away the frogs from me and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD.”[7]
  2. But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not heed them, as the LORD had said.[8]
  3. So Pharaoh said, “I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only you shall not go very far away. Intercede for me.” Then Moses said, “Indeed I am going out from you, and I will entreat the LORD, that the swarms of fliesmay depart tomorrow from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people. But let Pharaoh not deal deceitfully anymore in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD.” So Moses went out from Pharaoh and entreated the LORD. And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; He removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people. Not one remained. But Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also; neither would he let the people go.[9]
  4. And Pharaoh sent and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “I have sinned this time. The LORD isrighteous, and my people and I are Entreat the LORD, that there may be no more mighty thundering and hail, for it is enough. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.”[10]
  5. Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste, and said, “I have sinned against the LORD your God and against you. Now therefore, please forgive my sin only this once, and entreat the LORD your God, that He may take away from me this death only.” So he went out from Pharaoh and entreated the LORD. And the LORD turned a very strong west wind, which took the locusts away and blew them into the Red Sea. There remained not one locust in all the territory of Egypt. But the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the children of Israel go.[11]
[1] Abu al-Futuh, 17/177.
[2] Raghib, p. 822.
[3] Furqan, 26/338.
[4] Tabrisi, 9/77.
[5] Amthal, 16/69.
[6] Rahnama, 17/72; Muhit, 9/381.
[7] Exodus 8:8.
[8] Exodus 8:15.
[9] Exodus 8:28-32.
[10] Exodus 9:27-28.
[11] Exodus 10:16-20.