The Forgiver (Ghafir)
Verses 36-37 GROUP_1237 40.36-37
36
وَقَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ يَا هَامَانُ ابْنِ لِي صَرْحًا لَّعَلِّي أَبْلُغُ الْأَسْبَابَ
Pharaoh said, ‘O Haman, build for me a lofty building so that I may gain access
37
أَسْبَابَ السَّمَاوَاتِ فَأَطَّلِعَ إِلَى إِلَهِ مُوسَى وَإِنِّي لَأَظُنُّهُ كَاذِبًا وَكَذَلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِفِرْعَوْنَ سُوءُ عَمَلِهِ وَصُدَّ عَنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا كَيْدُ فِرْعَوْنَ إِلَّا فِي تَبَابٍ
to the heavens, so that I may look upon the God of Moses: I am convinced that he is a liar!’ That is how Pharaoh’s evil actions were made to look fair in the eyes of Pharoah, and he was turned away from the path [of truth]. Pharaoh’s scheming led to nothing but ruin.
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Commentary
(a) What Pharaoh said to his minister, Haman, was not said seriously, but by way of a timely stratagem. He saw that the cogent and reasonable words of the true believer were having an effect on the people. So, he wanted to raise a frivolous point in order that Moses’ call should not become the topic of serious discussion but appear rather as a mere triviality. (b) This verse means that bad deeds (or rejection of the Truth) is often glorified by uttering pleasantries and this is the chief reason that leads man astray. In other words, giving importance to frivolous points rather than to genuine rational arguments; trying to cover up misdeeds by misrepresentation, etc. Those who attempt to trivialize the Truth, which is based on firm rationality, forget that it cannot be negated by raising baseless, trifling points.