فَعَصَىٰ فِرْعَوْنُ ٱلرَّسُولَ فَأَخَذْنَـٰهُ أَخْذًا وَبِيلًا 16
Translations
But Pharaoh disobeyed the messenger, so We seized him with a ruinous seizure.
Transliteration
Fa-'asaa Fir'awnu ar-rasūla fa-akhdhānāhu akhdhān wa-bīlā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Pharaoh disobeyed the Messenger (Prophet Musa), and Allah seized him with a severe and destructive punishment. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari note that this references Pharaoh's rejection of Musa's message and his arrogant defiance, which resulted in his drowning along with his army in the Red Sea—a punishment befitting his transgression. The phrase 'akhdhān wa-bīlā' (a seizing most terrible) emphasizes the intensity and finality of divine retribution upon those who knowingly reject divine guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Muzzammil, a Meccan surah primarily addressing the Prophet Muhammad and the early Muslim community during a period of intense opposition from the Quraysh. The reference to Pharaoh serves as a historical example and warning—just as Pharaoh's rejection of Musa brought about his destruction, so too will the rejectors of Muhammad face severe consequences. This provides consolation to the Prophet and believers during their persecution.
Related Hadiths
The story of Pharaoh's drowning is referenced in multiple hadiths. Sahih Bukhari includes accounts of the Prophet describing Pharaoh's punishment, and various hadiths discuss how Pharaoh's body was preserved as a sign (Ayah) for those who came after, as mentioned in Surah Yunus (10:92).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that rejection of divine guidance and arrogant defiance against Allah's messengers inevitably leads to severe punishment, serving as a timeless warning that no one—regardless of worldly power or status—can escape divine justice. Believers are reminded to heed the warnings of the Quran and obey the messengers sent to guide them.