فَكَذَّبَ وَعَصَىٰ 21
Translations
But he [i.e., Pharaoh] denied and disobeyed.
Transliteration
Fakazzaba wa'asa
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Pharaoh's rejection of Prophet Musa's message and his disobedience to Allah's command. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari explain that Pharaoh not only denied the truth (kazzaba) but actively rebelled and disobeyed (asa), compounding his sin through both disbelief and willful transgression. This ayah encapsulates Pharaoh's stubborn refusal despite witnessing clear signs, leading to his ultimate destruction.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the middle of Surah An-Nazi'at's narrative about Pharaoh's encounter with Musa (peace be upon him). The surah, revealed in Mecca, presents Pharaoh as the archetypal example of one who rejects divine guidance despite overwhelming evidence, serving as a warning to the Meccan polytheists who similarly rejected Prophet Muhammad's message.
Related Hadiths
The theme of rejecting signs and disobeying Allah is reflected in Sahih Bukhari (Hadith 3401) where the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned those who deny the signs of Allah will face severe punishment, similar to Pharaoh's drowning as mentioned in surrounding ayahs of this surah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that mere knowledge of the truth is insufficient without obedience; both denial and disobedience are grave sins that invite Allah's punishment. For believers, it serves as a reminder to not only affirm faith intellectually but to translate it into righteous action and submission to Allah's commands.