فَقَالَ أَنَا۠ رَبُّكُمُ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ 24
Translations
And said, "I am your most exalted lord."
Transliteration
Faqāla anā rabbukumu al-a'lā
Tafsir (Explanation)
Pharaoh's arrogant declaration "I am your Lord, the Most High" represents the pinnacle of human rebellion against divine truth and the ultimate claim of false divinity. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note that this statement encapsulates Pharaoh's denial of Allah's oneness and his attempt to monopolize absolute power and authority over his people. This ayah serves as a historical warning about the destructive nature of tyrannical pride and the rejection of Allah's signs, despite the clear evidence Musa presented.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Surah An-Nazi'at describing Musa's confrontation with Pharaoh in Egypt. The surah recounts how Musa called Pharaoh to tawhid (monotheism), but Pharaoh responded with this blasphemous claim, exemplifying the spiritual sickness of those who turn away from divine guidance despite clear signs. This statement represents Pharaoh's final rejection before Allah's punishment overtook him.
Related Hadiths
The Quran itself references this statement as a warning. Related thematically is the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (ﷺ) warned against arrogance and pride, stating that no one with even an atom's weight of arrogance shall enter Paradise. Additionally, Surah Al-Qasas 28:38 records Pharaoh's similar arrogant claims.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that unchecked arrogance and the pursuit of absolute power without divine consciousness inevitably leads to spiritual and physical destruction. For modern believers, it serves as a reminder to remain humble before Allah, to recognize His supreme authority over all creation, and to guard against the subtle temptations of ego and self-aggrandizement in our personal and professional lives.