Taraweeh Lecture at Masjidul Quds Gatesville Cape Town Date : 5th June 2017 Topic : Save Ourselves Part 2 Speaker : Mufti Ismail Menk This episode continues the story of Musa (a.s.) that was mentioned in the previous episode. But first here is a reminder: Sometimes Muslims that are born in Muslim families take Islam for granted, whereas a revert might care more for his new religion. We should understand that Islam is a gift and should not take our deen too lightly. Now the continuation of the story: After the mages prostrated, the pharaoh said (approx.): "I have not yet allowed you to believe him." (This also shows that he knows that he is not god himself, but he still remains with pride.) Therefore he threatened them with a big punishment, but the newly become Muslims had no fear. They knew that they are going to Allah (s.w.t.). Allah forgave them and promised them paradise. Important lesson: Change yourself for the sake of Allah (s.w.t.), Even if it feels hard, the reward is far beyond imagination! Don't be irritated if you are being tested, as this is a part of the believe. May Allah (s.w.t.) give us this type of conviction to us, too, ameen. A similar case happened with Umar (r.a.). Allah (s.w.t.) then commanded later Musa (a.s.) to go to the sea with this people. The pharaoh followed them with an army. The children of Israel became fearful but Musa (a.s.) knew that Allah (s.w.t.) will help them. He opened with the stick the sea for them to flee. The pharaoh with full pride said, that he opened the sea and marched with his army to Musa's (a.s.) way. But this path in the sea was mentioned to be the death punishment for the pharaoh. Only in his last second of life he accepted Islam, but this type of believe cannot be accepted, as Allah (s.w.t.) mentions. This is the end of story of Musa (a.s.) in the 26th surah. Here we also learn: The pharaoh was with his people the majority of his time and yet he was totally wrong. So even if the majority nowadays is wrong, we are still obliged to follow that which is right. Allah (s.w.t.) has the highest rank of mercy. He has the ability to punish (he will in certain cases) but his mercy encompasses his anger/punishment. Therefore a believer should often ask for Allah's forgiveness, as he is the most forgiving, the most merciful.