Transliteration:( Yaa qawmi lakumul mulkul yawma zaahireena fil ardi famai yansurunaa mim baasil laahi in jaaa'anaa; qaala Fir'awnu maaa ureekum illaa maaa araa wa maaa ahdeekum illaa sabeelar Rashaad )
"O my people, yours is the sovereignty [76] today. You have dominance in the land. But who will save us from the punishment of Allah, if it comes [77] upon us?" Pharaoh said: 'I show you only that which I see, and I do not tell you except that which leads to the [78] way of goodness.'"
These words are spoken by the believing man from Pharaoh’s people, who had previously concealed his faith. He addressed his people by acknowledging their worldly control and authority, saying, “O my people, yours is the sovereignty today”—highlighting that while they currently enjoyed power, this was only temporary and fragile.
This reminds us that material dominance should not lead to arrogance, because divine accountability is above all power structures.
He continues by asking: “But who will save us from the punishment of Allah, if it comes?”
This heartfelt question reflects his fear of divine wrath if the people continued their rejection of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him).
It’s a direct appeal to conscience, urging them to think beyond their immediate power and consider the ultimate consequence—Allah’s punishment, which no one can prevent once it descends.
His use of “us” instead of “you” also reflects humility and empathy, making his message more relatable rather than accusatory.
In response, Pharaoh arrogantly replies:
“I show you only what I see, and I do not tell you except what leads to the way of goodness.”
This was a deceptive assertion of authority. Pharaoh claimed that his personal view was the only valid one, disregarding divine revelation and Prophetic guidance.
By presenting his limited vision as absolute truth, he was leading his people away from guidance, falsely portraying disbelief as a path of wisdom.
This verse captures a clash between arrogance and sincerity:
The believer warns with foresight and fear of Allah,
While Pharaoh misleads with pride, refusing to consider the possibility of truth beyond his own perception.
It serves as a timeless lesson that true leadership is not about dominance or persuasion, but about humility, truth, and fearing the consequences of rejecting divine guidance.
The tafsir of Surah Muminun verse 29 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Muminun ayat 28 which provides the complete commentary from verse 28 through 29.
(40:29) My people, today the kingdom is yours, and you are supreme in the land. But if Allah’s chastisement were to come upon you, who will come to our help?”[48] Pharaoh said: “I only counsel what I consider right; I only direct you to the Path of Rectitude.”[49]
48. That is, why are you being ungrateful to Allah for His blessing of granting you domination in the land and are inviting His scourge to visit you?
49. From this answer of Pharaoh it appears that he had not yet found out that the noble of his court had become a Believer in his heart. That is why he did not show any displeasure at what he said, but made clear that he was not inclined to change his opinion even after hearing what he had to say.
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