Surah An-Nazi'at — Verse 22

Word Meanings:

• أَدْبَرَ (adbar): turned away, retreated, or withdrew.
• يَسْعَى (yas‘ā): strives, hastens, or exerts effort.

Explanation of the Verse:

After Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) presented the great sign to Pharaoh — the staff turning into a serpent and his shining hand — Pharaoh did not pause to reflect or seek the truth. Instead, he rejected the message and disobeyed his Lord. Then, he turned away from faith and rushed to counter Musa’s call. His turning away was not passive; it was an active, determined effort to spread corruption on earth and oppose the truth with all his might. He gathered his forces and devised plans to silence the call to monotheism, showing arrogance and stubbornness in the face of clear miracles.

Reflection and Da‘wah:

This verse highlights a profound lesson for humanity: when the truth is presented with absolute clarity, the response of the arrogant is not to submit but to flee and fight. Yet, the Quran reminds us that such efforts are futile, for Allah’s truth prevails regardless of opposition. For the believer, this is a call to steadfastness — never be discouraged by those who turn away, for their turning is a sign of their loss, not a weakness in the message. And for the seeker of truth, it is a gentle nudge: do not be like Pharaoh, who saw the miracle and still hardened his heart. Instead, let your heart soften at the signs of Allah, for success lies in humility before the Creator. The Quran’s stories are not mere history; they are mirrors for our own souls, urging us to choose faith over arrogance, and sincerity over stubbornness, before it is too late.