Friday Sermon: The Story of Ashurah and How Allah Defeated Pharaoh

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All praise be to Allah, who saves us from great troubles with His mercy, and takes away serious hardships with His kindness. I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. May Allah bless him, his family, and his companions. To proceed:

Dear brothers and sisters! There’s a believing nation, weak and oppressed, ruled by a wicked leader, Fir’aun (Pharaoh). He enslaves people, kills children, and spares women. The Mighty and Wise Allah wants to bless the believers. Is there anyone who can command anything besides Allah? Allah decides what He wants, using His hidden kindness. Allah writes destruction for whom He wants and salvation for whom He wants, on one of Allah’s days that He has made a lesson for the world. It is the day of Ashurah.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) arrived in Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on Ashurah. He asked them about it, and they said: “This is a great day. It is the day when Allah saved Musa and drowned the people of Pharaoh. So, Musa fasted out of gratitude to Allah.” The Prophet (Peace be upon him) replied, “I have more right to Musa than they do.” So he fasted on that day and ordered fasting on it. [Bukhari and Muslim]

What is the story of this great day? The story of salvation starts with a nursing infant. Allah Almighty says: “Indeed, Fir’aun (Pharaoh) made himself great in the land and divided its people into groups, oppressing a section of them, killing their sons and letting their women live. Indeed, he was of the corrupt. And We wanted to bless those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and inheritors. And establish them in the land and show Fir’aun (Pharaoh) and Haman and their soldiers through them what they had feared.” [Surah Al-Qasas: 4-7]

Respected brothers and sisters! Wallahi, humanity has never seen a tyrant like Pharaoh (Fir’aun). He was fooled by his power and riches, and by the rivers flowing beneath his palaces, and by his soldiers who spread corruption. He saw himself as untouchable, so he became arrogant. He and his soldiers tormented the Children of Israel. He even claimed to be a god, saying: “I do not know of any god for you other than me.” [Surah Al-Qasas: 38]

Then he continued in his tyranny, declaring: “I am your lord, the most high.” [Surah An-Nazi’at: 24] Have you ever seen such tyranny? Enslaving people with lies and threats, killing children, breaking men, and looking down on the masses. A king and his soldiers, full of power, but Allah does what He wants.

A righteous woman from the Children of Israel carries a child in her womb, hoping her baby will be born safe, but she fears the brutality of the merciless Pharaoh. Here, Allah inspired her to put her child in a basket and cast it into the river, telling her not to fear or grieve, for he is under Allah’s protection.

The basket floated until it reached the house of tyrant Pharaoh, where he took care of the child! By Allah’s might, not by Pharaoh’s cunning. Days went by, and Musa, son of Imran, grew up. Allah gave him a message and told him to call Pharaoh and his chiefs to worship Allah.

When the tyrant heard “There is no god but Allah,” he became furious, sensing that his power was fading. He and his soldiers refused and became arrogant without reason. He tried to overpower faith with argument, but Allah humiliated him. How can falsehood survive against the truth? He gathered magicians to scare Musa and the people, but the magic backfired, and the magicians believed in the Lord of the worlds (Allah).

At that moment, he filled the world with pain, burning, killing, and crucifying. He killed the magicians, cut off their hands and feet, and crucified them on palm trunks. He even killed his faithful wife, Asiyah, may Allah be pleased with her. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates: “Pharaoh drove four stakes into his wife’s breasts and legs. When they left her, the angels shaded her. She said: ‘My Lord, build for me near You a house in Paradise and save me from Pharaoh and his deeds and save me from the wrongdoing people.’ Then her house in Paradise was revealed to her.” [Narrated by Abu Ya’ala and authenticated by Al-Albani in As-Silsilah As-Sahihah]

Then Pharaoh’s torment against the believers intensified, but Musa (Peace be upon him) told them to be patient, saying: “Seek help through Allah and be patient. Indeed, the earth belongs to Allah. He gives it as inheritance to whom He wills among His servants. And the best outcome is for the righteous.” [Surah Al-A’raf: 128] He gave them good news of salvation, saying: “Perhaps your Lord will destroy your enemy and grant you succession in the land and see how you will do.” [Surah Al-A’raf: 129] He told them to rely on Allah alone, so they said: “Upon Allah do we rely. Our Lord, do not make us objects of trial for the wrongdoing people. And save us by Your mercy from the disbelieving people.” [Surah Yunus: 85-86]

The tyrant Pharaoh decided to wipe out the oppressed, so he sent messengers into the cities to gather forces and equipment. Musa and those with him from the Children of Israel left, seeking safety. The proud Pharaoh moved towards his downfall. When he caught up with the Children of Israel and thought he had trapped them, they felt doomed, and all worldly means were cut off. Musa (Peace be upon him) cried out to them, trusting in his Lord: “No!”, meaning, it is not what you and they think, “Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.”

Musa (Peace be upon him) did not know how this would happen, nor did any worldly plans suggest it, but this was faith and certainty. Then, his Magnificent Lord inspired him: “Strike with your staff the sea,” and it parted, with each side like a great mountain. Allah made a dry path for the Children of Israel, and they crossed safely.

The tyrant Pharaoh and his soldiers saw this great sign, but “Of what use are signs and warners to a people who do not believe?” They followed the path behind the believers. When they had all entered between the mountains of water, the Almighty closed it upon them, drowning the tyrant, taking him away with the might of One who is Perfect in Ability.

Allah granted this great favour to the Children of Israel, saying: “And recall when We saved you from the people of Fir’aun (Pharaoh), who were tormenting you, killing your sons and keeping your women alive. And in that was a great trial from your Lord. And recall when We parted the sea for you and saved you and drowned the people of Fir’aun (Pharaoh) while you were looking on.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 49-50]

Dear servants of Allah! There are many troubles in this world, but salvation from every trouble is in the hands of Allah alone. The way to salvation is through believing in Allah as the One God without partners, by trusting in Him alone, and by calling upon Him like a drowning person who has no refuge except in Allah, by staying true to Allah’s command and following His law without change.

When you read the stories of the Prophets in the Qur’an with their peoples, you see one clear story: a people who strayed from Allah, and their leaders who were arrogant led them away from Allah’s religion. Others were oppressed, suffering various forms of harm, simply because they believed in Allah, the Most Mighty, the Praiseworthy. Then Allah gives time to the criminals, hoping they might repent, but their tyranny blinds them, and they continue in their wrongdoing. Then the punishment comes from the Lord of the worlds. So who is saved?

Allah the Most High says: “And when Our command came, We saved Hud and those who believed with him, by mercy from Us.” [Surah Hud: 58] Allah the Most High says: “So, when Our command came, We saved Salih and those who believed with him, by mercy from Us.” [Surah Hud: 66] Allah the Almighty says: “And when Our command came, We saved Shu’aib and those who believed with him, by mercy from Us.” [Surah Hud: 94] Allah the Almighty says: “And We saved those who believed and used to fear Allah.” [Surah An-Naml: 53] The common factor among those saved is Iman (faith).

Where are the idols of the people of Nuh, Ad, Thamud, and the people of Madyan? Where are Pharaoh and Haman? Where are Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab? Did these help their followers when your Lord’s command came? No, by Allah! “Rather, they had strayed from them. And that was their falsehood and what they were inventing.” [Surah Al-Ahqaf: 28]

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam! The victory of the believers is a right that Allah has made certain. Allah the Most High says: “And it was incumbent upon Us to support the believers.” [Surah Ar-Rum: 47] Allah’s victory comes in many forms. The destruction of their enemies is one form of victory, as Allah said about Nuh (Peace be upon him): “And We supported him against the people who denied Our signs. Indeed, they were evil people, so We drowned them all.” [Surah Al-Anbiya: 77] Giving them victory in their battles is another form of victory. Allah the Almighty says: “And Allah certainly assisted you at Badr while you were weak.” [Surah Ali Imran: 123] Leaving their enemies unable to succeed is also a victory, as Allah helped His Prophet in the cave by preventing his enemies from reaching him. Allah the Most High says: “If you do not support the Prophet, Allah has already supported him when those who disbelieved had driven him out of Makkah as one of two, when they were in the cave.” [Surah At-Tawbah: 40]

Allah’s support for the believers in their faith until they meet Him is also a victory. As Allah said about the people of the trench who were killed in His cause: “Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. That is the great attainment.” [Surah Al-Buruj: 11] Fellow brothers and sisters! Know that Allah has told us in His book the best stories, and shared narratives that are lessons for the wise and reminders for those who understand. Among the greatest stories of the Qur’an is the story of Musa and Fir’aun (Pharaoh). Allah has repeated it in many parts of His book so we can learn from it.

Indeed, Allah revealed to Musa (Peace be upon him) to go to Pharaoh and invite him to worship Allah and to stop tormenting the Children of Israel. Allah gave Musa signs to prove his truth, including turning his staff into a snake and making his hand shine white when he put it into his pocket, among nine other signs for Pharaoh and his people. But Pharaoh, the stubborn rebel, rejected and was arrogant. Allah said about him: “But Fir’aun (Pharaoh) denied and disobeyed. Then he turned his back, striving. And he gathered his people and called out. And said, “I am your most exalted lord.” [Qur’an, 79:21-24]

He claimed that Musa’s message was magic and that he had magic that could beat it. He gathered the magicians of his kingdom and promised Musa a festival day for them, so everyone could see Musa’s defeat. The magicians showed their magic, but Allah Almighty said: “So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, “By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are dominant.” [26:44]

Musa showed the clear signs he had. Allah Almighty said: “And We inspired to Musa, “Throw your staff,” and it devoured what they were falsifying. So the truth was established, and what they were doing was abolished. Pharaoh and his people were defeated right there and became debased. And the magicians fell down in prostration to Allah. They said, “We have believed in the Lord of the worlds, The Lord of Musa and Harun.” [Qur’an, 7:117-122]

Dear servants of Allah! Reflect on the state of these magicians. When they saw the signs of Allah Most High, they believed with strong faith, despite Pharaoh’s threats to kill them. Yet they said: “No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. Indeed, we hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers.” [Qur’an, 26:51-52]

After Musa’s victory, Pharaoh resorted to force, threatening and warning. This is what happens to those on the side of falsehood when they run out of arguments. Allah revealed to Musa to leave with the believers and go where Allah commanded. Pharaoh gathered his army and chased after them. Allah the Most High said: “Then Pharaoh sent among the cities gatherers. And said, “Indeed, those are but a small band, And indeed, they are enraging us, And indeed, we are a cautious society.” [Qur’an, 26:53-56]

Musa and his followers reached the sea, and Pharaoh’s army caught up with them. The believers were afraid, seeing the sea in front and the enemy behind them. Allah Almighty said: “And when the two groups saw each other, the companions of Musa said, “Indeed, we are to be overtaken!” [26:61] That’s how it looked based on the situation. But the believer who trusted in his Lord said: “Musa said, “No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.” [26:62]

Musa did not know how Allah would save him from Pharaoh, but his strong faith overcame the overwhelming threats against him. Then came relief and victory from the Powerful, the Praiseworthy. Allah commanded Musa to strike the sea with his staff. When he did, it split into dry paths wide enough for the people. Musa and his people walked through it, not fearing pursuit or danger. Pharaoh and his army entered after them. When all of Musa’s people had crossed and all of Pharaoh’s army had entered the sea, Allah commanded the sea to close, drowning them all. Allah the Most High said: “So the people that committed wrong were eliminated. And praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds.” [6:45]

In this way, dear servants of Allah, truth triumphed over falsehood, and Allah fulfilled His promise, honored His believers, and what Musa told his people came true: “He said, “Perhaps your Lord will destroy your enemy and grant you succession in the land and see how you will do.” [Qur’an, 7:129] Allah’s will, as He informed us, was fulfilled, as He said: “And We wanted to confer favour upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and inheritors. And establish them in the land and show Pharaoh and his minister Haman and their soldiers through them what they had feared.” [Qur’an, 28:5-6]

Respected servants of Allah! There are many lessons for believers in the story of Musa and Pharaoh! Indeed, Allah’s promise is true, and His victory is true for the people of truth. But Allah has set a time for everything and has wisdom in His commands, glory be to Him. And indeed, all matters belong to Allah. He is the One who controls everything. No matter how much oppression, tyrants, and disbelievers persist, they are nothing. Indeed, all matters belong to Allah. He rules as He wills, and He decides as He pleases.

And no matter how high falsehood rises, it will collapse and disappear. But believers must trust in Allah’s promise, seek His help, and be patient. Indeed, the end is for the righteous. Whoever fears Allah, obeys Him, follows His commands, trusts in Him, and seeks His help will indeed be victorious. Allah says: “Indeed, We will support Our messengers and those who believe during the life of this world and on the Day when the witnesses will stand.” [Qur’an, 40:51] Allah, the Exalted, also said: “Indeed, Allah does not let the reward of those who do good go to waste.” [Qur’an, 11:115]

Respected brothers and sisters! Allah has ordered believers to fast on the day when Allah saved Musa and those with him from our believing brethren, which is the day of Ashurah. It was narrated in Sahih Bukhari from Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: “The Prophet (Peace be upon him) arrived in Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashurah. He asked, “What is this?” They replied, “This is a righteous day; it is the day when Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy, so Musa fasted this day in gratitude to Allah, and we also fast it in honour.” He said, “I have more right to Musa than you,” so he fasted and ordered the fasting of that day.’ When asked about the virtue of fasting on the day of Ashurah, he said: “I hope that Allah will forgive the sins of the year that came before it.” [Narrated by Muslim]

It is also good to fast the ninth day along with it, to be different from the Jews. This shows that we should differ from disbelievers in all things, even in worship, as the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “If I live until next year, I will certainly fast the ninth.” [Narrated by Muslim]

Indeed, this entire month, the month of Muharram, which is Allah’s month, it is good to increase fasting in it. It was narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said: “The best fasting after Ramadan is the month of Allah, Muharram.” [Narrated by Muslim]

Then exalt and send peace to the one sent as a mercy to the worlds. Ya Allah, bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions, all together. O Lord, help us and do not help those against us, support us and do not support those against us, plan for us and do not plan against us, guide us and make guidance easy for us, and help us against those who oppress us.

Ya Allah, relieve the oppressed believers everywhere, and grant victory to Your faithful servants. Ya Allah, guide the leader of our affairs to what You love and are pleased with, and lead him to righteousness and piety. Ya Allah, protect us from the wicked people, and save us by Your mercy from the painful torment.

Ya Allah, deal with the enemies of Islam among the Crusaders and hypocrites. Ya Allah, foil their schemes and protect us from their evil. Ya Allah, guide our leaders to what You love and are pleased with, and lead them to righteousness and piety.

Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire. Dear servants of Allah, remember Allah often, and glorify Him morning and evening. And our final call is that all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.