Surah Ta-Ha 20:44
سُورَةُ طه · Meccan · Verse 44 of 135
فَقُولَا لَهُۥ قَوْلًۭا لَّيِّنًۭا لَّعَلَّهُۥ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَىٰ
Translation
Speak to him gently so that he may take heed, or show respect.’
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
Allah commanded His prophets Musa and Harun to go to Pharaoh, who had become arrogant and transgressed all bounds. Despite Pharaoh's tyranny, Allah's instruction to His messengers was clear and profound: "So speak to him a gentle word (فَقُولَا لَهُۥ قَوْلًۭا لَّيِّنًۭا), perhaps he may remember or fear." This verse offers deep insights into the power and wisdom of communication, especially when delivering a message of truth to those in power.
The Wisdom of Gentle Words
The core of this instruction lies in the phrase "a gentle word," (قولًا لَّيِّنًۭا), derived from the Arabic word *layyin*, meaning soft or mild. It implies speech that is kind, approachable, and devoid of harshness or insult. Scholars like al-Razi point out two significant reasons for this divine command, even towards a tyrannical disbeliever. Firstly, it subtly acknowledges the past: Pharaoh had raised Musa, and gentleness here hints at the immense respect due to anyone who plays a parental role. Secondly, it is a strategic approach. Al-Razi explains that powerful, arrogant rulers often react to harsh admonition with increased defiance. A gentle approach, as Ibn Ashur describes, invites the listener to use their own sound judgment to discern truth, rather than feeling attacked or belittled. It aims to persuade and guide towards benefit, not to provoke further harm. This means choosing words that encourage and suggest, rather than those that condemn or demean, as exemplified by other Quranic calls to engaging in discussion "in the best manner."
Hope for Reflection or Awe
The verse concludes with "perhaps he may remember or fear" (لَّعَلَّهُۥ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَىٰ). The word "la'alla" (لَّعَلَّهُۥ) expresses hope or expectation. Scholars like al-Jalalayn and al-Razi clarify that this hope is for Musa and Harun as they deliver the message, not for Allah, who already knows the ultimate outcome. It is a divine instruction for the prophets to engage with Pharaoh with sincere hope that their efforts might bear fruit.
The distinction between "remember" (يَتَذَكَّرُ) and "fear" (يَخْشَىٰ) is also noteworthy. "Yatadhakkar" implies deep reflection and taking heed, leading to a conscious recognition and acceptance of the truth. This is the ideal. However, "yakhsha" refers to fear or apprehension. Al-Razi elaborates that even if Pharaoh does not fully embrace belief, he might experience fear of the consequences, or at least a doubt about his own firm stance (as Ibn Ashur adds). This fear, though perhaps not leading to full faith, could still lead him to cease his oppression or mitigate his tyranny. It illustrates Allah's immense wisdom: even a partial positive shift, such as a reduction in harm or injustice, is a desired outcome, reflecting a broad scope of divine mercy and strategic guidance in calling people to the truth.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Jalalayn, al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Ta-Ha 20:44 is discussed in 15 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Ta-Ha 20:44 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.