Surah An-Nazi'at 79:26
سُورَةُ النَّازِعَاتِ · Meccan · Verse 26 of 46
إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَعِبْرَةًۭ لِّمَن يَخْشَىٰٓ
Translation
there truly is a lesson in this for anyone who stands in awe of God.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
With humility and reverence, let's turn our hearts to this powerful verse, the conclusion of the story of Prophet Musa and Pharaoh. Allah says:
إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَعِبْرَةًۭ لِّمَن يَخْشَىٰٓ (Surely, in that is a lesson for whoever fears.)
Here, Allah Himself is speaking, addressing believers and indirectly, the disbelievers of Mecca, presenting the ultimate consequence of Pharaoh's arrogance as a profound warning and a source of consolation.
The Emphatic Conclusion
The verse begins with the emphatic particle "إِنَّ" (inna), meaning "surely" or "indeed," followed by another emphasizing "لَ" (la) before the word "عبرة" (ibrah). This double emphasis underscores that what is about to be stated is of utmost certainty and importance. It's as if Allah is saying, "Pay close attention, for what I am about to tell you is undeniably a profound truth." The phrase "فِى ذَٰلِكَ" (fi dhalika), meaning "in that," refers to the entirety of the preceding narrative about Musa and Pharaoh, from Pharaoh's oppressive tyranny to his drowning and ultimate punishment, as scholars like al-Razi and Ibn Ashur point out. It encapsulates every detail of divine patience followed by divine justice.
A Lesson to Cross Over
The core of the message lies in the word "لَعِبْرَةً" (la'ibrah), which means "a lesson" or "an admonition." Ibn Ashur beautifully explains that the root of "عبرة" is related to "عبْر" (abr), meaning to cross from one bank of a river to another. Therefore, "عبرة" is not just information, but a state that allows the mind to *cross over* from simply knowing an event to understanding its deeper consequence and the implications for similar situations. It's about transcending the mere story to grasp its timeless wisdom. The indefinite form of "عبرةً" (tanween) implies its greatness and magnitude; it's not just *a* lesson, but a truly profound, multifaceted lesson, containing many layers of warnings and guidance.
For Hearts That Tremble
Crucially, this profound lesson is designated "لِّمَن يَخْشَىٰٓ" (liman yakhsha), meaning "for whoever fears" or "for those who possess خشية (khashyah)." *Khashyah* is not just ordinary fear; it is a deep, reverential awe of Allah that stems from knowledge and understanding of His power and majesty. As al-Zamakhshari and Ibn Ashur both highlight, this is the kind of fear mentioned in the verse "إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ٱلْعُلَمَٰٓؤُا۟" (Only those who have knowledge among His servants fear Allah). Only those with such knowledge and reverence will truly perceive the profound wisdom in Pharaoh's fate and allow it to reshape their own lives. For such a person, the story becomes a deterrent against arrogance and a catalyst for humility and obedience, reminding them of the consequences of challenging Allah. It's an invitation to reflect deeply and allow this truth to penetrate the heart, rather than merely passing through the mind.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir), al-Jalalayn, al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah An-Nazi'at 79:26 is discussed in 6 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah An-Nazi'at 79:26 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.