DAY 143: A'raf 130-137

•  Indeed, We afflicted Pharaoh’s people with famine and shortage of crops so that they may learn a lesson. In times of prosperity, they said, “This is what we deserve,” but in adversity, they blamed it on Moses and those with him. Surely all is destined by Allah. Yet most of them did not know. They said, “No matter what sign you may bring to deceive us, we will never believe in you.” So We plagued them with floods, locusts, lice, frogs, and blood—all as clear signs, but they persisted in arrogance and were a wicked people. When tormented, they pleaded, “O Moses! Pray to your Lord on our behalf, by virtue of the covenant He made with you. If you help remove this torment from us, we will certainly believe in you and let the Children of Israel go with you.” But as soon as We removed the torment from them—until they met their inevitable fate—they broke their promise. So We inflicted punishment upon them, drowning them in the sea for denying Our signs and being heedless of them. And ˹so˺ We made the oppressed people successors of the eastern and western lands, which We had showered with blessings. ˹In this way˺ the noble Word of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel for what they had endured. And We destroyed what Pharaoh and his people constructed and what they established.
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  Trials & Pharaoh’s Arrogance
      Famine & Shortage: Allah sends economic hardship (drought, crop failure) to humble Pharaoh’s people, but they ignore the warning.
          When blessed, they claim it’s their right (showing entitlement).
          When afflicted, they blame Musa (AS) instead of reflecting (showing stubbornness).
  Arrogance blinds people to divine signs, even in times of crisis.
  The Plagues as Divine Signs
      Pharaoh’s people mock Musa (AS), demanding more signs but refusing to believe.   
       Allah’s Response: A series of plagues (Qur’an mentions five, while the Bible lists ten):
          Flood (طوفان) – Possibly torrential rain or Nile flooding.
          Locusts (جراد) – Devouring crops.
          Lice (قمل) – Infestation causing discomfort.
          Frogs (ضفادع) – Overwhelming presence.
          Blood (دم) – Nile turning to blood (symbolizing corruption).
      Their Reaction: Instead of repenting, they grow more arrogant.
  Miraculous signs alone don’t change hearts; humility does.
  False Repentance & Broken Promises
      When the plagues strike, Pharaoh’s people plead for relief, promising:        To believe in Musa (AS).        To free the Israelites.
      Allah’s Mercy: The punishment is lifted, but they immediately betray their word.
   Hypocrites only seek Allah when in distress, then revert to tyranny.
  Divine Retribution & Liberation
      Final Punishment: Pharaoh and his army are drowned in the sea (a decisive end to their oppression).    The Israelites’ Victory: They inherit the land (Egypt’s wealth and later the Promised Land).
          This fulfills Allah’s promise due to their patience (sabr) under persecution.
  
          All of Pharaoh’s power and monuments are destroyed—showing the futility of tyranny.  Allah’s justice prevails; the oppressed who endure with faith will be rewarded.
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