Page 104 - The importance of conscience in the Qur'an

102 The Importance of Conscience in the Qur'an

sincerity, wisdom and humble submission to Allah. Disbelievers
expect to see extraordinary wealth and supernatural events for
them to believe. This is one of the main reasons why
disbelievers cannot be guided to the right. The arrogance inside
them prevents them from following and obeying someone who
looks just like themselves. Instead of following their conscience,
they prefer to protect their short-sighted interests by following
the orders of their nafs.

Pharaoh's asking irrational questions
After receiving the revelation from Allah, Prophet Musa
went to Pharaoh with his brother Prophet Harun and started
to communicate the message as he was ordained.
Upon hearing this, Pharaoh took recourse to a tactic
which disbelievers often employ. He lined up his irrational and
satanic questions, which he thought would confound the
prophets. His objective was not to learn or even try to
understand, but merely to look for fault and ridicule. Pharaoh
actually knew the answer to each of his questions in his
conscience. For instance, the first question he asked was:
'Who then is your Lord, Musa?' (Surah Ta Ha: 49)
The answer of Prophet Musa was simple and wise.
He said, 'Our Lord is He who gives each thing
its created form and then guides it.' (Surah Ta
Ha: 50)
In the face of this extremely reasonable and sincere
answer, Pharaoh could find no defence, so he asked another
illogical question:
He (Pharaoh) said, 'What about the previous
generations?' (Surah Ta Ha: 51)
With this question he tries to divert attention from the