The Qur'an (Oxford World's Classics)

20: 50 Ta Ha
17 ‘Moses, what is that in your right hand?’ 18 ‘It is my staff,’ he
said, ‘I lean on it; restrain my sheep with it; a I also have other uses
for it.’ 19 God said, ‘Throw it down, Moses.’ 20 He threw it down
and – lo and behold! – it became a fast-moving snake. 21 He said,
‘Pick it up without fear: We shall turn it back into its former state.
22 Now place your hand under your armpit and it will come out white,
though unharmed: that is another sign. 23 We do this to show you
some of Our greatest signs. 24 Go to Pharaoh, for he has truly become
a tyrant.’ 25 Moses said, ‘Lord, lift up my heart 26 and ease my task for
me. 27 Untie my tongue, 28 so that they may understand my words,
29 and give me a helper from my family, 30 my brother Aaron –
31 augment my strength through him. 32 Let him share my task 33 so
that we can glorify You much 34 and remember You often: 35 You are
always watching over us.’
36 God said, ‘Moses, your request is granted. 37 Indeed We showed
you favour before. 38 We inspired your mother, saying, 39 “Put your
child into the chest, then place him in the river. Let the river wash
him on to its bank, and he will be taken in by an enemy of Mine and
his.” I showered you with My love and planned that you should be
reared under My watchful eye. 40 Your sister went out, saying, “I will
tell you someone who will nurse him,” then We returned you to your
mother so that she could rejoice and not grieve. Later you killed a
man, but We saved you from distress and tried you with other tests.
You stayed among the people of Midian for years, then you came
here as I ordained. 41 I have chosen you for Myself. 42 Go, you and
your brother, with My signs, and make sure that you remember Me.
43 Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has exceeded all bounds.
44 Speak to him gently so that he may take heed, or show respect.’
45 They said, ‘Lord, we fear he will do us great harm or exceed all
bounds.’ 46 He said, ‘Do not be afraid, I am with you both, hearing
and seeing everything. 47 Go and tell him, “We are your Lord’s messengers,
so send the Children of Israel with us and do not oppress
them. We have brought you a sign from your Lord. Peace be upon
whoever follows the right guidance; 48 it has been revealed to us that
punishment falls on whoever rejects the truth and turns his back on
it.”’
49 [Pharaoh] said, ‘Moses, who is this Lord of yours?’ 50 Moses
a Or ‘beat down leaves for my sheep with it’.
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