20. Surah Taha, English Translation

We have not revealed the Quran to you ˹O Prophet˺ to cause you distress,

but as a reminder to those in awe ˹of Allah˺.

˹It is˺ a revelation from the One Who created the earth and the high heavens—

the Most Compassionate, ˹Who is˺ established on the Throne.

To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth and whatever is in between and whatever is underground.

Whether you speak openly ˹or not˺, He certainly knows what is secret and what is even more hidden.

Allah—there is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him. He has the Most Beautiful Names.

Has the story of Moses reached you ˹O Prophet˺?

When he saw a fire, he said to his family, “Wait here, ˹for˺ I have spotted a fire. Perhaps I can bring you a torch from it, or find some guidance at the fire.”¹

But when he approached it, he was called, “O Moses!

It is truly I. I am your Lord! So take off your sandals, for you are in the sacred valley of Ṭuwa.

I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed:

‘It is truly I. I am Allah! There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Me. So worship Me ˹alone˺, and establish prayer for My remembrance.

The Hour is sure to come. My Will is to keep it hidden, so that every soul may be rewarded according to their efforts.

So do not let those who disbelieve in it and follow their desires distract you from it, or you will be doomed.’”

˹Allah added,˺ “And what is that in your right hand, O Moses?”

He replied, “It is my staff! I lean on it, and with it I beat down ˹branches˺ for my sheep, and have other uses for it.”¹

Allah said, “Throw it down, O Moses!”

So he did, then—behold!—it became a serpent, slithering.

Allah said, “Take it, and have no fear. We will return it to its former state.

And put your hand under your armpit, it will come out ˹shining˺ white, unblemished,¹ as another sign,

so that We may show you some of Our greatest signs.

Go to Pharaoh, for he has truly transgressed ˹all bounds˺.”

Moses prayed, “My Lord! Uplift my heart for me,

and make my task easy,

and remove the impediment from my tongue

so people may understand my speech,¹

and grant me a helper from my family,

Aaron, my brother.

Strengthen me through him,

and let him share my task,

so that we may glorify You much

and remember You much,

for truly You have ˹always˺ been overseeing us.”

Allah responded, “All that you requested has been granted, O Moses!

And surely We had shown you favour before,

when We inspired your mother with this:

‘Put him into a chest, then put it into the river. The river will wash it ashore, and he will be taken by ˹Pharaoh,˺ an enemy of Mine and his.’ And I endeared you with love from Me ˹O Moses˺¹ so that you would be brought up under My ˹watchful˺ Eye.

˹Remember˺ when your sister came along and proposed, ‘Shall I direct you to someone who will nurse him?’¹ So We reunited you with your mother so that her heart would be put at ease, and she would not grieve. ˹Later˺ you killed a man ˹by mistake˺, but We saved you from sorrow, as well as other tests We put you through. Then you stayed for a number of years among the people of Midian. Then you came here as pre-destined, O Moses!

And I have selected you for My service.

Go forth, you and your brother, with My signs and never falter in remembering Me.

Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has truly transgressed ˹all bounds˺.

Speak to him gently, so perhaps he may be mindful ˹of Me˺ or fearful ˹of My punishment˺.”

They both pleaded, “Our Lord! We fear that he may be quick to harm us or act tyrannically.”

Allah reassured ˹them˺, “Have no fear! I am with you, hearing and seeing.

So go to him and say, ‘Indeed we are both messengers from your Lord, so let the Children of Israel go with us, and do not oppress them. We have come to you with a sign from your Lord. And salvation will be for whoever follows the ˹right˺ guidance.

It has indeed been revealed to us that the punishment will be upon whoever denies ˹the truth˺ and turns away.’”

Pharaoh asked, “Who then is the Lord of you two, O Moses?”