وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰ رَبِّىٓ أَعْلَمُ بِمَن جَآءَ بِٱلْهُدَىٰ مِنْ عِندِهِۦ وَمَن تَكُونُ لَهُۥ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلدَّارِ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُفْلِحُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ 37
Translations
And Moses said, "My Lord is more knowing [than we or you] of who has come with guidance from Him and to whom will be succession in the home. Indeed, wrongdoers do not succeed."
Transliteration
Wa qāla Mūsā rabbi a'lamu biman jāa bil-hudā min 'indih wa man takūnu lahu 'āqibatu d-dār innahu lā yuflihu z-zālimūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
Musa (peace be upon him) responds to Pharaoh's arrogance by affirming that only Allah knows who truly comes with guidance from Him and who will have the good end in the afterlife. This statement reflects Musa's trust in Allah's judgment and wisdom, declaring that wrongdoers will never succeed, regardless of their worldly power. Ibn Kathir notes this demonstrates Musa's certainty in divine truth and his refusal to be intimidated by Pharaoh's threats, redirecting the matter entirely to Allah's knowledge and decree.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the context of Musa's confrontation with Pharaoh in Egypt (Surah Al-Qasas, a Meccan surah recounting stories of previous prophets). It follows the exchange where Pharaoh mocked Musa's message, and Musa responds with dignified certainty, entrusting the outcome to Allah rather than engaging in worldly argumentation.
Related Hadiths
Thematically related: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The greatest wealth is the richness of the soul' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi), reflecting the lesson that true success comes from spiritual conviction rather than material power. Also relevant: 'Verily, the wrongdoers will not succeed' (Quran 6:21), a recurring theme throughout Islamic teaching.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us to place our confidence in Allah's ultimate judgment rather than being swayed by the apparent power or mockery of opponents. True success is measured by spiritual alignment with divine guidance, not by worldly dominance or temporary triumph.