وَتِلْكَ نِعْمَةٌ تَمُنُّهَا عَلَىَّ أَنْ عَبَّدتَّ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ 22
Translations
And is this a favor of which you remind me - that you have enslaved the Children of Israel?"
Transliteration
Wa tilka ni'matun tamannuha 'alayya an 'abbadta banee Isra'eel
Tafsir (Explanation)
In this ayah, Prophet Musa (Moses) responds to Pharaoh's claim of benevolence by pointing out that Pharaoh is reminding him of a past favor—raising him in Pharaoh's household—while conveniently ignoring his grave sin of enslaving the Children of Israel. Musa's statement is a rhetorical challenge, asserting that any worldly benefit pales in comparison to the spiritual crime of oppressing an entire people. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi note this as Musa's powerful rebuttal that exposes Pharaoh's hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the dialogue between Musa and Pharaoh (26:16-50), where Pharaoh attempts to justify his treatment of Musa by referencing the kindness shown to him as a child. The Meccan context of this surah addresses the Quraysh's rejection of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), drawing parallels to Pharaoh's obstinacy against Musa's message. The narrative illustrates how tyrants use minor favors to manipulate and dismiss demands for justice.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly quotes this verse, the general theme relates to Hadith Qudsi wherein Allah emphasizes justice and condemns oppression. Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Muslim about the three whom Allah will not look at on the Day of Judgment includes those who enslave people (comparable to Pharaoh's crime referenced here).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that material favors and worldly kindness cannot justify grave moral wrongs or oppression; we must always prioritize justice and human dignity over political convenience. It also reminds believers to recognize and call out hypocrisy when the powerful attempt to use minor favors to silence demands for the liberation and rights of the oppressed.