وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱمْرَأَتَ فِرْعَوْنَ إِذْ قَالَتْ رَبِّ ٱبْنِ لِى عِندَكَ بَيْتًا فِى ٱلْجَنَّةِ وَنَجِّنِى مِن فِرْعَوْنَ وَعَمَلِهِۦ وَنَجِّنِى مِنَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ 11
Translations
And Allāh presents an example of those who believed: the wife of Pharaoh, when she said, "My Lord, build for me near You a house in Paradise and save me from Pharaoh and his deeds and save me from the wrongdoing people."
Transliteration
Wa-darab-allah mathalan lillathina amanu-i mra'ata fir'awna ith qalat rabbi bni lee indaka bayta fil-jannati wa-najjini min fir'awna wa-'amalihi wa-najjini min-al-qawm-adh-dhalimin
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah sets forth the wife of Pharaoh as an example for believers, highlighting her unwavering faith despite living in the household of one of history's greatest oppressors. When she prayed to her Lord, she asked for a house in Paradise and deliverance from Pharaoh and his deeds, as well as from the wrongdoing people, demonstrating that true faith transcends circumstances and social status. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that her example shows how a believer can maintain piety even in the most adverse environments, and Al-Qurtubi notes that her supplication reflects complete reliance on Allah alone.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah At-Tahrim (The Prohibition), a Medinan chapter addressing the Prophet's household and believers generally. The surah contrasts the wives of the Prophet who betrayed his trust with positive examples of believing women, contextualizing this ayah within a broader discussion of loyalty, faith, and the spiritual status of righteous women. The specific example of Pharaoh's wife serves as a counterpoint to the negative examples mentioned earlier in the surah.
Related Hadiths
The story of Asiyah (Pharaoh's wife) is referenced in various hadith collections. Sahih Muslim contains reports about her being among the best women in Paradise. Additionally, Jami' at-Tirmidhi and other sources report the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioning her among the four most excellent women, alongside Khadijah, Fatimah, and Maryam.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that social status, wealth, and proximity to power cannot corrupt a sincere heart devoted to Allah; true honor comes from faith and righteousness, not from earthly circumstances. Modern readers should recognize that faith sustained through genuine supplication and reliance on Allah offers spiritual freedom even amid physical or social oppression.