Tafsir of Al-Mu'minoon 23:45-49

39

The use of "a clear Authority" along with "Our Signs" may either mean that the "Signs" were a clear proof that they were Messengers of Allah, or the "Signs" may refer to all other miracles of Prophet Moses than the "staff', which may stand here for a clear Authority, because the miracles shown by means of it were a clear proof that the two brothers had been sent by Allah.

40

The words in the Text may either mean: (1) They were highly arrogant and tyrannous people, or (2) They showed haughtiness and self conceit.

40a

For explanation, see E.N. 26.

41

Abid is worshiper. According to the Arabic usage, to be a "worshiper" and a "bondsman" are almost synonymous. Therefore when the Prophets invited their people to worship Allah alone, they wanted them to worship and serve and obey none but Allah, and that is the real significance of the word " `ibadat". For further explanation, see E.N. 50 of AI-Kahf (XVIII).

42

For fuller details of the story of Prophet Moses and Pharaoh, see Al-Baqarah (II): 49-50, Al-A`araf (VII): 103-136, Yunus (X): 75-92, Hud (Xl): 9699, Bani Isra'il (XVII): 101-104, Ta Ha (XX): 9-80 along with the relevant E. N.'s.