one, like the blink of an eye.” [al-Qamar: 50] That is, whenever Allah wills something, He merely says to it once, “Be,” and it comes to be, without even a moment’s delay after Allah says it—“like the blink of an eye.” Nothing is beyond Allah, Mighty and Majestic. If all creation will rise from their graves before Allah, Mighty and Majestic, at a single word, this is the clearest proof that Allah Most High has power over all things and that nothing in the heavens or on earth is beyond Him. As Allah Most High says: “Nothing in the heavens or on earth can ever thwart Allah. He is indeed All-Knowing, Most Capable.” [Fātir: 44]

“Has the story of Moses reached you? When his Lord called him in the sacred valley of Tuwā: ‘Go to Pharaoh, for he has transgressed all bounds, and say, “Would you be willing to purify yourself, and let me guide you to your Lord so that you may fear Him?”’ Then Moses showed him the greatest sign, but Pharaoh denied it and disobeyed. Then he turned away, hurrying. He assembled the people and called out, saying, ‘I am your lord most high!’ So Allah seized him with exemplary punishment in the Hereafter and this world. Surely in this is a lesson for whoever fears Allah.”

Then Allah Most High explained what befell the nations before Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him),(1) saying: “Has the story of Moses reached you?” The form of address in