“And, O my people, why do I call you to salvation while you call me to the Fire?” (41)

Pharaoh said to his minister, “O Haman, build for me a lofty tower.” A lofty tower is a conspicuous building that cannot escape the sight of an onlooker, even from afar. Its etymological root is the word meaning “to make manifest.” “That perhaps I may reach the means—the means of access to the heavens,” that is, their paths and gates, from one heaven to another, “and look upon the God of Moses.”

Most reciters read “and look” in the indicative mood, coordinated with “that I may reach the means.” Hafs, in the transmission from Asim—and Humayd al-A'raj—recited it in the subjunctive, as the result clause of “that perhaps,” introduced by “so that.” “Though indeed I think him,” meaning Moses, “to be a liar” in what he says: that he has a lord other than myself.

“Thus Pharaoh’s evil deed was made fair-seeming to him, and he was turned away from the path.” The reciters of Kufa and Ya'qub read it in the passive voice: “and he was turned away,” coordinated with “was made fair-seeming to him.” Ibn Abbas said: Allah turned him away from the path of guidance. The others recited it in the active voice, meaning: Pharaoh turned the people away from the path. “Pharaoh’s plot led only to ruin,” meaning that his plot to nullify Moses’ signs brought only loss and destruction.

And the one who believed said, “O my people, follow me; I will guide you to the way of right guidance”—that is, the path of guidance.

“O my people, the life of this world is only a passing enjoyment”: a pleasure from which you benefit for a time, then it comes to an end. “Whereas the Hereafter is truly the everlasting abode,” which does not pass away.

“Whoever commits an evil deed will be recompensed only with its like; but whoever does what is righteous, male or female, while being a believer—such people will enter Paradise, where they will be provided for without measure.” Muqatil said: They will not be held to account for the good they are granted in Paradise.

“And, O my people, why do I call you to salvation?” That is, what is the matter with you? It is like saying, “Why do I see you sorrowful?” meaning, “What is the matter with you?” He says: Explain yourselves to me—how can this be? I call you to salvation from the Fire through faith in Allah, “while you call me to the Fire,” that is, to associating partners with Allah, which necessitates the Fire. He then explained, saying: