(88) “Our Lord, You have given Pharaoh and his chiefs adornment”—with which they beautify themselves, including various kinds of jewelry and clothing, ornamented houses, luxurious mounts, and servants—“and immense wealth in the life of this world. Our Lord, that they may lead others astray from Your way.” That is, they have used their wealth only to lead others away from Your way, so they go astray and lead others astray.

“Our Lord, obliterate their wealth.” That is, destroy it for them, either by causing it to perish or by turning it into stone so that it can no longer benefit them.

“And harden their hearts”—that is, make them hard—“so that they will not believe until they see the painful punishment.”

He said this out of anger toward them because they had dared to violate what Allah had made sacred, corrupted the servants of Allah, and turned people away from His way. It was also because of his perfect knowledge of his Lord: Allah would punish them for what they had done by closing the door of faith to them.