After the showdown between Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and the magicians (on behalf of Pharoah), the magicians who had previously devoted their life and work to Pharoah recognized the truth of the message of Islam and submitted. Threatened with execution, they remained firm, ultimately choosing Allah despite what awaited them.

Among the most important and transformative actions of the heart is husnul dhan billah'. to always have a positive opinion or expectation from Allah. This manifests when we always assume the best from what God is doing. It means to always look with a positive lens at the work of God–at the actions of God in our lives and in the world. This spiritual practice completely transforms the way we respond to our lives.

In the next passage, Allah Most High describes the showdown between Musa and the magicians, followed by the magicians’ acceptance of Musa’s message. The passage reminds us to never give up hope when inviting others to the worship of Allah.

There are many psychological resources that help us heal, but even more powerful than all of these are the spiritual resources given to us by God and His Messenger (ﷺ). These potent tools can transform our lives and the way we respond to pain, but only when applied consistently. Knowledge is power-but only when lived. Only when that knowledge is integrated in­ternally and externally. When the light of God truly enters our hearts, it changes us. It softens us and transforms our actions and our lives.

Beginning from verse 49, the conversation between Musa (peace be upon him) and Pharoah is mentioned. After receiving guidance from Allah Most High on how to advise Pharoah, Musa and Harun (peace be upon them) proceed to speak with Pharoah about God and His attributes, contrasting the characteristics of virtue against the characteristics of corruption.

When we think of recovering from loss, some common tools of recovery come to mind. We think of therapy, self-care, and the likes. However, there are also some less intuitive methods of recovery like relationship building, service to others, and good character.

Pharoah is one of the greatest tyrants of all time - he oppressed thousands and thousands under his control and eventually inflated his ego to the point where he declared, "I am your god, the most high!" His transgressions against God and humanity reached such limits that Allah gave Musa and Harun (peace be upon them) the mission to go and speak to him.

Pain is real. But so are the tools to heal it. We are told to take action to improve our own situation and prevent pain from turning into prolonged suffering. We were meant to be tested in this life. But we are not meant to sit passively and suffer. And just like there are factors which hinder healing, there are also psychological and spiritual tools that support and even expedite the healing process.

In the next passage we’ll be discussing, Musa is seeking aid from Allah regarding the task at hand; Allah Most High has told Musa (peace be upon him) that he is a messenger and that he must go to Pharoah and convey the message of truth and justice of Islam to him. This is the most overwhelming task that Musa has been given in his life. Despite having gotten by in life until now, and despite being ordained a messenger, Musa exemplifies wisdom and humility in his duaa he makes to Allah as he requests help for his task. How does he make duaa? How does he show this humility and thoughtfulness?

Often in life, we don’t have all the answers. We may desperately desire an answer, yet we don’t receive closure. We end up delaying our own healing process. We are like a detective who refuses to close the case. Like an open wound that we refuse to let heal. We use all our energy looking for clues, rather than allowing for closure and acceptance.