The pharaoh labored and strived, yet he did not attain the success that comes from Allah’s grace. And because he was not granted success by Allah, what he built was torn down. He had thousands of astrologers, dream interpreters, and magicians; they troubled him with their dreams. They showed him in a dream how Musa would be born, destroying his pharaohship and kingdom.
The dream interpreters and astrologers said, “How should we avert what this vision signifies, this ill omen?” They replied: “Let us devise a plan to prevent the birth of the child.” When the night of the birth arrived, the servants of the pharaoh accepted this plan, deeming it appropriate: they would bring the sons of Israel early in the morning before the king.
“O people of Israel! Come, for the king summons you to his presence in such and such a place. He will show you his face, bestow blessings upon you, and grant you favors,” the heralds would proclaim. For these captives were never allowed to approach Pharaoh; they were not permitted to see him.
Even if they encountered him on the road, they were commanded to prostrate themselves with their faces to the ground. Such was the law: no captive, whether timely or untimely, could behold the face of that pharaoh. If they heard the voices of the guards on the road, they would turn towards a wall to avoid seeing his face. Should they see him, they would be considered guilty and calamity would befall them. They greatly desired to see that face which it was forbidden for them to see. It is said: ‘Man desires what he is denied.’
(The heralds cried out:) “O captives, hasten towards the assembly! Perhaps the king of kings will show you his face and bestow blessings upon you!” The people of Israel, hearing this announcement and yearning to behold the pharaoh’s countenance, believed the deception. They adorned themselves and hastened in that direction.
As it were: Here too, deceitful Mongols would say, “We are seeking a person from among the Egyptians. Gather the Egyptians so we may seize who we seek.” Whoever came forward was told, “No, this is not he. Sit over there.” In this manner, after gathering everyone with this deception, their necks would be struck.
They did not heed the call of the heralds, even when they heard the sound of the ezan (call to prayer), due to their arrogance. And so, the Mongols’ invitation led them to death and suffering. An intelligent person should beware of Satan’s deception! Let the voices of the poor and needy be heard, lest the voice of a deceitful person seize your ear! Even if you find bad-tempered and avaricious people, still seek the heart within them.
Pearls are found at the bottom of the sea, mixed with stones. Praiseworthy things are found amidst faults and shortcomings. The people of Israel rushed early in the morning towards the assembly. When Pharaoh led them to the assembly through deception, he showed them his beautiful face, pleased their hearts, bestowed blessings upon them, and made promises.
Then he said, “For your safety, stay here tonight in this assembly; sleep here.” They replied, “We will serve you, obey your command. Even if you desire us to sit here for a month, we shall do so.”
Pharaoh, returning at night, rejoiced, saying,