Man is always confronted with a situation in the office or otherwise when he is compelled by a bullying superior or a relative to act in a way that amounts to conduct unbecoming. In such situations, one is left with two choices: Either succumb to the pressure or refuse. While the first options leaves a stain on one's character, the second option draws wrath of the superior which may result in demotion or even being fired. Many opt for the first option to ensure continuation of the job, promotion prospects and be in the good looks of the superior. However, there are some who stand firm on their feet and do not budge to come under pressure to do an illegal action, no matter the consequences.
So what should we do if opt for the second option? The best thing is stay calm, respectful, and firm: do not argue emotionally, but clearly state that you cannot carry out an action that violates the law or your professional duty. Ask for the instruction in writing, keep accurate records, and, where appropriate, consult compliance, HR, legal counsel, or a higher competent authority. Avoid unnecessary confrontation, but do not let fear of transfer, promotion, reputation, or displeasure push you into wrongdoing.
Let us see how AL Qur'an helps us in this situation. In Qur’anic terms, combine gentle speech with moral courage—speak wisely, act lawfully, take proper precautions, and trust Allah with the consequences. Surah Ṭā Hā 20:45–46 captures a deeply human moment: Prophet Mūsā and Hārūn were commanded to confront Pharaoh, yet they openly admitted that they were afraid. Allah did not rebuke them for feeling fear; He answered their fear with reassurance.
قَالَا رَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا نَخَافُ أَنْ يَفْرُطَ عَلَيْنَا أَوْ أَنْ يَطْغَىٰ قَالَ لَا تَخَافَا إِنَّنِي مَعَكُمَا أَسْمَعُ وَأَرَىٰ
“They said, ‘Our Lord, we fear that he may act hastily against us or transgress.’ Allah said, ‘Do not fear. Indeed, I am with you both; I hear and I see.’” — 20:45–46
The central theme is therefore courage through awareness of Allah’s presence.
The context
Just before these verses, Allah commanded Prophet Mūsā and Hārūn to go to Pharaoh, who had become extraordinarily arrogant and tyrannical, and yet to address him gently:
“Speak to him with gentle words, perhaps he may take heed or fear Allah.” — 20:44
This was not an easy preaching assignment. Pharaoh was not merely a difficult individual; he was the ruler who had persecuted Banī Isrā’īl and possessed the political power to imprison, torture or kill. So Prophet Mūsā and Hārūn said: “We are afraid.”
Their fear was reasonable. Ibn Kathīr explains that they feared Pharaoh might quickly punish them or exceed all bounds in his treatment of them. Allah’s reply was that Pharaoh should not be feared in the ultimate sense because Allah was with them—with His protection, support and knowledge. Nothing in the confrontation would escape His hearing or sight.
That makes these verses especially important: the Qur’an does not portray courage as absence of fear. Courage is continuing to obey Allah despite fear.
Why did Allah say “I hear and I see”?
Allah could simply have said: “Do not be afraid.” But He added:
إِنَّنِي مَعَكُمَا أَسْمَعُ وَأَرَىٰ “Indeed, I am with you both; I hear and I see.”
That reassurance addresses the deepest sources of anxiety.
- “I hear” means that Allah hears what you say and what the person threatening you says.
- “I see” means that Allah sees what is happening to you—even when nobody else sees it.
Ibn Kathīr accordingly explains this “with you” as Allah’s special presence of protection, help and support, while hearing and seeing everything that takes place. The verse therefore does not mean that believers will never experience difficulty. It means that they never face it outside Allah’s knowledge, authority and care.
What is especially striking about Mūsā’s fear?
Mūsā was a prophet. He had already spoken directly with Allah. He had already witnessed extraordinary signs. Yet he still said: “We are afraid.”
This is extremely instructive. Faith does not necessarily eliminate natural human emotion. A believer can feel nervous before confronting a powerful person, worried about employment, fearful of family reaction, anxious about financial consequences—and still possess strong īmān.
The question is not: “Did I feel afraid?” - The question becomes: “What did fear make me do?” That is did fear cause me to abandon what I know to be right, or did I carry out my responsibility while relying upon Allah? That is the difference.
How scholars understand the passage
Ibn Kathīr emphasizes that Prophet Mūsā and Hārūn were genuinely concerned that Pharaoh might punish or abuse them, but Allah reassured them that Pharaoh remained completely under Allah’s authority. His power was not independent of Allah.
The broader Tafsīr tradition also highlights that their fear surfaced precisely when they were preparing to act. This is psychologically realistic: we often appear courageous while thinking abstractly, but fear becomes intense when the moment of action arrives. Ibn ʿĀshūr’s al-Taḥrīr wa’l-Tanwīr notes this connection between considering consequences and preparing to carry out the command.
Another commentary observes that Pharaoh’s extreme arrogance and claim to divine authority naturally made the mission intimidating, but Allah reminded the messengers that worldly power cannot overcome divine protection and command.
So the passage gives us a remarkable formula: Real danger + natural fear + obedience + awareness of Allah = Qur’anic courage.
How do we understand this today?
Most of us will never stand before a Pharaoh. But we encounter many smaller forms of pressure.
- A manager may expect us to manipulate figures.
- Colleagues may expect us to participate in dishonest practices.
- Friends may pressure us to compromise religious values.
- Relatives may ridicule religious observance.
- Family members may demand something we believe is wrong.
- Social circles may make us embarrassed to appear “too religious.”
At such moments, 20:46 becomes extremely practical:
لَا تَخَافَا إِنَّنِي مَعَكُمَا أَسْمَعُ وَأَرَىٰ “Do not fear. I am with you; I hear and I see.”
It changes the question from: “What will people think of me?” to: “What does Allah see me doing?” That shift can change an entire life.
1. In the office
Suppose your superior asks you to conceal information, manipulate an account, falsely certify something or harm another employee unfairly. Instantly, Fearful thoughts creep in:
- What if I refuse?
- Will my promotion disappear?
- Will the boss become hostile?
- Will everyone think I am difficult?
The lesson of 20:45 is not to pretend those fears do not exist.
- Acknowledge them: “My Lord, I am afraid of what may happen.”
- But then remember 20:46: “Allah hears and sees.”
You should then choose the wisest lawful response—perhaps explaining respectfully, proposing another solution, documenting matters properly, or seeking advice rather than behaving recklessly.
That is very close to Mūsā’s method: courage without unnecessary aggression. Remember that immediately before sending Mūsā to Pharaoh, Allah said:
فَقُولَا لَهُ قَوْلًا لَيِّنًا “Speak to him gently.” — 20:44
So Qur’anic courage does not mean becoming confrontational. It means: Firm principle + gentle speech.
2. With relatives
Family pressure can sometimes be harder than workplace pressure because emotional bonds are involved. You may know something is religiously wrong, yet hear:
- “Everybody does it.”
- “What will people say?”
- “Don't embarrass the family.”
- “Why are you becoming so strict?”
Again, the lesson is not to insult relatives or declare oneself more righteous. Remember Mūsā was ordered to speak gently even to Pharaoh. If Pharaoh deserved qawlan layyinan—gentle speech—our parents, siblings and relatives deserve even greater courtesy.
You can therefore respectfully say:
“I understand why you feel this way, and I respect you, but I cannot knowingly do something I believe Allah has prohibited.”
You maintain the relationship while maintaining the principle. One very important balance:
- These verses should not be interpreted as: “I believe Allah is with me, therefore whatever position I take must be correct.”
- That can become dangerous self-righteousness.
- Prophet Mūsā's confidence came because Allah had actually commanded him.
- For us, therefore, before resisting pressure we should ask:
- Is this truly a command or prohibition established by Islam—or merely my personal opinion?
- If the matter is genuinely religious, we should stand firm.
- If it is an issue where scholars legitimately differ, humility and tolerance are necessary.
- This distinction prevents religious conviction from turning into stubbornness.
A practical way to live by 20:45–46: When you feel pressured, mentally pass through four stages:
- First: acknowledge the fear. “Ya Allah, I am worried about the consequences.” - That is exactly what Mūsā and Hārūn did.
- Second: identify your duty. Ask: What does Allah actually require of me here?
- Third: choose the gentlest effective method. Remember 20:44: “Speak gently.”
- Fourth: surrender the consequences to Allah.
- Remember: إِنَّنِي مَعَكُمَا أَسْمَعُ وَأَرَىٰ “I am with you; I hear and I see.”
- That is where tawakkul begins.
The deepest lesson
These two verses teach something extraordinarily relevant to modern life:
- You do not need to become fearless before doing what is right. Mūsā and Hārūn were afraid before they went.
- But Allah did not say: “Come back when you are no longer frightened.”
- Instead He said: “Do not fear; I am with you.”
So courage in Islam is not necessarily a calm heart before the trial. Sometimes courage means a trembling heart that nevertheless refuses to abandon Allah's command. And perhaps this is the message we most need when facing pressure from bosses, colleagues, friends or relatives:
- People may control opportunities.
- People may express approval or disapproval.
- People may make life difficult.
- But they do not control your ultimate provision, dignity or destiny.
Therefore, neither confront people arrogantly nor surrender your principles timidly. Speak gently. Act wisely. Stand firmly. And remember that Allah hears and sees.
Note: The explanation of the verses above does not mean to become arrogant and bluntly confront one's superior no matter how bullying or arrogant he may be. One should never let emotions override him and take a discussion into a hotly contested argument. the best was is to let the superior say what ever he want to - take a break and ponder over your calculated response - consult friends or legal teams before reaching out to the superior and present your view point calmly yet firmly devoid of an emotional outburst. In many a case, the superior may also have cooled down and listen to you in a less hostile mood - and may even concur to your view point.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please visit our reference page: Surah 20 Ta Ha طه for selected verses from this Surah. You may also refer to explanation of verse 46 at: Man laments: I am all alone - Allah assures him 'Have no fear, I am with you'
You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages:
- Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
- Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects
- Selected Verses from the Qur'an.
You may also refer to our Reference Pages and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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