The Story of Moses in a Lecture by the Leader: Unveiling the Laws of Tyranny and the Glad Tidings of Empowerment for the Oppressed

In his third Ramadan lecture, the Leader, Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, continues his insightful reading of the story of the Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), revealing the laws governing the struggle between truth and falsehood, and shedding light on the nature of tyranny and how it constructs policies of oppression and division among people.

Conversely, he highlights the unwavering divine promise of victory and empowerment for the oppressed when they act with faith, insight, and steadfastness, emphasizing that Quranic narratives are not merely historical events, but rather a guiding principle for the nation in its struggle against the forces of arrogance in every era.

This is an invitation to reflect on models of resilience and steadfastness, to understand the mechanisms of tyranny and arrogance, and to explore how the oppressed can achieve divine victory.

In his third Ramadan lecture, Sayyid Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi continues his insightful reading of the story of the Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), revealing the patterns of the struggle between truth and falsehood and shedding light on the nature of tyranny and how it constructs policies of oppression and division among people.

Conversely, he highlights the unwavering divine promise of victory and empowerment for the oppressed when they act with faith, insight, and steadfastness, emphasizing that the Quranic stories are not merely historical events, but rather a guiding methodology for the nation in its struggle against the forces of arrogance in every era.

Quranic Stories: True Narrative and Guidance for Believers
Sayyid al-Houthi begins his lecture by affirming that what God Almighty presents in the Quranic stories, especially the story of Moses and Pharaoh, is “true narration.” This narration is not simply a report of historical events, but rather factual truths, pure and free from any myth, legend, falsehood, or lie. Its revelation and inspiration to the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) serves a crucial and true purpose “for a people who believe.”

These tidings are among the signs of prophethood, and their content provides guidance from which believers can benefit in strengthening their faith and fulfilling their sacred religious duties. The fruit of their belief in them is their steadfastness, their trust in God’s promise, and their insight, awareness, and understanding of God’s laws.

They increase their certainty that God is in control of all things, and that no matter how great the enemies’ power and how numerous and well-equipped they may be, compared to the believers’ small numbers and limited resources, and no matter the pressure exerted by the enemies, the believers must remain steadfast, not faltering or retreating from the path of truth. For God is capable of fulfilling His promise to them, and it is easy and effortless for Him. He, the Exalted, brings about wondrous changes.

Pharaoh: A Model of Tyranny and Arrogance

The Leader addresses the example of Pharaoh as a symbol of tyranny and arrogance, pointing out that Pharaoh “exceeded his bounds in the land,” meaning he transgressed his limits as a servant of God and a weak creature, reaching a level of tyranny and arrogance that led him to claim divinity and enslave people. His tyranny and arrogance extended to the lives of the people, employing criminal practices and oppressive policies against society.

One of Pharaoh’s most prominent policies, which the Leader analyzes, is the policy of “divide and rule,” whereby he “made its people into factions.” He sought to exploit all segments of society and incite discord among them in order to consolidate his control.

This tyrannical, Pharaonic policy, which is based on exploiting societal differences, creating more of them, and pitting groups against each other, is the same policy of the arrogant tyrants of our time, represented by the Jews, America, and “Israel,” in their dealings, particularly with our Islamic nation.

The Oppression of the Israelites: A Policy of Subjugation and Humiliation

The Leader reviews the details of the policy of subjugation that Pharaoh pursued against the Israelites, a policy based on oppression, humiliation, subjugation, and injustice in its most heinous forms. Among the most prominent aspects of this policy were:

The Slaughter of Sons: Pharaoh ordered the slaughter of the Israelite sons as a precautionary measure to prevent the emergence of the one whom the astrologers and priests had told him would save the Israelites and overthrow his kingdom. He also used it as a means of birth control and to prevent their reproduction, as well as as a horrific form of torture to solidify his subjugation, control, and humiliation. The Israelites’ subjugation reached such a point that they watched their sons being slaughtered in this brutal and criminal manner, like sheep, without any reaction from them, reflecting the despair and helplessness to which they had sunk.

The Shaming of Women: Pharaoh shamed the Israelite women in order to exploit them for servitude, corruption, and the degradation of their dignity. The Leader points out that this is a tyrannical policy throughout history: the attempt to “feminize society” and then to dilute the identity of everyone, men and women alike, targeting the concept of masculinity and all its associated values ​​in society, with the aim of weakening everyone. Meanwhile, God’s guidance and His true path elevate the entire society, men and women alike, and empower women to play important roles.

Pharaoh was a corruptor… Corruption as a tool of control

The Leader affirms that Pharaoh, in his policies and actions, was a corruptor. Corruption was his constant practice and behavior, and he engaged in corruption in all its forms and manifestations. This corruption stems first from the corruption of the tyrants themselves, and secondly because they see corrupting society and practicing corruption in their policies as a means of controlling it. This bloody oppression practiced by tyrants is part of their strategy to tighten their grip.

God’s Promise to the Oppressed: Empowerment and Victory

In contrast, the Holy Quran presents a divine promise to the oppressed, where God Almighty says: “And We desired to show favor to those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors. And We established them in the land and showed Pharaoh and Haman and their soldiers from them that which they had feared.”

This divine promise confirms that God Almighty intended to bestow His favor upon the oppressed, making them leaders and inheritors, empowering them on earth, and showing them in their enemies what they had feared. This promise is not mere wishful thinking, but a divine law that is fulfilled when the oppressed act with awareness and faith. God Almighty is the One who cares for the oppressed and brings about wondrous changes for them.