Tyrants are on a Short Leash
A narration from Muhammad ibn Ka'b al-Qurazi: when Pharaoh claimed divinity, Gabriel spread his wings to strike — but Allah granted respite, for tyrants are on a short leash.
It has been narrated from Muhammad ibn Ka’ab Al-Qurazzi:
When Pharaoh said to his people, “I do not know of you having a god besides me” (Quran 28:38), Gabriel spread forth his wings of punishment out of anger for Allah, the Honoured, the Majestic. But Allah revealed to Gabriel, “O Gabriel, only the one who fears (the wrong-doer will) escape, hastens to punish…” So the Most Majestic gave him time after this incident for 40 days. Til Pharoah said, “I am you lord, most high!” (Quran 79:24). That is the meaning of His, Most Glorified’s words, “So Allah seized him in punishment for the last and the first (transgression).” (Quran 79:25) - i.e., Pharaoh’s first statement and his latter statement. Allah drowned him and his army.
- Hadith 244, Uqubaat, Ibn Abi Dunya.
Originally published on the Dhikr Substack.