Tafseer Ibn Kathir of AL A'RAAF [130]

130. And indeed We punished the people of Fir`awn with years of drought and lack of fruits (crops), that they might remember (take heed). 131. But whenever good came to them, they said: ”This is for us.'' And if evil afflicted them, they considered it an omen about Musa and those with him. Be informed! Verily, their omens are with Allah but most of them know not. Allah said,

(And indeed We punished the people of Fir`awn) We tested and tried them,

(with years of drought) of famine due to little produce,

(and lack of fruits), which is less severe, according to Mujahid. Abu Ishaq narrated that Raja' bin Haywah said, ”The date tree used to produce only one date!''

(That they might remember (take heed). But whenever good came to them) such as a fertile season and provisions,

(they said, ”This is for us.''), because we deserve it,

(and if evil afflicted them) drought and famine,

(they considered it an omen Musa and those with him. ) saying that this hardship is because of them and what they have done.

(Verily, their omens are with Allah) `Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Ibn `Abbas commented on the Ayah,

(Verily, their omens are with Allah) ”Allah says that their afflictions are with and from Him,

(but most of them know not.)''