Indexed OCR Text

prevent you from it (from believing in Qiyaamah and from performing salaah), causing you to be
destroyed (for being a Kaafir and a sinner). What is that in your right hand, O Moosa?" He
(Moosa v) replied, "It is my staff. I (occasionally) lean on it, I (sometimes) use it to beat down
leaves for my goats (to graze on) and (besides this) I have many other uses for it." Allaah
said, "Throw it down, O Moosa." So he threw it down, and suddenly it was a slithering
snake. Allaah said, "Grab hold of it and do not be afraid. We shall soon return it to its
former (original) state." (So when Moosa v grabbed hold of the snake, it became a staff once
again.) Thrust your (right) hand into your side (beneath your left armpit), it shall emerge
shining (bright), without any defects (without any disease) as a second Aayah (a second miracle
which you may show to people to prove that you are My Rasool). (We have demonstrated these
miracles to you) So that We may show you some of Our magnificent Aayaat (so that you can
be convinced of My power and preach it to others)."
Verses 7-12 of Surah Naml describe this episode in the following words:
إِذْ قَالَ مُؤْسى لِأَبْلِم ◌ِنِّىَ أَنَسْتُ نَارًا * سَأْتِيْكُمْ مِّنْهَا بِخَبَرٍ أَوْ أَتِيْكُمْ بِشِهَابٍ قَبَسٍ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَصْطَلُونَ (٧) فَلَمَّا
جَاءَبَا نُؤْدِىَ أَنَّ بُوْرِكَ مَنْ فِى النَّارِ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهَا * وَ سُبْحُنَ اللهِ رَبِّ الْعَمِيْنَ (٨) يُمُؤْسَى إِنَّهَ آَنَا اللهُ الْعَزِيْزُ
الْحَكِيمُ ﴾(٩) وَأَلْقِ عَصَاكَ ٥﴿ فَلَمَّا رَأْبَا تَهْتَزُّ كَأَنَّهَا جَانٌّ وَّلَّى مُدْبِرًا وَّ لَمْ يُعَقِّبْ ن* يُمُوسَى لَا تَخَفْ ن إِنِّى
لَا يَخَافُ لَدَىَّ الْمُرْسَلُوْنَ ( ** ١) إِلَّا مَنْ ظَلَمَ ثُمَّ بَدَّلَ حُسْنًا بَعْدَ سُؤْءٍ فَإِنِّىْ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ (١١) وَ أَدْخِلْ يَدَكَ
فِى حَيْبِكَ تَخْرُجْ بَيْضَاءَ مِنْ غَيْرِ سُؤْءٍ ٥ فِىْ تِسْعِ أَيْتٍ إِلَى فِرْعَوْنَ وَ قَوْمِم ٥* إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا قَوْمًا فُسِقِيْنَ (١٢)
TRANSLATION: (Remember the time) When Moosa v said to his family (his wife, after they lost
their way en route to Egypt), "I notice a fire. I shall shortly bring you some news (directions
from the people at the fire) or a burning stake so that you may warm yourselves." When he
reached the fire (which was not really a fire, but a bright radiance covering a tree), it was called,
"Blessed be (may Allaah bless) the one in the fire (Moosa v) and those in the vicinity of the
fire (the angels). Allaah, the Rabb of the universe is Pure (from having any partners). O Moosa!
Verily I am Allaah, the Mighty, the Wise. Throw down your staff." When (he threw it down, it
turned into a snake and when) Moosa v saw the staff moving rapidly like a snake, he (was
naturally afraid and to save himself, he) stepped back on his heels without looking back. (Allaah
then said to him) "O Moosa! Do not fear. Indeed, the Ambiyaa have no fear in My presence
except the one who had done wrong (made a mistake), but then (because he fears that I may
take him to task for it, he) changed the wrong with good (by repenting). Verily I am the Most
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Forgiving, the Most Merciful (and will forgive him, thereby dispelling his fear of being punished)."
(Allaah then instructed Moosa v to grab hold of the snake, after which Allaah transformed it back into
a staff.) (Demonstrating another miracle to Moosa v, Allaah commanded him further saying,) "Put
your hand into your collar, it will emerge shining white (bright) without any ailment (the
light will not be because of any disease). These two are among the nine Aayaat with which you
will go to (preach Towheed to) Fir'oun and his people (to prove to them that you are My Rasool).
They are certainly a disobedient nation (and need guidance)."
The Conversation with Allaah
There are factors in the above verses that have been a focus of discussion in the
books of Tafseer. The first is whether the voice Hadhrat Moosa v heard from the
'fire' (which was really the celestial light from Allaah) was the voice of Allaah or
an angel.
While some Mufassireen state that it was the voice of an angel, others maintain
that it was the voice of Allaah Himself, which reached Hadhrat Moosa v directly
without the medium of an angel. This was unlike the experience of other
Ambiyaa pull & who spoke to Allaah through the medium of angels. Allaah says
in Surah Shura, "It is not (suitable) for a human that Allaah speaks to him (face-to-face)
unless (Allaah communicates with him) by means of inspiration (by creating a thought in
his mind), or from behind a veil (when a the voice of an angel is heard without seeing
anything), or that He sends a messenger (angel) who conveys the revelation by Allaah's
command, as He pleases".163 This verse clearly lists the three methods by which
Allaah communicates with the Ambiyaa pul . The manner by which Allaah spoke
to Hadhrat Moosa u on this occasion was the second, i.e. from behind a veil. In
fact, whenever the Qur'aan speaks about the revelation sent to Hadhrat Moosa
0, it always appears to be this type. Verse 11 of Surah TaaHaa states, "When he
came to the (light that appeared to be a) fire, it was announced, "O Moosa! I am indeed your
Rabb".
163
Verse 51.
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The Holy Plain of Tuwa
Hadhrat Moosa v was instructed to remove his shoes when he stepped on the
holy plain of Tuwa because, Rasulullaah p said, "The shoes were made from the
hide of a dead donkey."164
After Hadhrat Moosa u was told that he had been selected to deliver the
message of Allaah to Fir'oun and his people, Allaah asked him what he was
carrying in his hand. He replied, "It is my staff. I (occasionally) lean on it, I (sometimes)
use it to beat down leaves for my goats (to graze on) and (besides this) I have many other
uses for it". It was then that Allaah blessed him with two miracles to prove to the
people that he was indeed the Nabi of Allaah. The first was his staff that
transformed into a terrifying serpent as soon as he threw it down and the
second was his hand shining brightly once he placed it under his armpit.
Allaah then charged Hadhrat Moosa v with the duty of preaching to Fir'oun and
his people to make them realise that they were wrong to worship him and to
oppress the Bani Israa'eel as they were doing. Hadhrat Moosa v then expressed
his concerns and said to Allaah, "O my Rabb! I had (mistakenly) killed one of them and I
fear that (if I approach them) they will kill me (in retaliation)" .165 He also said, "O my Rabb!
Expand my chest (to be able to bear Your message and to have the courage to propagate it), make
my task (of propagation) easy and untie the knot (unclear speech that may come) on my
tongue (during the heat of the moment) so that they (the people I speak to) may understand my
speech" 166
164 Ibn Katheer.
165
Surah Qasas, verse 33.
166
Surah TaaHaa, verses 25-28.
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Hadhrat Moosa v then made a request to Allaah, saying, "Appoint for me an
assistant from my family; (namely) my brother Haaroon. Strengthen me with him (by my
side) and make him a partner to my task (of propagation)".167
Allaah accepted his request and said, "You have been granted your request O Moosa
(We shall make your task easy and appoint Haaroon v as a Nabi to assist you)" .168 Allaah also
said, "We shall shortly strengthen your arm with your brother and grant the two of you
such power because of which they will never reach you (never be able to harm you). The two
of you and those who follow you will be victorious with Our Aayaat".169
Arriving in Egypt
The historian Suddi writes that after receiving the instructions from Allaah,
Hadhrat Moosa u went to his wife, who was waiting for him and made his way to
Egypt. He reached Egypt during the night, but did not enter his home until his
brother Hadhrat Haaroon u had arrived there. Hadhrat Haaroon u had been
informed by Allaah that Hadhrat Moosa u would be arriving and together they
went in the house to meet their mother. The meeting was a joyous occasion for
all.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
The above details have been mentioned in the following verses of the Qur'aan:
Verses 17-23 of Surah TaaHaa state:
167 Surah TaaHaa, verses 29-32.
168 Surah TaaHaa, verse 36.
169
Surah Qasas, verse 35.
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وَ مَا تِلْكَ بِيَمِيْنِكَ يُمُؤْسى (١٧) قَالَ بِىَ عَصَاىَ أَّ اتَوَكُّوا عَلَيْهَا وَ أَبُشُّ بِهَا عَلَى غَنَمِىٌ وَلِىَ فِيْهَا مَأْرِبُ
أُخْرَى (١٨) قَالَ الْقِهَا يُمُؤْسُى (١٩) فَالْقُهَا فَإِذَا بِىَ حَيَّةٌ تَسْعَى (٢٠) قَالَ خُذْبَا وَلَا تَخَفْ ن سَنُعِيْدُبَا سِيْرَتَهَا
الْأُوْلَى (٢١) وَاضْمُمْ يَدَكَ إِلَى جَنَاحِكَ تَخْرُجْ بَيْضَآءَ مِنْ غَيْرِ سُؤْءٍ أَيَةَّ أُخْرِى (٢٢) لِنُرِيَكَ مِنْ أَيْتِنَا
الْكُبْرِى (٢٣٩)
TRANSLATION: (Allaah asked) "What is that in your right hand, O Moosa?" He (Moosa v)
replied, "It is my staff. I (occasionally) lean on it, I (sometimes) use it to beat down leaves
for my goats (to graze on) and (besides this) I have many other uses for it." Allaah said,
"Throw it down, O Moosa." So he threw it down, and suddenly it was a slithering snake.
Allaah said, "Grab hold of it and do not be afraid. We shall soon return it to its former
(original) state." (So when Moosa v grabbed hold of the snake, it became a staff once again.)
(Addressing Moosa v further, Allaah said,)"Thrust your (right) hand into your side (beneath your
left armpit), it shall emerge shining (bright), without any defects (without any disease) as a
second Aayah (a second miracle which you may show to people to prove that you are My Rasool).
(We have demonstrated these miracles to you) So that We may show you some of Our
magnificent Aayaat (so that you can be convinced of My power and preach it to others)."
Verses 44-46 of Surah Qasas state:
وَمَا كُنْتَ بِجَانِبِ الْغَرْبِىِّ إِذْ قَضَيْنَا إِلَى مُؤْسَى الْأَمْرَ وَمَا كُنْتَ مِنَ الشَّهِدِيْنَ (٢٢) وَلَكِنَّا أَنْشَآَنَا قُرُؤْنًا
فَتَطَاوَلَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْعُمُرُ نَّ وَمَا كُنْتَ نَاوِيًّا فِئْ أَبْلٍ مَدْيَنَ تَثْلُوْا عَلَيْهِمْ أَيْتِنَا ◌ٌ وَلَكِنَّا كُنَّا مُرْسِلِيْنَ (٣٥) وَمَا كُنْتَ
بِجَانِبِ الطُّوْرِ إِذْ نَادَيْنَا وَلَكِنْ رَّحْمَةً مِّنْ رَّبِّكَ لِتُنْذِرَ قَوْمًا مََّ آتُبِهُمْ مِّنْ نَّذِيْرٍ مِّنْ قَبْلِكَ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُوْنَ (٣٢)
TRANSLATION: You (O Rasulullaah p) were never by the western side (of the valley) when
We gave Moosa v the command (to preach to Fir'oun), nor were you among the witnesses to
this (However, you know about the incident as if you were there only because Allaah had informed
you about it). (This proves that Rasulullaah p was indeed Allaah's Rasool because he never had the
opportunity or capability to study such things.) Nevertheless, We created many generations
(after Moosa v), but their ages dragged on for very long (causing them to become negligent and
forget their responsibilities to Allaah). You (O Rasulullaah p) were not even a resident from the
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people of Madyan reciting Our Aayaat to them (you are therefore unable to possess such
detailed knowledge of what happened there without receiving the information from Allaah). It is only
We Who (select and) send Ambiyaa (to their nations. We have therefore selected you, O
Rasulullaah p, and there is none who can object to or reverse Our decision). You were not beside
Mount Toor when We called (spoke to Moosa v), but you (have knowledge of this incident
because you) have been blessed with a mercy (prophethood) from your Rabb so that you
may warn a nation (the people of Makkah) to whom (among whom) a warner (a Nabi) has not
come before, so that they may take heed.
Verses 15-19 of Surah Naazi'aat state:
بَلْ آَتْلَكَ حَدِيْثُ مُؤْسى (١٥) إِذْ نَادُهُ رَبُّمَّ بِالْوَادِ الْمُقَدَّسِ طُوَّى (١٩) إِذْبَبْ إِلَى فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهَ طَغَى
(١٧٦ ) فَقُلْ بَلْ لَّكَ إِلَى أَنْ تَزَكَّى (١٨) وَ أَبْدِيَكَ إِلَى رَبِّكَ فَتَخْشَى (١٩٩)
Has the story of Moosa v reached you? (Remember the time) When his Rabb called him on
the holy valley of Tuwa (and commanded him to take the message of Towheed to Fir'oun and his
people). (Allaah said to Moosa v) "Go to (preach Towheed to) Fir'oun for he has certainly
transgressed. Tell him, 'Do you want to be purified (from kufr and sin) ? And should I guide
you to your Rabb so that you may fear (Him)?"
Verses 24-36 of Surah TaaHaa continue the story when it says:
إِذْبَبْ إِلَى فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهَ طَغَى (٪٢٢) قَالَ رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِى صَدْرِىٌ (٢٥) وَيَسِّرْ لِىَ أَمْرِى (٢٥) وَ احْلُلْ عُقْدَةً
مِّنْ لِّسَانِى (٢٧) يَفْقَهُوْا قَوْلِىٌ (٢٨) وَاجْعَلٌ لِّىْ وَزِيْرًا مِّنْ أَبْلِى (٢٩) بُرُوْنَ آَخِى (٣٠) اشْدُدْ بِمَ أَزْرِئْ
(٣١) وَ أَشْرِكْهُ فِى أَمْرِئْ (٣٢) كَىْ نُسَبِّحَكَ كَثِيْرًا (٣٣) وَّ نَذْكُرَكَ كَثِيْرًا (٣٢٠) إِنَّكَ كُنْتَ بِنَا بَصِيْرًا
(٣٥) قَالَ قَدْ أُوْتِيْتَ سُؤْلَكَ يُمُؤْسى (٣٢)
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TRANSLATION: "Go to Fir'oun (and preach Towheed to him and his people). He is indeed
rebellious." (Realising that the task was a great one,) Moosa v said, "O my Rabb! Expand my
chest (to be able to bear Your message and to have the courage to propagate it), make my task (of
propagation) easy and untie the knot (unclear speech that may come) on my tongue (during the
heat of the moment) so that they (the people I speak to) may understand my speech. Appoint
for me an assistant from my family; (namely) my brother Haaroon. Strengthen me with
him (by my side) and make him a partner to my task (of propagation) so that we may
(together) glorify You abundantly and remember You in abundance (because it is easier to
achieve something when the responsibility is shared). Undoubtedly You are Ever Watchful over
us (over our external and internal conditions)." Allaah said, "You have been granted your
request O Moosa (We shall make your task easy and appoint Haaroon v as a Nabi to assist you)."
Verses 42-48 of Surah TaaHaa continue the story with the words:
إِذْبَبْ أَنْتَ وَ أَخُوْكَ بِأَيْتِى وَلَا تَنِيَا فِى ذِكْرِى (٢٢) إِذْبَبَا إِلَى فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهَ طَغَى ( ٢٣) فَقُوْلَا لَهَ قَوْلًا لَّيْنَا
لَّعَلَّمْ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشِى (٢٣) قَالَا رَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا نَخَافُ أَنْ يَّفْرُطَ عَلَيْنَا أَوْ أَنْ يَّطْغَى (٣٥) قَالَ لَا تَخَافَا إِنَّنِيْ مَعَكُمَاً
اَسْمَعُ وَآَرَى (٢٢) فَأَتِيْمُ فَقُوْلَا إِنَّا رَسُوْلَا رَبِّكَ فَرْسِلْ مَعَنَا بَنِىَ إِسْرَاءِيْلَ ﴿ وَ لَا تُعَذِّبْهُمْ * قَدْ جِئْتُكَ
بِأَيَّةٍ مِّنْ رَّبِّكَ ﴿ وَالسَّمُ عَلَى مَنِ اتَّبَعَ الْهُدَى (٣٧) إِنَّا قَدْ أُوْحِىَ إِلَيْنَا أَنَّ الْعَذَابَ عَلَى مَنْ كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَّى
(٣٨)
TRANSLATION: "You and your brother should go (to Fir'oun and his people) with My Aayaat
(miracles) and should not be lax in My remembrance. Proceed, the two of you, to Fir'oun.
Indeed he is rebellious. Speak to him in gentle (kind) words, perchance he may take heed
or fear (Me)." They said, "O our Rabb! We truly fear that he would be defiant or rebel
against us." Allaah said, "Have no fear, for verily I am with you, hearing and seeing (I am
with you to protect you wherever you are). Go to him and say, 'We are indeed two Rasools of
our Rabb, so send the Bani Israa'eel with us (to Shaam) and do not torture them. We have
come to you with a sure Aayah (miracle) from your Rabb (which proves that we are Ambiyaa).
May peace be on those who follow the guidance (who accept in totality the message we have
brought). It has been revealed to us that punishment shall (definitely) be for those who
falsify and turn away (from our message)."
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Verses 35 and 36 of Surah Furqaan state:
وَلَقَدْ أَتَيْنَا مُؤْسَى الْكِتُبَ وَ جَعَلْنَا مَعَهَّ آَخَاهُ بُرُونَ وَزِيْرًا (٥ :٣٥) فَقُلْنَا اذْبَبَاً إِلَى الْقَوْمِ الَّذِيْنَ كَذَّبُوْا بِأَيْتِنَا ))*
فَدَمَّرْنُهُمْ تَدْمِيْرًا (٣٩)
TRANSLATION: Verily We gave the Book (Torah) to Moosa v and made his brother Haaroon
v a minister (assistant) to him. We then said, "The two of you should go (and preach
Towheed) to the nation that rejects Our Aayaat (Fir'oun's nation)." (So the two brothers
preached Towheed to Fir'oun and his people but they rejected the message.) Thereafter We
completely annihilated the nation (of Fir'oun when We drowned them in the Red Sea).
Verses 10-17 of Surah Shu'araa state:
وَ إِذْ نَادَى رَبُّكَ مُؤْسَى أَنِ انْتِ الْقَوْمَ الظَِّمِيْنَ (١٠) قَوْمَ فِرْعَوْنَ * أَا يَتَّقُوْنَ (١١) قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّىَّ أَخَافُ
أَنْ يُكَذِّبُوْنِ (١٢٠) وَ يَضِيْقُ صَدْرِىٌ وَ لَا يَنْطَلِقُ لِسَانِى فَأَرْسِلْ إِلَى بُرُونَ (١٣) وَ لَهُمْ عَلَىَّ ذَنْبٌ فَأَخَافُ
أَنْ يَقْتُلُوْنِ (١٣) قَالَ كَلَّانَّ فَاذْبَبَا بِأَيْتِنَا إِنَّا مَعَكُمْ مُسْتَمِعُوْنَ (١٥) فَأْتِيَا فِرْعَوْنَ فَقُوْلَا إِنَّا رَسُوْلُ رَبِّ
الْعُلَمِيْنَ (١٢) أَنْ أَرْسِلْ مَعَنَا بَنِى إِسْرَاءِيْلَ (١٧)
TRANSLATION: (Remember the time) When your Rabb called Moosa v (telling him) "Go to the
oppressive nation; the nation of Fir'oun (and preach the message of Towheed to them). Do
they not fear (Allaah's punishment) ?" Moosa v said, "O my Rabb! I fear that they will reject
me (that they will not believe that I am a Nabi). And (I fear that out of anxiety) my chest would
tighten and that my tongue will not be able to move (not be articulate). So send for Haaroon
v (allow him to assist me in my task). They (the people of Fir'oun) also have a charge (of murder)
against me and I fear that they will kill me (in retaliation)." Allaah said, "Never (they will
never be able to kill you) ! The two of you (Moosa v and Haaroon v) should proceed (to preach to
Fir'oun and his people) with Our Aayaat (the miracles We have granted you). We are definitely
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listening well with you two (and will be there to assist you). Go to Fir'oun and tell him, 'We
are two messengers of the Rabb of the universe (bearing the message) that you (release the
Bani Israa'eel from captivity and) send the Bani Israa'eel with us (to Shaam)."
Verses 10-12 of Surah Naml state:
وَأَلْقِ عَصَاكَ ٥* فَلَمَّا رَأْبَا تَهْتَزُّ كَأَنَّهَا جَانٌّ وَّلَّى مُدْبِرًا وَّ لَمْ يُعَقِّبْ * يُمُؤْسَى لَا تَخَفْ ن إِنِّيْ لَا يَخَافُ
لَدَىَّ الْمُرْسَلُونَ ( *. ١) إِلَّا مَنْ ظَلَمَ ثُمَّ بَدَّلَ حُسْنًا بَعْدَ سُؤْءٍ فَإِنِّئْ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ (١١) وَ أَدْخِلْ يَدَكَ فِىْ حَيْبِكَ
تَخْرُجْ بَيْضَآءَ مِنْ غَيْرٍ سُؤْءٍ ن فِئْ تِسْعِ أَيْتٍ إِلَى فِرْعَوْنَ وَ قَوْمِم ٥﴿ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا قَوْمًا فَسِقِيْنَ (١٢)
TRANSLATION: "Throw down your staff." When (he threw it down, it turned into a snake and
when) Moosa v saw the staff moving rapidly like a snake, he (was naturally afraid and to save
himself, he) stepped back on his heels without looking back. (Allaah then said to him) "O
Moosa! Do not fear. Indeed, the Ambiyaa have no fear in My presence except the one who
had done wrong (made a mistake), but then (because he fears that I may take him to task for it,
he) changed the wrong with good (by repenting). Verily I am the Most Forgiving, the Most
Merciful (and will forgive him, thereby dispelling his fear of being punished)." (Allaah then instructed
Moosa v to grab hold of the snake, after which Allaah transformed it back into a staff.)
(Demonstrating another miracle to Moosa v, Allaah commanded him further saying,) "Put your hand
into your collar, it will emerge shining white (bright) without any ailment (the light will not
be because of any disease). These two are among the nine Aayaat (miracles) with which you
will go to (preach Towheed to) Fir'oun and his people (to prove to them that you are My Rasool).
They are certainly a disobedient nation (and need guidance)."
While Surah TaaHaa describes the serpent as a "slithering snake", Surah Naml and
Surah Qasas describe it as a "snake" and Surah Shu'araa describes it as a
"manifest serpent". Although the terms are different, they are all varying
descriptions of the same snake.
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Verse 32 of Surah Qasas states that Allaah said to Hadhrat Moosa v, "And, if you
fear, attach your hand to your side". Mufassireen have stated that the fear here
refers to fear for the snake or fear for Fir'oun. It may also refer to any form of
fear, which could be immediately abated by placing his hand on his side. The
manner of doing this was either by placing each hand into the armpit of the
opposite arm or placing each hand on the sides. Allaah taught Hadhrat Moosa v
this manner of dispelling fear because he was charged to approach a tyrannical
king with a large army when he was without the support of any armed forces.
Such a situation will cause any human to fear for his safety.
In this manner, Hadhrat Moosa v was able to approach Fir'oun without any fear
and give him the courage to address and even debate with Fir'oun. This was
therefore yet another miracle given to Hadhrat Moosa v. And Allaah knows best.
Preaching the Truth to Fix own
When Hadhrat Moosa v and Hadhrat Haaroon v entered the court of Fir'oun and
he asked them why they had come, they informed him that they had been sent
as messengers from Allaah. They explained further that they had two demands
to make from him:
1. That he believes in Allaah Who has created the universe
2. That he frees the Bani Israa'eel from bondage and oppression
Fir'oun was angered by the demands and reminded Hadhrat Moosa v that he
had brought him up in the palace and also that he had fled Egypt after killing one
of the Egyptians. Hadhrat Moosa v admitted both matters, but explained that
the killing was unintentional and resulted from a punch that was intended only
as a warning.
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He then went on to tell Fir'oun to believe in and worship the One Allaah Who is
the Rabb of the universe. Fir'oun scoffed at the mention of the fact that there
were other gods besides him. He then challenged Hadhrat Moosa v to prove that
Allaah was indeed the Rabb of the universe. Hadhrat Moosa u told him that it
was Allaah (and not Fir'oun) who had created the heavens and the earth and
everything between the two. Fir'oun had no reply for this and therefore said to
his courtiers that it appeared as if Hadhrat Moosa u had become insane and was
a magician. Hadhrat Moosa v then left them with the thought that if they
stopped to ponder about what he had said, they would soon realise the truth.
In the Words of the Qur'an
The Qur'aan describes this episode in the following words:
Verses 104-105 of Surah A'raaf state:
وَقَالَ مُؤْسى يُفِرْعَوْنُ إِنِّيْ رَسُوْلٌ مِّنْ رَّبِّ الْعُلَمِيْنَ (١٠٣) حَقِيْقٌ عَلَى أَنْ لَّا أَقُوْلَ عَلَى اللهِ إِلَّ الْحَقَّ - قَدْ
جِئْتُكُمْ بِبَيِّنَةٍ مِّنْ رَّبِّكُمْ فَارْسِلْ مَعِىَ بَنِى اِسْرَاءِيَّلَ (١٠٥) ﴾
TRANSLATION: Moosa v said, "O Fir'oun! Indeed I am a Rasool from the Rabb of the
universe. It is only right that I attribute only the truth to Allaah. I have come to you with
a clear sign (miracle) from your Rabb (to prove that I am His messenger), so send the Bani
Israa'eel with me (after releasing them from forced labour and slavery)."
فَآتِيَا فِرْعَوْنَ فَقُوْلَا إِنَّا رَسُوْلُ رَبِّ الْعُلَمِيْنَ (١٢) أَنْ أَرْسِلْ مَعَنَا بَنِى اِسْرَاءِيْلَ (١٧) قَالَ الَمْ نُرَبِّكَ فِيْنَا
وَلِيْدًا وَّ لَبِثْتَ فِيْنَا مِنْ عُمُرِكَ سِنِيْنَ (١٨) وَ فَعَلْتَ فَعْلَتَكَ الَّتِي فَعَلْتَ وَ أَنْتَ مِنَ الْكَفِرِيْنَ (١٩) قَالَ فَعَلْتُهَا
إِذَا وَّ أَنَا مِنَ الضَّالَّيْنَ (٢٠٠) فَفَرَرْتُ مِنْكُمْ لَمَّا خِفْتُكُمْ فَوَبَبَ لِىْ رَبِّئْ حُكْمًا وَّ جَعَلَنِىْ مِنَ الْمُرْسَلِيْنَ (٢١) وَ
410

تِلْكَ نِعْمَةٌ تَمُنُّهَا عَلَىَّ أَنْ عَبَّدْتَّ بَنِىَ إِسْرَآءِيْلَ (٢٢٠) قَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ وَ مَا رَبُّ الْعَلَمِيْنَ (٢٣) قَالَ رَبُّ
السَّمُوَتِ وَ الْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا ﴿ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْقِنِيْنَ (٢٣) قَالَ لِمَنْ حَوْلَةَ آَلَا تَسْتَمِعُوْنَ (٢٥) قَالَ رَبُّكُمْ وَ
رَبُّ أَبَانِكُمُ الْأَوَّلِينَ (٢٢) قَالَ إِنَّ رَسُؤْلَكُمُ الَّذِى أُرْسِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ لَمَجْنُوْنٌ (٢٧) قَالَ رَبُّ الْمَشْرِقِ وَ الْمَغْرِبِ
وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا ﴿ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْقِلُوْنَ (٢٨) قَالَ لَئِنِ اتَّخَذْتَ إِلهَا غَيْرِى لَاَجْعَلَنَّكَ مِنَ الْمَسْجُوْنِيْنَ (٢٩) قَالَ أَوَلَوْ
جِئْتُكَ بِشَىْءٍ مُّبِيْنٍ (٣٠٩) قَالَ فَأْتِ بِمْ إِنْ كُنْتَ مِنَ الصُّدِقِينَ (٣١) فَالْقَى عَصَاهُ فَإِذَا بِىَ ثُعْبَانٌ مُّبِيْنٌ
(٣٢٦) وَ نَزَعَ يَدَةً فَإِذَا بِىَ بَيْضَاءُ لِلنَّظِرِيْنَ (٣٣)
TRANSLATION: "Go to Fir'oun and tell him, 'We are two messengers of the Rabb of the
universe (bearing the message) that you (release the Bani Israa'eel from captivity and) send the
Bani Israa'eel with us (to Shaam)."" (When they delivered this message to Fir'oun,) Fir'oun said
(to Moosa v), "Did we not raise you among us as a newborn child? And did you not live with
us for many years of your life (How can you then act ungratefully by telling me what to do) ? (In
addition to this) You committed the deed (murder) that you did and you were ungrateful (You
benefited from my wealth and killed one of my men, yet you want me to follow you?)." Moosa v
said, "I did it (unintentionally killed the man) at a time when I was from the mistaken ones (I
killed him by mistake). I then fled from you people when I feared (that) you (would not
understand my case and kill me in retaliation). My Rabb then granted me wisdom and included
me among those sent (to people as Ambiyaa). The favour you remind me of (that you raised
me as a child) is because you (wish to overshadow the fact that you) enslaved the Bani Israa'eel
(However, the wrongs you do cannot be justified by the good you did). Fir'oun said, "What is the
Rabb of the universe (Whose messenger you claim to be)?" He (Moosa v) said, " (He is) The
Rabb of the heavens, the earth and whatever is between the two; if you will be convinced
(if you wish to be convinced, understanding this is sufficient for you)." He (Fir'oun) said (cynically) to
those around him, "Do you hear (what he says) ?" He (Moosa v) said, "He (Allaah) is your
Rabb and the Rabb of your forefathers." (Unable to find a reply) He (Fir'oun) said (to the
people around him), "Indeed your Rasool who has been sent to you is certainly insane." He
(Moosa v) said, "He is the Rabb of the East, the West and whatever is between the two; if
you are able to understand (if you can understand this, you will be able to accept Imaan)."
(Addressing Moosa v) He (Fir'oun) said, "If you take another as an Ilaah besides myself, I
shall definitely include you among the prisoners (of my dungeons where you will suffer terribly)
!" He (Moosa v) said, "(Will you do this) Even if I bring (show) you a something explicit (which
proves that I am Allaah's messenger) ?" He (Fir'oun) said, "Bring (show) it if you are truthful (in
your claim that you are Allaah's messenger)."So he (Moosa v) threw down his staff and it
suddenly became a manifest serpent. And he withdrew his hand (after placing it beneath his
armpit), which instantly turned white (bright and shining) for all to see.
411

Verses 48-56 of Surah TaaHaa state:
إِنَّا قَدْ أُوْحِىَ إِلَيْنَا أَنَّ الْعَذَابَ عَلَى مَنْ كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَى (٢٨) قَالَ فَمَنْ رَّبُّكُمَا يُمُؤْسى (٢٩) قَالَ رَبُّنَا الَّذِى
أَعْطَى كُلَّ شَىْءٍ خَلْقَهُ ثُمَّ بَدى (٥٠) قَالَ فَمَا بَالُ الْقُرُوْنِ الْأُوْلِى (٥١) قَالَ عِلْمُهَا عِنْدَ رَبِّئْ فِئْ كِتْبٍ وَ لَا
يَضِلُّ رَبِّئْ وَ لَا يَنْسَى (٥٢) الَّذِىْ جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ مَهْدًا وَّسَلَكَ لَكُمْ فِيْهَا سُبُلًا وَّ أَنْزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَآءً ﴾
فَآَخْرَجْنَا بِمَ أَزْوَاجًا مِّنْ نَّبَاتٍ شَتَّى (٥٣) كُلُوْا وَ ارْعَوْا أَنْعَامَكُمْ ٥﴿ إِنَّ فِى ذُلِكَ لَأَيْتٍ لَّأُولِى النُّبى (٥٣)
مِنْهَا خَلَقْتُكُمْ وَ فِيْهَا نُعِيْدُكُمْ وَ مِنْهَا نُخْرِجُكُمْ تَارَةً أُخْرَى (٥٥) وَ لَقَدْ آَرَيْتُهُ أَيْتِنَا كُلَّهَا فَكَذَّبَ وَآَبَى (٥٢)
TRANSLATION: (Moosa v was instructed to say) `It has been revealed to us that punishment
shall (definitely) be for those who falsify and turn away (from our message).' (As commanded,
Moosa v and Haaroon v took the message to Fir'oun. However, he rejected their message. ) Fir'oun
said, "Then who is the Rabb of you two, O Moosa?" He (Moosa v) replied, "Our Rabb is He
Who granted each thing its (appropriate) form and then guided it (showed it what it ought to
be doing and how to live)." Fir'oun said, "Then what about the previous generations (who
rejected the message of their Ambiyaa. Were they also punished as you say)?" Moosa v said, "The
knowledge of them is with my Rabb in the Book (the Lowhul Mahfoodh). My Rabb does not
err, nor does He forget (He knows whether a nation deserves punishment in this world before their
punishment in the Aakhirah. While many nations were punished in this world, the punishment for
others has been postponed for the Aakhirah). (My Rabb is) He Who made the earth a bedding (a
place of comfort) for you, made roads for you (through mountain ranges and other terrain) and
sent water from the sky." Then We extracted by this (rain) various kinds of plants for you.
Eat and graze your animals (on that which We have provided). There are certainly Aayaat
(denoting Allaah's might and power) in this for the intelligent (those who can think clearly). We
have created you (your father Aadam v) from it (the earth), shall return you to it (when you are
buried), and will extract you from it a second time (you will all come out from your graves on
the Day of Qiyaamah). Verily We showed Fir'oun all Our Aayaat, yet he (repeatedly) rejected
and refused (to accept).
Verses 36-42 of Surah Qasas states:
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فَلَمَّا جَاءَبُمْ مُؤْسى بِأَيْتِنَا بَيِّنْتٍ قَالُوا مَا بُذَا إِلَّا سِحْرٌ مُفْتَرَّى وَّمَا سَمِعْنَا بِهُذَا فِئَ أَبَائِنَا الْأَوَّلِينَ (٣٢) وَ قَالَ
مُؤْسَى رَبِّى اَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ جَآءَ بِالْهُدَى مِنْ عِنْدِهِ وَمَنْ تَكُوْنُ لَهَ عَاقِبَةُ الدَّارِ ﴾﴿ إِنَّهَ لَا يُفْلِحُ الظَّلِمُوْنَ (٣٧) وَ
قَالَ فِرْ عَوْنُ يَأَيُّهَا الْمَلَأُ مَا عَلِمْتُ لَكُمْ مِّنْ اِلْمِ غَيْرِى ◌َّ فَأَوْقِدْلِى يُهَامُنُ عَلَى الطَّيْنِ فَاجْعَلٌ لَّىْ صَرْحًا لَّعَلِّىَ
اَطَّلِعُ إِلَى الْمِ مُؤْسَى تٌ وَ إِنِّيْ لَأَظُنُّهُ مِنَ الْكَذِبِينَ (٣٨) وَاسْتَكْبَرَ بُوَ وَ جُنُودُهُ فِى الْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ وَ
ظَنُّوْا أَنَّهُمْ إِلَّيْنَا لَا يُرْجَعُوْنَ (٣٩) فَآَخَذْتُهُ وَ جُنُوْدَةً فَنَبَذْنُهُمْ فِى الْيَمِّ ◌َّ فَانْظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الظَّلِمِيْنَ (٣٠)
وَ جَعَلْنُهُمْ أَئِمَّةَّ يَّدْعُوْنَ إِلَى النَّارِ نَّ وَ يَوْمَ الْقِيْمَةِ لَا يُنْصَرُوْنَ (٢١) وَ آَتْبَعْنُهُمْ فِئْ بُذِهِ الدُّنْيَا لَعْنَةَّ ةَ وَ يَوْمَ
الْقِيْمَةِ بُمْ مِّنَ الْمَقْبُوْحِيْنَ (٣٢)
TRANSLATION: When Moosa came to them with Our clear Aayaat (miracles), they (Fir'oun
and his ministers) said, "This (the miracles) is (merely) magic (and not real miracles) that has
been falsely attributed (to Allaah). We have not heard of such a thing (happening) among
our predecessors." Moosa v said, "My Rabb knows best who brings guidance (the correct
Deen) from Him and who will meet a favourable end in the Aakhirah. Verily, the
oppressors (Kuffaar) will never succeed." (It will therefore be seen whether it is you or I who
shall be successful.) (Fearing that Moosa v may convince his people, ) Fir'oun said, "O ministers!
Besides myself, I know of no other Ilaah for your people. O Haamaan! Kindle for me a fire
on sand (bake bricks for me), then construct a (high) tower for me so that I may get a peek
at Moosa's Rabb (to see whether he exists or not). I strongly feel that he (Moosa v) is from the
liars (he is lying about being a Nabi of his Rabb)." Fir'oun and his armies were unjustly
haughty on earth and thought that they will never return to Us (and will therefore not have to
answer for their tyranny). So We (ultimately) seized Fir'oun and his armies, and cast them into
the sea (drowned them all). See what was the plight of the oppressors (and take heed from
their unfortunate experience). We made them leaders (on earth) who (did no good, but) called
(others) towards the Fire (of Jahannam by promoting Shirk). They will not be assisted (against
Allaah's punishment) in the Aakhirah. We set a curse after them (deprived them of Our mercy)
in this world and on the Day of Qiyaamah they shall be among the despised ones.
Verses 36-37 of Surah Mu'min state:
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(٣٥) وَ قَالَ فِرْ عَوْنُ يُهَامُنُ ابْنِ لِىْ صَرْحًا لَّعَلَّىَ أَبْلُغُ الْأَسْبَابَ (٣٢) أَسْبَابَ السَّمُوْتِ فَاطَّلِعَ إِلَى الْرِ
مُؤْسَى وَ إِنِّيْ لَأَظُنُّهَ كَاذِبًا * وَكَذَلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِفِرْعَوْنَ سُؤْءُ عَمَلِمٍ وَ صُدَّ عَنِ السَّبِيْلِ ﴿ وَمَا كَيْدُ فِرْعَوْنَ إِلَّ فِئْ
تَبَابٍ
TRANSLATION: (Scoffing Towheed,) Fir'oun said, "O Haamaan, build a tower for me so that I
may reach the roads the roads to the heavens so that I can have a close look at the Ilaah
of Moosa v. I strongly feel that he is a liar." In this manner the evil of his actions was
made appealing to Fir'oun, and he was prevented from the path (of the truth). The scheme
of Fir'oun led only to destruction.
Commenting on the Fir'oun's statement that he knew of no god other than
himself, Hadhrat Shah Abdul Qaadir ail das, notes that Fir'oun was an atheist. A
history of the ancient Egyptians makes it clear that they were idol worshippers,
the greatest of their gods being Ra, the sun god. They did not believe in one god,
but believed that their gods and the stars created everything and were in control
of everything. These beliefs were similar to the beliefs of Hindus.
Haamaan
The Qur'aan does not specify whether the name Haamaan was a real name, a
title or a position. Nonetheless, he was a man devoted to Fir'oun and who did as
Fir'oun commanded. In other words, he was like a secretary and right-hand man
to Fir'oun.
Although the Qur'aan does not state whether Haamaan built the tower Fir'oun
asked for, but historical reports reveal that he gathered a workforce of fifty
thousand labourers and erected a tower that was the highest during those times.
When it had been completed, Allaah commanded Hadhrat Jibra'eel v to tip to
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over, causing it to break into three parts and come toppling down and crush
thousands of Fir'oun's soldiers.170
Nonetheless, who Haamaan was and whether or not he erected the tower is of
no consequence. The point here is that Fir'oun issued the command only as a
ruse for the public because he had no reply for Hadhrat Moosa v.
The Challenge
When Fir'oun sensed a serious danger from Hadhrat Moosa v, he threatened to
imprison him and tighten his grip on the Bani Israa'eel. Hadhrat Moosa v then
asked, "What if I show you a clear proof from my Rabb?" Fir'oun replied, "Then
present it, if you have any." It was then that Hadhrat Moosa v threw his staff
down and it transformed into a frightening serpent. The serpent was real and
not created by an act of mesmerism or hallucination. Thereafter, Hadhrat Moosa
v displayed the miracle of his hand which shone with a blinding light.
When Fir'oun's ministers saw that their king was defeated, the only course they
saw fit to take was to declare that Hadhrat Moosa v was a magician who wanted
to seize control over Egypt. They therefore decided to arrange a contest
between Hadhrat Moosa v and the best magicians in the land. Hadhrat Moosa v
told them to arrange the contest in front of all the people and on a day when
they were all free to attend. This was the trait of all Ambiyaa Jul . to be bold in
their claims because of their reliance in Allaah. The contest was thus arranged
on a day of festivities and everyone gathered on a large plain to watch. The
magicians of the land stood on one side and Hadhrat Moosa v stood opposite
them, ready to see who would be the victor.
170 Qurtubi.
415

In the Words of the Qur'an
Describing the above sequence of events, verses 23-33 of Surah Shu'araa state:
قَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ وَ مَا رَبُّ الْعُلَمِيْنَ (٢٣) قَالَ رَبُّ السَّمُوتِ وَ الْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا ن﴿ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْقِنِيْنَ (٢٣) قَالَ
لِمَنْ حَوْلَهَ آَلَا تَسْتَمِعُوْنَ (٢٥) قَالَ رَبُّكُمْ وَ رَبُّ أَبَائِكُمُ الْأَوَّلِينَ (٢٢) قَالَ إِنَّ رَسُوْلَكُمُ الَّذِى أُرْسِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ
لَمَجْنُوْنٌ (٢٧) قَالَ رَبُّ الْمَشْرِقِ وَ الْمَغْرِبِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا ﴿ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْقِلُوْنَ (٢٨) قَالَ لَئِنِ اتَّخَذْتَ إِلهَّا غَيْرِئْ
لَاَجْعَلَنَّكَ مِنَ الْمَسْجُوْنِيْنَ (٢٩) قَالَ آَوَلَوْ جِنْتُكَ بِشَىْءٍ مُّبِيْنٍ (٣٠٩) قَالَ فَأْتِ بِمْ إِنْ كُنْتَ مِنَ الصَّدِقِيْنَ
(٣١) فَالْقَى عَصَاهُ فَإِذَا بِىَ ثُعْبَانٌ مُّبِينٌ (٣٢٢) وَ نَزَعَ يَدَهُ فَإِذَا بِىَ بَيْضَاءُ لِلنَّظِرِيْنَ (٣٣)
TRANSLATION: Fir'oun said, "What is the Rabb of the universe (Whose messenger you claim
to be)?" He (Moosa v) said, " (He is) The Rabb of the heavens, the earth and whatever is
between the two; if you will be convinced (if you wish to be convinced, understanding this is
sufficient for you)." He (Fir'oun) said (cynically) to those around him, "Do you hear (what he
says) ?" He (Moosa v) said, "He (Allaah) is your Rabb and the Rabb of your forefathers."
(Unable to find a reply) He (Fir'oun) said (to the people around him), "Indeed your Rasool who
has been sent to you is certainly insane." He (Moosa v) said, "He is the Rabb of the East,
the West and whatever is between the two; if you are able to understand (if you can
understand this, you will be able to accept Imaan)." (Addressing Moosa v) He (Fir'oun) said, "If you
take another as an Ilaah besides myself, I shall definitely include you among the
prisoners (of my dungeons where you will suffer terribly) !" He (Moosa v) said, " (Will you do this)
Even if I bring (show) you a something explicit (which proves that I am Allaah's messenger) ?"
He (Fir'oun) said, "Bring (show) it if you are truthful (in your claim that you are Allaah's
messenger)." So he (Moosa v) threw down his staff and it suddenly became a manifest
serpent. And he withdrew his hand (after placing it beneath his armpit), which instantly
turned white (bright and shining) for all to see.
Verses 104-112 of Surah A'raaf state:
وَقَالَ مُؤْسَى يُفِرْعَوْنُ إِنِّئْ رَسُوْلٌ مِّنْ رَّبِّ الْعُلَمِيْنَ (١٠٢) حَقِيْقٌ عَلَى أَنْ لَّا أَقُوْلَ عَلَى اللهِ إِلَّ الْحَقَّ ﴿ قَدْ
جِئْتُكُمْ بِبَيِّنَةٍ مِّنْ رَّبِّكُمْ فَارْسِلْ مَعِىَ بَنِئْ اِسْرَآءِيْلَ (١٠٥)﴾ قَالَ إِنْ كُنْتَ جِئْتَ بِيَةٍ فَأْتِ بِهَا إِنْ كُنْتَ مِنَ
الصَّدِقِيْنَ (١٠٢) فَلْقَى عَصَاهُ فَإِذَا بِىَ ثُعْبَانٌ مُّبِيْنٌ (١٠٧)) وَ نَزَعَ يَدَةً فَإِذَا بِىَ بَيْضَآءُ لِلنَّظِرِيْنَ (١٠٨)٪
416

قَالَ الْمَلَأُ مِنْ قَوْمٍ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّ بُذَا لَسُحِرٌ عَلِيمٌ (١٠٩) يُرِيدُ أَنْ يُخْرِجَكُمْ مِّنْ أَرْضِكُمْ فَمَاذَا تَأْمُرُونَ (١١٠)
قَالُوا أَرْجِهْ وَ آَخَاهُ وَأَرْسِلْ فِى الْمَدَآئِنِ حُشِرِيْنَ (١١١) يَأْتُوْكَ بِكُلِّ سُحِرٍ عَلِيْمِ (١١٢)
TRANSLATION: Moosa v said, "O Fir'oun! Indeed I am a Rasool from the Rabb of the
universe. It is only right that I attribute only the truth to Allaah. I have come to you with
a clear sign (miracle) from your Rabb (to prove that I am His messenger), so send the Bani
Israa'eel with me (after releasing them from forced labour and slavery)." He (Fir'oun) said, "If
you have come with some sign (a miracle to prove that you are a prophet), then show it to us if
you are from the truthful ones (true in your claim that you are the Rasool of Allaah)." So he
(Moosa v) threw down his staff (the first miracle) and it suddenly became a (terrifying and
huge) serpent in no uncertain terms. And when he (Moosa v) drew forth his hand (from
beneath his armpit), it suddenly became (shining) bright for all to see (the second miracle).
(Echoing Fir'ouns's feelings because they were too proud to accept the miracles,) The chieftains
(ministers) from Fir'oun's nation said, "He is truly an intelligent (skilful) magician. He
intends to remove you from your land, so what do you instruct (us to do with him) ?" They
replied, "Detain him and his brother while you dispatch callers throughout the towns who
will bring to you every learned (expert) magician (to challenge Moosa v)."
Verses 75-79 of Surah Yunus state:
ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَا مِنْ بَعْدِيِمْ مُّؤْسِى وَبُرُونَ إِلَى فِرْعَوْنَ وَمَلَائِهِ بِأَيْتِنَا فَاسْتَكْبَرُوْا وَكَانُوا قَوْمًا مُجْرِمِيْنَ (٧٥) فَلَمَّا
جَاءَبُمُ الْحَقُّ مِنْ عِنْدِنَا قَالُوا إِنَّ بُذَا لَسِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ (٧٢) قَالَ مُؤْسَى أَتَقُوْلُوْنَ لِلْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَاءَكُمْ * أَسِحْرٌ بُذَا *
وَلَا يُفْلِحُ السُّحِرُوْنَ (٧٧) قَالُوا أَجِئْتَنَا لِتَلْفِتَنَا عَمَّا وَجَدْنَا عَلَيْهِ أَبَاءَنَا وَتَكُوْنَ لَكُمَا الْكِبْرِيَاءُ فِى الْأَرْضِ *
وَمَا نَحْنُ لَكُمَا بِمُؤْمِنِيْنَ (٧٨) وَقَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ انْتُوْنِى بِكُلِّ سُحِرٍ عَلِيْمِ (٧٩)
TRANSLATION: We sent after him (Nooh v) many Rusul to their nations. They (the Rusul)
came to them (to their nations) with (many) clear signs (miracles to prove that they really were
prophets), but the people were unlikely to believe what they had already rejected earlier
(before the prophets came to them). In this manner (as We had sealed the hearts of these people,
so too) do We seal the hearts of those who transgress (those who overstep the limits that
Allaah has set). (Because of their kufr and constant sin, the hearts of such people become hard and
fail to respond to the truth.) Then We sent after them (after these Rusul) Moosa v and Haaroon
v with clear signs (miracles to prove that they were Allaah's prophets) to Fir'oun and his
ministers. However, they were arrogant (refusing to accept the truth) and were a nation of
417

sinners (who oppressed others). When the truth came to them from Us (when they saw the
miracles of Moosa v), they said, "This is obviously magic!" Moosa v said, "Do you say with
regard to the truth when it comes to you, 'Is this magic?' (Do you not realise that when)
Magicians (try to do something extraordinary to prove that they are prophets, they) are never
successful (in their attempt. I am therefore certainly a true prophet of Allaah because I have
successfully shown you miracles to prove that I am Allaah's prophet)." They (Fir'oun and his
ministers) said, "Have you come to us to turn us away from that (religion) which we found
our forefathers following so that the two of you (Moosa and Haaroon) may attain
importance (leadership and fame) on earth? We shall never believe in you two (in what you
say)." (To challenge Moosa v) Fir'oun said, "Bring every learned magician (from every part of
Egypt) to me."
Verses 56-59 of Surah TaaHaa state:
وَ لَقَدْ أَرَيْتُمُ أَيْتِنَا كُلَّهَا فَكَذَّبَ وَآَبَى (٥٢) قَالَ أَجِئْتَنَا لِتُخْرِجَنَا مِنْ أَرْضِنَا بِسِحْرِكَ يُمُؤْسى (٥٧) فَلْنَأتِيَنَّكَ
بِسِحْرٍ مِّثْلِمٍ فَاجْعَلْ بَيْتَنَا وَ بَيْنَكَ مَوْعِدًا لَّا نُخْلِفُهُ نَحْنُ وَ لَا أَنْتَ مَكَانَا سُوَّى (٥٨) قَالَ مَوْعِدُكُمْ يَوْمُ الزِّيْلَةِ
وَ أَنْ يُّحْشَرَ النَّاسُ ضُحَّى (٥٩)
TRANSLATION: Verily We showed Fir'oun all Our Aayaat, yet he (repeatedly) rejected and
refused (to accept). (Referring to the miracles that Moosa v showed him,) He (Fir'oun) said, "Have
you come to us to remove us from our land with your magic, O Moosa? (Intending to host a
contest between Moosa v and all the accomplished magicians of Egypt, Fir'oun said to Moosa v,) So
(in reply to your feats) we will certainly present the same kind of magic before you, so
arrange an appointment between us that neither us nor you will violate. Fix an open plain
for this (contest so that people may witness it)." Moosa v said, "Your appointment (for the
contest) shall be on the day of adornment (a day of festivity), and the people should be
gathered at midmorning (to be spectators)."
Verses 109-126 of Surah A'raaf state:
418

قَالَ الْمَلَأُ مِنْ قَوْمٍ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّ بُذَا لَسُحِرٌ عَلِيمٌ (١٠٩) يُرِيدُ أَنْ يُخْرِجَكُمْ مِّنْ أَرْضِكُمّْفَمَاذَا تَأْمُرُونَ (١١٠)
قَالُوا أَرْجِهْ وَ آَخَاهُ وَأَرْسِلْ فِى الْمَدَآئِنِ حُشِرِيْنَ (١١١) يَأْتُوْكَ بِكُلِّ سُحِرٍ عَلِيْمٍ (١١٢) وَ جَاءَ السَّحَرَةُ
فِرْعَوْنَ قَالُوا إِنَّ لَنَا لَأَجْرًا إِنْ كُنَّا نَحْنُ الْغُلِيْنَ (١١٣) قَالَ نَعَمْ وَ إِنَّكُمْ لَمِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِيْنَ (١١٣) قَالُوْا يُمُؤْسَى
إِمَّا أَنْ تُلْقِىَ وَ إِمَّا أَنْ تَّكُوْنَ نَحْنُ الْمُلْقِيْنَ (١١٥) قَالَ الْقُوْا فَلَمَّا الْقَوْا سَحَرُؤْا أَعْيُنَ النَّاسِ وَ اسْتَرْبَبُوْبُمْ
وَجَاءُوْ بِسِحْرٍ عَظِيْمٍ (١١٢) وَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَى مُؤْسَى أَنْ الْقِ عَصَاكَ ◌ٌ فَإِذَا بِىَ تَلْقَفُ مَا يَأْفِكُوْنَ (١١٧) فَوَقَعَ
الْحَقُّ وَبَطَلَ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُوْنَ (١١٨) فَغُلِبُوْا بُنَالِكَ وَانْقَلَبُوْا صَغِرِيْنَ (١١٩) وَ أَلْقِىَ السَّحَرَةُ سُجِدِيْنَ
(١٢٠) قَالُوا أَمَنَّا بِرَبِّ الْعُلَمِيْنَ (١٢١) رَبِّ مُؤْسَى وَبُرُونَ (١٢٢) قَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ أَمَنْتُمْ بِم قَبْلَ أَنْ أُذَنَ لَكُمّْ
إِنَّ بُذَا لَمَكْرٌ مَّكَرْتُمُؤْهُ فِى الْمَدِيْنَةِ لِتُخْرِجُوْا مِنْهَا أَبْلَهَاءٌ فَسَوْفَ تَعْلَمُوْنَ (١٢٣) لَأُقَطَّعَنَّ آَيْدِيَكُمْ وَآَرْجُلَكُمْ مِّنْ
خِلَافٍ ثُمَّ لَأُصَلْبَّكُمْ أَجْمَعِيْنَ (١٢٣) قَالُوا إِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا مُنْقَلِبُوْنَ (١٢٥) وَمَا تَنْقِمُ مِنَّا إِلَّا أَنْ أَمَنَّا بِأَيْتِ رَبِّنَا
لَمَّا جَاءَتْنَا * رَبَّنَا أَفْرِعْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَّتَوَفَّنَا مُسْلِمِيْنَ (١٢۶)٪
TRANSLATION: (Echoing Fir'ouns's feelings because they were too proud to accept the miracles,)
The chieftains (ministers) from Fir'oun's nation said, "He is truly an intelligent (skilful)
magician. He intends to remove you from your land, so what do you instruct (us to do with
him) ?" They replied, "Detain him and his brother while you dispatch callers throughout
the towns who will bring to you every learned (expert) magician (to challenge Moosa v)."
(When) The magicians (were gathered together, they) came to Fir'oun and asked, "Will we
receive some (grand) prize if we are victorious (over Moosa v) ?" He (Fir'oun) replied,
"Certainly! And (in addition to that) you will (also) be of those brought close (to me in my
grand court)." They (the magicians) said, "O Moosa! Either you throw (your staff first), or we
will be the ones to throw (our ropes and staffs first)." He (Moosa v) said, "You throw (first)."
When they threw, they mesmerised the people's eyes (made the people think that the ropes
and staffs were snakes), frightened them and displayed wonderful magic (a great illusion). We
inspired (strengthened) Moosa saying, " (Now) Throw your staff!" Then suddenly it (the snake
which was once the staff) began to swallow their deceiving (unreal, imaginary) things (the
"snakes" that the magicians made people imagine that they were there). So the truth was
established and what (vain magic) they practised was dismissed! On that occasion they (the
followers of Fir'oun) were defeated and they became the disgraced ones (whereas they always
behaved proudly). The magicians were thrown into prostration (in humility and submission
because of the grand miracle of Moosa v, which they realised could have been only from Allaah).
They said, "We believe in the Rabb of the universe; the Rabb of Moosa v and Haroon v
(contrary to what Fir'oun wanted them to believe, that he was their "High Lord")."Fir'oun exclaimed
(to deceive the masses and to conceal his defeat), "Do you believe in Him before I have
permitted you (to believe) ? This must certainly be a grand scheme that you all have
devised in the city to remove its inhabitants from it (so that you could rule it). Soon you shall
come to know (how I shall punish you for this) ! I will certainly cut off your hands and your
feet from alternate sides (right hands and left feet) and crucify every one of you." They (the
magicians) said, "Indeed we shall return to our Rabb (after our deaths, when we shall be
419