Surah Yunus — Verse 77

Word Meanings:

• Al-Haqq (الحق): The truth — here referring to the clear miracles and signs brought by Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be upon him.
• Asihrun hadha (أَسِحْرٌ هَذَا): "Is this magic?" — an expression of astonishment and rejection of their false claim.
• La yuflihu (لَا يُفْلِحُ): Will never succeed, prosper, or attain victory.

Tafsir (Explanation):

When Musa, peace be upon him, stood before Pharaoh and his chiefs with the manifest signs of Allah — the staff turning into a serpent and his hand shining white — they reacted not with reflection but with accusation. They said, "This is clear magic!" So Musa responded with wonder and reproach, saying: "Do you say of the truth when it has come to you: 'Is this magic?'"

His words carry a profound rebuke. He is not merely defending himself; he is inviting them to look honestly at what they have witnessed. The truth, by its very nature, is self-evident. When it arrives with clarity and certainty, how can one label it as mere trickery? Musa's question exposes the contradiction in their hearts: they knew deep down that this was not the work of a magician, for no magician could produce such signs from the power of Allah alone.

Then Musa adds a decisive argument: "And magicians never succeed." This is not just a statement of fact — it is a challenge. If this were truly magic, then it would inevitably fail, as all falsehood fails. But the signs of Allah endure and triumph. Magic is a deception that fades, while the truth of Allah stands firm forever. In the end, Pharaoh and his magicians themselves would come to realize this when they fell prostrate in submission after witnessing the miracle — a testimony to the power of truth over falsehood.

A Call to Reflection and Faith:

Dear reader, ponder this scene. Musa did not argue with anger or despair; he spoke with certainty and calmness, because he knew that truth needs no defense — it only needs honest hearts to receive it. How often do we, too, reject what is true simply because it does not align with our expectations or desires? Let this verse be a reminder to us all: when the truth comes to you — whether through the Qur'an, through sincere advice, or through the signs of Allah in the universe — do not hasten to dismiss it. Instead, open your heart, reflect, and submit. For the truth always prevails, and those who cling to it will never be losers. And as for those who oppose it with falsehood, their end is nothing but failure, in this life and the next.

May Allah guide us all to the straight path and make us among those who recognize the truth and follow it.