Surah Taha — Verse 62

Word Meanings:

• Tanāza‘ū (تَنَازَعُوا): They disputed, argued, or debated among themselves.
• Amrahum (أَمْرَهُمْ): Their affair, matter, or situation.
• Asarrū (أَسَرُّوا): They kept secret, concealed, or hid.
• An-Najwā (النَّجْوَى): The private counsel, confidential conversation, or secret talk.

Explanation of the Verse:

When the magicians of Pharaoh heard the powerful and truthful words of Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him)—his warning and his call to the truth—they were shaken and thrown into confusion. They began to argue among themselves about the nature of what they had just witnessed. Some said, "If this is mere sorcery, then we can overcome it with our own magic." Others speculated, "But if this is a message from the heavens, then this is a matter far greater than us." Their hearts were filled with doubt and uncertainty, and they did not know how to proceed.

Then, they withdrew from Pharaoh’s presence and held a private, secret counsel among themselves. They spoke in hushed tones, concealing their words from Pharaoh and his court, so that they could deliberate freely without fear of his reaction. They discussed their strategy, weighing their options: should they confront Musa openly, or should they prepare a powerful counter-magic? They knew that the stakes were immense, and they wanted to ensure that their plan would succeed in front of the entire nation.

This moment reveals the inner turmoil of the magicians—they were skilled professionals in their craft, yet they sensed something extraordinary in Musa’s message. Their secret consultation marks the beginning of a transformation that would ultimately lead them to faith, as they later recognized the truth and fell prostrate in submission to Allah.

A Da‘wah Reflection:

This verse teaches us the importance of sincere reflection and honest dialogue. The magicians, despite their worldly expertise, did not stubbornly cling to their falsehood when faced with the truth. Instead, they paused, debated, and reflected—and this openness eventually guided them to faith. As believers, we are encouraged to seek the truth with humility, to consult with wisdom, and to never let pride or arrogance blind us from recognizing Allah’s signs. The Quran repeatedly invites humanity to think, ponder, and reason—for the heart that is open to truth is the heart that Allah guides. Let us be among those who, when confronted with the truth, respond with sincerity and submission, just as those magicians ultimately did, earning the eternal pleasure of their Lord.