فَأَلْقَوْا۟ حِبَالَهُمْ وَعِصِيَّهُمْ وَقَالُوا۟ بِعِزَّةِ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّا لَنَحْنُ ٱلْغَـٰلِبُونَ 44
Translations
So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant."
Transliteration
Fa-alqaw hibālahum wa-'isiyyahum wa-qālū bi-'izzati fir'awna innā lā-nahnu al-ghālibūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
When Pharaoh's magicians cast down their ropes and staffs, they confidently proclaimed their victory by Pharaoh's might, believing themselves to be the victors. However, according to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this moment represents the height of their arrogance before divine truth manifested itself—their staffs were mere illusions (sihr) while Moses possessed the truth, leading to their ultimate humiliation and conversion to faith in Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative of Moses and Pharaoh, recounted in Surah Ash-Shu'ara (a Meccan surah). It depicts the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh's magicians when Pharaoh challenged Moses to a magical duel. The context shows the magicians' initial confidence before witnessing the true miracle of Allah's power through Moses' staff.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly addresses this ayah, Surah Ta-Ha 20:65-66 parallels this event. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used the story of Moses to inspire believers during trials, as mentioned in various sirah accounts of the early Islamic period when Muslims faced Meccan opposition.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that worldly power and apparent confidence mean nothing before the truth and signs of Allah; true victory comes from faith and submission to God, not from human schemes or the support of tyrants. For modern readers, it serves as a reminder that no amount of skill, organization, or authority can overcome divine truth and justice.