قَالُوا۟ لَا ضَيْرَ ۖ إِنَّآ إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا مُنقَلِبُونَ 50
Translations
They said, "No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return.
Transliteration
Qalū lā dayra innā ilā rabbinā munqalibūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
The magicians of Pharaoh respond to their master's threat of punishment by declaring 'No harm [will come to us]' and affirming their certain return to Allah. This demonstrates their conviction and acceptance of Allah's will after witnessing the miracle of Moses' staff. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir note this represents the magicians' transformation from disbelief to sincere belief, prioritizing their relationship with Allah over worldly fear, thus showing the power of divine signs to change hearts.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the narrative of Moses and Pharaoh in Surah Ash-Shu'ara, specifically after the magicians witnessed Moses' miraculous staff transform into a serpent. The context shows the magicians' immediate recognition of divine truth and their courageous declaration of faith despite Pharaoh's threatening response, illustrating the surah's theme of truth prevailing over falsehood.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly quotes this ayah, the theme of steadfastness in faith despite threats relates to: 'The best jihad is a word of truth spoken in front of a tyrant' (Sunan Ibn Majah, attributed to the Prophet ﷺ). Additionally, the magicians' story exemplifies the principle mentioned in numerous hadiths about sincere repentance and Allah's acceptance thereof.
Themes
Key Lesson
True believers understand that all temporary earthly threats are insignificant compared to one's relationship with Allah and the ultimate return to Him. This ayah teaches us that sincere conviction in divine truth empowers believers to face adversity with peace and resignation to Allah's plan, finding strength not in worldly security but in spiritual certainty.