إِنَّا نَطْمَعُ أَن يَغْفِرَ لَنَا رَبُّنَا خَطَـٰيَـٰنَآ أَن كُنَّآ أَوَّلَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ 51
Translations
Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers."
Transliteration
Inna natamaʿu an yaghfira lana rabbuna khatayanā an kunna awwala al-muʾminīn
Tafsir (Explanation)
The magicians of Pharaoh, after witnessing the miracle of Moses' staff transforming into a serpent, declare their hope that Allah will forgive their sins because they have become among the first believers. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this statement reflects their sudden conversion and sincere repentance, understanding that being among the earliest believers in Moses' message would be a means of obtaining Allah's forgiveness. Their willingness to abandon their former disbelief and status for faith demonstrates the transformative power of recognizing divine truth.
Revelation Context
This ayah occurs within the story of Moses and Pharaoh in Surah Ash-Shu'ara, specifically during the confrontation between Moses and the magicians of Egypt. The magicians' declaration comes after they witness the undeniable miracle, leading to their immediate belief despite the threat of Pharaoh's punishment. This narrative illustrates how clear signs from Allah can penetrate even hardened hearts and transform those who were initially opponents of the truth.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). Additionally, the concept of early believers receiving special merit is referenced in Surah Al-Waqi'ah 56:10-14, which describes the foremost believers (as-sabiqun al-awwalun) as being closest to Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches us that sincere repentance and genuine belief in truth, regardless of our past, opens the door to Allah's forgiveness, and that recognizing and submitting to divine signs is the pathway to spiritual redemption. It also reminds us that being among those who believe and act upon that belief earnestly positions us to receive Allah's mercy and blessings.