Taha · Makki · ayah 61 of 135

Taha 20:61

قَالَ لَهُم مُّوسَىٰ وَيْلَكُمْ لَا تَفْتَرُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا فَيُسْحِتَكُم بِعَذَابٍ ۖ وَقَدْ خَابَ مَنِ ٱفْتَرَىٰ

“Moses said to them [i.e., the magicians summoned by Pharaoh], "Woe to you! Do not invent a lie against Allāh or He will exterminate you with a punishment; and he has failed who invents [such falsehood]."”

Saheeh International

Essence

Musa's first words on the field are a warning to his opponents, for their sake: a lie told about Allah never catches fire.

A reflection

Warning the other side first

A mountain guide is leading his group down early. A storm is forecast for the afternoon. On the path he meets a rival party heading up in trainers, laughing. He could say nothing. They are not his clients. He stops anyway and tells them plainly what is coming. They might mock him. They might turn back.

The contest is about to begin. A whole nation is watching. Pharaoh has gathered his magicians and promised them rewards. And Musa's first recorded words on the field are not a boast, a prayer for victory, or an insult. They are a warning, addressed to the magicians.

The modern commentaries describe it plainly: Musa said this to Pharaoh's magicians, admonishing them. One classical commentator says he spoke to them by way of sincere advice. Do not call the signs that will appear on my hands magic, as Pharaoh did.

That is remarkable leadership. These men had been hired to humiliate him. And before they lift a rope, he tries to save them from what they are about to do.

The commentaries suggest it landed. One records a report that when Musa said this, some of the magicians said to each other: this is not the speech of a magician. Another records that they began to argue among themselves. Some said: this is not the word of a magician, this is the word of a prophet.

A warning given with sincerity can split an opposing camp more effectively than any attack. It reaches the consciences inside the uniform.

The lesson for anyone in conflict is clear. Before you try to win, try to warn. Speak to the people on the other side as people who could still choose differently. Some of them will.

The full entry has 5 more reflections, questions to sit with, and "Live it today" - with the words, the roots and the tafsir alongside. Free, no account, works offline.