Ash-Shu'ara · Makki · ayah 42 of 227

Ash-Shu'ara 26:42

قَالَ نَعَمْ وَإِنَّكُمْ إِذًا لَّمِنَ ٱلْمُقَرَّبِينَ

“He said, "Yes, and indeed, you will then be of those near [to me]."”

Saheeh International

Essence

Pharaoh says yes and adds nearness to the wage, but one small word, 'then', makes the whole promise hang on winning.

A reflection

Near, but only 'then'

This ayah has a near-twin in Al-A'raf: 'He said: yes, and you will surely be among those brought near' (7:114). The fuller entry for this exchange belongs there. Here, Ash-Shu'ara adds one word: idhan, 'then', in that case.

One classical commentator explains its place. The magicians' request was conditional: a wage, if we win. So Pharaoh's promise of nearness is joined to that same condition. Idhan sits exactly where the answer to an 'if' belongs. You will be near me, then, once you have won.

Picture a recruiter who sees a candidate hesitate and at once adds a corner office to the offer. It sounds generous. Read the contract, though, and the office comes with targets. Miss them and it goes to someone else.

Pharaoh's nearness was exactly that kind of gift. It was real, and it was hostage to a result.

The full entry has 2 more reflections, questions to sit with, and "Live it today" - with the words, the roots and the tafsir alongside. Free, no account, works offline.