WHEN FALSEHOOD FALLS BEFORE THE TRUTH

 FAJR REMINDER: WHEN FALSEHOOD FALLS BEFORE THE TRUTH

By: Umm Affān

Rabī' Al-Awwal 28, 1448 (10-September-2026)

Fir’aun had challenged Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām) to a contest, and the appointed day eventually arrived. It was a well-known day—the day of their festival—and the people had gathered in large numbers. Fir’aun sat upon his throne, surrounded by the elite officials of his kingdom, while his subjects stood on his right and his left.

Then Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām) came forward, leaning upon his stick and accompanied by his brother, Prophet Hārūn (‘Alayhi Salām). The magicians (sorcerers) stood before Fir’aun in rows, while he encouraged and urged them to do their very best on that day. They, too, were eager to please him, especially because he had promised them a reward. Allāh (ﷻ) reveals:

فَلَمَّا جَاءَ السَّحَرَةُ قَالُوا لِفِرْعَوْنَ أَئِنَّ لَنَا لَأَجْرًا إِن كُنَّا نَحْنُ الْغَالِبِينَ ۝ قَال نَعَمْ وَإِنَّكُمْ إِذًا لَّمِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِينَ

“So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir’aun: ‘Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?’ He said: ‘Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself).’” [Sūrah Ash-Shu'arā' (26): 41-42]

When the magicians met Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām), they said to him, “Either you throw first, or we be the first to throw?” He instructed them to throw first so that the people could witness the magic they intended to perform and so that the true reality of their affair would become clear.

There is an important lesson in this. When engaging in a debate with someone, it may sometimes be beneficial to allow him to present his arguments first. In doing so, he may put forward all—or at least the strongest—of his points, allowing you to understand them fully and respond appropriately.

Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām) therefore allowed the sorcerers to throw first. Allāh (ﷻ) informs:

قَالَ أَلْقُوا فَلَمَّا أَلْقَوْا سَحَرُوا أَعْيُنَ النَّاسِ وَاسْتَرْهَبُوهُمْ وَجَاءُوا بِسِحْرٍ عَظِيمٍ

“He (Mūsā) said: ‘Throw you (first).’ So when they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people, and struck terror into them, and they displayed a great magic.” [Sūrah Al-A’rāf (7): 116]

Through their magic, their ropes and sticks appeared to move as though they were alive. The sight was so overwhelming that Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām) felt fear. However, Allāh reassured him and commanded him not to fear. He (ﷻ) says:

وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰ أَنْ أَلْقِ عَصَاكَ فَإِذَا هِيَ تَلْقَفُ مَا يَأْفِكُونَ ۝ فَوَقَعَ الْحَقُّ وَبَطَلَ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ ۝ فَغُلِبُوا هُنَالِكَ وَانقَلَبُوا صَاغِرِينَ

“And We inspired Mūsā (saying): ‘Throw your stick,’ and behold! It swallowed up straight away all the falsehoods which they showed. Thus truth was confirmed, and all that they did was made of no effect. So they were defeated there and then, and were returned disgraced.” [Sūrah Al-A’rāf (7): 117-119]

Falsehood is indeed weak! The magicians whom Fir’aun had brought to compete against Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām) were defeated, and their falsehood was exposed before everyone. Allāh (ﷻ) says:

إِنَّمَا صَنَعُوا كَيْدُ سَاحِرٍ وَلَا يُفْلِحُ السَّاحِرُ حَيْثُ أَتَىٰ

“That which they have made is only a magician’s trick, and the magician will never be successful, no matter what amount (of skill) he may attain.” [Sūrah Ṭa-Ha (20): 69]

Magic (or sorcery) is among the greatest and most destructive of sins. There is no good in it, and the one who practises it will never attain true success.

When the magicians who competed with Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām) witnessed what had happened with their own eyes, they immediately recognised the truth. They were knowledgeable about the various tricks, techniques, and methods used in the sciences of magic. Therefore, they knew with certainty that what Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām) had done was neither magic nor an illusory trick. They recognised, without the slightest doubt, that it was the truth.

As a result, they immediately fell into prostration to Allāh. Allāh (ﷻ) informs:

فَأُلْقِيَ السَّحَرَةُ سُجَّدًا قَالُوا آمَنَّا بِرَبِّ هَارُونَ وَمُوسَىٰ

“So the magicians fell prostrate. They said: ‘We believe in the Lord of Hārūn and Mūsā.’” [Sūrah Ṭa-Ha (20): 70]

What a remarkable transformation! They began that day as magicians, hoping to defeat the Messenger of Allāh and earn the reward and favour of Fir’aun. Yet, by the end of that very same day, they had recognised the truth, believed in the Lord of Hārūn and Mūsā, and openly declared their faith.

And what would you expect from Fir’aun? His arrogance and tyranny would not allow him to accept the truth. Allāh (ﷻ) informs:

قَالَ آمَنتُمْ لَهُ قَبْلَ أَنْ آذَنَ لَكُمْ إِنَّهُ لَكَبِيرُكُمُ الَّذِي عَلَّمَكُمُ السِّحْرَ فَلَأُقَطِّعَنَّ أَيْدِيَكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُم مِّنْ خِلَافٍ وَلَأُصَلِّبَنَّكُمْ فِي جُذُوعِ النَّخْلِ وَلَتَعْلَمُنَّ أَيُّنَا أَشَدُّ عَذَابًا وَأَبْقَىٰ

Fir’aun said: “Believe you in him (Mūsā) before I permit you? Verily! He is your chief who taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you on the trunks of date palms, and you shall surely know which of us (I, Fir’aun, or the Lord of Mūsā [Allāh]) can give the severe and most lasting torment.” [Sūrah Ṭa-Ha (20): 71]

Imagine the arrogance and tyranny of Fir’aun! Even after witnessing such a clear sign, he refused to humble himself before the truth. Instead, he accused the magicians of conspiring with Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām) and threatened them with the most severe punishment.

This account reminds us that truth remains truth, regardless of how strongly falsehood attempts to oppose it. Those who sincerely recognise the truth should accept it and submit to it, just as the magicians did when the evidence became clear to them. Falsehood may appear powerful for a time, and its people may possess influence, wealth, authority, and numbers, but in the end, it is weak before the truth that Allāh establishes.

I beseech Allāh (ﷻ) to save us from the bigots and tyrants who hate our Islām and us, and to make us always follow the truth and shun falsehood. Aameen