Surah ash-Shu`ara' (The Poets ) 26 : 36

Overview (Verses 36 - 42)

Falsehood Comes to Grief

This is a typical position to which tyrants resort when they feel their grip on power weakening. They seem to soften up, seeking the help of the people they have been trampling over. They put up a facade of consultation with them, but this is only temporary until the danger has passed. When they feel they are safe again, they revert to their tyranny, tolerating no opposition whatsoever.

Those around him fell for his ploy because they shared his falsehood and were keen for the status quo to continue for it ensured their influential positions in the state hierarchy. They feared that Moses and the Children of Israel would take their land from them should the masses follow him and Aaron. Hence, these noble chiefs were quick to give their advice to Pharaoh, suggesting that he could match one type of sorcery with another, provided there was a period of preparation: “They said: Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds to all cities to bring before you every sorcerer of great skill.” (Verses 36-37) The plan, then, was to gain time while Pharaoh sent word to all Egyptian cities summoning every skilful sorcerer who could match or excel Moses. The curtains drop here. When they are raised again we see the sorcerers assembled and the people gathering in large numbers to watch the great contest. Their support for the sorcerers is raised to a high pitch, for they enjoyed the backing of those in power. Thus, the stage was ready for the battle between truth and falsehood, divine faith and tyranny: “So the sorcerers were assembled at a set time on an appointed day, and the people were asked: Are you all present, so that we may follow the sorcerers if they emerge triumphant.” (Verses 38-40)

The style used in these verses suggests a deliberate plan to excite the masses and keep people in full expectation: “Are you all present, so that we may follow the sorcerers?” Are you all in attendance and ready for the contest to begin? Soon you will see with your own eyes the sorcerers defeat this Israelite called Moses! On such occasions, the masses always flock in, oblivious to the fact that tyrannical rulers manipulate them for their own ends. They bring them to such gatherings and show occasions so as to divert their attentions away from the miserable conditions and oppression they endure.

We then see the sorcerers in an audience with Pharaoh, prior to the match, making sure that they will secure his reward if they win. He is ready with a promise of a very handsome reward, and a position close to his throne: “When the sorcerers arrived they said to Pharaoh: ‘Will there be a [handsome] reward for us if we are the ones to prevail?’ Said he: ‘Yes, indeed! And in that case you will be among those who are close to me.’” (Verses 41-42) Thus the whole thing involves nothing other than a mercenary group ready to use their skills to help Pharaoh, the tyrant, in return for some pecuniary gain. There is no question of faith or an issue of principle. It is all about personal gain and interest. It is such people that are used by tyrants everywhere and throughout all periods of history. Their eagerness betrays their reward motive, a reward they will receive for their role in deluding the masses. Hence why Pharaoh promises them much more than just pecuniary gain. He promises them a position close to his own.