The Holy Quran, akin to a profound ocean, encompasses boundless meanings, each verse serving as a gateway towards understanding the truth and grandeur of Divine creation. Verse 79 of Surah l Imrn, by referring to Pharaohs command to gather skilled magicians, unveils the confrontation between human magic and Divine miracle. This verse, along with related verses, not only addresses the topic of magic and miracle but also invites humankind to contemplate the magnificence of Gods servants, ranging from the Prophets to figures such as Pharaoh. In this treatise, relying on erudite lectures and a profound examination of the Quranic verses, an endeavour is made to elucidate the concepts of this verse and its associated themes in a clear and dignified manner within a structured and scientific framework. This analysis, with a focus on the contrast between magic and miracle, the grandeur of human creation, and the necessity of recognising Gods eminent servants, paves the way for understanding the existential truth of humanity and its position within the system of creation.
Magic, from the perspective of the Holy Quran, is a human knowledge and skill which, relying on particular techniques, influences human perception. This skill is introduced in verse 79 of Surah l Imrn as a distinguished specialisation sought by Pharaoh to counter the miracles of Moses (peace be upon him) through proficient and knowledgeable magicians, described as sir alm (skilled and knowledgeable magician).
And Pharaoh said: Bring me every knowledgeable magician.
This verse, by emphasising the attribute alm, categorises magicians into two groups: those who are skilled and knowledgeable with genuine knowledge and expertise, and those who are unskilled resorting to deception and fraud. Pharaoh, aware of this distinction, requested only the knowledgeable magicians because he knew only this group could withstand the Divine miracles of Moses (peace be upon him), although ultimately they failed.
The sir alm is a figure distinguished by knowledge and skill from the unskilled and deceitful magicians. This distinction highlights the importance of expertise and awareness in any field, even magic, which the Holy Quran recognises.
In ancient Egypt, magic was a complex skill that manipulated the perception of the audience through visual and psychological techniques. The Holy Quran refers to this characteristic in verse 116 of Surah Al-Arf:
Then their ropes and their staffs were made to appear to him by their magic as though they were moving.
This verse demonstrates that magic, although a human skill, is limited to producing illusions and is powerless against Divine miracles that transcend natural laws.
Magic, as a specialised discipline, can be compared to sporting skills such as boxing or wrestling. Just as a professional athlete attains skill through training and perseverance, the knowledgeable magician achieves capability through knowledge and experience. This comparison distinguishes magic from deception and fraud, much like a professional athlete who does not require cheating or illicit substances. Reference to figures such as Muhammad Ali, who gained fame through power and skill without resorting to unethical tricks, clarifies this concept. The knowledgeable magician, like an athlete at the peak of ability, is independent of trickery and acts by virtue of their knowledge.
Magic, recognised in the Holy Quran as a human specialisation, is ultimately unsuccessful in the face of Divine miracle. The distinction between the knowledgeable magician and the unskilled highlights the importance of knowledge and skill in any field. This section, through the comparison of magic with sporting skills, emphasised the necessity of professionalism and avoidance of deceit, defining magic as a human capability rather than a satanic act.
The miracle in the Holy Quran is a Divine sign manifested under Gods supervision through the Prophets. This phenomenon, unlike magic which is limited to deception of perception, transcends natural laws and is presented for the guidance of humanity. Verse 69 of Surah Th clearly shows this distinction:
And cast what is in your right hand; it will swallow up what they have fabricated. Indeed, what they have fabricated is the trick of a magician, and the magician will not succeed wherever he is.
This verse demonstrates the superiority of the miracle of Moses (peace be upon him) over the magicians magic. The miracle is not merely a Divine specialisation but the result of the Prophets connection to Divine truth and his sincerity in obedience to God. Contrary to the misconception that Prophets are simple or unskilled individuals, the miracle requires awareness, faith, and Divine guidance.
The miracle is a Divine sign manifested through the Prophets under Gods supervision. Unlike magic which is limited to deception, it reveals Divine truth and is used for the guidance of humanity.
Prophets, such as Moses (peace be upon him), possessed the power of miracle that distinguished them from ordinary individuals. This power is not a result of simplicity or ignorance but an indication of their exalted status with God.
Unlike magic, which is a human skill, miracle is the outcome of connection to Divine truth and sincerity in servitude. By virtue of their exalted position and Divine guidance, Prophets are capable of performing acts beyond the capacity of others. This concept is clearly stated in verse 68 of Surah Qaa:
And We chose him by Our knowledge.
This verse indicates that Prophets attain a status through Divine knowledge and guidance that enables them to perform miracles. This status is the result of sincerity, faith, and obedience to God, not merely a human skill.
The miracle, as a Divine sign, is distinct from human magic and appears through the Prophets under Gods supervision. This section emphasised the role of sincerity and Divine guidance in miracles and demonstrated that Prophets, contrary to mistaken beliefs, possess knowledge and exalted status enabling them to perform miracles.
Pharaoh, in the Holy Quran, is portrayed not only as a political ruler but as a magnificent figure who claimed divinity. Verse 24 of Surah Nzit expresses this claim:
He said, "I am your most exalted lord."
This claim manifests Pharaohs arrogance and egotism but also reflects his high comprehension and power. Pharaoh, understanding the complexities of magic, summoned only the skilled magicians to confront Moses (peace be upon him). This choice demonstrates his awareness of the difference between the knowledgeable and unskilled magicians.
Although misguided, Pharaoh was a magnificent figure possessing significant power and understanding who cannot be easily disregarded. Recognising him requires a profound perspective on his position in Divine history.
Historically, the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt were regarded as divine-human beings and wielded immense political, economic, and cultural power. Verse 54 of Surah Qaa confirms this magnitude:
Most high in the land, and made its people factions.
This verse introduces Pharaoh as a figure who ruled society with power and domination. However, arrogance and denial of truth led to his destruction (verse 46 of Surah Qaa: "So Allah seized him with the punishment of the Hereafter and the first [life]").
Insulting Gods servants, even if misguided, stems from ignorance and narrow-mindedness. The Holy Quran introduces humankind as the great scholar in whom the grandeur of Divine creation is manifest. This concept in mystical interpretations refers to the existential grandeur of great human beings, from Prophets to figures like Pharaoh. Insulting these servants diminishes ones perspective of the universe and Divine magnificence. The Prophetic tradition also emphasises this point:
Do not curse people lest you earn enmity.
This tradition warns against insulting others and stresses the importance of recognising the greatness of Gods servants.
Pharaoh, as a magnificent figure in Divine history, symbolises arrogance and misguidance with considerable power and understanding. This section, stressing his grandeur and the necessity to avoid insulting Gods servants, showed that recognising such figures requires a profound and unbiased perspective.
Recognising great human beings necessitates insight and experience. Reference to encounters with figures such as Muhammad Ali or Ali Morde-Khor (Ali the Scavenger) indicates a deep understanding of the grandeur of Divine creation. These experiences serve as mirrors presenting human magnificence before our eyes. The Holy Quran also underscores the importance of understanding creation:
Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day are signs for those of understanding.
This verse invites humanity to contemplate the grandeur of creation and introduces personal experiences as tools for comprehending this magnificence.
Mystical and personal experiences, such as encounters with great humans, open windows towards recognising the grandeur of Divine creation and caution humanity against insulting Gods servants.
Reference to presence among jinn and childhood experiences further exemplify the depth of this understanding. Though unconventional, these experiences guide humans towards comprehending their own existential truth and that of others.
Mystical and personal experiences serve as instruments for recognising the grandeur of creation and Gods servants. This section, emphasising insight and contemplation, demonstrated that understanding human truth requires a profound and impartial perspective.
Verse 79 of Surah l Imrn, referring to Pharaohs command to gather skilled magicians, opens a gateway to understanding the confrontation between magic and miracle, the grandeur of human creation, and the necessity of recognising Gods eminent servants. Magic, as a human specialisation, fails before the Divine miracle but remains a skill demanding knowledge and awareness. Pharaoh, despite his misguidance, was a magnificent figure who cannot be easily disregarded. Mystical experiences and contemplation on the grandeur of creation guide humanity towards comprehending the existential truth of oneself and others. This treatise, relying on the verses of the Holy Quran and scholarly lectures, endeavoured to elucidate these concepts with clear and dignified language.
