Surah Yunus, like a radiant gem within the treasury of the Holy Quran, contains verses that reflect the confrontation of divine truth with human deception as in a clear mirror. This Surah, by narrating the story of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) and the magicians of Pharaoh, unveils an eternal truth about how divine power withstands deceit and corruption. This writing, by reflecting upon the verses of this Surah, particularly verse 82 and related verses, examines concepts such as magic, corruption, extravagance, and human responsibility for their actions. Its purpose is to portray these profound concepts with a clear and dignified language, as if a breeze of Quranic knowledge is blowing upon the soul of the readers.
Magic, as a human art requiring knowledge and skill, is introduced in the Holy Quran as a deception that seeks to affect the audience by misleading perception. This capability, although indicative of the power and knowledge of the magicians, pales before the divine miracle like a candle against the sun. The Holy Quran states:
So when they had cast down, Moses said, What you have brought is magic. Indeed, Allah will nullify it. Indeed, Allah does not amend the work of corrupters.
This verse, revealed in Surah Al-Araf (7:116), demonstrates that magic, though seemingly astonishing at first glance, is powerless and unstable before divine will. The magicians of Pharaoh, gathered by his command, despite all their skills, could not withstand the divine miracle of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him). This confrontation, like the battle between darkness and light, illustrates the supremacy of divine truth manifested by the words of Allah.
Magic, like a double-edged sword, can serve either good or evil. Just as sports such as boxing are legitimate and commendable when used for justice and goodness, magic too may be valuable if employed for noble purposes. However, when this capability is used for deception, unlawful gain, or opposition to divine truth, it leads to corruption and destruction. The Holy Quran says:
And the magician will not succeed wherever he is.
This verse (Surah Ta-Ha, 20:69) refers to the failure of magicians who use their abilities in the path of corruption and deception. From an ethical perspective, the intention and application of any ability determine its legitimacy, as stated in the Prophetic tradition: Actions are judged by intentions.
Pharaoh, like a mountain of arrogance and self-exaltation, is introduced in the Holy Quran as an example of the extravagant. He, who considered himself superior on earth, abused his power to harm the life, livelihood, and religion of the people. The Holy Quran states:
And indeed, Pharaoh was exalted in the land, and indeed, he was of the corrupters.
This verse (Surah Yunus, 10:83) identifies Pharaoh as a figure who, through extravagance in power and resources, harmed not only himself but also his society. His extravagance was like a devastating flood that damaged the life of the people, the vitality of the community, and even their religious beliefs. This characteristic places him among the corruptors whose efforts ultimately come to nothing.
The Holy Quran explicitly declares that Allah does not amend the work of corrupters. This principle, like a firm pillar, is repeated in numerous verses and signifies the divine law of the failure of those who resort to corruption and destruction. Regarding this, it states:
Indeed, Allah does not amend the work of the corrupters.
This verse (Surah Al-Araf, 7:116) indicates that any attempt at deception, tyranny, or dictatorship ultimately leads to ruin. Corruptors, though apparently powerful, are like rootless trees that fall with the blowing breeze of truth.
Among the people of Moses (peace be upon him), only a group of young people, referred to in the Holy Quran as offspring, believed in the truth. This group, despite fear of Pharaoh and his chiefs, surrendered their hearts to the light of guidance. The Holy Quran states:
But none believed Moses except a progeny of his people, out of fear of Pharaoh and his chiefs that they would persecute them.
This verse (Surah Yunus, 10:83) demonstrates the open and flexible mindset of the young generation who submit to the truth even when fear and threat loom like a heavy shadow over them. This acceptance, like a seed in the soil, heralds change and transformation in society.
Fear of Pharaoh and his chiefs acted as a chain binding the feet of the believers, preventing widespread acceptance of truth. Nevertheless, the young who believed in Moses (peace be upon him) courageously resisted these obstacles. This courage, like a torch in darkness, indicates the power of faith against deception and threat.
One of the profound concepts raised in this lecture is human responsibility regarding ones actions, especially in education and influencing others. Extravagance in the time and mind of others, as a major sin, holds a person accountable before Allah. This responsibility is like a letter written in the shroud of a person, to be questioned about on the Day of Judgment. The Holy Quran states:
So whoever does an atoms weight of good will see it.
This verse (Surah Az-Zalzalah, 99:7) emphasizes divine precision in accounting for deeds. Incorrect teaching or deceiving people is like a poison penetrating the body of society, and a teacher or ruler who acts without awareness and responsibility is accused of extravagance in the lifespan and mind of others.
Education is a trust for which the teacher is responsible. A teacher or religious scholar who teaches without study and awareness is like a farmer sowing spoiled seeds in the land. This act harms not only the students but also leads society towards destruction. The Holy Quran emphasises the importance of knowledge and awareness:
Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.
This verse (Surah Al-Mujadila, 58:11) illustrates the high value of knowledge and the heavy responsibility of scholars towards society. Incorrect education is a betrayal of the divine trust that harms society and future generations.
Ultimately, the Holy Quran explicitly declares that truth is established by the words of Allah, even if the criminals dislike it. This principle, like a shining torch, guides humanity against human deceit and corruption. The Holy Quran states:
And Allah establishes the truth by His words, even if the criminals dislike it.
This verse (Surah Yunus, 10:82) illustrates the infinite power of Allah in affirming the truth. No deception or tyranny can endure against divine will, and this truth flows like a clear stream through the heart of history.
This section, by emphasising verse 82 of Surah Yunus, demonstrated that divine truth, like a radiant sun, prevails over all human deceit and corruption. This principle guides humanity towards faith in Allah and abstaining from corruption and extravagance, as every effort on the path of truth leads to victory and salvation.
This writing, through contemplation of the verses of Surah Yunus and related passages, examined the confrontation of divine truth with human deception. Magic, as a human capability, is powerless against the divine miracle, and corruptors, though apparently powerful, ultimately fail. Pharaoh, as a symbol of extravagance and corruption, exemplifies this failure by abusing power to the detriment of society and himself. The young generation, with open minds and prepared hearts, move toward truth even amid fear and threat. Human responsibility regarding actions and education is a divine trust to be guarded with awareness and care. Ultimately, truth is established by the words of Allah, and no deception can withstand it. These lessons, like a guiding light, direct humanity toward salvation and avoidance of corruption.
Supervised by Sadegh Khademi
