Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
But [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] turned away (from Belief in might) along with his hosts, and said: "A sorcerer, or a madman."
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
فَتَوَلَّىٰfatawallāBut he turned away
بِرُكْنِهِۦbiruk'nihiwith his supporters
وَقَالَwaqālaand said
سَـٰحِرٌsāḥirunA magician
أَوْawor
مَجْنُونٌۭmajnūnuna madman
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
In {فَتَوَلّٰىبِرُكْنِهٖوَقَالَسٰحِرٌاَوْمَجْنُوْنٌ: ’’ بِرُكْنِهٖ ‘‘}, the "ba" is for causation. In {’’رُكْنٌ‘‘}, it means support and reliance, strength. That is, he turned away from these clear proofs because of the strength of his kingdom and armies, and despite recognizing the truth, he refused to believe and, in order to turn people away from Musa (peace be upon him), began to say that he is either a magician or insane. The incident of Musa (peace be upon him) and his detailed conversation with Pharaoh, in which Pharaoh called him insane and then a magician, can be seen in Surah Ash-Shu'ara (10 to 35).
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
39. 1. The stronger side is called a "Rukn". Here, it means his own strength and army.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
But he relied on his power and turned away [33], saying, "This is a magician or a madman."
[33] Why Did Pharaoh Call Sayyiduna Musa a Magician or Madman?
That is, he, along with all those connected to his government and his officials, collectively opposed the call of Musa ؑ and disobeyed the command of Allah. Then, by employing all his means of communication, he spread throughout the country that Musa was either a magician or a madman. He called him a magician because he wanted to convince his people that the miracles of Musa ؑ were nothing but tricks of magic, nothing more. And he called him mad because Musa ؑ had openly demanded from a tyrant and oppressive ruler like Pharaoh that the Children of Israel be set free and sent with him. That embodiment of arrogance and pride thought that if a lowly person like Musa, who was also a fugitive murderer in their eyes, made such a demand of him, then what else could it be but madness?