Surah Al-A'raaf (7) — Ayah 116
Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
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.
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.
116. 2 In some narrations, it is mentioned that these magicians were seventy thousand in number. Apparently, this number is not free from exaggeration. Each of them threw a rope and a staff into the field, which appeared to the onlookers as if they were running. This, in their own view, was a very great magic that they presented.
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.
[117] And the response that Musa (Moses) ؑ gave was not out of respect, nor because the magicians were considered honorable in his eyes, but rather so that the truth could be made clear only in such a way that falsehood would first display its full strength, and then, if the truth prevailed afterwards, everyone would witness it with their own eyes. For example, if Musa ؑ had cast his staff first, it was possible that there would have been no contest at all, and the magicians might have surrendered immediately, which could have caused various doubts among the people, or the magicians might have asked for more time for another contest.
[118]
The Great Magic of the Magicians:
When the magicians threw their countless staffs and ropes into the field and cast a spell over the people's eyes, the entire field appeared to be filled with moving snakes. People became terrified because the magicians had made such preparations for this royal contest that it was difficult to find a precedent for such a great magic in previous times.
