Surah Ta Ha (Ta Ha) 20 : 70

Explanatory Note

Then Moses threw down his staff. The sūrah describes the magnitude of the surprise which then occurred by mentioning how it affected the sorcerers who had come full of hope to win the challenge. Only a few moments earlier, their sorcery, which was of the highest standard, had generated fear among all the spectators, including Moses himself. He, a messenger of God, thought that their ropes and staffs turned into snakes, alive and moving rapidly.

Now the surprise Moses produced completely transformed their feelings and thoughts. So much so that words could not express their reaction: “So down fell the sorcerers, prostrating themselves, and declared: We do believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses.” (Verse 70) That was like a touch on a very raw nerve, and the whole body is shaken violently. It was like a light being switched on to dispel all darkness. Such power is felt by reawakened hearts, filling them, in a split second, with unshakeable faith.