فَتَنَـٰزَعُوٓا۟ أَمْرَهُم بَيْنَهُمْ وَأَسَرُّوا۟ ٱلنَّجْوَىٰ 62
Translations
So they disputed over their affair among themselves and concealed their private conversation.
Transliteration
Fatanaza'u amrahum baynahum wa asarru an-najwa
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah describes how Pharaoh's sorcerers, after witnessing Prophet Moses's miracle, began to dispute amongst themselves and held secret consultations about what they had witnessed. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that they were deeply troubled by the signs they had seen, debating whether to acknowledge the truth or conceal it out of fear of Pharaoh's reaction. The verse illustrates the internal conflict that arises in the hearts of those who recognize truth but are constrained by worldly fear and social pressure.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the narrative in Surah Taha recounting the confrontation between Prophet Moses and Pharaoh's court. The context is the famous trial where Moses's staff was transformed into a serpent, and Pharaoh's sorcerers were challenged to replicate the miracle. After witnessing the supernatural event, the sorcerers privately discussed the matter, setting the stage for their ultimate submission to faith in the following verses.
Related Hadiths
While no specific hadith directly addresses this verse, the principle of hidden consultation (najwa) is referenced in Surah Al-Mujadalah 58:9, which warns against secret counseling for wrongdoing. Additionally, Sahih Bukhari contains hadiths about the sorcerers of Pharaoh's eventual belief in Allah, which connects to the resolution of this scene.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that recognizing divine truth does not always lead to immediate public declaration—people often struggle between inner conviction and outer circumstances. Modern readers should reflect on their own courage in standing for truth despite social or professional pressures, and recognize that silent struggle is often the prelude to genuine faith.