—that is, the clear indications. Muqatil said: It means the shining hand (1) and the staff.

It was also said: Their inference was that they said, “If this were magic, then where are our ropes and staffs?”

It was further said that “the clear proofs” means clarification and knowledge.

It is related from al-Qasim ibn Abi Bazzah that he said: When they were cast down in prostration, they did not raise their heads until they saw Paradise and Hell, saw the reward of the people of Paradise, and saw their dwellings in Paradise. At that point they said, “We will never prefer you over the clear proofs that have come to us, nor over Him who created us”—that is, we will never prefer you over Allah, who created us. It was also said that this is an oath: “By Him who created us.” “So decree whatever you will decree”—that is, do whatever you are going to do. “You can only decree concerning this worldly life”—that is, your command and authority extend only to this world, and will soon pass away.

“Indeed, we have believed in our Lord, so that He may forgive us our sins and the magic to which you compelled us. And Allah is better and more lasting.” (73)

“Indeed, we have believed in our Lord, so that He may forgive us our sins and the magic to which you compelled us.” If it is asked: How could they say this when they had come willingly, swearing by Pharaoh’s might that they would prevail?

The answer is that it is reported from al-Hasan that he said: Pharaoh used to compel some people to learn magic, so that its foundations would not disappear; indeed, he had compelled them from the outset.

Muqatil said: The magicians numbered seventy-two: two were Copts and seventy were from the Children of Israel. Pharaoh had compelled those among the Children of Israel to learn magic. This is what they meant by: “the magic to which you compelled us.”

Abd al-Aziz ibn Aban said: The magicians said to Pharaoh, “Show us Moses when he is asleep.” So he showed them Moses asleep while his staff guarded him. They then said to Pharaoh, “This is not a magician. When a magician sleeps, his magic ceases.” But Pharaoh insisted that they learn it. This is what Allah Most High meant by: “the magic to which you compelled us.”

“And Allah is better and more lasting.” Muhammad ibn Ishaq said: He is better than you in reward, and more lasting in punishment.

Muhammad ibn Kab said: He is better than you in reward (2) if He is obeyed, and more lasting than you in punishment if He is disobeyed. This answers Pharaoh’s words: “Then you will surely know which of us is more severe and more lasting in punishment.”