by the magicians, after they had produced mighty magic, bewitched the people’s eyes and struck them with terror. Then, when the truth prevailed and they were humbled, they said:
“We believe in the Lord of all worlds,”
“the Lord of Moses and Aaron.”
Pharaoh said to them:
“Have you believed in him before I gave you permission? He must be your master who taught you magic! I will surely cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify you on the trunks of palm trees. You will certainly know which of us is more severe and lasting in punishment.”
“They said, ‘We will never prefer you over the clear signs that have come to us’”—that is, clear, certain and conclusive proofs—nor over Him who created us. He is our Creator and Lord, whom we cannot do without. We will not prefer you over these certain proofs and the Creator of all beings.
“So decree whatever you will; you can only decree concerning this worldly life.”
“We have believed in our Lord so that He may forgive us our sins and the magic you compelled us to practise. Allah is better and more lasting.”
Allah has related this account in several places in the Quran, bringing out in each a different kind of lesson and evidence. Likewise, Allah, His Messenger and His Book are called by several names, each conveying a meaning not conveyed by another. There is no repetition in this; rather, the signs are presented in varied ways. Consider the names of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: Muhammad, Ahmad, the Gatherer, the Last, the Successor, the Prophet of Mercy, the Prophet of Repentance and the Prophet of Battle. Each name conveys a meaning not conveyed by another. Although the person is one, the attributes are various.