Page 56 - Communication and Argument in the Qur'an

54 COMMUNICATION AND ARGUMENT IN THE QUR’AN

The ruling circle of Pharaoh’s people said: “This is cer-
tainly a skilled magician who desires to expel you from
your land, so what do you recommend?” They replied:
“Detain him and his brother, and send out marshals to
the cities to bring you all of the skilled magicians.” The
magicians came to Pharaoh and asked: “Will we
receive a reward if we are the winners?” He said: “Yes,
and you will be among those brought near.” They
asked: “Musa, will you throw first or shall we be the
ones to throw?” He said: “You throw.” And when they
threw, they cast a spell on the people’s eyes and
caused them to feel great fear of them. They produced
an extremely powerful magic. We revealed to Musa:
“Throw down your staff.” And it immediately swal-
lowed up what they had forged. So the Truth took
place, and what they did was shown to be false. They
were defeated then and there, transformed into hum-
bled men. (Surat al-A‘raf: 109-119)

Musa (as) applied this efficient technique by telling
Pharaoh’s magicians to throw first. This is also a method
that can be employed by anyone who follows in the foot-
steps of messengers. By asking the other party’s views
first, making him lay down what he believes and thinks and
then devising the most suitable approach and style will be
more efficient in destroying the false views s/he entertains.

13. Employing a style that hinders the person
from erroneous behaviors

Commending what is good and avoiding what is evil is