Jonah: (75-77) Then We sent forth...

Know that this passage is rich and requires little explanation, save for one question:

When the people said, {This is clearly magic} (referring to the previous verse), how does Moses (peace be upon him) recount their statement as a question: {Is this magic?}?

The answer is: Moses (peace be upon him) did not merely report that they said, "Is this magic?" Rather, he first said, {Do you say this concerning the truth when it has come to you?} (Page V17 P113) — meaning, "What are you saying?" He then omitted the object of the verb "Do you say" because the context made it clear.

Then, he repeated, {Is this magic?} This second instance is an interrogative statement used for denial/reproach.

He then provided proof that it was not magic, saying: {And the magicians will not succeed}. This means that the essence of their craft is mere illusion and deception. {And the magicians will not succeed}.

As for the staff turning into a serpent and the splitting of the sea, these are matters known by necessity not to be within the realm of illusion and deception. Thus, it is established that it is not magic.

{7} {They said: "Have you come to us to turn us away from the ways we found our fathers following, and so that greatness may belong to you two in the land? We will not believe you two." * And Pharaoh said: "Bring to me every learned magician." * So when the magicians came, Moses said to them: "Cast down what you are going to cast down." * And when they cast down, Moses said: "What you have brought is magic. Indeed, Allah will nullify it. Indeed, Allah does not guide the work of the corrupters. * And Allah will establish the truth by His words, even if the criminals hate it."}