Prophet Mūsā: Part 2 — The Calling and the Magicians Who Believed
Section 25 of 36 · Lives of the Prophets
The Day of the Festival
قَالَ مَوْعِدُكُمْ يَوْمُ ٱلزِّينَةِ وَأَن يُحْشَرَ ٱلنَّاسُ ضُحًى فَتَوَلَّىٰ فِرْعَوْنُ فَجَمَعَ كَيْدَهُۥ ثُمَّ أَتَىٰ
“He (Mūsā) said, “Your appointment is the festival day, and the people should be assembled at forenoon.” So, Pharaoh turned back, and put his plot together, then came.” (20:59–60)
Mūsā chose the day of al-zīnah. This was the festival of the people of Egypt. On that day all of the people would gather together and hold a big celebration. Mūsā chose that day because he wanted everybody to be there; he wanted everyone to see the signs of Allah. The appointed time is your festival day, and we will meet in the early morning, when all of the people have come together, and then we will start our contest. So Firʿawn went away and brought together all of his strength and power, and then came.