Introduction
Among all the prophets, Prophet Musa Alaihissalam is mentioned repeatedly in the Holy Quran by ALLAH (S.W.T.). His name occurs 136 times in almost 50 chapters in the Quran. Prophet Musa (A.S.) was one of the most beloved Prophets of ALLAH (S.W.T.) and he had the honor of speaking directly to ALLAH (S.W.T.). He was known as ‘Kalimullah’ meaning the one who speaks with ALLAH (S.W.T.) directly.
The story of Prophet Musa (A.S.) is one of the greatest stories in which ALLAH (S.W.T.) describes trials and tests in the life of his beloved Prophet the ‘Kalimullah’. The story of Prophet Musa (A.S.) plays a very important role since there are various lessons derived from his story.
The Birth Of Prophet Musa alaihissalam
Prophet Musa (as) was a direct descendent of Ibrahim (A.S.) and was born in an Israeli family. The Bani Israel were the direct descendants of Prophet Yusuf (A.S.) who was born in Palestine, however, he moved to Egypt and was buried in Egypt. During that time, the Bani Israel were the best people on earth, and Egyptians started hating the Bani Israel. And hence, the brutal ruler of Egypt ‘Firawn’enslaved them and made them carry heavy loads and treated them badly. The people of Israel were in great hardship and difficulty. The Firawn was arrogant and an oppressive ruler of Egypt. His wealth and power made him so proud that he considered himself as God.
One night, the Firawn had a dream that a fire is approaching him from the direction of Jerusalem and burned their homes in Egypt but did not harm the Bani Israel.
This strange dream made him anxious and he called the magicians and fortune tellers to understand the meaning of this dream. The fortune-tellers interpreted this dream and said that a boy from Bani Israel (offsprings of Yaqub (A.S.)) will be born in the odd years and he would destroy your entire dynasty and would kill you.
Frightened by this dream, the Firawn ordered to kill all the new baby boys born in that year. And Prophet Musa (A.S.) was born in this year of killing. And his brother Harun was born in the year when boys were spared from killing.
ALLAH (S.W.T.) mentioned in QURAN:
“Indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people into factions, oppressing a sector among them, slaughtering their [newborn] sons, and keeping their females alive. Indeed, he was of the corrupters.” (Al-Qasas28:2)
When Musa (A.S.) was born, the mother (may ALLAH (S.W.T.) be pleased with her) got worried about her baby as she was frightened by the killing.
ALLAH (S.W.T.) mentioned in QURAN:
“And We inspired to the mother of Moses, ‘Suckle him; but when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear and do not grieve. Indeed, We will return him to you and will make him [one] of the messengers.’“ (Al-Qasas 28:7)
SUBHANALLAH… indeed ALLAH is the best planner.
ALLAH (S.W.T.) guided her and eased her pain by commanding her to put the baby in a small basket and cast him in the nearby river Nile.
This basket by the will of ALLAH (S.W.T.) sailed down the river and reached the river in the palace of Firawn.
“And the family of Pharaoh picked him up [out of the river] so that he would become to them an enemy and a [cause of] grief. Indeed, Pharaoh and Hāmān and their soldiers were deliberate sinners.“ (Al-Qasas 28:8)
When the basket was opened and a beautiful baby was found inside the basket, the wife of Firawn was amazed to see such a lovely baby and fell in love with the baby instantly wishing to adopt him as ALLAH has not blessed her with a child.
She pleaded with the Firawn to not kill this baby boy. And it was all the plan of ALLAH (S.W.T.).
“And the wife of Pharaoh said, ‘[He will be] a comfort of the eye for me and you. Do not kill him; perhaps he may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son.’ And they perceived not [what was to be].“ (Al-Qasas 28:9)
Firawn agreed and gave Asiyah permission to adopt the child. The baby needed to be breastfed but he would not suckle any lady from the palace. Since it was all the power and plan of ALLAH (S.W.T.), maids were sent to find a nurse who could feed the baby, but the baby refused all of them. Then the sister of Musa (A.S.) who has been following the basket informed that she knows a woman who could feed the baby without disclosing that she is the mother of the baby and this way ALLAH (S.W.T.) reunited the baby and his mother and saved the baby from being killed by Firawn. She would feed him, spend some time with her beloved baby and send him back to the palace. The baby was taken care of and brought up in the highest form of luxury in the palace.
“So, We restored him to his mother that she might be content and not grieve and that she would know that the promise of Allah is true. But most of the people do not know.“ (Al-Qasas 28:13)
Deportation of Prophet Musa (A.S.) from Egypt
Prophet Musa (A.S.) lived in the palace of Firawn like a prince and grew up as an extremely strong man.
“He reached his full age and was firmly established” (Al-Qasas 28:14)
Once while walking through the town, he found two men fighting. Among them, one was Israeli and the other was Egyptian. Musa (A.S.) punched the Egyptian whom he found to be wrong. Though Prophet (A.S.) did not intend to hurt him since he was so strong that the Egyptian man died in just one punch.
Musa (A.S.) felt deep grief and repented to ALLAH (S.W.T.) immediately for his mistake.
“He said, ‘My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me,‘ and He forgave him. Indeed, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Al-Qasas 28:16)
This news got spread and reached the Firawn. A kind-hearted man told Musa (A.S.) to leave Egypt.
“When a man came from the farthest end of the city, running. He said, ‘O Mūsā, indeed the chiefs are conspiring to kill you, so leave! Indeed, I am to you of the sincere advisors.’“ (Al-Qasas 28:20)
So, Musa (A.S.) moved from Egypt and traveled to the land of Madyan. This journey of Musa alahissalam was a long and tough one. It was all new for him as he has never been out of Egypt before. So he said with all his faith in ALLAH (S.W.T.) “I hope that my Lord will lead me to the right path.” (Qur’an 28:22)
When he reached Madyan, he came across a well with lots of livestock and shepherds around it to watering their sheep. Two young women were waiting at a distance from the well. Musa (A.S.) approached them respectfully and enquired about the matter.
ALLAH (S.W.T.) states in the Holy Quran that Mūsā(A.S.)said to them: “What is the matter?” The women said, “We cannot draw water until the shepherds have gone away, and our father is a very old man.” So, he drew water for them, and then went to sit in the shade and said, “My Lord! I need any good You may send to me.“ (Al-Qasas 28:23-24)
The men would cover the well with heavy stone after their flocks had quenched the thirst and go away. Musa (A.S.) helped the women by moving the huge stone from his power given by ALLAH (S.W.T.) and let the women water their animals.
The women narrated the whole story to their old father, and the father then sent one of the daughters to get Musa (A.S.) to their house.
“Then one of the two women came to him, walking bashfully. She said, ‘My father invites you that he may reward you for drawing water for us.’“ (Al-Qasas 28:25)
The father was impressed by the generosity of Musa (A.S.) and offered him a meal. After being honored by the father one of the daughters said:
“O my father! Employ him for a wage.” (Al-Qasas 28:26) as she was impressed by his strength and trustworthiness.
The old father then said: “I intend to marry you one of my daughters provided you serve me for eight years. However, if you complete ten, that will be grace from you. I do not wish to place hardship upon you. If Allah wills, you shall surely find me a righteous man.“ (Al-Qasas 28:27)
Musa (A.S.) stayed in madyan and shepherded the flocks of his father-in-law and served him for almost 10 years.
According to some scholars, the righteous old man was Prophet Shuayb (A.S.) however it’s not sure and ALLAH knows best.
Musa (A.S.)’s return to Egypt and receiving the revelation
Musa (A.S.) lived happily in Madyan for 10 years serving his father-in-law. He wanted to meet his family in Egypt as he missed them during these years. So, when the contract with his father-in-law was accomplished, Musa (A.S.) decided to travel back to Egypt with his wife and kids. During this journey, Musa (A.S.) received the revelation and ALLAH (S.W.T.) spoke to him directly.
“And We sent messengers about whom We have related their stories to you before and messengers about whom We have not related to you. And Allah spoke to Mūsā directly.“ (An-Nisā 4:164)
During this journey, on a very cold and dark night, Musa (A.S.) and his family lost their way to Egypt. They continued walking in the dark when Musa (A.S.) witnessed a light/fire at a distance. He told his family “Stay here, I see a fire, I hope I may bring you from that you may warm yourselves.” (Qur’an 28:29)
When Musa (A.S.) reached to place of fire he found that the fire was coming from a tree and he was astonished to see that the tree was burning with an extraordinary light and to his surprise, the tree was illuminated in that fire as a bright light but not burning. And at this point at the valley of Tuwa, ALLAH (S.W.T.) called out to Musa (A.S.) and informed him about his prophethood speaking to him directly. (SUBHANALLAH)
ALLAH (S.W.T.) ordered Musa (A.S.) to go to Firawn and call him to Islam.
ALLAH (S.W.T.) mentiones in Quran:
And when he came to it, he was called, “O Musa, Indeed, I am your Lord, so remove your sandals. Indeed, you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa. And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed [to you]. Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance“ (Qur’an 20:11 – 20:14)
And ALLAH (S.W.T.) further informed Musa (A.S.) saying:
Indeed, the Hour is coming, I almost conceal it, so that every soul may be recompensed according to that for which it strives.
So do not let one avert you from it who does not believe in it and follows his desire, for you [then] would perish. (Qur’an 20:15-16)
ALLAH (S.W.T.) gave the command to Musa (A.S.) to call Firawn to Islam “Go to Pharaoh. Indeed, he has transgressed.” (Qur’an 21:24) and granted him with the miracle of his stick being converted to a snake.
“O Mūsā, I am the Lord of the worlds. Throwdown your staff. So, when he saw it quivering like a snake, Mūsā fled. ‘O Mūsā! Come back and fear not for you are in safety. Put your hand in your pocket and it will come out shining white without blemish and draw your hand close to your side to be free from fear. These are the two proofs from your Lord to Pharaoh and his chiefs for indeed they are a wicked people.’“ (Al-Qasas: 28:30-32)
Musa (A.S.) obeyed the command of ALLAH (S.W.T.) with his faith in ALLAH (S.W.T.) and found himself free of the disease (leprosy) he was facing and was free of the fear as well. These were the signs from ALLAH (S.W.T.). And draw in your hand to your side; it will come out white without disease – another sign, that We may show you [some] of Our greater signs. (Qur’an 20:22-23)
Musa aslaihissalam was on a prophetic mission now, so he prayed to ALLAH (S.W.T.) Musa (A.S.) said, “My Lord, expand for me my breast [with assurance], And ease for me my task, And untie the knot from my tongue, That they may understand my speech, And let him [i.e. his brother Harun] share my task, That we may exalt You much, And remember You much. Indeed, You are of us ever Seeing.” (Qur’an 20:25-35)
And so following the command of ALLAH (S.W.T.) “Go, you and your brother, with My signs and do not slacken in My remembrance. And speak to him [Pharaoh] with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear.” (Qur’an 20:44)
Musa (A.S.) and his brother Harun (A.S.) together went to Firawn and conveyed the message of ALLAH (S.W.T.) to him.
Musa (A.S.) said: “O Pharaoh, I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds, [Who is] obligated not to say about Allah except the truth. I have come to you with clear evidence from your Lord, so send with me the Children of Israel.” (Qur’an 7:104-105)
Firawn was an arrogant, and haughty personand replied: “Did we not raise you among us as a child, and you remained among us for years of your life? And [then] you did your deed which you did, and you were of the ungrateful.” (Qur’an 26:18-19)
To this, Musa(A.S.) said: “I did it, then, while I was of those astray. So I fled from you when I feared you. Then my Lord granted me wisdom and prophethood and appointed me [as one] of the messengers.” (Qur’an 26:20-21)
Musa (A.S.) continued the conversation saying: “And is this a favor of which you remind me – that you have enslaved the Children of Israel?” (Qur’an 26:22)
The high-handed Firawn asked again: “And what is the Lord of the worlds?” (Qur’an 26:23)
Replied Prophet Musa (A.S.): “The Lord of the heavens and earth and that between them, if you should be convinced.” (Qur’an 26:24)
Prophet Musa (A.S.) with his firm faith in ALLAH (S.W.T.) continued trying his best to impart the verses of ALLAH (S.W.T.) and his signs to the disbelieving Firawn.Firawn being arrogant and conceited with his wealth and power that he refused to accept the call of (Dawah) from Prophet Musa (A.S.) and humiliated him with all his fellow members and was not ready to ease the torments he did to Bani Israels. He boasted about himself “Am I not better than him who carries no respect and yields no power – who can hardly express himself in speech.” (Az-Zukhruf: 51)
Firawn rejected the words of Prophet Musa (A.S.)and started to threaten Prophet Musa (A.S.) and Harun (A.S.).
He said: “If you take a god other than me, I will surely place you among those imprisoned.” Musa (A.S.) replied, “Even if I brought you proof manifest?” Firawn said: “Then bring it if you should be of the truthful.” (Qur’an 26:29-31)
Prophet Musa (A.S.) by the will of ALLAH took his challenge and threw his staff(stick) which instantly converted into a serpent.Firawn, when saw this, rather than accepting his defeat he called Musa (A.S.) a magician. He said: “Have you come to us to drive us out of our land with your magic, O Musa?” (Qur’an 20:58)
out of fear of losing his fame and arrogance, the Firawn said to his fellow beings: “Indeed, this is a learned magician. He wants to drive you out of your land by his magic, so what do you advise?” (Qur’an 26:34-35) in response to Firawn, they said: “Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers, Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician.” (Qur’an 26:36-37).
They all feared losing against Musa alahissalam and Harun (A.S.), hence asked for time so they can call all of their magicians.
Firawn told the brothers Musa a(A.S.) and Harun (A.S.): “Then we will surely bring you magic like it, so make between us and you an appointment, which we will not fail to keep and neither will you, in a place assigned.” (Qur’an 20:58)
A contest among all the magicians of Firawn and Prophet Musa (A.S.) was fixed to take place on the day of the coming festival in front of the crowd. Musa (A.S.) agreed upon this competition as he was sure that ALLAH (S.W.T.) is with him and HE will grant him victory. The haughty Firawn imprisoned Musa (A.S.) and Harun (A.S.) till the day of the festival.
The day of festival and the contest
Egypt has the greatest magicians who were under Firawn. All the magicians were gathered on the day of the festival. Indeed, ALLAH (S.W.T.) sent his messengers for guidance to the truth and not to harm or defame anyone.
So, Prophet Musa (A.S.) informed the magicians present. He said: “Woe to you! Do not invent a lie against Allah or He will exterminate you with punishment, and he has failed who invents [such falsehood].” (Qur’an 20:61).
The magicians were got terrified and discussed among each if Musa (A.S.) is a messenger or just a magician like they are. They said: “Indeed, these are two magicians who want to drive you out of your land with their magic and do away with your most exemplary way. So resolve upon your plan and then come [forward] in line. And he has succeeded today who overcomes.” (Qur’an 20:63-64)
The disbelieving magicians asked the Firawn for a reward for the one who wins and also sought favors and rise in status.
The contest begins! Musa (A.S.) let the magicians go first. The magicians threw their sticks and ropes on the ground and all of this stuff started moving like snakes which not snakes actually but just a trick to captivating the eyes of the audiences. It is mentioned in Quran as When they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people and struck terror into them, and they presented a great [feat of] magic. (Qur’an 7:116)
Prophet Musa (A.S.) when witnessed this, a fleeting sense of fear crossed him, however, ALLAH (S.W.T.) said: “Fear not. Indeed, it is you who are superior. And throw what is in your right hand; it will swallow up what they have crafted. What they have crafted is but the trick of a magician, and the magician will not succeed wherever he is.” (Taha:68-69)
And as commanded by ALLAH (S.W.T.), his beloved Prophet Musa (A.S.) threw his staff to the ground and it immediately turned into a huge serpent and everyone was in the gathering got terrified and started to flee. The serpent of Musa (A.S.) started devouring all the snakes of the magicians one by one.
Everyone including the Firawn was shocked and speechless. They were defeated by the will of ALLAH (S.W.T.). So the magicians fell in prostration. They said, “We have believed in the Lord of Harun and Musa.“ (Qur’an 20:70)
The Firawn could not believe his defeat and was frantic with his cruelty and arrogant behavior. He exclaimed and threatened the crowd: “You believed him before I permitted you. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you on the trunks of palm trees, and you will surely know which of us is more severe in [giving] punishment and more enduring.“ (Qur’an 20:71)
Firawn was indeed a ferocious man, he imprisoned Musa (A.S.) and Harun (A.S.), even though they won the contest and he was ready to punish the magicians horrifically. However, the magicians were firm in their new faith and did not fear the threats of Firawn. instead, they said: “No harm. Indeed, to our Lord we will return. Indeed, we aspire that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we were the first of the believers.” (Quran26:50-51)
And they further said: “Never will we prefer you over what has come to us of clear proofs and [over] He who created us. So decree whatever you are to decree. You can only decree for this worldly life. Indeed, we have believed in our Lord that He may forgive us our sins and what you compelled us [to do] of magic. And Allah is better and more enduring.” (Qur’an 20:72-73). They were martyred with firm faith in ALLAH (S.W.T.) fearlessly. SubhanAllah.
The time for the Firawn’s destruction was near. Musa (A.S.) and Harun (A.S.) were delighted to witness the magicians bowing to ALLAH (S.W.T.) and believing in ISLAM.
Firawn got frantic with worry seeing all of his men converting to Islam instantly. Moreover, Firawn got extremely angry and frustrated when he came to know about his wife Asiyah (R.A)converting to Islam. He ordered to torture her to death and made her suffer a lot. But she was calm and smiling in all the pain since she has tasted the faith. She believed in one ALLAH (S.W.T.) and the true religion Islam.
The people of Firawn were very much upset with Musa alahissalam and his work of dawah, so they complained to Firawn. And the eminent among the people of Pharaoh said, “Will you leave Moses and his people to cause corruption in the land and abandon you and your gods?” [Pharaoh] said, “We will kill their sons and keep their women alive; and indeed, we are subjugators over them.“ (Qur’an 7:127)
They started to torture the Bani Israels again by killing the males and afflicted them with pain and suffering.
Musa (A.S.) informed them that they need to be strong and firm in their faith as true believers and that this hardship must not affect them and ALLAH (S.W.T.) is always with his true believers. Musa (A.S.) said: “Seek help through Allah and be patient. Indeed, the earth belongs to Allah. He causes to inherit it whom He wills of His servants. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous.” (Qur’an 7:128)
Bani Israel has been facing hardship for a very long time and they were tired of being helpless and oppressed so they complained to Musa (A.S.): They said, “We have been harmed before you came to us and after you have come to us.” He said, “Perhaps your Lord will destroy your enemy and grant you succession in the land and see how you will do.” (Qur’an 7:129)
Signs of ALLAH (S.W.T.)-Sufferings of Firawn and his people
Firawn’s disbelief and cruelness took a toll on him and his people since,they have been ignorant and rejected every sign of ALLAH (S.W.T.)
ALLAH (S.W.T.) made the people of Egypt suffer drought and starvation for many years. They still did not believe in Musa (A.S.) and kept on blaming him for all the calamities they were facing. They said to Musa (A.S.) “No matter what sign you bring us with which to bewitch us, we will not be believers in you.” (Qur’an 7:132. ALLAH (S.W.T.) increased their tribulations and put them into more trials so they can understand the prophethood of Musa (A.S.) and his message. ALLAH (S.W.T.) says in Quran: So We sent upon them the flood and locusts and lice and frogs and blood as distinct signs, but they were arrogant and were a criminal people. (Qur’an 7:133)
The locusts abolished all their crops and fruits.Then there were black tiny insects called lice everywhere. And there were frogs everywhere, in their foods, water, and every dish. They could put anything in their mouth as frogs jumped in it.Blood got mixed up in all their water resources like wells and rivers so they were not able to drink even a bit of clean water. And then flood washed away their fertile lands.
After each affliction, whenever the situation became intolerable for the Egyptians, they turned to Musa for help as they were aware that Musa (A.S.) would ask ALLAH (S.W.T.) to free us from these sufferings and only ALLAH (S.W.T.) can help us but due to their arrogance and stubbornness they did not pray to ALLAH (S.W.T.) directly.And when the punishment descended upon them, they said, “O Moses, invoke for us your Lord by what He has promised you. If you [can] remove the punishment from us, we will surely believe you, and we will send with you the Children of Israel.” (Qur’an 7:134)
Musa (A.S.) prayed to ALLAH (S.W.T.) to ease their sufferings and ALLAH (S.W.T.) removed the torments from the Egyptians.The ignorant people of Egypt never kept their promises and after they were freed from hardships, they continued to scoff about Faith and the true religion with no fear of ALLAH (S.W.T.).
Despite getting many opportunities from ALLAH (S.W.T.) to repent, they never accepted the truth and continued mocking Musa (A.S.) and his faith.
The ignorant Firawn addressed his people: O my people, does not the kingdom of Egypt belong to me, and these rivers flowing beneath me; then do you not see? Or am I [not] better than this one who is insignificant and hardly makes himself clear? Then why have there not been placed upon him bracelets of gold or come with him the angels in conjunction?” So he bluffed his people, and they obeyed him. Indeed, they were [themselves] a people defiantly disobedient [of Allah]. (Qur’an 43:51 to 43:54)
Due to the continuous rejection of faith by Firawn and his people, Musa (A.S.) was commanded by ALLAH (S.W.T.) to leave EGYPT with Bani Israel during the night hours. This was going to be a difficult journey since the Bani Israel comprised of hundreds of men women and children. Cruel Firawn set out his army to follow and lookout for the Bani Israel. When Bnai Israel faced the huge army of Firawn, many of them with weak faith got frightened and said: “And when the two hosts saw each other, the people of Mūsā said, ‘We are sure to be overtaken.’“ (Quran26:61)
Musa (A.S.) with his firm faith in ALLAH (S.W.T.) said: “No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.“ (Qur’an 26:62)
ALLAH (S.W.T.) inspired Musa (A.S.) to move towards the red sea and as they reached, Bani Israel started panicking feeling as there was no escape from the sea in front and Firawn’s army behind. Despite witnessing many signs from ALLAH (S.W.T.), some of the Bani Israel felt weak and did not trust ALLAH (S.W.T.), and feared their lives.
Musa (A.S.) received revelation from ALLAH (S.W.T.): ALLAH (S.W.T.) mentions in QURAN Then We inspired Moses, “Strike with your staff the sea,” and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain. (Qur’an 26:63)the moment, Musa (A.S.) struck his stick/staff on the sea, the sea parted into two halves and stood like huge mountains on either side, making a way in between to walk. The Bani Israel crossed the sea effortlessly by the mercy of ALLAH (S.W.T.) and were happy for this divine help.
Firawn and his army when approached the sea and saw the Bani Israel cross the sea so easily, their hearts filled with arrogance and disbelieve thought they could also cross the sea like them. They entered the sea after the Bani Israel passed through it. And as the army of Firawn entered the sea and tried to cross, ALLAH (S.W.T.) collapsed the mountains of the seawater over them and drowned them. Realizing his inescapable death, Firawn proclaimed that he believes in ALLAH (S.W.T.) and he is a Muslim. ALLAH (S.W.T.) says in Quran: And We took the Children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh and his soldiers pursued them in tyranny and enmity until, when drowning overtook him, he said, “I believe that there is no deity except that in whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am of the Muslims.” (Qur’an 10:90).
ALLAH (S.W.T.) replied: “Now O Pharaoh?! While you had surely disobeyed Him before and were of the corrupt ones?” (Quran 10:91)
He has always been ignorant throughout his life and missed all the opportunities granted by ALLAH (S.W.T.) to repent and believe.
ALLAH (S.W.T.) mentions in the Quran:
So today We will save you in the body that you may be to those who succeed you a sign. And indeed, many among the people, of Our signs, are heedless. (Qur’an 10:92).
The new journey of Bani Israel after the end of Firawn
While crossing the read sea, Jibrail (A.S.) was riding alongside Musa (A.S.). It is said that, with each hoof of the horse that struck the ground, the soil transformed and grass grew instantly from it. Reports say that a man names Al-samiri from Bani Israel observed this and he took the dust of horse’s foot.
Bani Israel with Musa (A.S.) continued their journey towards Jerusalem. Jerusalem was at that time was a place full of sinners and disbelievers. Musa (A.S.) said to his people: “O my people! Enter the holy land (Palestine) which Allah has assigned to you, and turn not back (in flight) for then you will be returned as losers. They said: “O Musa (Musa)! In it (this holy land) are a people of great strength, and we shall never enter it, till they leave it; when they leave, then we will enter.” (Qur’an 5:21- 5:22)
However, except for two men from the entire Bnai Israel who believed and agreed to follow the commands of ALLAH (S.W.T.). Rest refused to listen to Musa (A.S.) and rejected their faith despite witnessing the signs of ALLAH (S.W.T.) and the miraculous end of Firawn. It is stated in Quran as:
Two men of those who feared (Allah and) on whom Allah had bestowed His Grace [they were Yusha’ (Joshua) and Kaleb (Caleb)] said: “Assault them through the gate, for when you are in, victory will be yours, and put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed.”(Al Qur’an 5:23)
People who disbelieved and has lost their faith in ALLAH (S.W.T.) said to Musa (A.S.): “O Musa (Musa)! We shall never enter it as long as they are there. So go you and your Lord and fight you two, we are sitting right here.” (Qur’an 5:24)
Musa (A.S.) supplicated to ALLAH (S.W.T.) in response to their ignorant words: “O my Lord! I have power only over myself and my brother, so separate us from the people who are the Fasiqun (rebellious and disobedient to Allah)!” (Qur’an 5:25).
ALLAH (S.W.T.) punished those who disobeyed and rejected faith. They were made to wander in the deserts for forty years. They were lost and moving without any destination. ALLAH (S.W.T.) says in Quran: “Therefore it (this holy land) is forbidden to them for forty years; in distraction, they will wander through the land. So be not sorrowful over the people who are the Fasiqun (rebellious and disobedient to Allah).” ( Qur’an 5:26)
Worship of the golden calf
ALLAH (S.W.T.) appointed Musa (A.S.) to meet him at Kohe Tur. The duration was for 30 days and Musa (A.S.) was commanded by ALLAH (S.W.T.) to fast for 30 days before meeting Him. Musa (A.S.) left for the mission and assigned Harun (A.S.) to take care of Bani Israel and he said: “Do right, and not follow the way of the corrupt.” (Qur’an 7:142-7:143)
When Musa (A.S.) left for his appointment with ALLAH (S.W.T.), Al-Samiri melted some gold and transformed it into a calf-shaped figure. He threw the dust that he took from the hoove of Jibrail (A.S.)’s horse. Due to which the cow started producing a sound that made Bani Israel believe that it has some miraculous powers.“Then he (Samiri) took out (of the fire) for them a statue of a calf which seemed to low. They said: “This is your ilah (god), and the ilah (god) of Musa (Musa), but [Musa (Musa)] has forgotten (his god).'” ( Qur’an 20:88)
Harun (A.S.) tried his best to remind them of the true faith but he failed.
Bani Israel started to worship the golden calf in the absence of Prophet Musa (A.S.). Their faith weakened and they said: “We will not stop worshipping it (i.e. the calf) until Musa returns to us.” (Qur’an 20:91)
Musa (A.S.)returned and got extremely angry seeing such ignorant behavior. Out of anger he threw the tablets of Torah on the ground and grabbed his brother by his beard. Musa (A.S.) asked Harun(A.S.) why did he not stopped them.
Harun (A.S.) replied: “O son of my mother! Seize (me) not by my beard, nor by my head! Verily, I feared lest you should say: ‘You have caused a division among the Children of Israel, and you have not respected my word!’” (Qur’an 20:94).
Al-Samiri was cursed by Musa (A.S.) and Musa (A.S.) prayed to ALLAH (S.W.T.): “O my Lord! Forgive me and my brother, and make us enter into Your Mercy, for you are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy.” (Qur’an 7:155)
ALLAH (S.W.T.) granted them forgiveness except for those who worshiped the golden calf. The calf was discarded in the sea. ALLAH (S.W.T.) mentions in Quran: And (remember) when Musa said to his people: “O my people! Verily, you have wronged yourselves by worshipping the calf. So turn in repentance to your Creator and kill yourselves (the innocent kill the wrongdoers among you), that will be better for you with your Lord.” Then He accepted your repentance. Truly, He is the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. (Qur’an 2:54)
The Bani Israel, due to their disbelief and rebellious nature faced various calamities and trials.
The life of Bani Israel in a different country
ALLAH (S.W.T.) bestowed his mercy on Bani Israel despite their arrogance and disobedience. They were provided with food from various places easily. ALLAH (S.W.T.) granted them manna and quails and asked them to consume from what is lawful. Bani Israel complained to Musa (A.S.) for their thrust, then Musa (A.S.) prayed to ALLAH (S.W.T.) to relieve their thrust. ALLAH (S.W.T.) asked Musa (A.S.) to hit a rock with his stick and when Musa (A.S.) did so, twelve springs poured from the rock miraculously, one for each tribe of Bani Israel.However, Bani Israel continued to be complaining about the various rewards and bounties of ALLAH (S.W.T.) and asked for more and more. They said to Musa (A.S.): “O Musa! We cannot endure one kind of food. So invoke your Lord for us to bring forth for us of what the earth grows, its herbs, its cucumbers, its Fum (wheat or garlic), its lentils and its onions.” ( Qur’an 2:61)
At their increasing demands and ungratefulness, Musa (A.S.) said: “Would you exchange that which is better for that which is lower? Go you down to any town and you shall find what you want!” ( Qur’an 2:61)
Due to their thankless and complaining attitude towards all the favors of ALLAH (S.W.T.), they faced the wrath of ALLAH (S.W.T.) and wandered in the deserts for many years. Although they have seen the signs of ALLAH (S.W.T.), being favored by ALLAH (S.W.T.) with food and water constantly, they continued being haughty and ungrateful. Bani Israel said to Musa (A.S.): “O Musa! We will not believe in you until we see God openly.” (Qur’an 2:55)
Musa (A.S.) them for the meeting with ALLAH (S.W.T.) where they all were captured by a thunderstorm which they could not face and died. Musa (A.S.) prayed to his Lord to forgive the wrongdoers and grant them mercy. And Musa chose out of his people seventy (of the best) men for Our appointed time and place of meeting, and when they were seized with a violent earthquake, he said: “O my Lord, if it had been Your Will, You could have destroyed them and me before; would You destroy us for the deeds of the foolish ones among us? It is only Your Trial by which You lead astray whom You will, and keep guided whom You will. You are our Wali (Protector), so forgive us and have Mercy on us, for You are the Best of those who forgive. (Qur’an 7:155)
ALLAH (S.W.T.) said: “Hold firmly to what We have given you [i.e. the Taurat (Torah)], and remember that which is therein (act on its commandments), so that you may fear Allah and obey Him.” (Al Qur’an 7:171)
Bani Israels were made alive by ALLAH (S.W.T.) but again denied all the signs and favors of ALLAH (S.W.T.). Due to the stubborn behavior of Bani Israels, ALLH (S.W.T.) discontinued granting them any favors and guidance.
Death of Prophet Musa (A.S.)
Narrated Abu Huraira RA: “The angel of death was sent to Musa and when he went to him, Musa slapped him severely, spoiling one of his eyes. The angel went back to his Lord, and said, “You sent me to a slave who does not want to die.” Allah restored his eye and said, “Go back and tell him (i.e. Musa) to place his hand over the back of an ox, for he will be allowed to live for several years equal to the number of hairs coming under his hand.” (So the angel came to him and told him the same). Then Musa asked, “O my Lord! What will be then?” He said, “Death will be then.” He (Musa) said, “(Let it be) now.” He asked Allah that He bring him near the Sacred Land at a distance of a stone’s throw. Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “Were I there I would show you the grave of Musa by the way near the red sand hill.” (Al Bukhari)
So, the was the story of Prophet Musa (A.S.), In the future post will Write a story of Prophet Musa and Qaroon and a story of Prophet Musa and Khidr.
More Prophet Stories for you
Prophet Shuaib (A.S.)
Prophet Haroon (A.S.)
Prophet Yusha (A.S.)
Prophet Musa story in Quran which surah?
Prophet Musa Mentioned in many Surahs of the Quran such as Surah Al-Baqrah, An-Nisa, Al-ʾAnʿām, Al-Araf, Maryam, Taha, Al-Furqan, Ash-Shu’ara’, An-Naml, Al-Qasas, Al-Ahzab, As-Saffat, Ad-Dukhan.
what is the name of prophet Musa father?
Prophet Musa’s Father’s name is ʿImrān (Amram)
Prophet musa real mother name in islam
Al-Qurtubi said in his Tafseer: “Her name was Ayaarkha, and it was said Ayaarakht as stated by As-Suhayli; and Ath-Tha’labi said: The name of the mother of Moosa was Lawha bint Haanid ibn Laawa ibn Ya‘qoob.”
Ibn ‘Atiyyah said in Al-Muharrar Al-Wajeez: “Her name was Yoohaana.”
Reference: www.islamweb.net/en/fatwa/266770/the-name-of-prophet-moosas-mother
Prophet Musa dua before speech
رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِنْ لِسَانِي يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي
“Rabbish rah lee sadree Wa yassir leee amree Wahlul ‘uqdatan milli saanee Yafqahoo qawlee”
“My Lord, expand for me my breast [with assurance] And ease for me my task And untie the knot from my tongue That they may understand my speech.”
– Surah Ta-Ha Ayat 25-28
Who took care of Prophet Musa?
Asiya bint Muzahim (Arabic: آسِيَة بِنْت مُزَاحِم) took care of prophet Musa, was the Great Royal Wife of ancient Egypt’s Pharaoh and
Where is prophet Musa buried?
The exact location where Musa (عليه السلام) is buried is unknown but tradition holds that Salahuddin Ayyubi once had a dream where he was shown the spot located 11km south of Jericho and 20km east of Jerusalem. He had built a mosque on the site which was further expanded by Sultan Baybars in 1269 CE.
