16. The Story of Prophet Musa (AS)
The Story of Prophet Musa (AS)
A Baby in the River
Long ago, in Egypt, a cruel king named Pharaoh ruled. He enslaved the Bani Isra’il (Children of Israel) and treated them harshly. One day, Pharaoh heard a prophecy that a boy from the Bani Isra’il would grow up to defeat him. Out of fear, he ordered all newborn boys to be killed.
When Musa (AS) was born, his mother was afraid for his life. Allah inspired her to place baby Musa in a basket and float it down the river. Allah promised her:
“Do not fear or grieve. We will return him to you and make him a messenger.”
(Surah Al-Qasas 28:7)
The basket floated to Pharaoh’s palace, where his wife, Asiyah, found it. She convinced Pharaoh to adopt the baby, saying, “He may bring us joy.” Allah made Musa’s mother his nurse, reuniting them in a miraculous way.
The Burning Bush
Musa (AS) grew up in Pharaoh’s palace but always cared for the oppressed Bani Isra’il. One day, he accidentally killed an Egyptian man while defending a slave. Musa fled Egypt and lived in the land of Madyan, where he married and worked as a shepherd.
Years later, while traveling with his family, Musa (AS) saw a fire on Mount Tur. When he approached, he heard Allah’s voice. Allah said:
“O Musa! I am your Lord. Take off your sandals, for you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa.”
(Surah Taha 20:12)
Allah gave Musa two miracles:
- His staff turning into a snake.
- His hand glowing with light when placed under his arm.
Allah commanded Musa to go to Pharaoh and call him to worship Allah alone.
Confronting Pharaoh
Musa (AS), along with his brother Harun (AS), went to Pharaoh. Musa said:
“We are messengers from your Lord. Let the Children of Israel go with us and stop oppressing them.”
(Surah Taha 20:47)
Pharaoh refused and mocked Musa’s miracles. He called his magicians to challenge Musa, but when Musa threw his staff, it turned into a real snake and swallowed the magicians’ tricks. The magicians realized Musa’s power was from Allah, and they believed in Him, despite Pharaoh’s threats.
The Parting of the Sea
Pharaoh became angrier and refused to free the Bani Isra’il. Allah sent many punishments to Egypt, like floods, locusts, and frogs, but Pharaoh remained stubborn.
Finally, Allah commanded Musa to lead his people out of Egypt. Pharaoh and his army chased them to the Red Sea. Musa (AS) struck the sea with his staff, and it split into two, creating a path for the Bani Isra’il to cross safely. When Pharaoh and his army followed, the sea closed over them, drowning them all.
The Commandments
In the desert, Allah spoke to Musa on Mount Tur and gave him the Torah, a guide for the Bani Isra’il. Allah also gave Musa the Ten Commandments, teaching the people how to live righteously.
|
✦ Lessons from Prophet Musa (AS):
1. Trust in Allah: Musa’s mother trusted Allah when she placed him in the river, and Allah protected him. 2. Stand up for justice: Musa (AS) defended the oppressed and spoke the truth to Pharaoh. 3. Patience and perseverance: Musa faced many challenges but always relied on Allah’s guidance.
|
Prophet Musa (AS) is a great example of faith, courage, and leadership. His story teaches us to believe in Allah’s power and stand firm in the face of hardship.
REFERENCE:
Ibn Kathir, Stories of the Prophets;
Translated and adapted by Umme Abdul Rahman’
Graduate Alim/Alimah.
Founder & Director of imsjeddah.com.