The Story of Prophet Musa (AS)

Prophet Musa (AS), also known as Moses, is one of the most frequently mentioned prophets in the Quran. His story is a testament to Allah’s power, justice, and guidance, and it carries profound lessons for humanity. Musa’s journey—from being saved as an infant to leading the Children of Israel out of bondage—illustrates the struggle for faith and freedom. His story is chronicled across multiple chapters of the Quran, with significant details in Surah Al-Qasas (Chapter 28), Surah Taha (Chapter 20), and Surah Al-A’raf (Chapter 7).

The Birth of Musa (AS)

Musa (AS) was born during a period of immense oppression. The Pharaoh of Egypt, fearing a prophecy that a male child from the Israelites would rise to overthrow him, decreed the killing of all newborn Israelite boys. Allah describes the cruelty of Pharaoh: "Indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people into factions, oppressing a group among them, slaughtering their sons and keeping their females alive. Indeed, he was of the corrupters." (Surah Al-Qasas, 28:4) When Musa (AS) was born, his mother was inspired by Allah to place him in a basket and set him adrift on the Nile to save him from Pharaoh's soldiers. Allah reassured her: "But We inspired to the mother of Moses, 'Suckle him; but when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear nor grieve. Indeed, We will return him to you and will make him [one] of the messengers.'" (Surah Al-Qasas, 28:7) The basket carried Musa (AS) to Pharaoh’s palace, where he was discovered by the Pharaoh’s wife, Asiya, who persuaded her husband to spare the child. She said: "[He may be] a comfort of the eye for me and for you. Do not kill him; perhaps he may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son." (Surah Al-Qasas, 28:9) Thus, Musa (AS) was raised in the very household of the man who sought to kill him.

Musa’s Early Life

As Musa (AS) grew, Allah bestowed upon him wisdom and strength. One day, he encountered an Israelite being beaten by an Egyptian. Overcome with anger at the injustice, Musa (AS) struck the Egyptian, unintentionally killing him. He fled Egypt in fear for his life and sought refuge in Madyan, where he met Prophet Shu’ayb (AS). In Madyan, Musa (AS) worked for Shu’ayb (AS) and eventually married one of his daughters. This period of exile served as preparation for the immense responsibility that lay ahead.

The Call to Prophethood

Years later, while traveling with his family, Musa (AS) saw a fire on Mount Tur (Also Known As Mount Sinai). Hoping to bring back some warmth, he approached the fire and was addressed by Allah. This was the moment Musa (AS) was chosen as a prophet. Allah said: "Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance." (Surah Taha, 20:14) Allah commanded Musa (AS) to confront Pharaoh and free the Israelites from slavery. To aid him, Allah granted Musa (AS) two miracles: his staff, which could transform into a serpent, and his hand, which would shine brightly when placed under his arm. Musa (AS) requested his brother Harun (AS) to assist him, and Allah granted his request.

Confronting Pharaoh

Musa (AS) and Harun (AS) returned to Egypt to deliver Allah’s message to Pharaoh. They said: "Indeed, we are messengers of your Lord, so send with us the Children of Israel and do not torment them. We have come to you with a sign from your Lord, and peace will be upon those who follow guidance." (Surah Taha, 20:47) Pharaoh, arrogant and dismissive, accused Musa (AS) of sorcery. To discredit him, he summoned the best magicians in Egypt for a public showdown.

The Contest with the Magicians

In front of a large audience, the magicians cast their spells, creating the illusion of snakes. Musa (AS), by Allah’s command, threw down his staff, which turned into a real serpent and devoured the false snakes. Witnessing this undeniable miracle, the magicians fell in prostration and declared their belief in Allah: "So the magicians fell down in prostration. They said, 'We have believed in the Lord of Aaron and Moses.'" (Surah Taha, 20:70) Pharaoh, enraged by their defiance, threatened to punish them severely, but the magicians remained steadfast in their newfound faith.

The Exodus

Despite witnessing Allah’s signs, Pharaoh refused to free the Israelites. Instead, he intensified their suffering. Allah sent a series of plagues upon Egypt—floods, locusts, lice, frogs, and blood—each a warning for Pharaoh to repent. Yet, he remained obstinate. Finally, Allah commanded Musa (AS) to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. By night, Musa (AS) and his people fled, but Pharaoh and his army pursued them. When they reached the Red Sea, the Israelites despaired, but Musa (AS), trusting Allah, struck the sea with his staff. The sea parted, creating a dry path for them to cross. Pharaoh and his army followed, but when the Israelites were safe, the waters closed in, drowning Pharaoh and his forces. Allah says: "So We saved Moses and those with him, all together. Then We drowned the others." (Surah Ash-Shu’ara, 26:65-66)

The Covenant at Mount Tur

After their escape, Allah summoned Musa (AS) to Mount Tur to receive the Torah, a divine scripture containing guidance for the Israelites. During his absence, some Israelites, influenced by a man named Samiri, created a golden calf and began worshiping it. Musa (AS) returned to find his people in disobedience. Overcome with anger, he rebuked them and destroyed the calf. Allah forgave the repentant among them, but this incident highlighted the Israelites' recurring struggles with faith.

The Trials in the Wilderness

The Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years as a test of their patience and obedience. During this time, Allah provided them with food and water, including manna and salwa (heavenly sustenance). Despite these blessings, they frequently complained and showed ingratitude, testing Musa’s (AS) patience. The story of Prophet Musa (AS) concludes with his leadership of the Children of Israel after their escape from Egypt. Despite witnessing countless miracles, the Israelites often wavered in their faith. After years of wandering in the desert as a test from Allah, they were commanded to enter the blessed land of Palestine. However, they hesitated out of fear of its inhabitants, defying Musa's (AS) orders. Allah punished them by decreeing that they wander the desert for forty years until a new generation emerged with the strength and faith to fulfill His command (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:20-26). During this period, Musa (AS) continued to guide them, enduring their complaints and disobedience with remarkable patience. Eventually, Allah informed Musa (AS) that his time on Earth was near its end. Islamic traditions mention that Musa (AS) passed away in the wilderness, not entering the Promised Land himself but remaining steadfast in his mission to serve Allah and lead his people.

The Lessons of Musa’s Story

The life of Musa (AS) is filled with profound lessons for all believers: Reliance on Allah: From the basket in the Nile to the parting of the Red Sea, Musa’s (AS) life demonstrates the importance of trusting Allah in the face of adversity. Standing for Justice: Musa (AS) was unwavering in his mission to confront tyranny and liberate the oppressed, showing the value of standing against injustice. Patience with People: Despite the repeated disobedience of the Israelites, Musa (AS) remained dedicated to guiding them, teaching us patience and perseverance. Submission to Allah’s Will: Musa’s (AS) journey reflects the importance of submitting fully to Allah’s plan, even when the path is unclear. The story of Prophet Musa (AS) is one of faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to truth. His life serves as an enduring reminder of Allah’s power and mercy and the responsibility of every believer to strive for justice and righteousness. Allah sums up Musa’s (AS) mission beautifully: "And We inspired to Moses, 'Travel by night with My servants and strike for them a dry path through the sea; you will not fear being overtaken, nor will you be afraid.'" (Surah Taha, 20:77) May we draw inspiration from the life of Musa (AS) and strive to uphold the values of faith, patience, and justice in our own lives.