The Story of Prophet Moosaa

The Story of Prophet Moosaa –I
The Birth of Moses
The story of Prophet Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, is mentioned in many different passages in the Quran, sometimes in detail, and sometimes in brief. Here, we will mention an account of his life taken from the Quran and Sunnah (prophetic tradition)
The Quran states (what means [Quran: 28:1-6]
Allaah mentions here the gist of the story, which He later expands upon. He mentioned the details of this story to His Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in truth, the way it happened; He, the Almighty, Says (what means): “Indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people into factions…”[Quran: 28:4]
Pharaoh (Pharaoh) rebelled in arrogance and was haughty. He preferred this world to the Hereafter, and disobeyed the Lord. He divided his people into sects. Some of them were made to live the life of subservience and humiliation; they were the people of Israel. They were the best people of their time. Pharaoh exploited them and dealt with them unjustly, forcing them to take up only the lowest of professions. Not only that, he also killed their males while keeping their women alive. The Quran states (what means): “…Slaughtering their [newborn] sons and keeping their females alive. Indeed, he was of the corruptors.”[Quran: 28:4]
The reason behind this evil practice was the belief of the Israelites that there would come a child from the progeny of Ibraaheem (Abraham), may Allaah exalt his mention, who would destroy the kingdom of Pharaoh. It happened when Saarah, may Allaah exalt her mention, the wife of Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, passed through Egypt, and there the king of Egypt tried to misbehave with her. But Allaah saved her, and gave her the glad tidings that from her progeny would come a boy who would destroy that kingdom. This information was well known among the Israelites. The Coptic people of Egypt talked about it, till it reached Pharaoh through some of his ministers. Pharaoh then commanded the slaying of all the Israelite male children, in fear of this child.
Imaam As-Suddi, may Allaah have mercy upon him, who was a Muslim scholar, narrated from Ibn 'Abbaas and other Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, that Pharaoh had a dream that a fire came from the direction of Jerusalem and burnt all the Coptic people and their houses, but did not harm the Israelites. He woke up terrified and gathered all his priests, soothsayers, and sorcerers, and asked them for the interpretation of his dream. They said: "There will be born a boy from these people, who will destroy the people of Egypt." So Pharaoh ordered that all newborn boys be killed, while the girls were to be kept alive.
That is why Allaah Says (what means): [Quran: 28: 6]
Allaah promised to grant strength and control to those who were weak and suppressed. This Divine promise was fulfilled, and they became, as Allaah Says in the Quran (what means): Quran: 7:137]
Allaah also Says (what means): [Quran: 26:57-59]
Pharaoh took every step to make sure that Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, would not survive his birth; he even appointed midwives to check routinely upon pregnant women, and know the time of their delivery. No woman therefore gave birth to a baby boy except that the people of Pharaoh would kill it at birth.
Allaah Says (what means): [Quran: 7:129]
So the truth is that Pharaoh ordered the killing of boys in the first place to make sure that Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, would not live after his birth.
Many exegetes stated that the Coptic population complained to Pharaoh that the Israelites were decreasing in number because of the killing of their boys, so soon both the old and the young might perish. Consequently, they would lose the manpower of the Israelites, and be forced to carry out the work which they did. So Pharaoh found an economically and socially sound solution, and hence decreed a new order: to kill the boys born in one year and then spare the lives of those born during the following year.
It is said that Haaroon (Aaron), may Allaah exalt his mention, was born during the year of pardon when children were not killed, while Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, was born in the year in which they were being killed. Moosaa’s mother was very worried from the moment she became pregnant. However, the sign of pregnancy did not show on her. When she gave birth to Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, it was inspired to her that she should make a chest (wooden box) and tie it with a long rope, with the other end tied to her house. As her house was on the bank of the Nile, she would place him in the chest letting the rope loose so it could be hidden in the reeds of the Nile.
Allaah Says (what means): [Quran: 28:7-9]
She was inspired in her heart that there was no cause for fear, even if he disappeared, Allaah would bring him back to her, because He was going to send him as His Prophet and Messenger. He would be a person of honour in this world and in the Hereafter. She used to do what she had been commanded. However, on the day when she let the chest go in the Nile, she forgot to tie it to her house. The chest went on till it passed by Pharaoh’s palace.
The palace servants found the basket with the baby and took it to Pharaoh and his queen. When the queen beheld the lovely infant, Allaah instilled in her a strong love for this baby. Pharaoh’s wife was very different from him. He was a disbeliever; she was a believer. He was cruel; she was merciful. He was a tyrant; she was delicate and kind-hearted. She was sad because she was infertile and had hoped to have a son. Hardly had she held the baby than she kissed him.
Pharaoh was stunned when he saw his wife hugging this baby to her breast. He was much astonished because his wife was weeping with joy, something he had never seen her do before. She requested her husband to allow her to keep the baby, so that he could be a son to him. So, as the Quran states (what means [Quran: 28:8]
[To be continued…]


The story of Prophet Moosaa -II
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THURSDAY 22/12/2005
His Nursing
The queen summoned a few wet nurses to suckle baby Moosaa (Moses), may Allaah exalt his mention, but he would not take any of their breasts. The queen was distressed and sent for more wet nurses. Moosaa’s sister was also worried, as her baby brother had gone without milk for a long time. Seeing the queen's anxiety, she blurted that she knew just the mother who would suckle the child affectionately. They asked her why she was following the floating chest. She said she did so out of curiosity. Her excuse sounded reasonable, so they believed her. They ordered her to rush and fetch the woman she was talking about. Her mother also was waiting with a heavy heart, worried about the fate of her baby. Just then her daughter rushed in with the good news. Her heart lifted and she lost no time in reaching the palace. Allaah the Almighty mentions this story in the Quran. [Quran: 28:10-13]
As the child was put to her breast, he immediately started suckling. Pharaoh (Pharaoh) was astonished and asked: "Who are you? This child has refused to take any other breast but yours!" Had she told the truth, Pharaoh would have known that the child was an Israelite and would have killed it instantly. However, Allaah gave her inner strength and she replied: "I am a woman of sweet milk and sweet fragrance, and no child refuses me." This answer satisfied Pharaoh. She was appointed as Moosaa’s wet nurse. She continued to breast-feed him for a long time. When he was bigger and was weaned, she was allowed the privilege of visiting him. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt him mention, was raised in the palace as a prince.
Allaah Says (what means): “And when he attained his full strength and was [mentally] mature, We bestowed upon him judgement and knowledge. And thus do We reward the doers of good." [Quran: 28:14]
Allaah had granted Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, good health, strength, knowledge, and wisdom. The weak and oppressed turned to him for protection and justice.
One day, in the main city, he, may Allaah exalt his mention, saw two men fighting. One was an Israelite, who was being beaten by the other, an Egyptian. On seeing Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, the Israelite begged him for help. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, became involved in the dispute and, in a state of anger, struck a heavy blow on the Egyptian, who died on the spot. Upon realising that he had killed a human being, Moosaa’s heart was filled with deep sorrow, and immediately he begged Allaah for forgiveness.
He had not intended to kill the man. He pleaded with Almighty Allaah to forgive him, and he felt a sense of peace filling his whole being. Thereafter Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, began to show more patience and sympathy towards people.
Soon after this, as Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, was passing through the city, a man approached and alerted him: "O Moosaa! The chiefs have taken counsel against you. You are to be tried and killed. I would advise you to escape." Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, left Egypt in a hurry without going to Pharaoh’s palace or changing his clothes. Nor was he prepared for travelling. He did not have a beast of burden upon which to ride, and he was not in a caravan. He travelled on foot in the direction of Madyan, which was the nearest inhabited land between Syria and Egypt. His only companion in this hot desert was Allaah, and his only provision was piety. There was not a single root to pick to lessen his hunger. The hot sand burned the soles of his feet. However, fearing pursuit by Pharaoh’s men, he forced himself to continue on. He travelled for eight nights, hiding during the day. After crossing the main desert, he reached a watering hole outside Madyan where shepherds were watering their flocks.
No sooner had Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, reached Madyan than he threw himself under a tree to rest. He suffered from hunger and fatigue. The soles of his feet felt as if they were worn out from hard walking on sand and rocks and from the dust. He did not have any money to buy a new pair of sandals, nor to buy food or drink. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, noticed a band of shepherds watering their sheep. He went to the spring, where he saw two young women preventing their sheep from mixing with the others.
Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, sensed that the women were in need of help. Forgetting his thirst, he drew nearer to them and asked if he could help them in any way.
The older sister said: "We are waiting until the shepherds finish watering their sheep, then we will water ours."
Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, asked again: "Why are you waiting?"
The younger one said: "We cannot push men."
Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, was surprised that women were shepherding, as only men were supposed to do it. It is hard and tiresome work, and one needs to be on the alert. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, asked: "Why are you shepherding?"
The younger sister said: "Our father is an old man; his health is too poor for him to go outdoors for pasturing sheep."
Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, said: "I will water the sheep for you."
When he approached the water, he saw that the shepherds had put over the mouth of the spring an immense rock that could only be moved by ten men. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, embraced the rock and lifted it out of the spring's mouth. He was certainly strong. He watered their sheep and put the rock back in its place.
He returned to sit in the shade of the tree. At this moment he realised that he had forgotten to drink. His stomach was sunken because of hunger.
Almighty Allaah describes this event in the verses (which mean): [Quran: 28:23-24]
The young ladies returned home earlier than usual, which surprised their father. They related the incident at the well, which was the reason that they were back early. Their father sent one of his daughters to invite the stranger to his home. Bashfully, the woman approached Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention: "My father is grateful for what you have done for us. He invites you to our home so that he may thank you personally."
Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, welcomed this invitation and accompanied the maiden to her father. He, may Allaah exalt his mention, could see that they lived comfortably as a happy and peaceful household. He introduced himself and told the old man about the misfortune that had befallen him and had compelled him to flee from Egypt. The old man comforted him: "Fear not, you have escaped from the wrong-doers."
Moosaa’s gentle behaviour was noticed by the father and his daughters. The man invited him to stay with them. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, felt at home with this happy household, for they were friendly and fearful of Allaah.
One of the daughters suggested to her father that he employ Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, as he was strong and trustworthy. They needed someone like him, especially at the water hole, which was visited by ruffians.
The father asked her how she could be sure of his trustworthiness in such a short time. She replied: "When I bade him to follow me to our home, he insisted that I walk behind him so he would not observe my form (to avoid sexual attraction)."
The old man was pleased to hear this. He approached Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, and said: "I wish to marry you to one of my daughters on condition that you agree to work for me for a period of eight years."
This offer suited Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, very well, for being a stranger in this place, he would soon have to search for shelter and work. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, married the Madyanite's daughter and looked after the old man's animals for ten long years.
Time passed, and he lived in seclusion, far from his family and his people. This period of ten years was of importance in his life. It was a period of major preparation. Certainly Moosaa’s mind was absorbed in the stars every night. He followed the sunrise and the sunset every day. He pondered on the plants and everything else around him. He contemplated water and how the earth is revived by it and flourishes after its death.
Of course, he was also immersed in the Glorious Book of Allaah, open to the insight and heart. He was immersed in the existence of Allaah. All these became latent within him.
One day after the end of this period, a vague homesickness arose in Moosaa’s heart. He wanted to return to Egypt. He was fast and firm in making his decision, telling his wife: "Tomorrow we shall leave for Egypt." His wife said to herself. "There are a thousand dangers in departing that have not yet been revealed." However, she obeyed her husband.
[To be continued…]
Source: Sheikh Muhammad Gemeiah's translation of: ‘Stories of the Prophets’, by Imaam Ibn Katheer


The story of Prophet Moosaa -III
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SUNDAY 25/07/2010
Back to Egypt
Moosaa (Moses), may Allaah exalt his mention, left Madyan with his family and travelled through the desert until he reached Mount Sinai. There, he discovered that he had lost his way. He sought Allaah's direction and was shown the right course. At nightfall, they reached Mount Toor. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, noticed a fire in the distance. "I shall fetch a firebrand to warm us," he said to his wife.
As he neared the fire, he heard a sonorous voice calling him, with (what means): "…‘O Moosaa! Indeed I am your Lord’…" [Quran: 20:11-12] Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, was bewildered and looked around. He again heard the strange voice, saying (what means): "And what is that in your right hand, O Moosaa?" [Quran: 20:17] Shivering, he answered with (what means): "...‘It is my staff; I lean upon it, and I bring down leaves for my sheep and I have therein other uses." [Quran: 20:18] This question was asked so that Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, would focus his attention on the staff and to prepare him for the miracle which was to happen. This was the beginning of Moosaa’s mission as a prophet.
The same voice commanded him with (what means): "Throw it [i.e., the staff] down!..." [Quran: 20:19] He did so, and at once the staff became a wriggling snake. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, turned to run, but the voice again addressed him (what means): "…‘Seize it and fear not; We will return it to its former condition.’" [Quran: 20:19] The snake changed back into his staff. Moosaa’s fear subsided and was replaced by peace, for he realised that he was witnessing the truth.
Next, Allaah commanded him to thrust his hand into his robe at the armpit. When he pulled it out, the hand had a brilliant shine. He, therefore, had two signs from his Lord. Allaah then commanded Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, with what means: "Go to Pharaoh [Pharaoh]. Indeed, he has transgressed [i.e., tyrannised]."[Quran: 20:24]
However, Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, feared that he would be arrested by Pharaoh, so he turned to Allaah saying: "My Lord! I have killed a man among them and I fear that they will kill me." Allaah assured him of his safety and set his heart at rest.
Almighty Allaah narrated this event in the Quranic verses (which mean): [Quran: 20:24-36]


Moosaa and His Brother Haaroon Debate with Pharaoh
Moosaa and Haaroon, may Allaah exalt their mention, went together to Pharaoh and delivered their message. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, spoke to him about Allaah, His mercy and His Paradise, and about the obligations of monotheism and His worship.
Pharaoh listened to Moosaa’s speech with disdain. He thought that Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, was mad because he dared to question his 'supreme' position. Then he raised his hand and asked: "What do you want?"
Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, replied: "I want you to send the children of Israel with us."
Pharaoh asked: "Why should I send them, as they are my slaves?"
Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, replied: "They are the slaves of Allaah, Lord of the Worlds."
Fir’awm then inquired sarcastically if his name was Moosaa, to which Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, answered in the affirmative.
Pharaoh said: "Are you not the Moosaa whom we picked up from the Nile as a helpless baby? Are you not the Moosaa whom we reared in this palace, who ate and drank from our provisions and on whom we showered wealth with charity? Are you not the Moosaa who is a fugitive, the killer of an Egyptian man? It is said that killing is an act of disbelief. Therefore, you were a disbeliever when you killed. You are a fugitive from justice and you come to speak to me! What were you talking about O Moosaa? I forgot."
Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, knew that Pharaoh’s mentioning of his past, his upbringing, and his receiving Pharaoh’s charity was Pharaoh’s way of threatening him. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, ignored his sarcasm and explained that he was not a disbeliever when he killed the Egyptian, he only went astray and Allaah, the Almighty, had not yet given him the revelation at that time. He made Pharaoh understand that he fled from Egypt because he was afraid of their revenge upon him, even though the killing was an accident. He informed him that Allaah had granted him forgiveness and made him one of the messengers.
Allaah the Almighty revealed to us part of the dialogue between Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, and Pharaoh; He Says (what means):
" [Quran: 26:15-31]
The degree of the conflict expressed in this dialogue reached its apex; thus, the tone of dialogue changed. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, used a convincing intellectual argument against Pharaoh. However, Pharaoh escaped from the circle of dialogue based on logic and began a dialogue of another type, a type which Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, could not bear to follow, a dialogue of menace and threat. Pharaoh deliberately adopted the style of the absolute ruler. He asked Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, how he dared to worship Allaah! Did he not know that Pharaoh was a god?
After declaring his divinity, Pharaoh asked Moosaa how he dared to worship another god. The punishment for this crime was imprisonment. It was not permitted for anyone to worship anyone other than Pharaoh. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, understood that the intellectual arguments did not succeed. The calm dialogue was converted from sarcasm to mentioning charity, then to scorn, then to the threat of imprisonment.
Allaah Says (what means): [Quran: 26:30-33]
Pharaoh’s amazement turned to terror. Fearing that his rule was in danger, he addressed his advisors: "These are two wizards who will strip you of your best traditions and drive you out of the country with their magic. What do you advice?" They counselled Pharaoh to detain Moosaa and his brother, may Allaah exalt their mention, while they summoned the best magicians in the country. Then they too, could show their skills of magic and change sticks into serpents. In this way they sought to reduce the influence of Moosaa’s miracles on the masses.
Pharaoh detained Moosaa and Haaroon, may Allaah exalt their mention. He dispatched couriers all over the land to enlist the best magicians. He offered each successful magician a big reward, including appointment as a royal courtier.
[To be continued…]





The story of Prophet Moosaa -IV
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SUNDAY 25/07/2010
The Great Contest
On the customary festival day, which attracted citizens from all over the Egyptian empire, Pharaoh (Pharaoh) arranged for a public contest between Moosaa (Moses), may Allaah exalt his mention, and the magicians. The people came in droves when they heard of the greatest contest ever between Pharaoh’s many magicians, and a single man who 'claimed to be a prophet'.
Everyone was eager and excited to watch this great contest. Before it began, Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, arose and addressed the magicians, saying (what means): [Quran: 20:61]
Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, had spoken sincerely and made the magicians think. But they were overwhelmed by their greed for money and glory. They hoped to impress the people with their magic and to expose Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, as a fraud and a cheat.
Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, asked the magicians to perform first. They threw their magical objects down on the ground. Their staffs and ropes took the forms of wriggling serpents while the crowd watched in amazement. Pharaoh and his men applauded loudly. Then, Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, threw his staff. It began to wriggle and became an enormous serpent. The people stood up, craning their necks for a better view. Pharaoh and his men sat silently as Moosaa's huge serpent swallowed all the snakes, one by one. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, bent to pick it up, and it became a staff in his hand.
The crowd rose like a great wave, shouting and screaming with excitement. A wonder like this had never been seen before! On witnessing the power of Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, the magicians prostrated themselves to Allaah, declaring (what means): "…‘We believe in the Lord of Haaroon [Aaron] and Moosaa.’"[Quran: 20:70] Pharaoh was furious and began plotting his next move. He charged that the demonstration had been arranged secretly between Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, and the magicians. He demanded that the magicians confess to their scheme, threatening them with death. They refused to denounce Allaah and stuck to their sincerity of their belief. No longer hiding his cruel nature, Pharaoh threatened to cut off their hands and feet and to crucify them on the trunks of palm trees as an example to his subjects.
Almighty Allaah recounts this event in the following verses (which mean):
” [Quran: 20:57-76]
The magicians represented the elite of the Egyptian society. They were its scholars. They prostrated before righteousness, but the people abandoned them and left them to their fate. The path of righteousness was plain, but in spite of this, the people did nothing but stand by and watch. If every one of the Egyptians had stopped to pick up a piece of brick and had thrown it at Pharaoh, he would have fallen dead and the history of Egypt would have been changed. This obviously did not happen. None of the people moved. Each one stood motionless in his place. The people did nothing but watch, and they paid the price of this inactivity: they were drowned later as the price for the cowardice of one day.
Moosaa and Haaroon, may Allaah exalt their mention, left, and Pharaoh returned to his palace. Pharaoh was completely stupefied when he faced the two miracles. When Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, went out of his presence, Pharaoh’s emotions changed from amazement and fear to violent rage. He quarrelled with his ministers and men, reviled them bitterly for no reason, and commanded them to get out of his presence. When he was left alone, he tried to think more calmly. He drank several cups of wine, but his anger did not abate.
Then he summoned all the ministers, leaders, and responsible men for a serious meeting. Pharaoh entered the meeting with a rigid face. It was obvious that he would never surrender easily. He had established a kingdom on the basis of his being a god worshipped by the Egyptian people. Now Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, came to destroy what he had built. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, said that there was no Lord other than Allaah in existence. This meant that Pharaoh was a liar.
Pharaoh opened the session by throwing a sudden question at Haamaan, his aide: "Am I a liar, O Haamaan?" Haamaan fell to his knees in amazement and asked: "Who dared to accuse Pharaoh of lying?" Pharaoh said: "Has he (Moosaa) not said that there is a Lord above the heaven?" Haamaan answered: "Moosaa is lying." Turning his face to the other side, Pharaoh asserted impatiently: "I know he is a liar." Then he looked towards Haamaan and cried (what means): [Quran: 40:36-37]
Pharaoh issued his royal command to erect a lofty tower to reach the heavens. Pharaoh’s command depended fundamentally upon Egyptian civilisation and its fondness for building what Pharaoh wanted. However, he ignored the rules of engineering. In spite of this, Haamaan assented (hypocritically), knowing that it was impossible to erect such a tower. He said that he would issue a command to build it immediately. "However, your majesty, let me object to Pharaoh for the first time. You will never find anyone in the heavens. There is no god but you."
Pharaoh listened to a settled fact. Then he declared in the famous meeting his historic line (which means): "…‘O eminent ones! I have not known you to have a god other than me’…" [Quran: 28:38]
Pharaoh was absorbed in his new problem. A series of serious meetings began in his palace. He summoned those responsible for the army, the police and, what we call today his director of intelligence. He also summoned the ministers, princes, and priests. He called whoever had a powerful effect on the direction of events.
[To be continued…]


The story of Prophet Moosaa -V
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WEDNESDAY 28/07/2010
Pharaoh’s Crisis
Pharaoh (Pharaoh) was absorbed in his new problem - the loss of the magic contest with Moosaa (Moses), may Allaah exalt his mention, which led to the submission of the magicians to Moosaa's call. A series of serious meetings began in his palace. He summoned those responsible for the army, the police and, what we call today his director of intelligence. He also summoned the ministers, princes, and priests. He called whoever had a powerful effect on the direction of events.

Pharaoh asked his director of intelligence: "What are the people saying?" He said: "My men have spread among them that Moosaa won the contest because of a plot and that a major magician had joined with him in this plan. The plot had been disclosed, and we believe an unknown authority financed it." Pharaoh asked his director of police: "What about the magicians' corpses?" He said: "My men hung them in public squares and markets to terrify the people. We will spread a rumour that Pharaoh will kill whoever had anything to do with the plot." Then Pharaoh asked the commander of the army: "What does the army say?" He said: "The army hopes that commands will be issued to move in whatever direction Pharaoh desires." Pharaoh said: "The role of the army has not come yet. Its role will come."

Pharaoh fell silent. Haamaan, the Prime Minister, moved and raised his hand to speak. Pharaoh permitted him and Haamaan asked: "Will we leave Moosaa and his people to corrupt the rest of the people on the earth so that they leave your worship?" Pharaoh said: "You read my thoughts, O Haamaan. We will kill their sons, rape their women, and conquer them." He issued commands, and Pharaoh’s men rushed to slay the sons, rape the women, and imprison whoever objected to these acts.

Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, stood watching what was happening. He could not interfere, nor did he have the power to forbid these acts. All he could do was to advise his people to be patient. He ordered them to ask Allaah the Almighty for a calamity on the Egyptians. He pointed out to them the model of the Egyptian magicians who endured for Allaah's sake without complaint. He helped them to understand that Pharaoh’s soldiers behaved on earth as if they were its private owners. Pharaoh’s terrorism infused the Children of Israel with a spirit of defeat. They complained to Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, saying (what means): "…‘We have been harmed before you came to us and after you have come to us.’ He [Moosaa] said: ‘Perhaps your Lord will destroy your enemy and grant you succession in the land and see how you will do.’" [Quran: 7:129]

Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, began to face a difficult situation. He had to confront Pharaoh’s anger and plots, while, at the same time, he had to deal with the mutiny of his people. In the midst of all this, Qaaroon (Korah) moved. Qaaroon was one of Moosaa's people. He was very rich and lived in a magnificent mansion. He wore only the most expensive clothes. Numerous slaves waited on him and he indulged in every known luxury. His enormous wealth made him arrogant. Qaaroon treated the poor with contempt and told them that their poverty was due to their lack of intelligence. He believed that what he owned was due to his cleverness and business acumen.

Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, reminded Qaaroon to pay Zakaah (alms) from his wealth, a portion of which was rightfully due to the poor. Alms are compulsory upon all the believers. Qaaroon was annoyed by this advice and told Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention that his being wealthy was proof that he was favoured by Allaah, Who approved of his lifestyle and increased his wealth daily. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, argued with him and warned him of the result of his wicked thoughts.

When Qaaroon did calculate the alms due on his wealth, he was shocked at the large amount he had to part with. He not only refused to give alms, but spread a rumour that Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, had invented the law of Zakaah for his own gain. He even bribed the people to oppose Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, and to spread wicked rumours about him.

Allaah warned Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, of the plot of Qaaroon. Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, appealed to Allaah to punish him for his stinginess and for defying His laws. Allaah's wrath fell on Qaaroon. The earth opened up and swallowed him, his mansion and all his wealth, as if he had never existed. Almighty Allaah revealed (what means):
[Quran: 28: 81]

When the Egyptians and Children of Israel examined the miracle, the conflict between Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, and Pharaoh again reached a crisis because Pharaoh believed that Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, was threatening his kingdom.

Pharaoh was afraid that the people would be misled by Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention. He suggested to his ministers and notable men that Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, be killed. It was on the verge of approval, except for the vote of one of the notable men of the state, whose name is not mentioned in the Quran. The Quran simply states that this man was a believer.

This believer spoke in the assembly where the idea of killing Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, had been introduced. He proved that it was not a good idea: "Moosaa did not say more than that Allaah is his Lord. Later, he came with clear evidence that he is a Messenger. There are two possibilities; either Moosaa is righteous or a liar. If he lies, he will be responsible for his lie. If he is righteous and we slay him, where is the guarantee that we will be rescued from the torment of Allaah? Either way, he neither says nor does anything that merits our killing him."

This angered Pharaoh and his counsellors and they threatened to harm the man, but he refused to budge from his stance. Then they tried to woo him back, but he still warned them that they were inviting their doom. This further angered Pharaoh, and he now threatened to kill the man. However, Allaah protected His believer.

Almighty Allaah revealed their dialogue in the following verses (which mean): Quran: 40:26-33]

Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, repeated his demand that Pharaoh release the Children of Israel from slavery. In response, Pharaoh called his subjects, including the Children of Israel, to a huge gathering where he reminded them that he was their lord and provided all their needs. He said: "Moosaa has no gold amulets or angels following him; he is just a poor man." Being a people who had been oppressed for a very long time, they lacked vision. Their judgment was limited to what they could see in the material world. They regarded their ruler to be wealthy and able to provide all their worldly needs. In ignorance, they obeyed Pharaoh and ignored Moosaa's call. Allaah commanded Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, to warn Pharaoh of a punishment in this world for his faithlessness and his persecution of the Children of Israel.
[To be continued…]


The story of Prophet Moosaa -VI
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SUNDAY 01/08/2010
The Divine Sign
Allaah commanded Moosaa (Moses), may Allaah exalt his mention, to warn the arrogant Pharaoh (Pharaoh) of a punishment in this world for his faithlessness and his persecution of the Children of Israel. As a portent of the punishment which Allaah would mete out, the Nile did not flood its banks to soak the dry land as it normally did. As a result, crops failed, leading to famine. However, Pharaoh remained arrogant, so Allaah caused a huge flood, which devastated the land.
As often as they were troubled grievously, they appealed to Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, with (what means"[Quran: 7:134]
Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, prayed to his Lord and He relieved the suffering caused by the flood. The surging water ceased and withdrew from the land, and it became cultivatable. But when Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, bade them to fulfil their promise to release the Children of Israel, they did not respond.
Then Allaah sent swarms of locusts which ate whatever corps they had grown. The people hurried to Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, asking him to invoke Allaah to remove this affliction and promising they would send the Children of Israel with him this time. The locusts departed, but they did not fulfil their promise.
Then another sign came, the sign of lice, which spread amongst the Egyptians, carrying diseases. Their refuge to Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, and their promise to him, was repeated. His prayer to Allaah was repeated and so, too, their breach of promise, as usual.
A sign of frogs was revealed. The land suddenly filled with frogs. They jumped on the food of the Egyptians, shared their houses, and distressed them greatly. The Egyptians went to Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, again, promising him to release the Children of Israel. He prayed to his Lord, and Allaah relieved them of the problem of the frogs, but they again broke their promise.
Then the last sign was revealed, the sign of blood. The Nile water was changed into blood. When Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, and his people drank the water, it was, for them, ordinary water. However, if any Egyptian filled his cup with the water, he discovered his cup full of blood. They hurried to Moosaa as usual, but as soon as everything returned to normal, they turned their backs on Allaah.
Almighty Allaah Says in the Quran (what means): Quran: 7:130-133]
Almighty Allaah also Says (what means): "But when We removed the punishment from them until a term which they were to reach, then at once they broke their word."[Quran: 7:135]
Pharaoh became ruder and more arrogant. He proclaimed to his people: "Pharaoh is the only god. Has he not the kingdom of Egypt and rivers flowing under it?" He declared that Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, was a liar, a magician, and an indigent man who did not wear even one bracelet of gold. Almighty Allaah declares (what means):
" [Quran: 10:88-89]
[To be continued…]



The story of Prophet Moosaa -VII
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THURSDAY 22/12/2005
The Exodus
Allaah Almighty inspired Moosaa (Moses), may Allaah exalt his mention, to conduct his people from Egypt, but only a few of his people believed in his message. Almighty Allaah revealed in the Quran (what means): [Quran 10:83-86]
Almighty Allaah decided to put an end to Pharaoh’s crimes after He had given him several chances. Allaah commanded Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, to depart, and the Children of Israel received reluctant permission from Pharaoh to go out of the city for a feast. They prepared themselves to leave Egypt. This departure became known as the Exodus. They carried with them their jewels and borrowed many jewels from the Egyptians.
In the darkness of night, Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, led his people towards the Red Sea, and in the morning, they reached the beach. By then, Pharaoh was aware of their departure, so he mobilised a huge army to pursue them.
The impatient among the Children of Israel soon became agitated and Yoosha' bin Noon (Joshua) exclaimed: "In front of us is this impassable barrier, the sea, and behind us the enemy; surely death cannot be avoided!"
Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, replied that he would wait for further guidance from Allaah. These words filled them with some hope, but man is always impatient for results: they were willing to surrender themselves back into slavery. At that moment Allaah revealed to Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, (what means): "…‘Strike with your staff the sea’…" [Quran: 26:63] Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, did as he was commanded. A fierce wind blew, the sun shone brightly, and in a flash the sea parted, the crests of the waves standing like mountains on each side.
Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, led his people across. This miracle proved Moosaa's oft-repeated claim: "Indeed, with me is my Lord." As they looked back, they saw Pharaoh and his army approaching, about to take the very path which had been opened for them. In great fear and panic, they pleaded with Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, to ask Allaah to close the sea. However, Allaah commanded Moosaa, may Allaah exalt his mention, not to smite the sea with his staff again, for Allaah's decree was already in action.
Pharaoh and his army had seen the miracle, how the sea had parted, but being the pretender that he was, Pharaoh turned to his men and proclaimed: "Look! The sea has opened at my command so that I may follow those rebels and arrest them!" They rushed across the parted waters, and when they were midway, Allaah commanded the sea to return to its former state.
Terror-stricken, Pharaoh, realising his end had come, declared out of fear, what means: "…‘I believe that there is no deity except that whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am of the Muslims.’" [Quran: 10:90] But Allaah did not accept this declaration from the tyrant, and the waters closed over him, drowning him and his entire army.
Almighty Allaah narrates (what means): [Quran: 26:52-68]