INTRODUCTION
The history of humanity can be considered a history of prophets. God has communicated His Divine Revelation to people by means of His messengers throughout history. These messengers told people about their Lord and communicated to them the words of their Creator. The struggle a number of prophets faced in spreading the message is depicted in detail in the Qur'an. The hardships they faced, the solutions they brought and the exemplary behaviour are all clearly outlined. God communicates what His messengers endured as an example for people, for their struggle and good character are also applicable for the people of today. In the Qur'an, the stories and experiences of various prophets, besides the Prophet Muhammad (saas), such as the Prophet 'Isa (Jesus), Sulayman (Solomon), Yusuf (Joseph), Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), and many others (peace be upon them all), are conveyed as examples. For instance, there are numerous lessons for us in the righteous conduct of the Prophet Yusuf, as well as sagacious insight about human and social psychology in Yusuf's relation with his brothers, his being thrown into a well by them, his being sold into slavery, his being thrown into prison while a slave in the King's palace because of wrongful accusations, and his being placed in authority over the state treasury. There is indeed an important example for us in the Prophet Ibrahim, who is mentioned by God in the Qur'an as "…a great example for you…," for his conscientiousness and clemency, and for putting his trust in God and his turning towards God when he was being cast into the fire.
The prophet that is most frequently employed as an example in the Qur'an is the Prophet Musa (Moses) (as). Musa's name is referred to in 34 different suras (chapters). We can find extensive information about the life of Musa in three of the largest suras (al-A'raf, Ta Ha, and al-Qasas). All these suras and verses offer detailed accounts of his difficulties with Pharaoh, beginning in his childhood, the evil conduct of his people and his struggle in communicating the message to them. His unyielding courage under the most stringent circumstances is presented with the intention of being an example to people. In this book we will examine the life of Musa as it is depicted in the Qur'an. We will explore the events he has lived through as it is described. Essentially, the events in the Prophet Musa's life should not be regarded merely as events of the ancient past, but rather as events and examples to shed light to our own lives today.
In ancient Egypt, the Israelites, who were the descendants of Prophet Jacob (Ya’qub), were treated very badly by the Pharaoh. He was the king of Egypt and had forced the Israelites to work as slaves. Pharaoh was very proud and cruel; he even said he was a god and told people to worship him. One day, Pharaoh heard a prediction that an Israelite boy would be born and would grow up to challenge his rule. This made him very scared and angry, so he ordered that all baby boys born to the Israelites be killed.
During this time, a baby named Musa (Moses) was born. His mother was very worried about his safety, but she believed in Allah and was inspired with a brave plan. She made a small basket, placed baby Musa inside, and gently set it in the Nile River, hoping Allah would keep him safe.
The basket floated down the river and ended up near the Pharaoh’s palace. Pharaoh’s wife found the basket and saw the baby inside. She thought he was beautiful and felt love for him right away. She asked Pharaoh if they could keep the baby, and he agreed, not knowing that this child would grow up to challenge him one day.
Allah protected baby Musa even though he was right in Pharaoh’s palace, the place of danger. This part of Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.)’s story shows us how powerful Allah’s plan is and how He can protect anyone, no matter the situation. It teaches us that when Allah watches over someone, no one can harm them.
Pharaoh’s Test of Baby Musa
When baby Musa was found near the palace, Pharaoh was suspicious and decided to test him to see if he might be the child foretold to challenge his rule. Pharaoh placed a piece of gold and a hot coal in front of the baby. By Allah’s guidance, baby Musa reached for the coal and accidentally touched it to his mouth, leaving Pharaoh convinced that the child was harmless. Thus, Musa was allowed to stay in the palace, setting the stage for his incredible future.
Allah guided baby Musa’s actions during the test. This part of the story teaches us that Allah’s protection is so complete that even the plans of the mightiest tyrants cannot succeed against His will. It reminds us to rely on Allah’s guidance in every situation, knowing He is the best of planners.
How Baby Musa Was Returned to His Mother
After Pharaoh’s wife adopted baby Musa, she began searching for a woman who could nurse him, as the baby refused to take milk from anyone. Allah’s plan was already in motion. Musa’s sister, who had been quietly following the basket down the river, approached the palace and offered to help. She told Pharaoh’s wife about a kind woman who could nurse the baby. Without realizing it was Musa’s own mother, Pharaoh’s wife agreed to the suggestion.
Baby Musa was safely returned to his mother, who was overjoyed and thanked Allah for reuniting her with her son. She nursed him and cared for him, all while knowing he was protected under Allah’s plan, even in Pharaoh’s palace.
Allah returned baby Musa to his mother in the most amazing way, showing that His plans are full of wisdom and mercy. This part of the story reminds us that Allah’s help can come from unexpected places, and we should always trust in His care and guidance.
Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.)’s Encounter with the Egyptian and His Exodus
As Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) grew up in Pharaoh’s palace, he saw how badly the Israelites, his own people, were being treated. Even though he lived in luxury, Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) never forgot where he came from. One day, Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) was walking through the city when he saw an Egyptian overseer beating an Israelite slave. Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) felt angry at the unfairness and wanted to help the Israelite. He stepped in to stop the fight and struck the Egyptian. Unfortunately, the Egyptian died from the blow. Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) was shocked and filled with regret over what he had done.
News of what happened spread quickly, and soon Pharaoh’s men were looking for Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) to punish him. Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) knew he was in great danger, so he decided to run away from Egypt to save his life. He wasn’t running away because he was afraid, but because he understood that he needed time and help from Allah to face Pharaoh and his harsh rule one day.
Leaving Egypt was a big change for Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.). He left behind the comfort and riches of the palace and became a fugitive, living far from home. This was a time for Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) to think and learn. Allah was preparing him for the
important mission that lay ahead. This part of Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.)’s story teaches us that even prophets can face hard times and make mistakes. But with true regret and Allah’s guidance, they can find their way to their true purpose.
Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.)’s Life in Midian
After Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) ran away from Egypt, he traveled for a long time and finally reached a place called Midian. He was tired, hungry, and had no place to stay. He stopped to rest by a well, where he saw two young women trying to water their sheep. The local men were taking up all the space at the well, so the women had to wait for their turn. Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) who was always kind and fair, stepped forward and helped the women draw water for their sheep, even though he was a stranger and very tired.
The young women were grateful for Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.)’s help and told their father about him. Their father, an old and wise man, wanted to meet Musa. When he spoke with Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.), he saw that Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) was strong, honest, and sincere. The old man invited Musa to stay with them, and later he offered Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) a chance to marry one of his daughters. The only condition was that Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) would work for him for eight years (or ten years if he wanted to stay longer). Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) agreed, happy to find a peaceful place to live and work.
Living in Midian was very important for Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.). During this time, he learned to be patient, responsible, and humble. Working for his father-in-law and living a simple life helped Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) become stronger and wiser. These experiences prepared him for his future role as a leader who would stand up to Pharaoh, the cruel ruler of Egypt. Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.)’s time in Midian taught him that true leadership is not about having lots of money or power, but about being humble and helping others.
The Burning Bush and the Command of Allah
After Prophet Musa (Moses) had completed his years of work in Midian, he decided to return to Egypt with his family. One night, as they were traveling, Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) saw a strange and glowing fire on the side of a mountain. Thinking he could bring back some fire to keep his family warm, Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) went closer to it. But when he reached the fire, something amazing happened—Allah spoke to him from the burning bush!
At that moment, Allah chose Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) as His Messenger and told him that he must go back to Egypt and face Pharaoh, who was treating the Israelites cruelly. This special event is known as the story of the Burning Bush and was very important in Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.)’s life. It was the start of his role as a prophet and the mission that Allah had planned for him.
To help Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) on this mission, Allah gave him two powerful signs. The first was his staff, which could turn into a snake when he threw it on the ground. The second was his hand, which would glow with a bright light when he placed it inside his cloak and took it out. These signs would show Pharaoh and the people that Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) was truly sent by Allah.
Even though Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) was afraid to go back to Egypt, especially because of what had happened with the Egyptian long ago, he trusted in Allah. Allah promised to protect him and guide him. Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) felt braver knowing that Allah was with him and that he would not be alone in his mission. This story teaches us that trusting Allah’s plan and timing is important, even when we face difficult challenges.
The Confrontation with Pharaoh
When Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) returned to Egypt, he and his brother Harun (Aaron) went straight to the palace of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) was brave and full of faith as he delivered a message from Allah. He told Pharaoh to stop claiming he was a god and to set the Israelites free from slavery. To show that his message was true, Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) performed miracles given to him by Allah. He threw his staff on the ground, and it turned into a snake. He also showed his hand, which glowed with bright, divine light.
Pharaoh was proud and stubborn. He laughed at Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.)’s miracles and said they were just tricks. He even accused Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) of being a magician. To prove he was more powerful, Pharaoh called for the best magicians in Egypt to compete against Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) in a contest. On the day of the contest, the magicians threw down their ropes, and they looked like snakes because of their tricks.
But when Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) threw his staff, it turned into a real snake and ate all the fake ones. Everyone could see that this was no ordinary magic—it was the power of Allah.
The magicians knew at once that Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.)’s message was true. They bowed down in respect and declared their belief in the God of Prophet Musa (P.B.U.H.) and Prophet Harun (P.B.U.H.). This made Pharaoh furious. He threatened to punish them, but the magicians did not change their minds. They stood firm and said they would stay true to their belief in Allah, no matter what happened.This story shows that the truth is always stronger than lies and that those who recognize and believe in Allah’s signs are brave and strong in their faith.
The Parting Of The Red Sea
