The Story of prophet Musa (Moses) According to Islam
Significance of Prophet Musa in Islam
Prophet Musa, known as Moses in the Judeo-Christian tradition, holds immense significance in Islam. Revered as one of the greatest prophets, he is frequently mentioned in the Quran, more than any other individual. His story serves to illustrate core Islamic beliefs about faith, justice, and obedience to God.
Purpose of Musa's story in religious teachings
The narrative of Musa conveys vital lessons that resonate with believers today:
- Faith in Adversity: Musa’s perseverance symbolizes unwavering belief, even in the face of challenges.
- Justice and Compassion: His confrontations with Pharaoh highlight the importance of standing up against tyranny.
- Divine Guidance: The miracles and revelations received by Musa emphasize reliance on God and God’s support and protection guaranteed to messengers to convey their message.
Through these teachings, Musa’s life provides a framework for understanding the principles of Islam and the importance of moral integrity.
Childhood and Early Life of Musa
Birth and Upbringing in Egypt
Musa’s story begins in Ancient Egypt, where he was born to an Israelite family during a tumultuous period. His birth was shrouded in danger, as Pharaoh had decreed the killing of all newborn Israelite boys because of a vision and a prediction by his priests that a Israelite boy will grow up and will end his kingship. In response to a command revealed from Allah to his mother, she placed him in a basket and set him afloat in the Nile, where he was discovered by Pharaoh’s wife, ‘Asiya’ according to some resources.
Adoptive Home
In the beginning Pharaoh wanted to kill this infant suspecting that he must be an Israelite child who was put into the basket and into the Nile. His wife, Asiya pleaded with him to let her raise him as their own son as there is no benefit from killing him. Pharaoh eventually and reluctantly accepted her persistent requests. Asiya raised Musa as her own son, providing him with privileges amidst a challenging backdrop.
Rejoining his mother
Allah made Musa reject any of the breast-feeding women (wet nurses) that tried to feed him. His elder sister was sneaking in every day to see how her brother is doing. When she saw him, she offered her mother to them to nurse Musa, and they accepted. They were at a stage where they feared Musa was going to die out of starvation while rejecting all nurses and any type of food. This was how Allah returned Musa to the arms of his mother and this time under the protection and care of Pharaoh himself. Pharaoh was now raising the kid he always feared was going to end him. He tried to kill the Israelite infants in Egypt and Allah made him raise the one he was trying to kill in the first place.
Encounter with Pharaoh's tyranny
Growing up as a prince
As Musa grew up, he became increasingly aware of the tyranny surrounding him—a stark reminder of the oppression faced by his people. He was known among Egyptians as an Egyptian prince and as a member of Pharaoh’s household. Israelites also knew he was one of them. His encounters with the harsh realities of slavery and suffering ignited a sense of justice within him.
Accidental Crime
One pivotal moment came when Musa intervened in an altercation while walking in the market, unintentionally ending the life of an Egyptian. He witnessed and Egyptian beating an Israelite, and the Israelite asked him for help. He stepped and had a quick altercation with the Egyptian that resulted in the death of that Egyptian. Musa was extremely a powerful man. He did not intend to kill the Egyptian, but he did not realize how powerful he was and one hit from his side was enough to cause death to his opponent. No one saw this incident other than the Israelite man he helped.
Exposed by the one he helped
The next day he went to the market again to try to see if there was any discussions or news about what happened the other day. He then saw the same Israelite in an altercation with another Egyptian. The Israelite asked him for help again. Musa said t o him “You are a temptation for evil” When he intended to help the Israelite, he thought that Musa was angry at him and that he was going to harm him. He said ‘Oh, Musa are you going to kill me like the man you killed yesterday?” And this is how everyone knew it was Musa who killed the Egyptian from yesterday. No one could touch him on the spot as he was considered a prince though, but the palace of the Pharaoh was informed about this news.
Leaving Egypt
Few days later, a man who was probably Egyptian with access to Pharaoh’s palace insider information came to Musa and told him ‘People (at the palace) are conspiring with Pharaoh to kill you because of what you did. It would be better if you get out of Egypt”. Musa acted immediately and was afraid for his life. He left in a hurry and left the life of luxury and comfort behind him. He never returned to this lifestyle of a prince again from that day.
These early experiences not only sculpted Musa’s character but also set the stage for his future mission to liberate the Israelites.
The Call to Prophethood
Divine revelation at Mount Sinai
Arriving at Median
After fleeing Egypt, Musa found refuge in Midian, where he led a humble life. As soon as he arrived at Median’s outskirts, he saw a group of camel and sheep herders gathered around a water well to get water for their animals. He also saw two women standing on the side and they looked concerned. He approached them and asked ‘What is bothering you?” they said “our father is an elderly man, and we are too late to get back to him, but we must wait until all these men are done extracting water from the well. We can’t compete with them over the well”. Musa was a strong, muscular and tall man. He went in, fought his way to the well, got them the water they needed.
The Invitation
After that, he went to rest under a tree. He was exhausted from all the traveling and then the struggle over the water well. He was a pious believer. He followed the steps of his forefathers Jacob, Isaac, and Ibrahim. His family raised him to follow the true religion. He never believed in the Egyptian religion that considered Pharaoh to be a god among other number of Egyptian gods. He turned to God and prayed “Oh, my lord, with all your blessings that I acknowledge, I am now too poor”. Moments later, one of the two girls he helped earlier came walking to him looking shy and said, “My father is inviting you over to thank you for what you did”. He walked with them to their home. He walked in front of them to avoid staring at them if the led the way. Musa was a pious man.
A new life chapter
When he met, the father thanked him, and Musa told him his story in Egypt. The man responded, “Don’t be afraid, you have escaped these unjust people now”. Some non-Islamic resources mention that this man was the prophet ‘Shuaib’ or ‘Jethro’ in the Bible who was earlier sent to Median, but Islamic resources do not support that. The man then offered him to marry one of his daughters, stay with them for the next 8 years to take care of the family matters, and then leave if he wanted to leave. The man also said, “If you complete 10 years, that is up to you”. Musa agreed. He stayed with this family and started a family of his own. However, his destiny would soon change dramatically.
Fire in the desert
After spending ten years in Median, Musa left with his family. He wanted to go back to Egypt and to meet his family and his people. One night while passing across Sinai, he saw what looked like a nearby small fire coming from a nearby bush. He told his family “Stay here, I’ll go see who is there. I may learn some news or get some fire that we can use for warming our camp”.
Talking to Allah
As soon as Musa came close to the source of fire which seemed to be coming out from a bush in the middle of the desert, he heard a sound talking to him “Oh, Musa I am Allah, your lord. Take off your sandals and come closer.” Musa was terrified and did not know what to do. Allah told him “Do not fear, messengers do not fear my presence”. Musa went closer with a staff in his hand. Allah then told him “What is that in your hand?” Musa replied, “It is my staff, I lean on it or use it to guide my sheep or do other stuff”. Allah then said, “Throw it down Musa”. When Musa threw the staff into the ground it immediately became a huge serpent. Musa immediately ran away in fear. Allah then called him back “Come back Musa, do not fear”. Musa then came back slowly. Allah told Musa ‘Pick it up”. Musa picked the serpent, and it immediately converted back to a staff. Allah then to told Musa to put his hand under his armpit and then take it out. His hand became white and shining. Musa was dark skinned. Allah told him “This is another sign. These are two of nine signs that I am giving you as proof to Pharaoh that you are my messenger”. Some non-Islamic sources mention that Musa had Leprosy in his hand. Islam sources do not support that. The miracle only turned his dark-skinned hand into a white glowing hand.
Appointed by Allah
Musa now understood his mission. He was appointed by Allah as a messenger to one of the most feared nonbelievers on Earth: Pharaoh of Egypt. This was a difficult mission. He was also commanded by Allah to ask Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go and to free them from slavery. Musa asked Allah to allow him to have his brother Harun as an assistant. He said ‘Oh Allah, make by brother Harun my deputy. He speaks better than I can speak. He can help me in my mission”. Allah accepted Musa’s request and said “We will empower you with the help from your brother and you both will be protected from any harm. You both and your followers will be victorious”. No one on Earth at that time could make that challenge against the most powerful man on Earth, Pharaoh of Egypt. Only Allah could defeat him.
God's instructions to deliver the Israelites
With the weight of this divine task, Musa understood his mission, and then he continued his journey to Egypt and met his family and his people. Harun became a prophet appointed by Allah too. Both went to Pharaoh to fulfill their mission.
Confronting Pharaoh of Egypt
First time meeting Pharaoh
Musa’s first meeting with Pharaoh started with Musa and Harun inviting Pharaoh to acknowledge and worship the one and only creator of the world, Allah. Pharaoh responded by reminding Musa that he was a murderer and a fugitive. Musa replied that this was not an intentional incident. Pharaoh then asked Musa, if he is inviting them to worship Allah, what about all those who passed away from the previous generations? Musa and Harun responded that Allah knows who he created and how they will be judged. Pharaoh then asked Musa, did your god give you a sign or a proof that he is actually a god? Musa said yes, and then he threw his staff to the ground, and it immediately turned into a large serpent. Pharaoh was terrified at the scene and Musa picked the staff up and it turned back to a staff. Musa then put his hand into his pocket and when he took it out it became purely white and with a glow.
A historical challenge
Pharaoh then thought this was magic, but an unusual level of magic. Musa must have become a wizard somehow. Egypt was famous for the arts of magic including all types of magic. There were large groups of professional magicians across Egypt. He then challenged Musa: What you have presented is magic. We have greater magic than yours. I will bring my magicians, and they will beat you at your game. Musa asked Pharaoh to set a specific date for that challenge, a famous Egyptian celebration day where many Egyptians usually gather for celebration. Musa saw it as an opportunity to invite as many people as possible to believe in the true God, Allah.
The challenge day
The day of the Egyptian Magicians: On the assigned day, people gathered from all over Egypt for celebration. This year there was an extra event: The challenge between the Egyptian magicians and the Jew who claims to be the messenger of God. The magicians gathered and discussed their strategy. They asked Pharaoh “Are we going to be rewarded for this?” and Pharaoh told them “You will get great rewards if you win today”. They deliberated together and agreed that these two (Musa and Harun) are coming with new magic tricks and they want to take over our role and drive us out of business. We must come together and defeat them.
The magicians show
They said to Musa “You start, or we will”. Musa responded, “You start”. The magicians presented with their best magical tricks. They captivated the eyes and minds of the audience. Everyone was mesmerized and amazed including Musa. Musa felt a little afraid after seeing how good the magicians were. They made sticks and ropes move and run like snakes. They made them seem alive. Allah inspired Musa at this moment “Be calm, do not be afraid, and throw the staff in your hand to the ground”.
The strike of the miracle
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Musa threw his staff to the ground, and everything changed. The staff turned into a huge serpent. It started moving and eating the fake snakes made of sticks and ropes by the Egyptian magicians. The Egyptian magicians’ jaws dropped down. “This is not magic” they said. They were the experts, and Egypt was the best in this art, so they knew what they were saying. They had nothing to say but to shout together in one voice “We believe in Musa and Harun’s God” They fell to the ground prostrating to God, Allah. They just saw a piece of wood turn into a living large serpent and magic can’t do that. This was not magic, but a power beyond this world creating a living serpent right before their eyes.
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The revenge of Pharaoh
Pharaoh was furious. He shouted at the magicians “You allowed yourselves to believe in a god without my permission. This is a conspiracy. You conspired with Musa against the state and against me. You will be punished for that. He must be your master magician, and you were hiding it. You will be crucified on palm tree trunks. Your limbs will be cross severed (one limb on each side). You will know who can have extreme punishment, your God or I” The threat was severe and terrifying, but the magicians couldn’t care less.
The Egyptian Martyrs
They had certainty and conviction that what they have witnessed was not the act of anyone other than the real God and creator. They responded to Pharaoh “Do what you want, we have found Allah, and we only hope he will accept us and forgive us for all the magic and the evil deeds you forced us to do in the past”. The Egyptian magicians became martyrs. Some Egyptians were said to have secretly converted to the way of Allah after this incident. Even most of the Israelites in Egypt were mostly afraid to convert out of fear of Pharaoh and his soldiers.
The Struggle for Exodus and Miracles of Musa
Pharaoh’s arrogance
Musa continued to ask Pharaoh to let him take the Children of Israel and to leave Egypt. After all what he has seen so far at this point, Pharaoh was still convinced this is a struggle between himself as a god and Musa with some magical powers or some god helping him. He was determined to win over Musa and his god. He rejected all pleads from Musa to ley his people go.
The signs and miracles
Allah promised Musa nine signs and so far, only two were shown to Pharaoh and his people. When Pharaoh continued to show arrogance and stubborn behavior, Allah sent subsequent signs to show Pharaoh and the Egyptians they were up against a power that no one can weather. The remaining signs and plagues impacted everyone in Egypt so they can start pressuring Pharaoh to let the Israelites go.
The Egyptian believer
One day as Pharaoh and his people were discussing Musa and what they can do with him, an Egyptian stood up and told them “Why do you want to kill someone for saying his god is Allah? He brought many signs and miracles that his God is a true God. You saw it yourself. Why defy a true God? If he is lying that is on him, but if he is being truthful, you may be subject to the wrath of this true God”. This Egyptian was a believer, but he had to hide his belief to avoid provoking Pharaoh. Pharaoh responded, “I do not know a god for you other than me.” “Don’t you see that I own Egypt and all these rivers are running under me with all the wealth and greatness of Egypt?”
Pharaoh then ordered his vizier Haman “Oh Haman, build me a high structure that reaches the sky so I could go up and have look. I will look for this God of Moses, but I think he is lying anyway”. He was under the impression that building a structure high enough can allow him to reach the sky and to see God. He continued to dismiss any calls or reasoning that Musa could be onto something.
The signs and plagues hit Egypt
First
Floods were sent all over Egypt killing crops, animals, and causing chaos all over Egypt.
Second
Crops and animals were severely reduced in Egypt causing famine. Egypt was the wealthiest land in the world.
Third
Locusts were sent all over Egypt. It covered everything and everywhere.
Fourth
frogs filled the lands and the Nile.
Fifth
the water in the Nile River turned into blood and the blood was everywhere in Egypt. Egyptians could not drink or use water without having to use this weird blood like water.
Sixth
Lice suddenly infested all people across Egypt.
Seventh
A disease that infected people and caused a lot of deaths in Egypt.
More signs were even more unusual and made all Egyptians link these incidents to the warnings from Musa. In all these cases, the Israelites were not impacted, and Egyptians could see that. Their polytheistic beliefs made them think that Musa and the Israelites had a powerful god that they were using against Egypt and Pharaoh and the Egyptian Gods were also true but were not repelling the God of Musa. They were blaming Musa and the Israelites as bad omen.
Making a promise
They eventually went to Musa and told him pray to your god and if you lift this disaster, we will let you and your people go. Pharaoh also agreed to make that promise as he did not have any other choice. He was getting exposed in front of his people with every sign. If he and the Egyptian gods were true gods, why weren’t they able to stop the God of Musa? People were reconsidering their inherited beliefs.
Breaking the promise
Musa Prayed to Allah asking for the disease to be lifted. Allah responded to Musa’s prayer and the disease was lifted. Life went back to normal in Egypt gradually. However, they did not keep their promise, and they did not allow the Israelites to leave Egypt. They kept stalling and making excuses with no end in sight for this situation.
The story of Qarun (Kurah)
Qarun was a man from the Israelites. He was one of the richest people in history. The Quran mentions that he had keys to his treasure safes that were too heavy to be carried even by a gang of strong people.
Qarun had a great marvelous mansion. He used to do business with Pharaoh’s government and the rich merchants in Egypt. He was always bragging about his wealth and cleverness in making money. His people told him don’t be arrogant as Allah does not like arrogant people. He responded, “I made all this because of my knowledge” He had no one to thank for his success not even his God.
When people saw him in his parades around the city with all his escorts, chariots, servants, treasures and other glamorous features of his wealth, many of them said “We wish we could have what he has. He has great luck”
One day he went out of his palace in all his extravagant parade with escorts, servants, decorated horses, and long big caravan. People watched, many of the in envy. And suddenly the Earth opened up and swallowed him, his caravan, and his palace. Qarun and all his treasures were no more in the blink of an eye.
The people watching could not believe their eyes. No one could help Qarun even with all his wealth and power. He was just gone. They learned that no one could challenge Allah and get away with it. Those who wished to be in his place the day before were no more wishing for that. They said “Allah gives wealth and take it away as he wishes and he is powerful. The disbelievers do not win”.
The Exodus and Death of Pharaoh
Parting of the Red Sea
With Pharaoh’s refusal to release the Israelites, Musa’s journey intensified. Allah ordered Musa to take his people and to exit Egypt. When Pharaoh learned what Musa did, he was furious. He said “This is a small inferior group of people. They are teasing us. We will take our prepare and be alert to what they are doing”. He went out after them with his soldiers.
Musa and his people arrived at the seashore. When the Israelites saw the army behind them, they told Musa “We are doomed”. Musa responded “No, Allah is with me, and he will guide me on what to do”. Allah inspired Musa to hit the sea with his staff. The sea water parted and cleared a path for Musa and his people to cross. Musa and his followers started crossing the sea. Pharaoh saw what happened and decided to follow Musa. He was that arrogant. He saw the sea parting and creating a path for Musa and his followers and still thought he can capture and defeat them.
The drowning of Pharaoh
Musa and his followers crossed the sea safely. When Pharaoh went after them with his army, Allah ordered the sea to drown them. The two high water walls on the sides of the path collapsed on them. No one from Pharaoh’s army survived including Pharaoh himself. When Pharaoh found himself in the middle of the sea drowning and the sea waves closing on him from every direction, he said “I believe there is no God but the God of the Children of Israel”. It was too late for that. Allah ordered the sea to spit out Pharaohs body to the shore so the people who will come looking for him can see that he is dead. This was proof to them that Pharaoh is dead, and that he is not a god, and he did not go to heaven. He just died by drowning.
Miraculous Escape
This event symbolized not only physical liberation but also spiritual hope, as the Israelites witnessed a miracle that solidified their faith.
On the way to the promised land: On their way, the Israelites came across a village where they witnessed the people of the village worshiping idols and having festivals to show their worship. They asked Musa to make a god like that for them. Musa told them “You are so ignorant” as they have just witnessed the miracle of parting the sea and how God rescued them from the most powerful king on Earth at that time, but they still did not get it. They were still confused about the concept of one unique God, Allah.
The Ten Commandments and Covenant
Receiving the divine laws on Mount Sinai
After the miraculous Exodus, and when Musa and the Israelites journeyed to Mount Sinai, where monumental events awaited, God told Musa to tell his people he will be away for fourty nights on the mountain to meet Allah. It was here that Musa ascended the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments and the Torah including divine laws that would guide the moral and ethical framework of the new nation. Musa appointed his brother Harun as the leader of the Israelites in his absence.
The Divine Encounter
The atmosphere was charged with divine presence, culminating in a profound transformation for Musa as he received these sacred texts. Musa asked God if he can see him as he can hear him and talk to him. Allah told him that would not be possible in this life as he can’t bear it. Allah gave him an example and asked him to look to a mountain nearby. Allah then revealed himself to the mountain and it was immediately smashed to pieces like it never existed and Musa fainted. When Musa awakened back, he asked Allah for forgiveness and that he is committed as the first believer. Allah then gave him the tablets of the Torah and in it detailed guidance and laws for his people to live by.
Children of Israel Fall into the trap of Sameri
Allah then informed Musa that his people were subject to a test and that a man named Sameri had led them astray. They are now worshiping an idol in the form of a calf made of gold, and they have failed in that test. They were supposed to select a delegation to accompany Musa to meet Allah, but instead they did that.
Musa's Leadership and Challenges
The Sameri Case
Musa went back to his people, and he was angry. He threw the tablets and called out his people “Didn’t God promise you good? Was I away that much? Did you want the wrath of God to fall upon you, so you betrayed my promise?”
They responded “We did not break the promise by choice, but we were mesmerised by the gold calf”. The Sameri took all the gold they stole from the Egyptians and made it into this amazing gold calf.
Musa then went to his brother Harun and grabbed his head “How did you not stop this? Did you not follow my orders to lead them in my absence? Did you disobey my orders?”
Harun responded back “My brother, don’t grab my head or beard. I did my best. I told them to stop what they were doing. Some of them were willing to leave so we can come join you, but I was concerned you would say I divided the Israelite nation into two divisions, so I stayed patient until you came back”
Musa then turned to Sameri and asked him “What is your issue Sameri?”
Sameri said “I saw the angel with you. When you left, I took some of the sand from the trace of the angel and I mixed it with the gold we have, and I made this golden calf. It had a sound coming out of it”
Musa then ordered the calf to be burned and to be thrown into the sea. He then told Sameri “We will burn your god that you have been praying to”. “In this life, you will get a disease that will make people stay away from you and no one can touch you and you will get what you deserve in the after life”
The establishment of the covenant with God
Upon receiving the Torah,
Musa returned to his people, presenting them with a covenant—a sacred agreement between God and the Israelites.
Commitment to Faith
This covenant required obedience to God’s laws in exchange for His protection and guidance, forging a strong bond that would define the Israelites’ identity.
The Ten Commandments not only guided the Israelites but also served as timeless principles for humanity, reflecting the values of justice, integrity, and communal responsibility that continue to resonate today.
Israelites rejection of the Torah
The children of Israel rejected the commands of Allah. Musa warned them that Allah will not accept their rejection after all the miracles they have seen. One day while they are on their journey, a mountain was lifted high into the air and was flying over the Israelites like an umbrella. They knew then they could not deny that or deny Allah anymore. They were ordered to commit to the guidance in the Torah and to embrace it.
Arrogance in presence of Allah
Musa then selected 70 of his people from among the ones who did not worship the golden calf. They went to the mountain to meet Allah and to apologize and repent on behalf of the children of Israel for worshipping the calf. Once they were at the location, they felt the mountain shaking and Musa prayed to Allah to have mercy on them and mountain became calm. After that they asked Musa to see Allah with their own eyes or otherwise they won’t believe. A lightning took their lives in a moment after this rude challenge to Musa and their arrogant attitude. They all died on the spot. Musa prayed to Allah to have mercy on them as they were the best he had among the Israelites. Allah accepted Musa’s prayers and gave the 70 people back their lives.
Guiding the Israelites through the desert
As Musa led the Israelites through the unforgiving desert, his role evolved from a liberator to a steadfast leader. The treacherous terrain and scarcity of resources challenged both Musa and his followers.
Blessings and care of Allah
Water
During their journey, the Israelites became too tired of looking for water in the desert, so they asked Musa for water. Musa prayed to Allah for water and Allah ordered him to hit a large rock with his staff. The rock exploded into twelve springs that came gushing out from the rock.
Shade
They were also blessed by clouds covering them during the day to protect them from the sun.
Food
They were sent food falling into their hand. The food was mainly quail and manna.
However, they got bored of the food and asked Musa for the food they were used to back in Egypt. They were craving foods like Lentil, garlic, greens, beans, and onions. These were inferior to the food sent to them by Allah. Musa was angry about their lack of gratitude and told them go look for that in some of the villages around us. He was reminding them that when they went to other nations they were treated like slaves if they were also craving that.
Rejecting their mission
Allah then told Musa to tell his people they are ordered to go to Jerusalem and to capture it. Allah promised them that if they just enter the gates of the city that they would win and their enemy will be defeated. They were terrified by the idea. They told Musa, the people in Jerusalem are too powerful for us and we won’t go to Jerusalem until they go out of it. They then completely rejected Allah’s order and told Musa “Go fight them with your God and we will be waiting here”. They became dependent on Miracles and arrogant with Musa and Allah. They were not showing any signs of hope to become the believers Musa was hoping for them to be. Only two true believers stood up and tried to encourage everyone “Believe in Allah and his promise. Just go through the gates and you will win” they said. This all fell on deaf ears. “We will never enter the city unless those ferocious people leave it first”
Musa giving up hope in his people
Musa then knew there was no hope in these people or at least this generation. He prayed to Allah “Oh, Allah I can only control my self and my brother. Separate us from these sinners.” Allah responded “The promised land is now forbidden to them for 40 years. They will go astray in the land. Do not feel sorry for these sinners”
From that day on, Musa and Harun isolated themselves from the rest of the Israelites. The Israelites were going in circles in the desert of Sinai not able to get out of it. They were doomed to this fate as a punishment for their disobedience to Allah.
Musa and Al-Khidr
One day, after Musa finished one of his speeches to his people, a man cam to him and asked “Oh Musa, who is the most knowledgeable person? Musa responded “I” but Allah blamed Musa for this response as he did not tell him that he was the most knowledgeable man.
Allah then told Musa “I have a servant at the crossing of the two seas who is more knowledgeable than you”. Musa then asked Allah to meet that person. Allah told Musa “Take a fish with you and go to the crossing of the two seas. Wherever you lose the fish this would be the location to meet Al-Khidr”.
Musa went on his way and took his servant boy ‘Yusha’ with him. After taking a rest on the way, they woke up and continued their search, but Yusha forgot the fish at that location and the fish escaped to the sea. On the next day, Musa asked Yusha to prepare some food as they were getting tired and hungry. Yusha responded “I lost the fish when we rested at that location and surprisingly the fish found its way to the sea”. Musa to Yusha “This is what we were waiting for, we need to go back top that location” When they went back, they found Al-Khidr waiting for them as promised by Allah.
Musa and Al-Khidr exchanged the following conversation:
Musa: Peace be upon you
Al-Khidr: Peace be upon you
Musa: I am Musa
Al-Khidr: Musa of the Children of Israel?
Musa: Yes, and I came to learn from you some of your knowledge
Al-Khidr: You won’t be able to handle it. How can you be patient on something you do not fully understand its context.
Musa: God’s willing, I will be patient, and I will obey your orders.
Al-Khidr: If you follow me, don’t ask about anything you witness until I clarify it to you at the right time.
The ship
Musa accepted the condition, and they took off. On their way, they saw a ship in the sea, and Al-Khidr asked the ship crew to join them onboard. They welcomed them and were nice and kind to them. As soon as Al-Khidr was without anyone seeing him from the crew, he broke the ship by opening a hole in it that can allow water into the ship. Musa was appalled by this act and told him “Did you break it to cause the people here to drown? This is terrible” Al-Khidr replied “Didn’t I say you won’t be able to handle it? Musa then remembered and replied “Excuse me for forgetting. Don’t be too hard on me”.
The little boy
They continued their journey. When Al-Khidr came across a little boy, he suddenly grabbed and killed the boy. Musa did not expect that and immediately responded “Did you kill an innocent little soul for no reason? You have committed an appalling act”. Al-Khidr responded, “Didn’t I say to you that you won’t be able to handle it?” Musa remembered again and replied, “If I ask you about anything again then don’t allow me to follow you anymore” It seems it was becoming too much for Musa, and he was getting concerned about what could come after this? It could get worse. It was like he was walking with the inevitable fate of God.
The collapsing wall
They continued their journey. They then came to a village. The people of this village were rude and refused to welcome or feed them when it was customary for villages to be hospitable to travelers in general. Musa and Al-Khidr then came across a wall on the side of a house that was about to collapse. Al-Khidr took on himself to fix the collapsing wall. There was no reward and compensation for his work by anyone, and no one even asked him to fix it. Musa then asked him “You could have asked for compensation for this work” It seems that Musa did not pay attention that he is asking for clarification again. He may have been expecting something as bad as killing a little boy or even worse.
Al-Khidr then told Musa as if he was expecting it “This is where we depart. I will tell you about the details of all the incidents that caused you to be impatient”
Al-Khidr went on to say:
As for the ship
I caused a little damage, it was owned by a group of poor sailors and there was a king behind them who would take any good-looking ship. They were spared that fate because of the damage I did”.
And, as for the boy
he was going to grow up and become an evil person. His parents were two kind believers, so we wanted Allah to give them a better offspring
And as for the collapsing wall
it was part of a property inherited by two little orphan boys in the city and their late father was a pious man. Their father had hidden a treasure for them inside that wall. Allah planned for them to grow up and then dig out their treasure as a mercy to them by Allah
“That was the context and interpretation of my actions that you have witnessed and could not comprehend”
Musa and the story of The Cow
One day, a murder was committed within the community of the children of Israel. They could not figure out the killer. Allah ordered Musa to tell his people to slaughter a cow to resolve this case. Their immediate response was “Are you mocking us?” Musa responded, “God forbid that I could be that ignorant” (He meant, mocking in a serious situation like this).
They could have picked any cow at this point, but they decided to unnecessarily to ask for more specifics. Here is how it went:
Children of Israel: Ask your God to tell us what is it like?
Musa: He says it is not too young or too old
Children of Israel: Ask your God to tell us what color is it?
Musa: He says it is shiny black and beautiful to look at.
Children of Israel: Ask your God to tell us which one to choose, we are confused but God willing we will get it right.
Musa: He says it is a cow that is not a working cow, unyoked, does not plow the land , with no flaws or marks.
Children of Israel: Now you are talking, we found it.
They finally slaughtered the cow, and they almost didn’t due to their silly and unnecessary questions that made it too difficult to find the one very specific cow. Allah told them in the beginning just slaughter a cow. They made it difficult for themselves by asking silly questions.
After that Allah told Musa to tell them to hit the murdered person with any of the cow’s parts. The man was resurrected and told them who murdered him and then he died again. Case closed.
This is another miracle that the Children of Israel witnessed with Musa. It showed them that cows and any animals are just the creation of Allah. The cow was just pieces of meat, and Allah is the one who resurrected a dead man. They needed to take the idea of animal gods out of their heads after witnessing idolatry for centuries when the lived in Egypt.
Musa's Legacy and Final Days
Death of Musa and his burial place
Musa’s journey culminated when he viewed the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, yet he was not permitted to enter it. His death marked a poignant end to a life dedicated to his message and to his people.
The Unknown Final Resting Place: According to tradition, his burial place remains undisclosed, symbolizing humility and the belief that true greatness is not tied to earthly monuments.
Impact of Prophet Musa's teachings on Islam
Musa’s teachings and experiences have profoundly influenced Islamic thought and spiritual practice.
Core Values: His dedication to justice, faith in adversity, and the importance of obedience to God resonate deeply within Islamic teachings.
Musa’s legacy endures, inspiring countless generations to aspire for faithfulness and courage in the face of oppression, solidifying his role as one of the most significant prophets in Islam.
Musa's Enduring Legacy
Musa, revered as a prophet in Islam, has left an indelible mark on Islamic thought. His unwavering faith and leadership continue to inspire Muslims worldwide. Musa’s teachings emphasize justice, compassion, and obedience to God, forming a cornerstone of Islamic values. His legacy is celebrated in Islamic tradition, highlighting the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity.
Through his life, Musa exemplified the virtues of patience and resilience, which are integral to the Islamic faith. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and the enduring impact of his teachings on Islamic spirituality and ethics.
Musa’s journey was fraught with challenges as he led the Israelites through the desert. He faced the daunting task of guiding a large community through harsh conditions, with limited resources and frequent dissent among his followers. Despite these obstacles, Musa’s steadfast leadership and reliance on divine guidance helped him navigate these trials.
His ability to maintain faith and inspire his people through adversity underscores his role as a pivotal figure in Islamic history. Musa’s challenges highlight the importance of faith, patience, and leadership in overcoming life’s difficulties, offering timeless lessons for believers.
The Covenant at Sinai
A Sacred Agreement
The establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai was a defining moment in their history. This sacred agreement, delivered through Musa, outlined the Ten Commandments, which became the moral and ethical foundation for the Israelites. The covenant emphasized obedience to God’s laws in exchange for His protection and guidance, forging a profound bond between the divine and His people.
This pivotal event not only shaped the spiritual identity of the Israelites but also laid the groundwork for principles that resonate within Islamic teachings today. The covenant serves as a testament to the enduring relationship between faith and divine guidance, underscoring the importance of commitment to God’s will.
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