The Islamic Story of Hazrat Musa (AS): A Journey of Faith and Miracles
Hazrat Musa (AS) (Prophet Moses) is one of the most significant prophets in Islam, mentioned more than 130 times in the Quran. His story is one of faith, resilience, and divine miracles, demonstrating Allah’s power and mercy.
This article explores the life, mission, and miracles of Prophet Musa (AS) according to Islamic teachings.
1. Birth and Early Life of Hazrat Musa (AS)
Hazrat Musa (AS) was born in Egypt at a time when Pharaoh (Fir’aun) oppressed the Israelites (Bani Israel). He feared that a child from among them would overthrow him, so he ordered the killing of all newborn Israelite boys.
The Miracle of Musa’s Survival
Allah inspired Musa’s mother to place him in a basket and set him adrift on the Nile River (Quran 28:7).
The basket floated to Pharaoh’s palace, where Asiya (Pharaoh’s wife) found him and, moved by compassion, convinced Pharaoh to adopt him.
Musa’s (AS) biological mother was reunited with him as his wet nurse, as planned by Allah (Quran 28:12-13).
Thus, Allah protected Musa (AS) and raised him within Pharaoh’s own household, setting the stage for his future mission.
2. Musa (AS) in Pharaoh’s Palace & His Escape
Hazrat Musa (AS) grew up in Pharaoh’s court, enjoying luxury but always feeling connected to the suffering of Bani Israel.
The Incident That Led to His Escape
One day, Musa (AS) saw an Egyptian oppressing an Israelite and intervened, unintentionally causing the Egyptian’s death (Quran 28:15). Fearing punishment, he fled Egypt and traveled to Madyan (Midian).
3. Musa (AS) in Madyan and Prophethood
In Madyan, Musa (AS) encountered two women struggling to water their flock. He helped them, and their father, Prophet Shu'ayb (AS), invited him to stay.
Musa (AS) married one of Shu'ayb’s daughters and lived in Madyan for several years (Quran 28:27-28).
After completing his time in Madyan, he set out with his family back to Egypt.
The Divine Call at Mount Sinai
On his journey, Musa (AS) saw a miraculous fire on Mount Sinai (Tur). When he approached it, Allah spoke to him directly and commanded him to be His messenger (Quran 20:9-14).
Allah gave him two major signs:
His staff turned into a serpent.
His hand shone with divine light when placed inside his cloak.
These signs were to prove his prophethood to Pharaoh and Bani Israel.
4. Musa (AS) Confronts Pharaoh
Musa (AS) returned to Egypt and, with his brother Harun (AS), confronted Pharaoh, demanding that he release Bani Israel from slavery and accept Allah as the one true God.
Pharaoh’s Arrogance and the Challenge of the Magicians
Pharaoh mocked Musa (AS) and refused to believe.
He called his magicians to challenge Musa’s miracles.
The magicians threw their ropes, creating the illusion of moving snakes, but Musa (AS) cast his staff, which turned into a real serpent and swallowed their tricks (Quran 20:69).
Witnessing this miracle, the magicians accepted Islam and declared their faith in Allah, despite Pharaoh’s threats (Quran 26:46-49).
Pharaoh became more oppressive, refusing to free Bani Israel and increasing their suffering.
5. The Ten Plagues and Pharaoh’s Defiance
As a warning to Pharaoh, Allah sent various punishments upon Egypt (Quran 7:130-135):
Floods – Devastated Egyptian lands.
Locusts – Destroyed crops.
Lice – Spread disease.
Frogs – Infested their homes.
Blood – Water sources turned to blood.
Each time, Pharaoh begged Musa (AS) to pray for relief but broke his promise once the punishment was lifted.
6. The Miraculous Escape and Parting of the Red Sea
Eventually, Allah commanded Musa (AS) to lead Bani Israel out of Egypt at night. Pharaoh and his army pursued them to the shores of the Red Sea.
The Greatest Miracle: Parting of the Red Sea
With Allah’s command, Musa (AS) struck his staff on the water, and the sea split into two towering walls, creating a dry path (Quran 26:63).
Bani Israel crossed safely, but when Pharaoh’s army followed, the sea collapsed, drowning them all (Quran 26:65-66).
Thus, Pharaoh met his end, and Musa (AS) led his people to freedom.
7. Musa (AS) and Bani Israel in the Wilderness
After their escape, Bani Israel traveled through the Sinai desert, where they faced new challenges.
The Revelation of the Torah
Musa (AS) went to Mount Sinai and fasted for 40 days, where Allah revealed the Torah (Tawrat) as guidance for Bani Israel (Quran 7:142-145).
The Worship of the Golden Calf
While Musa (AS) was away, some of Bani Israel, led by a man named Samiri, began worshipping a golden calf (Quran 20:88).
Musa (AS) rebuked them harshly, and they repented.
The Miracle of Manna and Quails
In the desert, Allah provided them food (manna and quails) and water from a miraculously flowing rock (Quran 2:57-60).
Despite these blessings, Bani Israel often complained and disobeyed Musa (AS), delaying their entry into the Promised Land (Palestine).
8. The Death of Musa (AS)
Hazrat Musa (AS) led Bani Israel for many years, but due to their continuous disobedience, Allah decreed they wander in the desert for 40 years (Quran 5:26).
Near the end of his life, Musa (AS) was shown the Promised Land from afar but was not destined to enter it. He passed away in the wilderness, and his exact burial place remains unknown.
Lessons from the Story of Musa (AS)
The story of Hazrat Musa (AS) teaches many valuable lessons:
✔ Trust in Allah: Even in the darkest times, Allah’s help is near (e.g., the Red Sea miracle).
✔ Patience & Perseverance: Musa (AS) endured oppression, rejection, and hardship but remained steadfast.
✔ Leadership & Justice: Musa (AS) led his people with wisdom, guiding them despite their disobedience.
✔ Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah): Musa (AS) placed full trust in Allah’s plan, even when all seemed lost.
Conclusion
Hazrat Musa (AS) is one of the greatest prophets in Islam, known for his unwavering faith, divine miracles, and relentless efforts to guide Bani Israel. His story continues to inspire Muslims today, reminding them of the power of faith, patience, and reliance on Allah.
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