The story of Prophet Musa (Moses in English) is one of the most detailed and frequently mentioned narratives in the Quran. It spans several chapters, including Surah Al-Baqarah, Surah Al-A'raf, Surah Taha, Surah Al-Qasas, and others. Here is a summarized version of the story of Prophet Musa:
1. Birth and Early Life: Musa was born in Egypt during a
time when the Pharaoh (the ruler of Egypt) oppressed the Children of Israel.
The Pharaoh had received a prophecy that a child from the Israelites would
challenge his authority. In an attempt to prevent this, the Pharaoh ordered the
killing of all male newborns among the Israelites.
Musa's mother, guided by inspiration
from Allah, placed him in a basket and set him afloat on the river Nile. The
basket reached the Pharaoh's palace, and Musa was adopted by the Pharaoh's
family.
2. Upbringing and Revelation: Musa grew up in the Pharaoh's
palace, unaware of his true heritage. As a young man, he witnessed an Egyptian
mistreating an Israelite, and in defense of the oppressed, Musa unintentionally
killed the Egyptian. Fearing retaliation, he fled to the land of Midian.
In Midian, Musa helped two women at
a well, and in return, he was invited to the home of their father, Prophet
Shuayb (Jethro), who recognized Musa's noble character. Musa married one of
Shuayb's daughters and worked as a shepherd.
One day, while tending to his flock
on Mount Sinai, Musa witnessed a burning bush and heard the voice of Allah.
Allah revealed His message to Musa, appointing him as a prophet and instructing
him to go back to Egypt to deliver the Israelites from oppression.
3. Confrontation with Pharaoh: Musa returned to Egypt with his
brother Harun (Aaron), and they confronted the Pharaoh, delivering Allah's
message and demanding the release of the Israelites. The Pharaoh, refusing to
accept their message, opposed them and considered Musa a threat to his
authority.
4. Miracles and Plagues: Allah granted Musa several miracles
to demonstrate His power. These included the staff turning into a serpent, the
hand shining with light, and various plagues that afflicted the Egyptians when
they refused to release the Israelites. Despite witnessing these miracles, the
Pharaoh and his people persisted in their arrogance and disobedience.
5. Crossing of the Red Sea: As the Pharaoh and his army pursued
the Israelites, Musa struck his staff, and the Red Sea miraculously parted,
allowing the Israelites to cross to safety. However, when the Pharaoh and his
army attempted to follow, the sea closed in, drowning them.
6. Revelation of the Torah: On Mount Sinai, Musa received the
revelation of the Torah (Tawrat) from Allah. The Ten Commandments are among the
fundamental teachings revealed to Musa for the guidance of the Israelites.
7. Wanderings in the Wilderness: The Israelites, after their
liberation, wandered in the wilderness for forty years as a consequence of
their disobedience and lack of faith. During this time, Musa continued to guide
and teach them.
8. Death of Musa: Musa's life came to an end, and he
asked Allah for a successor. His successor, Prophet Yusha bin Nun (Joshua), led
the Israelites into the promised land, completing the journey that Musa had
started.
The story of Prophet Musa is rich with moral and spiritual lessons, emphasizing themes of faith, resilience, justice, and the consequences of disobedience. It underscores the power of divine intervention and the importance of following the guidance of Allah.
