The Story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Pharaoh

One of Islam's most revered prophets is Musa, also known as Moses. His story is filled with lessons of faith, courage, perseverance, and trust in Allah. Musa was born during a time when the Israelites were slaves under the cruel and oppressive rule of the Egyptian Pharaoh. To prevent the Israelites' male children from multiplying and gaining strength, the Pharaoh ordered that they all die. Musa was chosen to lead the Israelites out of their oppression as part of Allah's plan at that time. When Musa was born, his mother, fearing for his life, was instructed by Allah to place her newborn son in a basket and set him afloat in the river Nile. She followed Allah’s command, and the basket was carried by the river to the palace of Pharaoh.

The Pharaoh's wife, Asiya, found the basket and decided to adopt the child, even though she knew he was from Israel. Allah’s plan unfolded perfectly, as Musa’s sister, who had been watching from a distance, was able to bring their mother to nurse him. So, the child who was meant to be killed was raised in the very palace of the man who sought to destroy him.

Although Musa spent his childhood in the palace of Pharaoh, where he was surrounded by wealth and power, he always felt a strong connection to his people, the Israelites, who were being oppressed by Pharaoh. As he grew older, Musa witnessed the cruelty of the Pharaoh’s regime and the hardship of his people. One day, while walking through the city, Musa saw an Egyptian man beating an Israelite. In his anger, Musa intervened, and in the heat of the moment, he struck the Egyptian man, accidentally killing him.

Musa fled Egypt because he feared the Pharaoh would exact revenge and realized how serious his actions were. He traveled to the land of Midian, where he sought refuge and worked as a shepherd for a man named Shu’ayb. During his time in Midian, Musa married one of Shu’ayb’s daughters and lived a peaceful life.

However, Allah had greater plans for Musa. While Musa was tending to his flock one day, he noticed a burning bush on the mountain's side. He heard a voice calling out to him as he got closer to the bush. It was Allah's voice speaking directly to him. Allah revealed to Musa that He had chosen him to be a prophet and messenger, tasked with freeing the Israelites from the tyranny of Pharaoh.

Musa was given instructions by Allah to return to Egypt and confront Pharaoh, requesting that he release the Israelites. Musa was hesitant, knowing that Pharaoh was a powerful and ruthless ruler, but Allah reassured him that He would be with him and guide him. Allah also granted Musa a miraculous sign: his staff would turn into a serpent when thrown to the ground, and his hand would become radiant when placed under his arm.

Musa, now filled with confidence in Allah’s support, returned to Egypt. Along with his brother Harun (Aaron), who was also a prophet, he went to Pharaoh and delivered Allah’s message: “Let my people go, so they may worship Me.” However, Musa's plea was turned down by Pharaoh out of pride and arrogance. He refused to acknowledge the power of Allah and instead mocked Musa, calling him a magician.

Musa performed the miracles that Allah had given him to demonstrate the veracity of his divine message. His staff turned into a serpent, and his hand became radiant. Pharaoh, however, remained defiant and called Musa a liar despite seeing these signs. He gathered his magicians and offered Musa a magic competition. The staffs and ropes that the magicians had thrown became snakes. But when Musa threw his staff, it devoured their snakes, showing the superiority of Allah’s power.

Realizing Musa's message was accurate, the magicians immediately bowed and declared their faith in the one true God. But Pharaoh, enraged by this, threatened to punish them. He continued to reject Musa's message and made the Israelites more oppressed. Allah sent several signs and plagues to Egypt, including locusts, frogs, blood, and a drought, but Pharaoh remained stubborn and refused to repent.

As the plagues continued, the people of Egypt began to suffer, and some of Pharaoh’s own advisers begged him to let the Israelites go. Pharaoh's heart was hardened, though, and he didn't listen. Finally, Allah gave Musa the order to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and in the dead of night, they fled the tyranny of Pharaoh. When Pharaoh realized that the Israelites had escaped, he pursued them with his army, determined to bring them back. The Israelites had no way out of their predicament when they reached the Red Sea. But Allah instructed Musa to strike the sea with his staff. When he did, the sea parted, creating a dry path for the Israelites to cross.

As the Israelites safely crossed to the other side, Pharaoh and his army followed. However, when they reached the middle of the sea, Allah commanded the waters to return, and Pharaoh and his army were drowned. This miraculous event showed the power of Allah and the ultimate failure of Pharaoh’s arrogance.

The Israelites were finally freed from the oppression of Pharaoh, and they began their journey to the Promised Land. Prophet Musa continued to guide them, teaching them the laws of Allah and instructing them on how to live righteous lives.

The story of Prophet Musa teaches us many important lessons. It reminds us of the importance of faith and trust in Allah, even when faced with great adversity. Musa’s courage in confronting Pharaoh, despite the danger, is a testament to his unwavering belief in Allah’s support. As Pharaoh's pride ultimately led to his downfall, it also demonstrates the consequences of arrogance and disobedience to Allah. Moreover, the story emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in the face of hardship, as Allah’s help is always near for those who are steadfast in their faith.

The story of Prophet Musa, in the end, serves as a powerful reminder of Allah's justice and mercy, which reward the faithful while punishing the arrogant. It also demonstrates how important it is to resist oppression and fight for justice, as Musa did for his people.