They were called theIsraelites. Gradually they increased in number and
gained considerable power. These Israelites did not intermingle with
other native people. They remained isolated and were considered as
foreigners in Egypt.
Cruel Act of Pharaoh in respect of Israelites
At that time Egypt was ruled by the kingFir'aun (Pharaoh). He was
arrogant, tyrant and powerful. He thought himself to be god. In their
kingdom the people led miserable lives. They were forced to work as
slaves. They were chained and whipped if they refused to work. The
Israelites were looked down upon in that society. They suffered badly
due todestitution and indigence. Some of them grew weak and died of
starvation.
When Pharaoh noticed that the Israelites were increasing in number, he
was much alarmed. He held discussions with his counselors on this
topic. They decided thatIsraelitesshould besnubbed. They should not be
allowed to become powerful and supreme in the land. They planned to
oppress and persecute them in different ways. Pharaoh ordered that
allmale children bornin the families of the Israelites should be put
todeath. This tyrannical act of Pharaoh against the Israelites has
been described in the following Verses of the Holy Quran:
"Surely Fir'aun exalted himself in the land and divided its people
into parties, oppressing one party from among them by killing their
sons and sparing their women. Surely he was one of the
mischief-makers." ( Surah 28: Verse 3-5)
When the people heard thoseterrible ordersthey were much upset. The
soldiers started complying with the orders of their king. Whenever
they got wind of the male baby born to any family, they would yank him
out of his mother's arms. They did not care for the feelings of the
crying mothers. They used to throw the infantsmercilessly into the
river. It was an awful act ofcrueltybut no one dared to disobey the
orders of Pharaoh because every one was much scared of him. Many
innocent babies were drowned in this way and numerous unfortunate
parents expressed lamentations over the death of their dear ones.
The Prophet Musa (Moses) Enclosed into Chest and Cast into the River
In that era one of the Israelite woman gave birth to a male baby who
was extremely beautiful. The mother thought that the soldiers of
Pharaoh would soon find him out. They would throw him to thefish in
the river. God revealed to her to be patient and not to be frightened.
She was communicated the glad-tidings that her son would become
anApostle. The newly born baby was namedMusa (Moses).He was very
attractive. His mother fed and concealed him for a few months. When
she was unable to hide him any longer, God guided her saying:
"And We revealed to Musa's mother saying: Give him suck. When you fear
for him, cast him into the river and do not fear nor grieve, surely We
will restore him to you and make him one of the apostles." ( Surah 28:
Verse 7)
The same direction is expressed in other Verses:
"Call to mind the occasion when We revealed to your mother: Put him
into the chest and cast it down into the river, then the river shall
throw him on the shore; then shall take him up to one who is an enemy
to Me and enemy to him and I cast down upon you love From Me and that
you may be brought up before My eyes." ( Surah 20: Verses 38-39)
When the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) had attained the age of a
few months, his mother got made a very tight box. She put a blanket in
the box. She lifted her affectionate son and kissed him again and
again. Sheput him in the boxwith tears in her eyes. Her heart was
beating violently. She pushed the box into the water when it was still
dark. The box moved slowly on the surface of the water. His sister
watched the box at a distance but the mother went back homewailing and
sobbing. She was full of anxiety due to the separation of her beloved
baby.
The Prophet Musa's sister was hiding from place to place along the
shore of the river. She was constantly watching the box and praying
for thesafetyof her brother. The box went on moving and gradually came
near the shore. Some People were washing their clothes at the shore.
By chance they saw the box floating slowly. Theywadedthrough the water
andpicked up the box. They were greatly surprised to see a beautiful
infant enclosed in the box. He had a smiling countenance.
The Prophet Musa Grows up in Pharaoh's House
The people took the box to Pharaoh and his family. All of them were
full ofexcitement. The Prophet Musa's sister followed them but no one
recognized her. Thewife of Pharaohfell in love with the baby. She
decided to make him her own son:
"And Fir'auns wife said: Joy of the eye to me and to you, do not slay
him, may be he will be useful to us or we may take him for a son. But
they knew not what they did.'' ( Surah 28: Verse 10)
The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) became awfully hungry. He began
to cry out of hunger. The baby was handed over to a woman who was
appointed tonurse him. He did not take her breast and kept on weeping.
Every one was in a fix what to do. The sister of Prophet Musa (peace
be upon him) who was standing near remarked: May I bring a woman whom
the baby requires?
She was directed to go immediately and call her. She rushed towards
her house and informed her mother of the whole situation. She
requested her mother to accompany her to Pharaoh's house. The Prophet
Musa (peace be upon him) was still crying due to hunger. The mother
gave him her breast. He was much pleased anddrank milkto his heart's
content. Pharaoh's wife requested the mother of Prophet Musa (peace be
upon him) to stay with them and nurse him. The Holy Quran states:
"So We restored him to his mother that her eyes might be refreshed and
that she might not grieve and that she might know that the promise of
Allah is true but most of them do not know." ( Surah 28: Verse 13)
The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) was brought up inPharaoh's house
like a prince.His mother was taking care of him and he was the apple
of her eye. The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) learnt a great deal
about Pharaoh and hisindecent waysof life. He came to know about his
cruel treatment towards Israelites. Although he led a luxurious life
yet deep inside his heart he had pains.
An Egyptian is Killed by Prophet Musa
One day he saw an Israelite fighting hard with one of the men of the
King. They wereshouting and hittingeach other. The Prophet Musa (peace
be upon him) appeared on the scene. He tried to pacify them. When he
saw that the Egyptian was not going to spare him in spite of several
requests, he lifted up hisstickand hit the man of the King. The man
became dizzy and fell to the ground with a bang. The Prophet Musa
(peace be upon him) and his companions stepped forward to support the
man but he was limp like a rag. Soon after he passed away.
Prophet Musa Repents
The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him)felt sorryfor what had happened.
It was an accidental and not intentional act. One blow of the stick is
quite insufficient to cause the death of a person. His head was
twirling. He called his action as a devil's doing who misled human
beings. He realized his mistake and prayed for Divine protection. The
Holy Quran states:
"He found therein two men fighting, one being of his party and the
other of his foes and he who was of his party cried out to him for
help against him who was of his enemies. Musa struck him with his fist
and dispatched him. He said: This is of the devil's doing; surely he
is an open enemy leading astray. He said: My Lord: Surely l have done
harm to myself, so, You should protect me." ( Surah 28: Verse 15)
Prophet Musa's Migration and Marriage
Soon the news of the murder of a man spread far and wide. The people
flew into a rage. They hatched a plan to kill the Prophet Musa (peace
be upon him). He becamescaredand was directed to migrate to another
place. The Holy Quran states:
"A man came running from the remotest part of the City. He said: 0'
Musa Surely the Chiefs are consulting together to slay you. Therefore,
be gone at once. Surely I counsel you as a friend." ( Surah 28: Verse
19)
The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) packed up his luggage andleft
Pharaoh's housein the pitch dark when every one was enjoying a sound
sleep. He reached Madian after a long tiresome journey. He sat down to
take rest near a watering place.
The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) saw two young girls waiting at a
distance. Their sheep were standing near the spring for drinking
water. The Prophet Musa (peace he upon him) thought that the girls
needed some help. Although he was tired and hungry yet he wished
tohelp them. He went up to the girls and asked if they needed help.
The girls were modest and bashful. They said that they were waiting so
that the shepherds might go away.
The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) drove the sheep to the spring to
drink water. It was a kind act of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him).
The girls expressed a deep sense of gratitude for this favor. They
took their sheep and proceeded towards their house. The Prophet Musa
(peace be upon him) went back to rest. He became depressed andprayed
to Almighty Allahto help him. In the meanwhile two women came to him
and said:
"My father invites you so that he may give you the reward of your
having watered for us." ( Surah 28: Verse 24)
The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) accompanied them. When be entered
the house, he introduced himself politely; Soon after he dined with
the members of the family. The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) was
asked to stay with them. The time passed on happily. One day the
master of the house said:
"I desire to marry one of these two daughters of mine to you on the
condition that you should serve me for eight years but if you complete
ten, it will be of your own free will, and I do not wish to be hard on
you. If Allah pleases, you will find me one of good. He said: This
will be an agreement between you and me. whichever of the two terms I
fulfill, there shall be no wrong doing to me and Allah is a witness of
what we say." ( Surah 28: Verses 27-28)
According to the agreement Prophet Musa (peace be upon him)
gotmarriedto one of the girls of that family. He took care of the farm
and the sheep efficiently. The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) had
been away from his family for many years. He missed his kith and kin.
One day he set out on a journey fromMadian. His family accompanied
him.
The Call of Prophet Musa to Prophethood
The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) crossed the sandy desert
andreached the mountain,Tur. He perceived a brilliant light from a
distance. The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) thought that to be fire
land reached near it to warm himself. All of a sudden a voice
was-heard from the right side of the Valley. It uttered:
"Surely. I am your Lord: so put off your shoes because you are in the
sacred Valley which is blessed twice I have chosen you; so hearken to
what shall be revealed: Verily, I am Allah, there is no god but I,
therefore serve-Me-and keep up prayers for My remembrance." ( Surah
10: Verse 22)
The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) waspuzzled and scared. The thing
which looked like fire was not fire in the real sense of the word but
it was the reflection of the glory of God. It was amoment of great
honorfor the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him).
Some Miracles of Prophet Musa
God commanded Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) tothrow the stickthat
was in his hand on the ground. He threw the stick in compliance with
the orders. To his surprise he saw the stick moving like along
wiggling snakeand it greatly scared him. He thought that it was going
to bite him. God directed the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him)not to
lose courageand pick up the snake. He obeyed and caught hold of the
terrible looking snake. When he touched it, it was restored to its
former shape. The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) was much amazed to
see those happenings.
Soon afterwards God ordered the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) to
thrust his hand into hisarmpit. He did so. When he took out his hand,
it wasshining whitewhen he put his hand back into his armpit and
pulled it out it had been changed into its normal position.
Allah, the Almighty made the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) to
perform thosemiraclesso that he might feel better and become sure of
the existence of Allah and His power. He was going to derive benefits
out of such miracles in future.
The Prophet Musa Settles in Egypt Again
Allah commanded the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) togo to Egyptto
deliver the Israelites from Pharaoh and reform his depraved people.
The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) was not good at arguing. He had
an impediment in his tongue to speak freely. He sought permission from
Allah to take his brotherProphet Harunwith him as an aider because he
was an eloquent speaker. The permission was immediately granted.
The Prophet Musa Argues with Pharaoh
The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) settled with his family in Egypt.
They went to Pharaoh to argue with him. They conveyed him the message
of Allah but he made fun of them. He didnot lose heartand kept on
preaching. The king and his people were not convinced. Finally in
desperation, the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) said: O' King! Do
you like me to show you that my message is true?
He replied in affirmative with an unbelieving smile on his face. The
Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) threw his stick on the ground and it
changed its shape as a terrible looking snake. The people were
wonder-struck and got scared of it. When the Prophet Musa (peace be
upon him) picked it up, it became a stick again. Every one was much
amazed.
Then the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) put his hand in his armpit.
When he got it out, his hand was shining brilliantly. The Holy Quran
states:
"Then he threw down his staff and lo! it was an obvious serpent. And
he drew forth his hand and lo! it appeared white to the beholders." (
Surah 26: Verse 32)
The Prophet Musa Contests with Magicians
The Chiefs said that the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) was
anenchanter. He intended to turn the minds of the people. Pharaoh was
much worried. He feared lest people should begin to follow him. He
fixed a special day forcontest between the Prophet Musa(peace be upon
him)and other magicians. He sent collectors in various parts of the
country to bring enchanters to hold competition and prevail upon the
Prophet Musa (peace be upon him). He promised to reward the winners.
On the appointed day thousands of people gathered there. There was a
great deal of excitement. Every one was eager to see the performances
of the magicians of the king and the miracles of Prophet Musa (peace
be upon him). First of all the royal magicians threw their sticks.
They moved and looked like snakes from a distance. They deceived the
eyes of the people and frightened them. The people were much
surprised. They appreciated the magicians for their astonishing
performances.
Soon after the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) cast his stick. The
stick became ahungry serpentby theorder of Allah. It wiggled and moved
like a dart. It devoured every moving stick that the magician had
thrown. The spectators were much impressed. Some of the priests
thought that such miracles could be done only by the order of Allah.
Most of the magicians drew backhumiliated and prostratedthemselves
adoring. They said: We believe in the Lord of the Worlds; the Lord of
Prophet Musa and Prophet Harun (peace be upon them).
On seeing this state of affairs Pharaoh was much worried. He became
mad with rage because his men were inclined to follow the Prophet Musa
peace be upon him) and adopt his new religion. He threatened them of
dire consequences. He said:
"I shall certainly cut off your hands and your feet on opposite side,
then I will crucify you altogether. ( Surah 7: Verse 124)
Persecution of Prophet Musa slid his followers
Pharaoh and his men began to persecute the followers of Prophet Musa
(peace be upon him). The Israelites remained patient. They began to
worship and glorify God in their homes. They kept praying to God. They
said:
"O' Our Lord! Make us not subject to persecution of the unjust people,
and deliver us by Your mercy from the unbelieving people." ( Surah 20:
Verse 86)
When the Israelites were under the burden ofhardships and sufferings,
Allah ordered the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) to leave the area
with his followers. He promised to save them. In compliance with the
Commandment of Allah the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) directed his
people tomigrate secretlyto another place.
The Prophet Musa Leaves Egypt
When it was dark, a scanty band of the Israelites left Egypt. They
took allprecautionary measuresto escape from the eye-sight of the
guards. They moved as fast as they could with firm conviction that
they would he saved by Allah. Next day the residence of the Israelites
were found desolate and without hustle and bustle.
Pharaoh was informed. He lost his temper and sent heralds to chase the
absconders. He wanted to takerevengeof his disgrace. He ordered his
soldiers to arrest the Israelites and bring them back. When the
followers of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) were near the sea-shore,
they heard the sound of the hoofs of their horses. They were much
frightened. They thought that they would be overtaken and punished by
the enemies.
The Sea Splits and Pharaoh is Drowned
When the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and his followers were being
chased Allah revealed this order to him:
"Strike the sea with the rod; and it clove asunder and each part
become like a large mountain." ( Surah 26: Verse 60)
The water of the seawent up highwith the great uproar. The bottom of
the sea turned intodry land. It was an amazing miracle. The people
could hardly believe their eyes. The Israelites ran desperately and
went far ahead. Pharaoh and his huge army chased them in hostility.
There was a great uproar again. The water from both the sides poured.
Itrushed over Pharaoh and his soldiers. They were completely drowned.
The Holy Quran relates this incident in the following Verses:
"And We made the children of Israel to pass through the sea, then
Fir'aun and his hosts followed them in hostility and for oppression
until when drowning overtook him, he said: I believe that there is no
god but He in Whom the children of Israel believe and I am of those
who submit. What now! said God, and indeed you have been rebellious
and was of the mischief makers. But this day We save you in your body
so that you may be a sign to those after you and most surely most
people are heedless of Our Signs". ( Surah 10: Verses 90-92)
The body of Fir'aun is still present in theEgyptian Museumas
anadmonitory signto those who are transgressors.
When Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and thousands of his followers
got rid of Pharaoh, they expressed a deep sense ofgratitudeto Allah.
They had witnessed an impressive miracle. Now they were free to live
according to the teachings of Allah.
The Prophet Musa Receives Instructions
Allah commanded Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) to go to a certain
mountain forausterity. He had to stay there forforty days. During this
period Allah, the Almighty gave a lot of religious knowledge to
Prophet Musa (peace be upon him). He gave him the tablets which
contained ten Commandments. One day he (Musa) said:
"My Lord! Show me Thyself so that I may look upon Thee. He said': you
cannot bear to see Me but look at the mountain, if it remains firm in
its place, then you will see Me. When his Lord manifested His glory to
the mountain He made it crumble and Musa fell down in swoon. When he
recovered, he said: Glory be to You: I turn to You and! am the first
of believers". Surah 7: Verse 142)
At the end of the appointed time Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) went
to his people to tell them about therevelationswhich he had received.
Israelites Worship the Calf
The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) was muchgrievedto know that his
followers had become addicted topraying to the cowinstead of Allah.
Whenever his brotherProphet Harun(peace be upon him) forbade them to
do so, they made fun of him. Sometimes they tortured him.
The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) tried hard to uproot this form
ofidolatryfrom the hearts of the Israelites. Some men who had gone
astray, repented but most of them insisted on worshipping a cow. The
Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) said to his people:
"Surely, Allah commands you that you should sacrifice a cow." ( Surah
2: Verse 71)
Most of them did so hesitatingly but the others refused. The Prophet
Musa (peace be upon him) kept on conveying the people the new message
of God.
Another Miracle
One season came there was hardly any rain. It overtook the people
withdraughtsanddiminutionof fruit. There was an acute shortage of
water and food. The people began to die ofstarvation. The Prophet Musa
(peace be upon him) prayed to Allah and He provided them with
eatables. Water was not available in the area. They approached Prophet
Musa (peace be upon him) for help. He prayed to Allah for a miracle.
Allah directed the Prophet to hit aspecial high cliffwith his stick.
The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) touched the cliff saying: By the
name of our Lord, Almighty Allah. At once the water gushed forth.
There were twelve places in that cliff from which sprang out cool
clear water. The people were much amazed at the sight of this
wonderful miracle. The Holy Quran states:
"And when Musa prayed for drink for his people, We said: Smite with
your staff the rock, and there gushed out there from twelve springs so
that each tribe knew their drinking place: Eat and drink of that which
Allah has provided and do not act corruptly making mischief in the
earth." ( Surah 2: Verse 60)
The Israelites were oftwelve brancheseach a descendant of a son of
Prophet Ya'qub (peace be upon him). So each branch came to drink from
one of the springs of water from that cliff. The people drank water to
their hearts content. They do not have to shove and push for the water
because Allah gave themtwelve springs.
Israelites Win Victory and Prosper
After staying in the desert for some time Prophet Musa (peace be upon
him) planned to proceed towards theblessed land, Palestine. TheProphet
Musa(peace be upon him) sent twelve men in advance to go and had a
bird's eye view of the blessed land. They came back after many days.
They told him that there were fertile farms and green trees. There was
plenty of water. It made every one eager to go there. It was also
reported that the owners of the blessed land were strong and brave.
They had invincible armies. It was impossible to capture that land
without fighting.
The Israelites were much terrified because they were weak and armless.
The Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and a small group of Israelites
wished tofight tooth and nailwhereas most of them did not agree to
fighting. Some of them said to Prophet Musa (peace be upon him): You
go with your God and fight against them. We will stay here and wait.
As the years passed, they increased in number. They gained strength
gradually. They formed a small army of their own and marched with
faith in their hearts towards the rich blessed land. They fought hard
and becamevictoriousin the battle. They became therulers of Palestine.
The inhabitants of that land lived with them in peace and harmony.
Allah showered favors on Israelites and they began to prosper
wonderful.
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