The Story of Moses 2

The Story of Moses (part 7 of 12): Magic & Illusion

Description: By the permission of God, Moses defeats the magicians. By Aisha Stacey (© 2010 IslamReligion.com) Published on 22 Feb 2010 - Last modified on 23 Mar 2010  Viewed: 14632 (daily average: 11) - Rating: 5 out of 5 - Rated by: 2 Printed: 860 - Emailed: 0 - Commented on: 0  Category: Articles > Beliefs of Islam > Stories of the Prophets

Quran narrates several conversations between Moses and Pharaoh.  One of the most detailed accounts is in chapter 26 which is entitled ‘The Poets’.  Moses speaks kindly to Pharaoh about God, His Mercy, and His Paradise, but Pharaoh reacts disdainfully and arrogantly.  He reminds Moses of his past crime and asks Moses to be grateful that he was raised in the palace amongst luxuries and wealth.  Moses excuses himself by saying he committed the crime of killing an innocent man when he was ignorant and  points out that he was raised in the palace only because he was unable to live with his own family due to Pharaoh’s indiscriminate killing of baby boys. “Moses said, “I did it then, when I was an ignorant (as regards my Lord and His Message).  So I fled from you when I feared you.  But my Lord has granted me religious knowledge, and Prophethood, and appointed me as one of the Messengers.  And this is the past favour with which you reproach me, and that you have enslaved the children of Israel.” Pharaoh said, “And what is the Lord of the mankind, jinn, and all that exists?” Moses replied, “The Lord of the heavens, and the earth, and all that is between them, if you seek to be convinced with certainty.” Pharaoh said to those around, “Do you not hear what he says?” Moses said, “Your Lord and the Lord of your ancient fathers!” Pharaoh said, "Indeed, your 'messenger' who has been sent to you is mad." Moses said, “Lord of the east, and the west, and all that is between them, if you did but understand!” Pharaoh said, “If you choose a god other than me, I will certainly put you among the prisoners.” Moses said, “Even if I bring you something manifest (and convincing).” Pharaoh said, “Bring it forth then, if you are of the truthful!”  (Quran 26:20-31) Pharaoh began by mocking Moses, then accusing him of being ungrateful and finally he threatened him.  During this historical period, many people in Egypt practiced magic.  There were even schools teaching classes in magic and illusion.  Pharaoh jumped to the wrong conclusion, he thought that the manifest signs Moses was able to show by the permission of God were magic tricks and illusions. When Moses threw his stick and it became a serpent, slithering and sliding along the ground, and when he withdrew his hand from his cloak and it strongly shone bright and white, Pharaoh presumed that Moses has learned the art of illusion.  Ibn Kathir narrates the Pharaoh detained Moses and Aaron while he despatched couriers throughout Egypt to summon all the magicians to the palace.  Pharaoh promised the magicians prestige and money in return for their tricks.  A contest was set up between Moses and the Egyptian magicians. Pharaoh was confident that his magicians were unbeatable.  He had long been using them to influence the hearts and minds of the people.  Pharaoh used their conjuring tricks and illusions to dominate and control his subjects.  Moses was able to set the day for the contest and he chose a customary festival day.  The streets would be crowded with people and the power and strength of God would be visible to all.  There would be maximum exposure to the truth of the words that, there is none worthy of worship except God alone. “O Moses!  Have you come to drive us out from our land with your magic?  We can also show you magic to match it, so set an appointment between us and you, which neither we nor you shall forget to keep, in a fair (open) place.’ Moses said, ‘Let the encounter be on the day (of the Festival) of Adornment, and let the people assemble at forenoon.’” (Quran 20:56-59) Moses asked the magicians to perform first.  It is narrated that there were up to 70 magicians lined up in a row.  The magicians threw their sticks and ropes in the name of the Pharaoh and the ground became a seething sea of serpents, writhing and slithering.  The crowd looked on in amazement.  Moses was afraid, but he was steadfast, secure in the knowledge that God would protect him and make his task easy.  God covered him with tranquility and directed Moses to throw his stick. Moses stick transformed into a huge serpent and quickly devoured all the illusionary serpents that covered the ground.  The crowd rose up like a great wave, cheering and shouting for Moses.  The magicians were astounded. They were well skilled in the art of magic and illusion, for they were the best magicians in the world at the time, but their conjuring was nothing but a trick.  The magicians knew that Moses’ serpent was real.  They collectively fell in prostration declaring their belief in the Lord of Moses and Aaron. “And the magicians fell down prostrating.  Saying: “We believe in the Lord of mankind, jinn, and all that exists.  “The Lord of Moses and Aaron.”  Pharaoh said, “You have believed in him before I give you leave.  Surely, he indeed is your chief, who has taught you magic!  So verily, you shall come to know.  Verily, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all.”  They said, “No harm!  Surely, to our Lord we are to return.  “Verily!  We hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, as we are the first of the believers in Moses and in the Monotheism which he has brought from God.” The magicians began that day as disbelievers, corrupt and interested only in riches and fame; however, within a few hours they had recognised the truth.  They saw with their own eyes the omnipotence of God and repented for their errant ways.  God is the most merciful, and He will forgive those who turn to Him with sincere and humble repentance. Moses and Aaron left the contest field.  The magicians, as it is told,  were put to death, their bodies hung in the squares and market places to teach the people a lesson.  Pharaoh returned to his palace and his rage magnified.  He quarrelled with his ministers and advisors.  He sent them away and then summoned them into his presence.  He turned to his chief minister and said, “Am I a liar Oh Haman?”  The Pharaoh had built his kingdom on the fact that he was a god, what was he to do now that Moses had revealed that there is no god but the one and only God. “O Haman!  Build me a tower that I may arrive at the ways, - the ways of the heavens, and I may look upon the God of Moses but verily, I think him to be a liar.”  Thus, it was made fair seeming, in Pharaoh’s eyes, the evil of his deeds, he was hindered from the Right Path, and the plot of Pharaoh led to nothing but loss and destruction for him.” (Quran 40:36-37)

The Story of Moses (part 8 of 12): Signs of God’s Magnificent Power

Description: Egypt suffers but Pharaoh refuses to free the children of Israel. By Aisha Stacey (© 2010 IslamReligion.com) Published on 01 Mar 2010 - Last modified on 23 Mar 2010  Viewed: 14712 (daily average: 12) - Rating: 5 out of 5 - Rated by: 2 Printed: 957 - Emailed: 0 - Commented on: 0  Category: Articles > Beliefs of Islam > Stories of the Prophets

Pharaoh was angry. His kingdom of fear was built by oppressing the people and holding their hearts and minds captive. All the people of Egypt from the ministers and magicians to the lowly slaves and servants were afraid of Pharaoh’s power and anger but Moses had exposed a weak spot. Pharaoh worried that his kingdom was about to unravel, however he was surrounded by sycophants and parasites who urged him on to greater tyranny.   Pharaoh’s security and intelligence officers began to spread rumours. They said Moses and some magicians had secretly organised for Moses to win the competition.  The lifeless bodies of the slain magicians were hung in public places to further terrorise the people.  Due to their association with Moses the children of Israel, became the scapegoats. They complained to Moses that they were ill treated when he was born and now he had caused them to be oppressed once again. Pharaoh ordered more killing, pillaging and raping. He imprisoned anyone who spoke out against this oppression, and Moses was powerless.  He could not interfere.  He counselled patience and watched silently.  The children of Israel complained to Moses, and he was put into a very difficult situation.  As he contended with Pharaoh’s plots and plans,  his people were turning against him and one of his own was working with the Egyptian powerbrokers. Korah was a man from the children of Israel blessed with wealth and status, while all around him were poor and often destitute.  He did not acknowledge the blessings of God and treated the poor with contempt.  When Moses reminded him that it was his duty, as one who worshipped the One God, to pay poor tax, he refused and began to spread a rumour that Moses had invented the tax to make him rich.  God’s anger fell upon Korah and the earth opened up and swallowed him as if he had never existed. “Verily, Korah was of Moses’ people, but he behaved arrogantly towards them.  And We gave him of the treasures, that of which the keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men... He said, “This has been given to me only because of knowledge I possess.” Did he not know that God had destroyed before him generations, men who were stronger than he in might and greater in the amount of riches. So he went forth before his people arrogantly and We caused the earth to swallow him and his dwelling place. (Quran 28: 76-82) Pharaoh summoned Moses to the palace. Ibn Kathir narrates that Pharaoh wanted Moses killed and that he was supported by all his ministers and government officials, except one. This man, believed to be a relative of Pharaoh’s, was a believer in the Oneness of God, although until this moment he had kept his belief secret. And a believing man of Pharaoh’s family, who hid his faith said, “Would you kill a man because he says, My Lord is God, and he (Moses) has come to you with clear signs (proofs) from your Lord? And if he is a liar, upon him will be (the sin of) his lie; but if he is telling the truth, then some of that calamity wherewith he threatens you will befall on you. (Quran 40:28) The believing man spoke eloquently; he warned his people that they would suffer a day of disaster like those days that had afflicted people in the past. He reminded them that God had sent clear signs with Moses, but his words fell on deaf ears. Pharaoh and many of his ministers threatened to kill the believing man but God kept him safe, and under His protection. So God saved him from the evils that they plotted (against him), while an evil torment encompassed Pharaoh’s people. (Quran 40: 45) God commanded Moses to warn the Pharaoh that he and the Egyptians would suffer a severe punishment if the children of Israel were not set free. If the torture, oppression, and harassment did not stop, the signs of God’s wrath would descend upon them. Pharaoh’s response was to call all the people of Egypt including the children of Israel to a large gathering. He informed them that he was their Lord, he pointed out that Moses was no more then a lowly slave with no power, strength or might. Moses strength however came directly from God. The people however believed and obeyed Pharaoh: the signs of God’s power began to descend. God afflicted Egypt with a severe drought. Even the lush, green, and fertile Nile valleys began to whither and die.  The crops failed and the people began to suffer but Pharaoh remained arrogant therefore God sent a huge flood to devastate the land. The people, including the chief ministers appealed to Moses. “O Moses! Invoke your Lord for us because of His Promise to you. If you will remove the punishment from us, we indeed shall believe in you, and we shall let the children of Israel go with you.” (Quran 7:134) The land returned to normal and the crops once again began to grow, but still the children of Israel were enslaved. God sent a plague of locusts that swallowed up everything in their path. The people rushed to Moses begging for his help. The locusts departed but still the children of Israel remained enslaved. Next came a plague of lice, spreading disease amongst the people, followed by a plague of frogs that harassed and terrified the people in their homes and beds. Each time one of God’s punishments descended the people begged Moses to implore his Lord for relief; each time they promised to free the enslaved children of Israel and each time, they failed to fulfil that promise. Then the final sign of God’s anger was revealed, the water of the Nile river turned to blood. For the children of Israel the water remained pure and clear but for all others it appeared as thick red blood.  Even after this most devastating series of signs of God’s displeasure, the children of Israel remained enslaved. And indeed, We punished the people of Pharaoh with years of drought and shortness of fruits (crops, etc.), that they might remember and take heed.   But whenever good came to them, they said, “Ours is this.” And if evil afflicted them, they ascribed it to evil omens connected with Moses and those with him. Be informed! Verily, their evil omens are with God but most of them know not.   They said Moses, “Whatever, signs, you may bring to us, and to work therewith your sorcery on us, we shall never believe in you.”   So We sent on them: the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, and the blood, as a succession of signs, yet they remained arrogant, and they were of those people who were criminals, polytheists and sinners. And when the punishment fell on them they said, “O Moses! Invoke your Lord for us because of His Promise to you. If you will remove the punishment from us, we indeed shall believe in you, and we shall let the Children of Israel go with you.” But when We removed the punishment from them to a fixed term, which they had to reach, behold! They broke their word! So We took retribution from them. We drowned them in the sea, because they belied Our signs, and were heedless about them. (Quran 7: 130-136)

The Story of Moses (part 9 of 12): We Drowned Them in the Sea

Description: The Children of Israel flee, but they are a broken people. By Aisha Stacey (© 2010 IslamReligion.com) Published on 01 Mar 2010 - Last modified on 23 Mar 2010  Viewed: 14588 (daily average: 11) - Rating: 5 out of 5 - Rated by: 2 Printed: 839 - Emailed: 1 - Commented on: 0  Category: Articles > Beliefs of Islam > Stories of the Prophets

Pharaoh and the majority of the people of Egypt refused to believe the signs.  Repeatedly God sent his punishments and the people appealed to Moses, promising to worship God alone and free the Children of Israel but time and time again, they broke their promises.  Finally, God withdrew His mercy and gave the order for Moses to lead his people out of Egypt. But when We removed the punishment from them to a fixed term, which they had to reach, behold!  They broke their word!  So We took retribution from them. We drowned them in the sea, because they belied Our signs, and were heedless about them. (Quran 7: 130-136) Pharaoh’s spies knew immediately that something momentous was happening and Pharaoh called a meeting of his most trusted advisors. They decided to gather the entire armed forces to pursue the feeling slaves. Gathering the army took all night and Pharaoh’s army did not leave confines of the city until dawn. Pharaoh’s army marched into the desert. It was not long before the children of Israel could look back into the distance and see the dust raised by the approaching army. It was also not long before those in the front ranks of the children of Israel had reached the edge of the Red Sea. The Children of Israel were trapped. In front of them was the Red Sea; to their back was the avenging army. Fear and panic began to spread through their ranks. They appealed to Moses. Moses had been walking at the back of his fleeing people; he could see the army getting closer and closer. He made his way through the ranks to the edge of the sea. He walked amongst his people allaying their fears and reminding them to keep the faith to continue trusting that God would not let them down. Moses stood at the edge of the Red Sea and looked out toward the horizon. Ibn Kathir narrates that Joshua turned to Moses and said, “In front of us is this impassable barrier, the sea, and behind us the enemy; surely death cannot be avoided!” Moses did not panic; he stood silently and waited for God to keep His promise, to free the children of Israel. At that moment, as panic swept over the children of Israel, God inspired Moses to strike the sea with his stick. He did as he was commanded. A fierce wind began to blow, the sea began to swirl and spin, and suddenly it parted to reveal a pathway; the bottom of the sea became dry enough for the people to walk across it. Moses began to direct the people across the dry corridor in the middle of the sea. He waited until the last person had commenced walking across the sea before he turned back to look at the approaching army and then followed his people across the seabed. As they reached the other side, the panic and fear began to overwhelm the children of Israel. They once again began to beg and plead for Moses to close the corridor.  Moses refused, God’s plan was already in motion, and he was confidant that the Children of Israel would be safe even though Pharaoh’s army had followed them into the dry seabed corridor. And We took the children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh with his hosts followed them in oppression and enmity, till when drowning overtook him, he said,  “None has the right to be worshipped but He, in whom the children of Israel believe, and I am one of the Muslims (those who submit to God’s Will).” Now you believe while you refused to believe before and you were one of the evildoers! So this day We shall deliver your dead body out from the sea that you maybe a sign to those who come after you! And verily, many among humankind are heedless of our Signs. (Quran10:90-92) Ibn Kathir describes the death of Pharaoh, “The curtain fell on Pharaoh’s tyranny, and the waves threw his corpse up to the western seashore. The Egyptians saw him and knew that the god whom they worshipped and obeyed was a mere man who could not keep death away from his own neck.” When Pharaoh had power, wealth, good health and strength he refused to acknowledge God but when he saw death approaching he cried out to God with fear and horror. If humankind remembers God in times of ease, God will remember the even the lowliest of human beings in times of distress. Generations of oppression had left an indelible mark on the Children of Israel. Years of humiliation and constant fear had left them ignorant and obstinate.  Most of them had been deprived of comforts and luxuries for all of their lives. They longed for anything that was a sign of wealth or materialism.  The children of Israel believed in God, they had just witnessed the most amazing miracles and signs of God’s power but still they coveted an idol they saw on their journey out of Egypt. And We brought the Children of Israel (with safety) across the sea, and they came upon a people devoted to some of their idols (in worship). They said, “Moses! Make for us a god as they have gods.” He said, “Verily, you are a people who know not the Majesty and Greatness of God and what is obligatory upon you.” Moses added, “Verily, these people will be destroyed for that which they are engaged in (idols-worship). And all that they are doing is in vain.” He said, “Shall I seek for you a god other than God, while He has given you superiority over the mankind and jinn of your time.” And (remember) when We rescued you from Pharaoh’s people, who were afflicting you with the worst torment, killing your sons and letting your women live. And in that was a great trial from your Lord.” (Quran 7: 138-141) God had favoured the Children of Israel. They were led safely out of Egypt and they had witnessed the drowning of their cruel ruler Pharaoh. When they needed water God commanded Moses to strike a rock, which sent forth twelve springs of water for the twelve different tribes so that there was no dispute. God also sent clouds to protect them from the scorching sun and to relieve their hunger He sent a special delicious food called manna, and quail. Sadly, in spite of God’s generosity many of the children of Israel complained and wanted the food they were used to eating in Egypt, onions, garlic, beans and lentils. Moses admonished his people and reminded them that they had just left a life of degradation and humiliation. He asked why they whined for the worst bounties when God was providing them with the best. Moses said, “Would you exchange that which is better for that which is lower? Go you down to any town and you shall find what you want!” (Quran2: 61). God was providing bounties and making life easy for the children of Israel while they made their way to the Promised land, but they were a broken people, unable to stay away from sin and corruption. .

The Story of Moses (part 10 of 12): The Ten Commandments

Description: Prophet Moses led his people, the Children of Israel, out of Egypt. By Aisha Stacey (© 2010 IslamReligion.com) Published on 08 Mar 2010 - Last modified on 23 Mar 2010  Viewed: 15337 (daily average: 12) - Rating: none yet - Rated by: 0 Printed: 800 - Emailed: 1 - Commented on: 0  Category: Articles > Beliefs of Islam > Stories of the Prophets

They left under the cover of darkness, carrying their meagre possessions headed across the desert towards the Red Sea.  When they reached the sea, the Pharaoh’s army was pursuing them closely, the people of Moses could see the dust stirred up by the approaching army.  They looked at the sea in front of them and felt trapped.  By the will and permission of God, Moses struck the sea with his staff and the sea parted revealing a pathway.  The Children of Israel walked across the seabed.  When the last person had safely crossed, the sea fell back into place and drowned the army of Egypt including the tyrannical Pharaoh. The Children of Israel were a people oppressed and humiliated over a long period.  Several generations had lived under the yoke of the Pharaoh.  They had become a belligerent people.  Always expecting the worst.  Always longing for a slice of the good things of this world.  There sense of honour and self-confidence had been eroded.  During their journey out of Egypt to the Promised Land, there was ample opportunity for their character flaws to become obvious.  The Children of Israel were ungrateful to God, despite His care and attention to them.  They were incapable of behaving submissively and accepting the will of God. When the Children of Israel came across a people worshipping idols, their eagerness to be like those people they perceived to be happy became manifest and they asked Moses to let them have an idol, completely forgetting the miracles of God they had just witnessed.  When God provided them with delicious food which was till then unknown to them, they complained, wanting the inferior food they were used to.  When Moses directed them to march into a town and overthrow the Canaanites they refused, mostly out of fear and thus disobeyed the command of God.  Ibn Kathir narrates that Moses was able to find only two men willing to fight. “He (Moses) said, “O my Lord!  I have power only over myself and my brother, so separate us from the people who are rebellious and disobedient to God!”  God said, “Therefore it (this holy land) is forbidden to them for forty years; in distraction they will wander through the land.  So be not sorrowful over the people who are rebellious and disobedient to God.”  (Quran 5:20-26) The ‘days of wandering’ began.  Each day was like the one before it.  The people travelled with no destination in mind.  Eventually they entered the Sinai; Moses recognised it as the place where he had spoken to God before his great journey into Egypt had begun. God ordered Moses to fast, as purification, for thirty days, and then added ten more days.  After the fast was completed, Moses was ready to once again communicate with God. “And We appointed for Moses thirty nights and added to the period ten more, and he completed the term, appointed by his Lord, of forty nights.  And Moses said to his brother Aaron, “Take my place among my people, act in the Right Way (by ordering the people to obey God and to worship Him Alone) and follow not the way of the mischief makers.”  And when Moses came at the time and place appointed by Us, and his Lord spoke to him, he said, “O my Lord!  Show me (yourself) that I may look upon You.”  God said, “You cannot see Me, but look upon the mountain, if it stands still in its place then you shall see Me.”  So when his Lord appeared to the mountain, He made it collapse into dust, and Moses fell down unconscious.  Then when he recovered his senses he said, “Far removed are you from every imperfection, I turn to You in repentance and I am the first of the believers.”  God said, “O Moses, I have chosen you above men by My Messages, and by My speaking to you.  So hold that which I have given you and be among the grateful.” (Quran 7:142-144) God gave Moses two stone tablets, written upon them were the Ten Commandments.  These commandments form the basis of the Jewish law, the Torah, and they are standards of morality still set by the Christian churches.  Ibn Kathir and the early scholars of Islam state that the Ten commandments are reiterated in two verses from the Quran. “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from, Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; kill not your children because of poverty- We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to shameful sins whether committed openly or secretly; and kill not anyone whom God has forbidden, except for a just cause.  This He has commanded you that you may understand.  And come not near to the orphan’s property, except to improve it, until he or she attains the age of full strength; and give full measure and full weight with justice.  We burden not any person but that which he can bear.  And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give evidences) say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfil the Covenant of God.  This He commands you, that you may remember.” (Quran 6:151-152) Moses had been absent for forty days.  His people had become restless, they were like children, complaining and acting impulsively.  Ibn Kathir describes their descent into the unforgiveable sin of idolatry.  “As-Samiri, a man who was inclined towards evil, suggested that they find themselves another guide, as Moses had broken his promise.”  He said to them, “In order to find true guidance, you need a god, and I shall provide one for you.”  So he collected all their gold jewellery, and melted it down.  During the casting, he threw in a handful of dust, acting like a magician to impress the ignorant.  From the molten metal, he fashioned a golden calf.  It was hollow, and when wind passed through it, it produced a sound.” It was as if they had succeeded in making themselves a living God.  Moses’ brother Aaron had been afraid to stand up to the people but when he saw the idol and realised what a grave sin was being committed he spoke up.  He reminded the people to worship God Alone and he warned them of dire consequences for their actions both from Moses on his return and from God Himself.  Those who remained true to their belief in One God separated themselves from the idol worshippers.  When Moses returned to his people he saw them singing and dancing around the golden calf.  He was furious.

The Story of Moses (part 11 of 12): The Death of Moses

Description: God punishes the idolaters and the death of Moses. By Aisha Stacey (© 2010 IslamReligion.com) Published on 08 Mar 2010 - Last modified on 04 Aug 2013  Viewed: 19241 (daily average: 15) - Rating: 3 out of 5 - Rated by: 3 Printed: 779 - Emailed: 0 - Commented on: 0  Category: Articles > Beliefs of Islam > Stories of the Prophets

Moses could not believe his eyes, even though God had just warned him that a severe punishment was about to befall his people for worshipping the golden calf.  Moses heart was filled with shame and anger.  His own people had witnessed the power and majesty of God yet they acted belligerently and without fear of God’s punishment. “God said, “Verily!  We have tried your people in your absence, and As-Samiri has led them astray.”  Then Moses returned to his people in a state of anger and sorrow.  He said, “O my people!  Did not your Lord promise you a fair promise?  Did then the promise seem to you long in coming?  Or did you desire the Wrath should descend from your Lord on you, so you broke your promise to me (disbelieving in God and worshipping the calf)?” (Quran 20:83-86) Moses turned to his brother Aaron; he was angry and grabbed him by the beard, at the same time he pulled Aaron towards him by the head.  He bellowed at his brother demanding that Aaron explain why he disobeyed the instructions he had given him, and why he allowed As Samiri to beguile the Children of Israel.  Aaron explained that the people did not listen to him, and were about to kill him. He appealed to Moses not to let the idolaters separate them.  Aaron was not as strong and as forceful as his brother and he feared that he would not be able to control the Children of Israel so he waited for his brother Moses to return. God’s promise is true and His punishment was swift.  Moses confronted As Samiri and sent him into exile. “Moses said, go away!  And verily, your punishment in this life will be that you will say, ‘Touch me not’ (you will live alone exiled away from humankind); and verily (for a future torment), you have a promise that will not fail.  And look at your god, to which you have been devoted.  We will certainly burn it, and scatter its particles in the sea.” (Quran 20:83-98) The punishment imposed upon the idol worshippers was severe. “Remember when Moses said to his people: “O my people!  Verily, you have wronged yourselves by worshipping the calf.  So turn in repentance to your Creator and kill yourselves (the innocent kill the wrong doers among you), that will be better for you in the Sight of your Creator.”  Then He accepted your repentance.  Truly, He is the One who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.” (Quran 2:54) God is the Most Merciful and is forgiving.  After the Children of Israel had purged themselves and killed the idol worshippers among them, God accepted their repentance.  Even after their continuous belligerence and stubbornness, the Children of Israel once again felt God’s favor upon them. Moses then chose 70 men from amongst the most pious elders of the Children of Israel.  He returned with them to Mount Tur.  They were a delegation intending to apologise to God for their behaviour.  They stood back while Moses moved into a low-lying cloud to speak with God while the elders waited.  When he came back to them, instead of feeling repentant and apologising the elders informed Moses that they would not truly follow him until they had seen God with their own eyes. “O Moses!  We shall never believe in you till we see God plainly.” (Quran 2:55) The ground shook and the seventy men were struck by a lightening bolt.  They fell to the ground dead.  Moses was astounded.  He immediately wondered what he would say to the Children of Israel.  These seventy men were the best of people; Moses felt that now the Children of Israel had no hope.  He turned to God. “O my Lord, if it had been Your Will, You could have destroyed them and me before; would You destroy us for the deeds of the foolish ones among us?  It is only Your trial by which You lead astray whom You will, and keep guided whom You will.  You are our Protector, so forgive us and have Mercy on us, for You are the best of those who forgive.  And ordain for us good in this world, and in the Hereafter.  Certainly we have turned unto You.”  He said (as to) My Punishment I afflict therewith whom I will and My Mercy embraces all things.  That (Mercy) I shall ordain for those who are the pious and give alms; and those who believe in our signs.” (Quran 7:155-157) God is indeed the Most Merciful and His mercy embraces all things.  When Moses beseeched God He raised up the seventy dead elders.  For many years the Children of Israel wandered about in the desert and wastelands.  Prophet Moses suffered greatly at their hands.  He endured mutiny, belligerence, ignorance, and idolatry, they even inflicted personal harm upon him.  He suffered purely for the sake of pleasing God.  After many years Prophet Aaron died, so Moses was finally without his greatest supporter.  Still he remained steadfast; still he remained in the wilderness never quite reaching the Promised land.  Moses died, still surrounded by the belligerent Children of Israel.  Still surrounded by people who refused to see the miracles before their eyes, yet God in His Mercy continued to give them chance after chance. From the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him, comes the account of Prophet Moses’ death.  “The Angel of Death was sent to Moses.  When he arrived Moses punched him in the eye.  The Angel returned to his Lord and said, ‘You have sent me to a slave who does not want to die.’  God said, ‘Return to him and tell him to put his hand on the back of an ox and for every hair that will come under it, he will be granted one year of life.’  Moses said, ‘O Lord!  What will happen after that?’  God replied, ‘then death.’  Moses said, ‘Let it come now!’  Moses then requested God to let him die close to the Holy Land so that he would be at a distance of a stone’s throw from it.”[1] Footnotes: [1] Saheeh Al-Bukhari

The Story of Moses (part 12 of 12): Lessons from the life of Prophet Moses

Description: Put your trust in God! By Aisha Stacey (© 2010 IslamReligion.com) Published on 15 Mar 2010 - Last modified on 23 Mar 2010  Viewed: 15955 (daily average: 13) - Rating: 5 out of 5 - Rated by: 9 Printed: 817 - Emailed: 6 - Commented on: 1  Category: Articles > Beliefs of Islam > Stories of the Prophets
The human condition is filled with trials, tribulations, and tremendous learning curves.  Life is full of surprises.  However remembering God and striving to please Him is humankind’s lifeline.  The Quran contains inspirational stories of prophets, and righteous men and women.  The life of Moses is discussed frequently and his story teaches us that God is merciful, trustworthy, and caring. Allah, the Most Forgiving, has not left us alone; He has provided us with His guidance and light. “Indeed, in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding.  It (the Quran) is not a forged statement but a confirmation of God’s existing Books (the Torah, the Gospel and other Scriptures of God) and a detailed explanation of everything, a guide, and a Mercy for the people who believe.”  (Quran 12: 111) Throughout this series of articles, we have learned about Moses’ tremendous strength of character, and his ability to persevere even in dire circumstances.  Moses followed God’s commandments with valor and determination, and beyond this all, he possessed a character of great importance, the character of sincerity.  Moses was sincere in all his efforts.  No matter what he did, he acted with the express purpose of pleasing God.  When determination is coupled with sincerity a person’s character can become extraordinary. During the years that the Children of Israel wandered the desert unable to enter the Promised Land, Moses met and spent time with Khidr. A man whom the majority of scholars believe to have been a prophet. Ibn Kathir narrates that one day Moses was asked by someone, “O Messenger of God, is there another man on earth more learned than you?”  Moses replied, “No!” believing that since God had allowed him to perform miracles and had given him the Torah, he must surely be the most learned man alive.  This however was not the case.  Moses’ encounter with Khidr teaches humankind that no one person can hold all the information available and that even though we may think we are wise and knowledgeable, the need to seek knowledge never ceases.  When Moses learned of Khidr’s existence, he asked to meet him. God instructed Moses to take a live fish in a container.  When the fish disappeared, he would find the man he sought.  Moses set out on his journey, accompanied by a young man who carried the container with the fish.  They reached a place where two rivers met and decided to rest there.  Instantly, Moses fell asleep.  While he was asleep, his companion saw the fish wriggle out of the vessel into the river and swim away.  However, he forgot to inform Moses. When Moses awoke, they continued their journey until they were exhausted and hungry.  Moses asked for a meal.  Only then did his companion recall that the fish had gotten away.  Hearing this, Moses cried, “This is exactly what we are seeking!”  They hurriedly retraced their steps to the place where the rivers met and where the fish had jumped out. When Moses realised that they had taken the wrong direction, he immediately turned back.  He did not push forward hoping that he could save face, or time, he acknowledged that his path was incorrect and he changed his way.  In this life, so many of us choose the wrong path but are afraid or too embarrassed to turn and face in a different direction.  There are great lessons to be taken from the actions of Prophet Moses. Once a person realizes he is heading in the wrong direction in life he must immediately turn around and get back onto the Straight Path. One should not consider this a defeat; rather, it is a victory. When Moses returned to the correct path, he met Khidr. It was a meeting designed to bring forth knowledge.  This momentous story of the meeting of Moses and Khidr is narrated in Quran in Chapter 18, The Cave. “Moses said to him, "May I follow you on [the condition] that you teach me from what you have been taught of sound judgment?" He said, "Indeed, with me you will never be able to have patience. And how can you have patience for what you do not encompass in knowledge?" Moses said, "You will find me, if Allah wills, patient, and I will not disobey you in any order." He said, "Then if you follow me, do not ask me about anything until I mention it to you." So they set out, until when they had embarked on the ship, al-Khidhr damaged it. Moses said, "Have you damaged it to drown its people? You have certainly done a grave thing." Al-Khidhr said, "Did I not say that with me you would never be able to have patience?" Moses said, "Do not blame me for what I forgot and do not cover me in my matter with difficulty." So they set out, until when they met a boy, al-Khidhr killed him. Moses said, "Have you killed a pure soul for other than having killed a soul? You have certainly done a deplorable thing." Al-Khidhr said, "Did I not tell you that with me you would never be able to have patience?" Moses said, "If I should ask you about anything after this, then do not keep me as a companion. You have obtained from me an excuse." So they set out, until when they came to the people of a town, they asked its people for food, but they refused to offer them hospitality. And they found therein a wall about to collapse, so al-Khidhr restored it. Moses said, "If you wished, you could have taken for it a payment." Al-Khidhr said, "This is parting between me and you. I will inform you of the interpretation of that about which you could not have patience.  As for the ship, it belonged to poor people working at sea. So I intended to defect it as there was after them a king who seized every [good] ship by force. As for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared that he would overburden them by transgression and disbelief. So we intended that their Lord should substitute for them one better than him in purity and nearer to mercy. And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the city, and there was beneath it a treasure for them, and their father had been righteous. So your Lord intended that they reach maturity and extract their treasure, as a mercy from your Lord. And I did it not of my own accord. That is the interpretation of that about which you could not have patience." (Quran 18:66-82) The story of Moses and Khidr reminds us that God is the Most Wise.  For the frail human being life can hold great joy and laughter but sometimes we are beset by trials, tragedies, and calamities that seemingly make no sense.  As believers we should believe  that whatever God’s decree is it stems from His Supreme and Absolute Wisdom.	The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com	Copyright © 2006-2013 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved. Privacy policy is here.

The source of this article is: www.IslamReligion.com
Copyright © 2006-2013 IslamReligion.com. All rights reserved. Privacy policy is here.