Who is Prophet Musa?
In Islam, Prophet Musa (Moses) is a major prophet and messenger of Allah. His life, teachings, and miracles are extensively discussed in the Quran and Hadith.
In Islamic tradition, the names of Prophet Musa's (Moses') parents are not explicitly mentioned in the Quran. However, Islamic sources and historical accounts provide names based on Jewish tradition and classical Islamic scholarship:
Mother: Musa's mother is often referred to as "Yocheved" in Jewish tradition, though this specific name is not mentioned in the Quran. In Islamic tradition, she is known as a devout woman who placed Musa in the basket to save him from Pharaoh’s decree.
Father: Musa's father is named "Imran" in Islamic tradition, and he is recognized as a righteous man. This name is consistent with some Jewish traditions, where Imran is also mentioned.
These names are derived from various classical sources and are not explicitly stated in the Quran but are widely accepted in Islamic scholarship and traditions.
Early Life
Birth and Background: Musa was born in Egypt during a time when the Pharaoh had ordered the killing of all male Hebrew infants to suppress the growing population of the Israelites (Banu Isra'il). To protect him, his mother placed him in a basket and set it adrift on the Nile River.
Adoption by Pharaoh's Family:
Musa was found and adopted by Pharaoh’s wife, Asiya, who raised him in the royal palace. Although he was raised as an Egyptian prince, he remained aware of his Hebrew origins.
Call to Prophethood
Divine Encounter:
While in Midian, Musa encountered a burning bush on Mount Sinai, from which Allah spoke to him. Allah commanded Musa to return to Egypt and free the Israelites from slavery. This event marked the beginning of his prophethood.
The Burning Bush:
While Musa was tending to his sheep on Mount Sinai, he encountered a burning bush that was not consumed by fire. From the bush, Allah spoke to him, commanding him to return to Egypt and free the Israelites from slavery. Allah also performed miracles to confirm Musa’s prophethood, such as turning his staff into a serpent and making his hand shine brightly (Surah Al-Qasas, 28:30-35).
Mission in Egypt
Confronting Pharaoh:
Musa, accompanied by his brother Harun (Aaron), went to Pharaoh and demanded the release of the Israelites. Pharaoh’s arrogance and refusal led to a series of divine plagues designed to persuade him (Surah Ash-Shu'ara, 26:10-68).
The Plagues:
The Quran describes ten plagues that afflicted Egypt:
1. Blood: The Nile and all water sources turned to blood.
2. Frogs: A plague of frogs covered the land.
3. Lice: Lice infested people and animals.
4. Wild Animals: Swarms of wild animals ravaged Egypt.
5. Pestilence: Livestock diseases struck.
6. Boils: Painful boils broke out on the skin.
7. Hail: Devastating hailstorms destroyed crops.
8. Locusts: Locusts consumed whatever was left.
9. Darkness: An oppressive darkness covered Egypt for three days.
10. Death of the Firstborn: The firstborn sons of the Egyptians died (Surah Al-A'raf, 7:130-136).
Exodus and Parting of the Red Sea: After Pharaoh’s reluctant agreement, he reneged on his promise and pursued the Israelites. Musa, following Allah’s command, parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape. When Pharaoh’s army followed, the waters returned, drowning them (Surah Ash-Shu'ara, 26:63-66; Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:50).
Life in the Wilderness
Receiving the Torah:
Upon escaping Egypt, Musa and the Israelites traveled to Mount Sinai, where Musa received the Torah, including the Ten Commandments. This was a pivotal moment in establishing the legal and ethical framework for the Israelites (Surah Al-A'raf, 7:142-145).
Golden Calf Incident:
While Musa was on Mount Sinai, some Israelites, led by Samiri, created and worshipped a golden calf. Musa returned to find them in apostasy. He destroyed the calf and sought Allah’s forgiveness for his people (Surah Al-A'raf, 7:148-154).
Struggles and Guidance:
Musa faced continual challenges with his people, who often showed ingratitude and rebellion. Despite this, he provided guidance and maintained his leadership role, implementing the laws revealed by Allah (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:61; Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:20-26).
Legacy and Teachings
Monotheism and Justice:
Musa’s teachings emphasized the worship of one God (Tawhid) and established principles of justice, ethics, and law. His story serves as a model of faith, perseverance, and adherence to divine guidance.
Prophetic Role:
Musa is highly esteemed as a prophet who delivered Allah’s message, led his people through trials, and established religious and legal norms that continue to influence Islamic thought.
Summary
Prophet Musa's story in Islamic Tafseer illustrates his role as a leader, lawgiver, and messenger of Allah. His life is marked by his struggle against tyranny, his commitment to justice, and his deep connection with Allah. The narrative serves as an important source of lessons on faith, leadership, and moral conduct in Islam.
