Part 1 - The Great Prophet Moses (Moosa) AS

Prophet Moses (Moosa) AS: Guiding Light and Lawgiver

Prophet Moses (AS), also known as Moosa (AS), stands as a towering figure in the annals of human history. His life was a tapestry woven with extraordinary events, divine revelations, and unparalleled leadership. From his miraculous encounters with God to his role as the lawgiver of the Israelites, Prophet Moses (AS) left an indelible mark on the spiritual, moral, and legal landscape of his time. Through trials and triumphs, he exemplified unwavering faith and an unyielding commitment to the guidance of God. In this narrative, we embark on a journey through the eventful life of Prophet Moses (AS), uncovering the profound wisdom and divine interventions that defined his remarkable legacy.

Life of The Great Prophet Moses (AS)

The Prophet Moses (AS) graced the earth with his presence for approximately 120 years, spanning from 1436 BCE to 1316 BCE. He was born in Egypt, a direct descendant of the esteemed Prophet Jacob. While comprehensive genealogical details are widely available, for brevity, we shall delve into his era through the lens of our inquiry: "Who Am I?" and the quest for divine connection.

In this epoch, around 3500 years ago, humanity stood at a crossroads, transitioning from the Bronze Age (3000 BCE to 1300 BCE) to the onset of the Iron Age (1300 BCE to 900 BCE). Egypt boasted awe-inspiring pyramids, a structured legal system, and advanced methods of recording and writing. They wielded sophisticated tools of war, trained steeds, and refined implements for both agriculture and construction. The title of 'Pharaoh' denoted rulership, and during Moses' time, Ramses II held sway, deeming himself a deity akin to Nimrod in the era of Prophet Abraham.

Distinctive Personality of Moses (AS)

Prophets, though chosen by the Divine, are human and thus, possess distinctive personalities, capabilities, and virtues. Prophet Moses (AS) embodied strength, valor, and was a master of the martial arts. Raised within the opulence of Pharaoh's palace, he bore the title of Prince in society. Yet, he remained cognizant of his Hebrew heritage and empathetic towards the plight of his fellow Israelites, ensnared in the shackles of Pharaoh's servitude.

A fateful altercation transpired when Moses (AS) intervened to rescue a Hebrew man from a brutal assault by an Egyptian oppressor. With one mighty blow, Moses (AS) inadvertently ended the life of the aggressor. Though unintended, it marked a turning point. The following day, while attempting to reconcile two quarreling Hebrews, Moses (AS) was scorned as a killer. Sensing the gravity of the situation and the potential wrath of Pharaoh's law, Moses (AS) made a life-altering decision - to flee Egypt, seeking sanctuary in the desolate expanse of the Sinai desert.

Moses (AS) Journeyed to Midian (Madyan)

Traversing the ephemeral waterways bordering the Gulf of the Red Sea, near the present location of the Suez Canal, Moses sought to distance himself from mainland Egypt. His odyssey led him further into the Sinai Peninsula, culminating in the arrival at Midian, a haven beyond the Gulf of Aqaba. Situated at the northern extremity of the Hijaz Valley in Arabia. Midian bore significance as the settlement of the third line of Abraham's progeny from his wife Keturah. Midian derived its name from Abraham's son Madyan, the patriarch of the region.

Amidst his quest for sustenance, Moses (AS) encountered a well where several shepherdesses were unjustly denied access by marauding shepherds. Displaying characteristic courage, Moses (AS) intervened, compelling the aggressors to flee. The courageous act did not go unnoticed, and the shepherdesses hastened to apprise their father of the noble stranger. They advocated for his stay, recognizing not only his physical prowess but also his moral rectitude. The elderly man, identified as Saint Jethro, a nephew of Prophet Shuaib (AS), extended a gracious invitation for Moses (AS) to dwell among them, foreseeing his potential as a boon to the aging patriarch.

Moses's  (AS) married to the eldest daughter of Saint Jethro and sojourn in Midian unfolded over a substantial span, approximately 14 years or, by alternative accounts, three to four decades. It was a period of pastoral care for Saint Jethro's flock across the expansive pastures, a stark contrast to his upbringing in the palatial environs of a sophisticated society. Yet, a pivotal question loomed - how long could he elude the repercussions awaiting him in Egypt?

Joined by his brother Aaron (AS), Moses (AS), under the spiritual tutelage of Saint Jethro, furthered his devotion to Monotheism. The two brothers, accompanied by Saint Jethro, embarked on a pilgrimage to Makkah, where they encountered their Ishmaelite cousins. At Makkah, three branches of Abraham's descendants, united in the practice of monotheistic worship, convened.

Moses PBUH, now a father of many and steward of his own flock, confronted a crossroads. His upbringing in the palace and civilized society starkly contrasted with the rigors of herding. Ultimately, he resolved to return to Egypt with his family and Aaron PBUT. Learning of Moses's decision, Saint Jethro, in a gesture of benevolence, parted with a portion of Moses's flock to accompany him and his family.

God's Prophetic Mantle Embraces Moses (AS)

Unbeknownst to Moses (AS), God had chosen him as a prophet and a messenger to Pharaoh, the self-declared deity who had transgressed divine boundaries. Moses (AS), along with Aaron (AS) and their kin, traversed the Sinai Desert en route to Egypt, unaware of the divine decree that awaited him.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its last golden rays, Moses (AS) espied a distant, luminous glow emanating from a mountain behind a lone bush. Sensing an opportunity to prepare sustenance for his family, he set forth towards the enigmatic light, intending to procure a burning ember. Little did he know that this ordinary task would mark the threshold of his divine calling.

Approaching the bush, Moses (AS) heard a voice, clear and resonant, addressing him, "O Moses!" Astonishment and reverence enveloped him as he discerned the presence of the Divine. In that sacred valley of Ṭuwa, he was instructed to remove his sandals, for he stood on hallowed ground. God revealed His purpose: Moses (AS) was chosen as a prophet, designated as His emissary to confront Pharaoh's tyranny and liberate the Hebrew community from bondage. The exchange of revelations continued, as God unveiled miraculous signs, demonstrating His boundless power and benevolence.

Moses (AS), his heart alight with divine purpose, accepted his divine mission, fully aware of the formidable challenges that lay ahead. The die was cast, and Moses (AS) embarked on his journey back to Egypt, prepared to confront Pharaoh, bearer of a self-proclaimed godhood, and to fulfill his destined role as the liberator of his people.

Prophet Moses (AS) was overcome with astonishment and trepidation upon realizing the weight of the responsibility now placed upon his shoulders. He grappled with his own perceived inadequacies and feared potential rejection by his own people. In response, Moses (AS) beseeched God for immediate measures and remedies. He implored that his brother Aaron (AS) be granted prophethood as well, and that his speech impediment be removed, enabling him to convey God's message to Pharaoh with clarity and conviction.

Moses (AS) prayed fervently, "My Lord! Uplift my heart for me, and make my task easy, and remove the impediment from my tongue, so people may understand my speech, and grant me a helper from my family, Aaron, my brother. Strengthen me through him, and let him share my task, so that we may glorify You much, and remember You much, for truly You have ˹always˺ been overseeing us."

God reminded His favors bestowed upon Moses (AS) 

God, in His boundless mercy, granted Moses's (AS) entreaties. He also reminded Moses (AS) of the divine favors bestowed upon him, particularly the miraculous salvation from Pharaoh's decree to exterminate Hebrew male infants. Moses's (AS) mother, inspired by God, set him adrift in a chest on the River Nile, a course that ultimately led him into the care of Pharaoh's own household. This divine intervention ensured Moses's (AS) upbringing under God's watchful gaze.

As Moses's (AS) sister, guided by divine providence, followed the chest along the riverbank, she orchestrated a reunion with their mother, thus alleviating her heartache. While Moses (AS) inadvertently took a life in his earlier years, God shielded him from the ensuing grief and guided him through subsequent trials. His sojourn among the people of Midian was preordained, leading him back to Egypt, his destiny firmly aligned with divine purpose.

God's Mandate to Moses PBUH

Commissioned by God, Moses, now bearing miraculous signs in his hand, returned to his family and embarked on the final leg of his journey to Egypt. Accompanied by his brother, Prophet Aaron (AS), Moses (AS) confronted Pharaoh as the divinely appointed Messenger. Their mission was clear - to convey God's message to Pharaoh and demand the liberation of the Hebrew community.

Confrontation with Pharaoh in Egypt

In the presence of Pharaoh, Moses and Aaron (peace be upon them both) asserted, "We are messengers from the Lord of all worlds! Let the Children of Israel go with us."

Pharaoh, seemingly incredulous, reminded Moses (AS) of the years he had spent in Pharaoh's own care, questioning Moses's (AS) gratitude for his upbringing. Moses (AS) candidly acknowledged his earlier actions as a product of ignorance, a period of his life marked by a lack of guidance. He reminded Pharaoh of the oppression endured by the Children of Israel under his rule.

When Pharaoh sought to grasp the nature of the "Lord of all worlds," Moses expounded on God's dominion over the heavens, the earth, and all that lies between - a truth awaiting firm acceptance.

As the exchange unfolded, Pharaoh dismissively speculated on Moses's (AS) mental state, derisively labeling him a skilled magician with aspirations to usurp his rule. Unfazed, Moses (AS) delineated God's dominion over all realms, reaffirming the profound truth for those who would heed.

Pharaoh's Threat and Moses's (AS) Miracle

Pharaoh, adamant in his resolve, warned Moses (AS) of dire consequences should he continue to propagate beliefs contrary to Pharaoh's self-imposed divinity. Moses (AS), resolute in his mission, challenged Pharaoh, offering to manifest a compelling sign of God's power.

In an awe-inspiring display, Moses (AS) cast down his staff, and to the astonishment of all, it transformed into a living serpent. He then withdrew his hand from his cloak, revealing it to be radiant white. The observers marveled at this undeniable manifestation of divine intervention.

Undeterred, Pharaoh, fearing the erosion of his authority, sought the counsel of his magicians, intent on countering Moses's (AS) miraculous display. Moses (AS), aware of the impending contest, agreed to the appointed confrontation, setting the stage for an extraordinary trial of faith and power.

Continue on: Part 2 The Great Prophet Moses (Moosa) AS

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