Prophet Musa and Pharaoh

Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be upon him, was born during a time of great oppression. Pharaoh, the tyrant ruler of Egypt, had enslaved the Children of Israel and ordered the killing of all newborn boys after a prophecy that a boy from among them would bring about his downfall.

Allah's divine plan protected baby Musa in an extraordinary way. His mother, inspired by Allah, placed him in a basket and set him afloat on the Nile River. "And We inspired the mother of Musa: 'Nurse him, but when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear and do not grieve. Indeed, We will return him to you and make him one of the messengers.'" (Quran 28:7)

Remarkably, the basket floated to Pharaoh's palace, where his wife Asiya found the baby. Despite Pharaoh's decree, she convinced him to keep the child. "A comfort of the eye for me and for you. Do not kill him; perhaps he may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son." (Quran 28:9)

Baby Musa refused all wet nurses until his own mother was brought, allowing him to be raised by his biological mother while living in the palace. He grew up with the finest education while never forgetting his true identity.

As a young man, Musa accidentally killed an Egyptian who was abusing an Israelite. Fearing punishment, he fled to Madyan, where he spent years in exile. There he married and worked as a shepherd, developing the patience and humility that would serve him as a prophet.

On his journey back to Egypt, Musa encountered the burning bush at Mount Tur, where Allah spoke to him directly: "Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance." (Quran 20:14)

Allah equipped Musa with two miracles: his staff that could transform into a serpent, and his hand that would shine brilliantly white when drawn from his cloak. With his brother Harun (Aaron) as his helper, Musa returned to Egypt to confront Pharaoh.

The confrontation was dramatic. Musa declared, "O Pharaoh, indeed I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds." Pharaoh, in his arrogance, responded, "Am I not better, or this one who is insignificant?" (Quran 43:51-52)

Pharaoh's magicians challenged Musa to a public contest. They threw their ropes and staffs, which appeared to move like snakes through their magic. But when Musa threw his staff, it became a real serpent that swallowed all their illusions. The magicians, recognizing a true miracle, fell in prostration and declared their belief in the Lord of Musa and Harun, even though Pharaoh threatened them with death.

Despite numerous signs and plagues sent by Allah - floods, locusts, lice, frogs, and blood - Pharaoh refused to free the Israelites. His heart was sealed due to his own arrogance and tyranny.

Finally, Allah commanded Musa to lead his people out of Egypt. Pharaoh and his army pursued them, trapping the Israelites at the shores of the Red Sea. The people panicked: "We are surely caught!"

Musa responded with unwavering faith: "No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me." (Quran 26:62)

Allah commanded Musa to strike the sea with his staff. The waters parted, creating dry paths between walls of water. The Israelites crossed safely. When Pharaoh and his army followed, the waters came crashing down upon them.

As Pharaoh was drowning, he finally declared belief, but it was too late. Allah preserved his body as a sign for future generations. "Today We will save you in body that you may be to those who succeed you a sign." (Quran 10:92) Pharaoh's mummified body remains a testimony to this day.