the lectures of Nokounam, , Session (1860)
The life and era of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), one of the most eminent Divine messengers, is depicted in the Holy Qur'an with unparalleled depth and invaluable lessons. This treatise, relying on the luminous verses of the Qur'an, examines passages from the life of this dispatched prophet and the characteristics of his people. Its objective is to present a clear and authentic portrayal of this exalted figure by avoiding historical and narrative distortions and fabrications, particularly those maliciously intertwined by certain sources. This study not only aids in recognising the perfection of Moses (peace be upon him) but also serves as a mirror for insight and a profound understanding of divine truths. The structure of this book is founded upon orderly and scholarly sections, each dedicated to an aspect of the prophets life and mission.
The life of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) from its inception was accompanied by divine trials and significant vicissitudes. This section, through the perspective of the Quranic verses, investigates the childhood and youth of this prophet and the pivotal roles of his mother and sister in preserving his life.
The Holy Qur'an introduces Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) as a mukhlasa (chosen, purified one), a designation that indicates his complete emancipation from any non-divine attachment. This rank, which is exclusive to a select few eminent prophets, manifests pure monotheism devoid of any semblance of polytheism.
And mention in the Book, Moses. Indeed, he was chosen and was a messenger and a prophet.
(Surah Maryam, Verse 51)
Being mukhlasa, distinct from merely being chosen, signifies that Moses (peace be upon him) attained a level of monotheism upon which nothing but the divine will exerted influence. This attribute transformed him into a majestic prophet who, with firmness and divine transcendence, fulfilled his mission.
One of the most radiant episodes in the life of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) is the role of his mother, Yokabd, in safeguarding the life of this prophet. The Holy Qur'an eloquently recounts the divine revelation to Moses mother, who, amid a space filled with fear and threat, cast her child into the water.
And We inspired to the mother of Moses, 'Suckle 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 will make him among the messengers.'
(Surah Al-Qasas, Verse 7)
This verse is a manifestation of the steadfast faith of Moses mother who, confronted with a divine command and despite maternal affection, submits completely. The colostrum, the mothers first milk, not only strengthens the infant physically but also establishes a profound emotional bond between mother and child. This bond will serve to reunite them on the Day of Resurrection. With firm conviction in the divine promise, Moses mother entrusted her child to the water without succumbing to fear.
Moses sister, Kulthum, likewise played an indispensable role in preserving her brothers life. With vigilance and sagacity, she watched over Moses from a distance and, at a critical moment, candidly and decisively proposed to the Pharaohs court the appointment of a suitable family to care for Moses.
And she said to his sister, Follow him. So she watched him from a distance while they were unaware. And We had forbidden him from nursing mothers before, so she said, Shall I direct you to a household that will be responsible for him for you while they are to him caretakers? So We returned him to his mother that her eye might be comforted and that she would not grieve and that she might know that the promise of Allah is true. But most of them do not know.
(Surah Al-Qasas, Verses 11-13)
This passage narrates Kulthums prudence and bravery, who, with cleverness and without arousing suspicion from the Pharaohs court, facilitated Moses return to his mothers embrace. This act not only demonstrates her intelligence but also manifests divine providence that utilised even the Pharaohs court as an instrument to fulfil His promise.
The childhood and youth of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) portray faith, submission, and prudence in the face of divine trials. Both his mother and sister, each in their respective capacities, played pivotal roles in preserving the life of this prophet with faith and vigilance. This section illustrates how God, with His infinite wisdom, smooths the path of salvation for His servants even amidst the most arduous circumstances.
The connection of this section to the previous lies in that, following the miraculous deliverance of Moses (peace be upon him) from the peril of the Pharaohs oppression, he is appointed to a great mission. This section examines his confrontation with Pharaoh and the characteristics of the Children of Israel.
Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), as a dispatched messenger, was commissioned to confront Pharaoh, the symbol of rebellion and arrogance, directly. This encounter, as a confrontation with a particular individual, distinguishes him from other prophets.
And indeed We sent Moses with Our signs and a clear authority to Pharaoh and his establishment, but they followed the command of Pharaoh, and the command of Pharaoh was not at all sound.
(Surah Hud, Verse 96)
This verse emphasises the significance of Moses mission against Pharaoh. Unlike other prophets who were sent to particular peoples or nations, Moses (peace be upon him) faced a figure such as Pharaoh, highlighting his unique status among the Divine prophets.
The Children of Israel, who accompanied Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), possessed traits that rendered his mission more challenging. This people, due to their inclination towards formalism and detachment from religious rationality, at times resorted to calf worship and were incapable of accepting the pure Divine God.
The Holy Qur'an describes this people as follows:
And when Moses said to his people, Indeed, Allah commands you to slaughter a cow, they said, Do you take us in ridicule? He said, I seek refuge in Allah from being among the ignorant.
(Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 67)
Moses response to this accusation not only demonstrates his patience and composure but also reflects his divine transcendence, which distances him from any form of ignorance. Psychologically, this passage is significant, for it shows that the ridicule of others is a sign of ignorance and spiritual deficiency, whereas Moses (peace be upon him), with his transcendence and authenticity, remains untouched by such conduct.
The mission of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) in opposition to Pharaoh and the Children of Israel exemplifies his firmness and divine transcendence. Despite formidable challenges, including Pharaohs rebellion and the hypocrisy of his people, he proceeded with authority and faith, becoming a mirror of insight and guidance for humanity.
This section, building upon the preceding ones, examines the miracles of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) and the challenges he encountered in his mission. His miracles, adapted to the conditions of his people, are among the prominent features of his prophethood.
Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) was sent during an era when sorcery and magic were prevalent. His miracles, diverse and unparalleled, were a direct response to the prevalent sorcery of his time.
These miracles, ranging from transforming his staff into a serpent to parting the Nile River, were not only signs of divine power but were also presented in tangible and visual forms due to the formalistic tendencies of the Children of Israel. This characteristic starkly contrasts with the miracles of Jesus (peace be upon him), which were more focused on spirit and spirituality.
One of the greatest challenges Moses (peace be upon him) faced was dealing with a people who, due to lack of religious rationality, resorted to calf worship. Despite witnessing countless miracles, during Moses brief absence, they inclined towards the worship of the calf fashioned by Samiri. This reflects the weakness of their faith and their propensity for formalism among the Children of Israel.
In the narrative of Moses encounter with Al-Khidr (peace be upon him), his divine transcendence is further revealed. Moses, who adhered to the law and the apparent aspect of religion, objected to the hidden acts of Al-Khidr, who was among the men of the unseen. This objection was not due to deficiency but stemmed from his transcendence and adherence to his divine duty.
The miracles and challenges of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) reflect divine wisdom in tailoring his mission to the conditions of his people. Despite numerous difficulties, including the hypocrisy of his people and the complexities of the encounter with Al-Khidr, he steadfastly and faithfully fulfilled his mission.
The life and era of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), as one of the Prophets of the Firm Resolve, constitute a mirror of faith, firmness, and insight. He stood with authority and divine transcendence against difficult trials, from the peril of the Pharaohs oppression in childhood to the rebellion of his own people. His miracles, adapted to the needs of the time and the characteristics of his people, demonstrate the boundless wisdom of God. This treatise, relying on the verses of the Holy Quran, endeavoured to provide a clear and unadulterated portrayal of this majestic prophet, so that readers, by reflecting upon the episodes of his life, might attain insight and guidance.
