of Nokounam , Session (1861)
The life and era of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), a divinely commissioned messenger and lawgiver, are depicted in the Holy Qur'an with a refined and instructive eloquence. This treatise, relying on the luminous verses of the Qur'an, endeavours to meticulously and academically examine the pivotal episodes of this great prophets life and the characteristics of his people. Its purpose is to present a clear and authentic portrayal of his exalted rank, refraining from distortions and fabrications that some sources, with ill intent, have interwoven into the history of this prophet. This examination not only aids in a deeper understanding of the position of Moses (peace be upon him) but also serves as a mirror for insight enhancement and profound comprehension of divine truths. The structure of this work is organised into orderly and scholarly sections, each dedicated to a particular aspect of the life and mission of this prophet.
The life of Moses (peace be upon him) was from the outset accompanied by divine trials and great vicissitudes. This section, drawing on the verses of the Holy Qur'an, investigates his childhood and the pivotal role of his mother and sister in preserving the life of this prophet.
The Holy Qur'an introduces Moses (peace be upon him) as a Khul (one who is purified and chosen), a designation indicating his complete liberation from any non-divine attachment. This rank, conferred only upon some of the most eminent prophets, signifies pure monotheism, utterly devoid of any taint of polytheism.
And mention in the Book Moses, indeed he was chosen and was a messenger and a prophet.
(Surah Maryam, 19:51)
Being Khul, distinct from merely being Mukhlis (sincere), demonstrates that Moses (peace be upon him) attained a degree of monotheism in which nothing but the Divine Will influences him. This characteristic transforms him into a majestic prophet who fulfilled his mission with divine dignity and resolve.
One of the most luminous episodes in the life of Moses (peace be upon him) is the role of his mother, Yokabed, in safeguarding the life of this prophet. The Holy Qur'an eloquently recounts the divine revelation to Moses mother, who, amidst an atmosphere 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 one of the messengers.
(Surah Al-Qasas, 28:7)
This verse exemplifies the steadfast faith of Moses mother who, despite maternal affection, submitted completely to the Divine command. The colostrum, the first milk, is not only physically nourishing for the infant but also creates a profound emotional bond between mother and childa bond that will reunite them on the Day of Resurrection. With firm belief in Gods promise, Moses mother entrusted her child to the water without any trace of fear.
Moses sister, Kulthum, also played an unparalleled role in preserving her brothers life. With vigilance and wisdom, she watched over Moses from afar and, at a critical moment, boldly proposed to the Pharaohs household to appoint 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 prevented from him [all] wet nurses before, so she said, 'Shall I direct you to a household that will be responsible for him for you while they are to him [for his upbringing] sincere?' So We restored him to his mother that her eye might be relieved and not grieve and that she would know that the promise of Allah is true, but most of them do not know.
(Surah Al-Qasas, 28:11-13)
This passage testifies to Kulthums prudence and bravery, who, with tact, facilitated Moses return to his mother without arousing suspicion among the Pharaohs people. This action not only reveals her intelligence but also manifests divine providence whereby even the Pharaohs court becomes an instrument to realise Gods promise.
One of the most astonishing chapters of Moses life is his rescue in the court of Pharaoh, his principal adversary. The Holy Qur'an narrates this event with profound eloquence:
So the sea will throw him onto the shore, and he will be taken by an enemy and a foe to Me. And I bestowed upon you love from Me that you would be brought up under My eye.
(Surah Taha, 20:39)
By His infinite wisdom, God implanted love for Moses in the hearts of Pharaoh and his wife, Asiya. Filled with compassion, Asiya, upon witnessing Moses celestial countenance, prevented his execution and adopted him as her son. This incident demonstrates divine power, which employs even the enemy as a means of preserving His servant.
But the family of Pharaoh picked him up so that he would become to them an enemy and a [cause of] grief. Indeed, Pharaoh and Haman and their soldiers were deliberate sinners. And the wife of Pharaoh said, 'He will be 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.' And they perceived not.
(Surah Al-Qasas, 28:8-9)
These verses reveal divine stratagem whereby, despite Pharaohs intention to kill Moses, love
