of Nekounam, , Session (1862)
The spiritual and soulful journey of man towards Divine proximity is a voyage traversing arduous and tumultuous stations. Amidst this, the narratives of the Divine Prophets, like a shining beacon, illuminate the path for the seekers. Among these Divine messengers, Moses, the Speaker with God (peace be upon him), occupies a distinguished station; for his direct dialogue with the Lord manifests profound monotheistic secrets and the sublime ranks of prophecy. This treatise, reflecting upon the Quranic verses concerning the journey of Moses (peace be upon him), endeavours to elucidate the various dimensions of this path with a profound and academic perspective. What follows is an exploration of the verses from Surahs An-Naml and Taha, articulated in an elevated and steadfast language, expounding the stages of mission, miracles, and the encounter of Moses (peace be upon him) with Pharaoh, thus providing scholars and seekers of knowledge with a spiritual map of this magnificent journey.
This section focuses on the verses of Surahs An-Naml and Taha to examine the initial moments of the mission of Moses (peace be upon him). These verses, shining like a light in the darkness of the spiritual path, recount the direct conversation between the Lord and this Prophet of firm resolve.
The spiritual journey of Moses (peace be upon him) begins at the moment he observes a flame of fire in the distance during the darkness of night. This fire is not merely an external sign but a metaphor for the Divine light of guidance calling the seeker towards the highest destination. The Noble Quran states in Surah An-Naml:
إِذْ قَالَ مُوسَى لِأَهْلِهِ إِنِّي آنَسْتُ نَارًا سَآتِيكُمْ مِنْهَا بِخَبَرٍ أَوْ آتِيكُمْ بِشِهَابٍ قَبَسٍ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَصْطَلُونَ
When Moses said to his family: Indeed, I perceive a fire; I will bring you from it news or a burning flame that you may warm yourselves.
(Surah An-Naml, Verse 7)
This verse, like a window into the truth, indicates the sensitivity of Moses (peace be upon him) to Divine signs. Seeking warmth and guidance for his family, he hastens towards the fire, unaware that this fire is a gateway to meeting with the Lord. Subsequently, the Quran states:
فَلَمَّا جَاءَهَا نُودِيَ أَنْ بُورِكَ مَنْ فِي النَّارِ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهَا وَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
And when he came to it, he was called: Blessed is whoever is in the fire and whoever is around it. And exalted is Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
(Surah An-Naml, Verse 8)
This call, reaching Moses (peace be upon him) in the sacred valley of Tuwa, signifies the commencement of his prophetic mission. God proceeds to introduce Himself and calls Moses towards the rank of prophethood:
يَا مُوسَى إِنَّهُ أَنَا اللَّهُ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
O Moses, indeed I am Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
(Surah An-Naml, Verse 9)
This direct address descends upon the soul of Moses like lightning, elevating him from an ordinary status to an exalted rank. However, this elevation is accompanied by trials that test his worthiness for the Divine mission.
God invites Moses to a grand trial to prove his prophethood:
وَأَلْقِ عَصَاكَ فَلَمَّا رَآهَا تَهْتَزُّ كَأَنَّهَا جَانٌّ وَلَّى مُدْبِرًا وَلَمْ يُعَقِّبْ يَا مُوسَى لَا تَخَفْ إِنِّي لَا يَخَافُ لَدَيَّ الْمُرْسَلُونَ
And throw down your staff. But when he saw it writhing as if it were a snake, he turned in flight and did not return. [Allah said], O Moses, fear not. Indeed, in My presence the messengers do not fear.
(Surah An-Naml, Verse 10)
The opening verses of Surah An-Naml provide a vivid portrayal of the initial moments of Mosess mission. These verses, describing the vision of fire and the Divine call, symbolize the passage from darkness to light and from the external to the internal realm. Moses (peace be upon him), seeking guidance for his family upon seeing the fire, is directed towards an exalted station where direct dialogue with the Lord honours him with prophetic responsibility. This section underscores the importance of accepting Divine signs and trusting in the Divine Will.
The connection of this section with the preceding one lies in the continuation of Mosess spiritual journey. Whereas the first section examined the inception of his mission, this section contemplates his entry into the sacred valley of Tuwa and the reception of Divine revelation.
Surah Taha, with a distinct expression, narrates the entry of Moses (peace be upon him) into the sacred valley of Tuwa:
وَهَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ مُوسَى، إِذْ رَأَى نَارًا فَقَالَ لِأَهْلِهِ امْكُثُوا إِنِّي آنَسْتُ نَارًا لَعَلِّي آتِيكُمْ مِنْهَا بِقَبَسٍ أَوْ أَجِدُ عَلَى النَّارِ هُدًى
Has the story reached you of Moses? When he saw a fire and said to his family: Stay here; indeed, I have perceived a fire. Perhaps I will bring you a burning torch or find at the fire some guidance.
(Surah Taha, Verses 9-10)
These verses reiterate the role of fire as a sign
