Musa (AS)

Pharaoh had decreed that all male infants born to the Israelites be killed, fearing a prophecy that a child of Israel would overthrow him. But Allah commanded Musa's mother: 'Cast him into the river, and do not fear and do not grieve.' (28:7) In an extraordinary twist of divine planning, the basket carrying baby Musa was found by none other than Pharaoh's wife, who convinced Pharaoh to spare the child. Musa was raised in the very palace of the tyrant who sought to kill him.

After accidentally killing an Egyptian and fleeing to Madyan, where he lived for years and married Shu'ayb's (AS) daughter, Musa was traveling when he saw a fire in the distance. When he approached it, Allah called to him: 'O Musa, Indeed, I am your Lord, so remove your sandals. Indeed, you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa.' (20:11-12) This was Musa's first divine communication — and his appointment as a Prophet.

Allah sent Musa and his brother Harun (AS) to Pharaoh with the message: 'Let the Children of Israel go.' Pharaoh was arrogant and refused. Nine miraculous signs were sent — the staff turning into a serpent, the white hand, years of drought, locusts, lice, frogs, blood in the Nile, and more — but Pharaoh refused each time. Phraoh declared himself god, saying 'I am your Lord Most High.' (79:24). His arrogance was the ultimate example of the sin of shirk and oppression.

When Pharaoh's army finally pursued the Children of Israel to the Red Sea, the people cried out in fear. Musa replied: 'No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.' (26:62) Allah commanded Musa to strike the sea with his staff. The sea parted into twelve dry pathways. The Israelites crossed safely. Pharaoh and his army followed and were drowned. This miracle is one of the greatest in human history, still commemorated by Muslim fasting on the Day of Ashura.

After the crossing, Allah appointed Musa to come to Mount Tur (Sinai) for 30 nights (extended to 40) where he received the Torah. When Musa asked to see Allah directly, Allah caused part of the mountain to crumble with His manifestation, and Musa fell unconscious. Upon waking he said: 'Exalted are You; I have repented to You, and I am the first of the believers.' (7:143)