The journey of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel is one of the most profound and inspiring stories of faith and perseverance. Under the cloak of night, Prophet Musa led his people out of Egypt, fleeing the oppressive grip of Pharaoh. With only their meager belongings, they ventured into the desert, heading toward the Red Sea.
As they neared the sea, fear gripped them. Behind them, Pharaoh’s army approached swiftly, their presence marked by the dust rising in the distance. Before them lay an impassable body of water. At that critical moment, by God’s command, Prophet Musa struck the sea with his staff. Miraculously, the waters parted, creating a pathway through which the Children of Israel crossed safely. Once the last of them had stepped onto the other side, the sea returned to its natural state, drowning Pharaoh and his pursuing army.
This miraculous event marked the beginning of a challenging journey for the Children of Israel—a people who had endured generations of oppression and humiliation under Pharaoh’s rule. Their spirit had been battered, and their faith tested. Despite witnessing God’s miracles, their trust and gratitude wavered repeatedly throughout their journey.
A Journey Marked by Gratitude and Rebellion
As the Children of Israel traveled, their character flaws became apparent. They were quick to complain and hesitant to fully submit to God’s will. When they encountered idol-worshipping communities, their resolve faltered, and they asked Prophet Musa to create an idol for them, forgetting the divine interventions they had just experienced.
Even when God provided them with miraculous sustenance—manna and quails—they grumbled, yearning for the simpler foods of their past. When commanded to march into a town and confront its inhabitants, fear overtook them, and they disobeyed God’s order. Only two men, according to Islamic traditions, were willing to fight alongside Musa.
The Quran captures Prophet Musa’s plea:
“O my Lord! I have power only over myself and my brother, so separate us from the people who are rebellious and disobedient to God!” (Quran 5:25)
In response, God decreed that the Children of Israel would wander in the wilderness for forty years as a consequence of their rebellion.
The Revelation of the Ten Commandments
During their wanderings, the Children of Israel reached Mount Sinai, a place of great significance for Prophet Musa. God instructed Musa to fast for thirty days, later extending it by an additional ten days, as a form of purification. After completing this spiritual preparation, Prophet Musa was ready to communicate with God once more.
The Quran describes this profound moment:
“And when Moses came at the time and place appointed by Us, and his Lord spoke to him, he said, ‘O my Lord! Show me [Yourself] that I may look upon You.’ God said, ‘You cannot see Me, but look upon the mountain; if it stands still in its place, then you shall see Me.’ So when his Lord appeared to the mountain, He made it collapse into dust, and Moses fell down unconscious.” (Quran 7:143)
God then revealed the Ten Commandments, written on two stone tablets. These commandments became the foundation of the Torah and remain a cornerstone of morality in Abrahamic faiths. Islamic scholars highlight their essence as reflected in the Quran:
“Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents… and fulfill the Covenant of God. This He commands you, that you may remember.” (Quran 6:151-152)
The Golden Calf and a Test of Faith
While Prophet Musa was away, some among the Children of Israel, led astray by an individual named Samiri, fell into idolatry. Samiri fashioned a golden calf from their collected jewelry and claimed it as their god. The hollow calf produced sounds when wind passed through it, deceiving the people into believing it had life.
Prophet Musa’s brother, Harun (Aaron), tried to dissuade the people from this grievous sin, urging them to worship God alone. However, his warnings were largely ignored. Upon Musa’s return, he found the people indulging in festivities around the golden calf. Overcome with anger and disappointment, Musa reprimanded his people and took immediate action to restore their faith.
A Legacy of Lessons
The story of Prophet Musa and the Children of Israel serves as a timeless lesson on faith, patience, and the consequences of rebellion against divine guidance. It underscores the importance of gratitude, submission to God’s will, and the dangers of succumbing to worldly temptations.
As a central figure in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, Prophet Musa’s journey continues to inspire millions, reminding humanity of the enduring power of faith and the ultimate justice of God.