The story of Prophet Musa (Moses) is profoundly detailed in Chapter 28 of the Quran, aptly titled Al-Qasas (The Narration). The initial 45 verses focus exclusively on his life, particularly highlighting the unwavering faith and resilience of his mother. Allah rewarded her steadfastness and trust by reuniting her with her son, a remarkable testament to divine grace. While some Islamic scholars assert that Musa and his mother returned to live among the Children of Israel, others, including Ibn Kathir, suggest they resided in Pharaoh’s palace during his infancy, with his mother granted access as his nursemaid.
The Quran and authentic Hadiths do not elaborate much on Musa’s life during this time. However, by the time he matured into adulthood, it is believed he was aware of his lineage and identified with the oppressed Children of Israel. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described Musa as a tall, strong, dark-skinned man with curly hair, a physical and moral embodiment of strength and integrity.
Allah says in the Quran:
“When he reached full strength and maturity, We bestowed upon him wisdom and knowledge. Thus do We reward those who excel in doing good.” (Quran 28:14)
Musa’s character was defined by his courage and his resolve to stand against oppression. He was a man of principle, unafraid to intervene when witnessing injustice. This defining quality set the stage for a pivotal moment in his life.
An Act of Justice That Changed Everything
One day, while walking through the city, Musa encountered a physical altercation between two men—one from the Children of Israel and the other an Egyptian. The Israelite recognized Musa and called for his help. Reacting instinctively, Musa struck the Egyptian with a powerful blow, inadvertently killing him. Overwhelmed with remorse, Musa sought Allah’s forgiveness for what had transpired.
“And he entered the city unnoticed by its people and found two men fighting: one was from his people, and the other was from his enemies. The one from his own people cried out to him for help against his foe, so Musa struck him with his fist, killing him. He said, ‘This is from the work of Satan; indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy.’ He prayed, ‘My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me,’ and Allah forgave him. Indeed, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Quran 28:15-16)
Despite the accidental nature of the incident, Musa resolved to distance himself from any association with wrongdoing. However, the event was soon discovered. The following day, Musa saw the same Israelite engaged in another quarrel. This time, Musa confronted him, suspecting him of being a troublemaker. But the Israelite’s loud accusation—that Musa had killed a man the previous day—alerted an Egyptian bystander, who reported Musa to the authorities.
READ MORE: A Concise Account of Musa (AS) (Moses): His Story and Legacy
News of the incident spread quickly, and Musa was warned by a well-meaning ally that the Egyptian authorities planned to arrest and execute him.
“Then a man came running from the farthest end of the city, saying, ‘O Musa! The chiefs are plotting to kill you, so leave at once. I am sincerely advising you.’ So he left the city in fear, vigilant, and said, ‘My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people.’” (Quran 28:20-21)
A Journey of Faith and Endurance
Musa fled Egypt with no time to prepare or gather provisions. Alone and vulnerable, he ventured into the desert, heading toward Midian—a region located between Syria and Egypt. His heart was heavy with fear, but his faith in Allah provided him with the strength to press on.
Traversing the harsh desert terrain without adequate food, water, or footwear pushed Musa to the brink of physical and mental exhaustion. His shoes wore out, the scorching sand burned his feet, and his body bore the marks of his arduous journey. Yet Musa continued, driven by a profound reliance on Allah’s mercy.
Eventually, after days of walking, Musa arrived at a watering hole in Midian. Parched, weary, and near collapse, he found shade beneath a tree. The sight and scent of water were a lifeline, offering temporary reprieve. However, the oasis was bustling with shepherds tending to their flocks, a reminder that his journey was far from over.
A Lesson in Faith
Musa’s escape from Egypt and his survival in the harsh desert highlight an essential truth: absolute trust in Allah yields unimaginable support. Despite facing insurmountable odds, Musa’s faith carried him through. Allah transformed his weakness into strength and his despair into hope.
The story of Musa serves as a timeless reminder for believers. No matter how dire the circumstances, surrendering to Allah’s will and maintaining faith can lead to deliverance and triumph. Musa’s arrival at the oasis was not the end of his journey but the beginning of a new chapter—one that would ultimately reshape his destiny and the future of his people.
This episode of Musa’s life reminds us that Allah’s mercy and guidance are ever-present, even in our darkest moments. By turning to Him, we can find strength and solace amidst adversity.