Lesson 5: Musa's Confrontation with Pharaoh

As Musa was traveling back to Egypt with his family (wife and children and flock), it was a very dark night and and cold night. It may have been that they had lost their way.

Musa perceived a light, which no one else could see. So he said to his family, he might come across someone who might direct them in their path, or atleast get some take a piece of the fire to help them in the cold desert night.

He made his way towards this fire, when he reached the fire, Allah called out to him from the right side of this valley within the mountains, revealing His divine presence.

‘O Musa! Indeed! I am Allah The Lord of the worlds!

In other narrations Allah also commenced the first two pillars of Islam and mentioned the hour.

The first two pillars were commanded with them:

1. kalimah

2. establish the prayer

3. reminder of recompense for all their deeds (the hour) fearing the resurrection and judgement.

This was Musa’s first direct encounter with Allah, and he was overwhelmed by fear and awe. When he saw the fire was not consuming the bush, he knew that this was not something normal. Furthermore, for Musa to understand that this was a divine presence, Allah showed him signs which included turning his staff into a serpent and making his hand shine bright when placed in his cloak.

Allah asked Musa to throw his staff, it turned into a serpent and was moving in this manner.

Musa became fearful and he fled, however Allah comforted him and reassured him of His protection.

“(Allah) said: ‘Throw your stick.’ But when he saw it moving as if it were a snake, he turned in flight and did not look back. (It was said): ‘O Musa! Draw near, and fear not. Verily, you are of those who are secure.’”

Surah Al-Qasas, 28:31

Allah also told musa to take his hand and put into his garment.- hand become illuminated. Musa was amazed by this and knew this was a sign from Allah.

“These are two signs from your Lord to Firawn. 9 signs in total

Not only were these signs for Musa, but also a preparation for what was to come in the future, when musa was to be sent to Firawn later.

Allah not only gave Musa this daunting task but also empowered him with miracles to validate his message.

In this moment of revelation, Allah informed Musa of his mission: to go to Pharaoh and deliver a message of tawheed (monotheism) and liberation for Bani Israel from Pharaoh’s oppression. Allah commanded Musa to guide the people out of their servitude and back to the worship of the One True God.

“Go to Pharaoh! Verily, he has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience).”

Surah Ta-Ha, 20:24

Musa's Fear and Allah’s Reassurance

Musa, despite the miraculous signs given to him, expressed fear and hesitation about confronting Pharaoh, a tyrant with immense power. He felt inadequate and worried about his speech impediment, asking Allah to send his brother, Harun (Aaron), with him for support. In His mercy, Allah granted Musa’s request and reassured him of His constant protection.

“He (Musa) said: ‘O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me confidence); and make my task easy for me; and loosen the knot from my tongue, that they may understand my speech. And appoint for me a helper from my family, Harun (Aaron), my brother.’”

Surah Ta-Ha, 20:25-30

“Allah said: ‘We will strengthen your arm through your brother, and We will give you both power, so they shall not be able to harm you, with Our signs, you two as well as those who follow you will be the victors.’”

Surah Al-Qasas, 28:35

This dialogue shows Musa’s humility and reliance on Allah, as well as Allah’s compassion in providing him with the help he needed to complete his mission.

Summary of Lesson

This lesson you have learnt that:

Musa is made a messenger

3 commands -

Given 2 signs

Ordered to take the signs to Firawn, plus additional 7 signs.

Key Lessons

Trust in Allah’s Support: Even prophets like Musa, who were chosen by Allah, felt fear and insecurity. This teaches us that it’s natural to feel apprehension, but with Allah’s support, we can overcome any challenge.

Miracles and Proof of Prophethood: Allah equips His messengers with signs to prove their divine mission. Musa’s miracles, like the staff turning into a serpent, are examples of this.

Importance of Du’a: Musa’s heartfelt du’a for assistance, including asking for his brother’s help, shows us the power of sincere prayer. Allah answers the prayers of those who trust in Him and turn to Him for guidance.

Facing Tyranny with Courage: Allah instructed Musa to face Pharaoh, one of the most oppressive rulers in history. This demonstrates that standing for truth often requires confronting powerful forces, but Allah’s help is always near.

The event of the burning bush marked the beginning of Musa’s divine mission to challenge the tyranny of Pharaoh and free Bani Israel. Allah’s support and the granting of miracles empowered Musa to fulfill his prophetic role. This lesson teaches us about reliance on Allah, the power of du’a, and the importance of having trust in Allah when facing great difficulties.

Main reference used: Abu iyaad: The Story of Moosa and Firawn: PART 1