Lesson 8: The Exodus

After those magicians became Muslimeen and disbelieved in Pharaoh and they were killed, the chiefs and ministers of Pharaoh went to him, saying that Musa and his people will spread corruption in the land (and by this they meant Tawheed) and that something had to be done about him. And they said that the people are going to start leaving Pharaoh and his gods, and in a reading of the ayah: his worship, because Pharaoh used to be worshipped and did not worship. So Pharaoh said that they will kill their sons and keep their women alive. To which, Musa said to his people to seek aid in Allaah and to be patient because Allaah owns the earth and everything that exists and He gives it to those who are pious. So they made Du'a to Allaah, saying, "In Allah we put our trust. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the folk who are Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doing) (i.e. do not make them overpower us). And save us by Your Mercy from the disbelieving folk." [Surah Yunus, verse 85-86]

And Musa sought refuge with Allaah, saying "Verily, I seek refuge in my Lord and your Lord from every arrogant who believes not in the Day of Reckoning!" [Surah Ghafir, verse 27]. So Musa makes the link between arrogance and not believing in the Day of Judgement because he is not fearful of Allaah's punishment, nor is he hopeful for Allaah's reward.

So Allaah mentions in the Qur'an that there was a man, who was the cousin of Pharaoh, who had concealed his belief in Allaah because he feared for himself from his people but he came and revealed his faith, defending Musa and his people and arguing against Pharaoh saying how can he kill them for simply saying, "Allaah is my Lord"? So this believer was more scared for Musa than for his own self and he refuted Pharaoh with gentleness and in a way that it would cause him to be hopeful for the reward of the Hereafter and scared of the punishment that would befall him. And in this there is an authentic hadeeth of the Prophet ﷺ wherein he said: The most superior type of Jihaad is a statement of justice in the presence of an oppressive ruler.

And Pharaoh claimed that he was on a path of success and right policy, however Allaah said, refuting the claims of Pharaoh, "and the command of Fir'aun (Pharaoh) was no right guide." [Surah Hud, verse 97]

And this believer brought up that Yusuf had only just come with clear evidences and that they continued to be in doubt in what he came with of Tawheed until they even said after Yusuf had passed away that Allaah will not send another messenger after him. And this is a proof that the time that the Amalekites were ruling in that area was a short time - about 150 years, contrary to the claims of the Jews who said that they were there for 600 years.

After this, Pharaoh continued to arrogantly and stubbornly reject the signs and he told Haamaan, who was his minister and right-hand man, to build a mighty building so that he can reach Allaah, the Lord of Musa. So even Pharaoh couldn't reject his innate disposition that Allaah is above, and we believe that He is above His Throne, over the seven heavens.

So Pharaoh claimed that Musa was a liar in that he was sent by Allaah so he wanted to go up to Allaah and ask whether He did send Musa or not? And Pharaoh knew that Musa was telling the truth however he wanted to make the people ignore Musa and his claim and to belie him. But of course, it is impossible to reach the heavens, let alone above the heavens so this was from the deception of Pharaoh.

Allaah then sent 5 punishments to the people of Pharaoh - which were the locusts, the ticks, the frogs, the river which turned to blood, and the downpour of rain which enveloped their fields and flooded the area - and they did not affect the gatherings or houses of Bani Isra'il, showing that they were following a messenger of Allaah. And everytime one of these punishments would afflict the people, they would come to Musa and ask him to invoke Allaah and ask Him to remove this punishment, after which they would return to their evil ways. And there were only three from the people of Pharaoh who believed in Musa, other than the magicians, and they were: the wife of Pharaoh, and the cousin of Pharaoh who admonished him, and the man who came to Musa to advise him to leave after he killed the Egyptian.

However, the Pharaoh continued to oppress Bani Isra'il so Musa, out of anger for the sake of Allaah, made dua against them saying, "Our Lord! You have indeed bestowed on Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs splendour and wealth in the life of this world, our Lord! That they may lead men astray from Your Path. Our Lord! Destroy their wealth, and harden their hearts, so that they will not believe until they see the painful torment." [Surah Yunus, verse 88] which Allaah accepted. In this is a proof that the disbelievers may be given wealth and riches but this is not a proof that they are correct and that Allaah loves them.

In making their exit from Pharaoh, Banu Isra'il told Pharaoh that they would leave during a day of their celebration and they wanted to leave in the night so that they could get a headstart on Pharaoh and he wouldn't be able to catch them.

1. Oppression and Resistance: Pharaoh and his chiefs oppressed the Children of Israel by killing their sons and keeping their women alive, fearing that Musa (Moses) and his people would spread Tawheed (monotheism) and abandon Pharaoh’s rule. Musa encouraged his people to seek help from Allah and remain patient.

2. Divine Punishments and Pharaoh’s Arrogance: Allah sent five punishments upon Pharaoh’s people—locusts, ticks, frogs, the river turning to blood, and flooding—but Pharaoh remained arrogant and continued to oppress Bani Isra'il. Despite promising to release them when afflicted, he repeatedly broke his word.

3. The Exodus and Pharaoh’s Downfall: Musa led Bani Isra'il to escape at night, while Pharaoh pursued them. Musa made a supplication against Pharaoh, and Allah accepted it, showing that material wealth does not equate to divine favor. Eventually, Pharaoh and his army were destroyed when the sea was parted and then closed over them.