CHAPTER ONE – HAZRAT MOOSA(A.S)’S EARLY LIFE.

The Bani Israeel in Egypt. 

In the story of Hazrat Yusuf it is mentioned that Hazrat Yaqoob and his family went to Egypt to meet Hazrat Yusuf. The Qur’aan then mentions the chronicles of the later generations of the Bani Israeel in the story of Hazrat Moosa.

The Bani Israeel settled in Egypt during the era of Hazrat Yusuf. In the Tauraat it is mentioned that Hazrat Yusuf requested for his family, the land of Goshen, from the Pharaoh. This request was happily fulfilled. The Bani Israeel continued to live in Egypt. By Hazrat Moosa’s time, their numbers had multiplied to 600 000 individuals.       

Firown!

“Firown” (Pharaoh) was the title of all the Egyptian rulers, and not any specific ruler. According to the historians, the Dynasty of the Pharaohs began in 3000 BC till the reign of Alexander the Great. During this period Egypt passed through the hands of 31 Pharaohs. It is not authentically known which Pharaoh ruled during the time of Hazrat Moosa.

The Pharaoh’s Dream

According to the commentators of the Tauraat, Firown (the Pharaoh) was informed by the astronomers and fortune-tellers that his kingdom will be usurped by an Israelite youth. Certain historical records also mention Firown had a terrifying dream, which his ministers and astrologers interpreted as mentioned above. Thereupon Firown appointed special troops to kill all the Israelite boys.

The Birth of Hazrat Moosa .

Through many chains the lineage of Hazrat Moosa reaches Hazrat Yaqoob. His father’s name was Imraan and his mother’s name was “Yukabad”.  Hazrat Moosa was born at that time when Firown had commanded that all the Israelite male babies were to be killed. In spite of this his birth was kept a secret for three months. During this dangerous and critical phase, Allaah Ta’ala sent down his assistance. Allaah Ta’ala inspired Hazrat Moosa’s mother to make a coffin-like box, smear it with grease and resin (so that water could not seep in). Then she placed the child securely inside the box, and set it afloat in the River Nile. She also instructed her eldest daughter, Hazrat Moosa’s sister to walk along the river bank following the box. She was to observe how Allaah Ta’ala will fulfil his promise of protection. Allaah Ta’ala had prior to this informed Hazrat Moosa’s mother:

“We will return this child to you, and we will make him our messenger.”

In the Custody of Firown

His sister followed the box as it floated along the banks of the Nile. She watched it float in front of Firown’s palace. A woman from the royal family sent a servant to draw it out of the river, and take it to the palace. When Hazrat Moosa’s sister saw this she became very happy. In order to have a clear picture of what was happening, she went to work at the palace as a servant. Meanwhile Hazrat Moosa’s mother was anxiously awaiting news of her child. Her daughter came home and narrated all that had transpired, and said:

“Now come with me, so you may take your child into your arms. Cool your eyes (with the sight of your child)! Be grateful to Allaah Ta’ala that He has fulfilled his promise of protection.”

In this manner Allaah Ta’ala made a means for the upbringing of Hazrat Moosa.

Exile from Egypt

Hazrat Moosa lived at the palace. He grew up to be an extremely strong and brave young man. His countenance was awe- inspiring. His speech held a special luster and eminence. He was aware of the fact that he was an Israelite, and not related to any of the Copts. He also noticed that the Bani Israeel were terribly oppressed. They were made to live a disgraceful lifestyle, and were treated like slaves. Seeing his people in these straightened conditions made him furious. He assisted and protected the Israelites whenever he could.

One day while walking in the city he saw an Egyptian dragging an Israelite to work for him with out pay. When the Israelite saw Hazrat Moosa he begged for assistance. Angered by this harsh, despotic treatment, Hazrat Moosa tried to stop the Egyptian, but he refused to listen. Finally Hazrat Moosa lost his temper and smacked the Egyptian. This slap proved to be fatal. Hazrat Moosa was filled with remorse, as his intention had not been to kill him. Regretfully he told himself:

“This is the scheme of Shaytaan, he deviates man.”

He prayed to Allaah Ta’ala:

“Whatever happened, happened unintentionally. I beg for forgiveness.”

Allaah Ta’ala forgave for his error, and gave him the glad tidings of his forgiveness.

The news that an Egyptian had been murdered spread in the town. But no-one knew who had been responsible. Eventually the Egyptians complained to Firown that an Israelite must have been responsible, and justice must be carried out. Firown replied:

“I cannot punish the entire nation. You find out who the murderer is, and I will make him pay for his evil.”

Again, while Hazrat Moosa was strolling around the outskirts of the city, he saw the same Israelite fighting with an Egyptian Copt. The Copt overpowered him. Upon seeing Hazrat Moosa, the Israelite again requested assistance. Hazrat Moosa found himself in a distasteful situation. On one hand was the Copt’s tyranny, on the other hand was the noise and the clamour of the Israelite. Recalling the previous incident Hazrat Moosa stretched his hand in front of the Copt to stop him. At the same time he turned to the Israelite, and rebukingly said:

“You are clearly deviated !”

Meaning: ’You unnecessarily cause fights and ask me to help you.’ 

When the Israelite saw Hazrat Moosa’s hand advancing, and heard the angry words he thought:

“He wants to hit me and capture me.”

Therefore he wickedly said:

“Do you wish to kill me like you killed a person yesterday?” (Qasas-19)

When the Copt heard this he immediately went to the Egyptians and related the entire incident. They in turn informed Firown that Hazrat Moosa was the killer. Firown immediately ordered that Hazrat Moosa should be arrested and brought to court.

In the gathering there was a certain nobleman who loved Hazrat Moosa very much and secretly believed in the religion of the Bani Israeel. He belonged to the royal family and was a resident of the palace. Upon hearing Firown’s command, he left the court before the soldiers. He hurried to Hazrat Moosa and narrated what had happened. He advised Hazrat Moosa to leave Egypt, in order to escape Firown and the Egyptians. He should go to some other place where Firown’s authority was not effective. Accepting his advice Hazrat Moosa(A.S) quietly left for Madyan.  

Translation Edited by :

Mufti Afzal Hoosen Elias

Courtesy: www.everymuslim.co.za                                                                  ?