Life of Prophet Moosa(a.s.) – complete book
CHAPTER TWO- MIGRATION TO MADYAN
Madyan
Madyan has been mentioned in the story of Hazrat Shuaib. The city of Madyan was eight manzils from Egypt. As Hazrat Moosa was speedily fleeing Egypt, he did not have a guide or companion during the journey. In this confused state Hazrat Moosa entered Madyan.
The Watering-hole of Madyan.
When Hazrat Moosa arrived at Madyan, he saw the people crowding the waterhole in front of the well. The people were taking their animals to drink water. A little distance away two young girls were standing with their animals, but the girls were keeping the animals away from the water.
Upon seeing this Hazrat Moosa went to them and enquired:
“Why aren’t you taking your animals to the water? Why are you standing back ?”
They replied:
“We are helpless. If we go forward these strong men will force us back. Our father is very old, and does not have the strength to shoulder the crowd. So when these people are finished, then we take our animals to the water. This is our daily procedure.”
Infuriated Hazrat Moosa went forward penetrating the crowd until he reached the well. Single-handedly he lifted the huge stone that covered the well, and let the animals drink. Although the people did not like his cutting through the crowd, but they were awe-struck by his powerful physique and his illustrious appearance. These same powerful people who had thrust aside the weak and helpless in order to achieve their ends were astounded by his strength. When they saw him single-handedly lift the stone cover of the well, they were awe-struck.
Once their animals were watered the girls returned home. When they came home unusually early, their father was surprised. Upon his enquiry, the girls narrated how a certain Egyptian had come to their assistance. The father commanded them to go and call the person.
After watering the animals, Hazrat Moosa rested in the shade of a nearby tree. Due to his hasty flight Hazrat Moosa was tired and hungry, but he was in a strange place with none to assist him. In this condition he prayed to Allaah Ta’ala:
“Oh Allaah Indeed I am in need of whatever bounty Thou choose to bestow upon me.” (Qasas-24)
When the girl arrived at the place she saw Hazrat Moosa seated near the well. Modestly lowering her gaze she said:
’Our father calls you home so he may reward you for your favours.’
Hazrat Moosa got up and walked in front and followed the directions of the girl. He had the good fortune of meeting their father. First the elderly man gave Hazrat Moosa food, then he enquired about Hazrat Moosa’s circumstances. Hazrat Moosa narrated his entire story; from the time of his birth, and the tyranny of Firown towards the Bani Israeel, till the last incident.
The old man consoled him saying:
“Be grateful to Allaah Ta’ala that you have escaped those tyrants. Now you need not be afraid.”
The Qur’aan has mentioned the old man as “Shaikhun Kabeer” (the honourable old man).
Marriage
During the above mentioned conversation, the daughter that went to call Hazrat Moosa said:
“Oh my father! hire him, for the best you can hire is the strong and trustworthy one” (Qasas-26)
The elderly father happily accepted his daughters suggestion. He told Hazrat Moosa:
“If you stay with me for eight years and graze my sheep, I am prepared to get you married to this daughter of mine. And if you stay another two years, completing ten in all, it will be even better! This will be the dowry for my daughter.”
Hazrat Moosa agreed replying:
“I wish that you leave it to my will to complete any of the two periods. Regarding this you may not hold any authority over me.”
After this agreement the elderly host got his daughter married to Hazrat Moosa.
The Sacred Valley
After his marriage, Hazrat Moosa stayed with his father- in-law to complete the stipulated period. In light of the authentic narrations, the commentators have stated that Hazrat Moosa completed ten years. The Qur’aan does not mention exactly how much longer he stayed thereafter. Hazrat Moosa did stay quite a long time in Madyan, tending to the animals.
One day whilst going in search of new pastures, with his wife and family, Hazrat Moosa landed up quite far away from Madyan. This was not anything strange to the pasture-folk. As the night was cold, they were in search of warmth and fire. Ahead of them was the Eastern part of the Sinai Mountain Range. Madyan was a days journey from the Red Sea, which lay en route to Egypt. Hazrat Moosa tried to kindle a fire by using flint, but due to the extreme cold, he was unsuccessful. Suddenly he cast his gaze at the valley (Wadi-e-Ayman) ahead of him. His eyes fell on a brilliantly burning flame.
He said to his family,
“Wait here! Indeed I have perceived a fire. Perhaps I may bring you a live ember, or I may find at the fire some guide.” (Ta Haa-10)
Prophethood
“Of the bounties of Allaah Ta’ala, ask Moosa. Forth he went in search of fire, with apostleship returned he.”
Hazrat Moosa saw a strange fire. He saw a flaming light on the tree, but it did not burn the tree, nor was it being extinguished. Pondering over this, he went forward. But as he went forward, the fire receded. Thereupon, Hazrat Moosa became afraid, and intended returning. As he began to turn away, the fire came forward, and he heard a voice saying:
“Indeed I am Allaah; the Lord of the Worlds.” (Qasas-30)
When he drew nearer, he was called:
“Oh Moosa!” (Ta Haa-11)
“Verily I am your Sustainer! Remove your shoes. Indeed you are in the Sacred Valley; Tuwa” (Ta Haa-12)
“And I have chosen you, so listen attentively to that which will be revealed to you.” (Ta Haa-13)
When Hazrat Moosa heard the voice of Allaah Ta’ala, he realised that he had the great fortune of receiving that honour which marks a person’s excellence, and is the ultimate gift from Allaah Ta’ala.
Bewildered, he stood rooted to the spot. Finally the Supreme Being spoke:
“And what is that in Thy right hand Oh Moosa ?” (Ta Haa-17)
The true beloved is asking the sincere lover, an opportunity to speak to the Almighty Allaah. In this moment of ecstasy the thought did not even occur that an answer should be given in accordance to the question.
He said:
“It is my staff. I lean on it, and I use it to beat down the leaves for my sheep“ (Ta Haa-18)
The only answer needed was: “My stick”. But how could he stop the surges of love. The magnificent opportunity of speaking to the beloved! A lover’s epithet should be prepared! He said: ’It is my stick……’ He began to recount its many uses. Yet, just as suddenly as his speech began so too did it end. In the court of the true beloved, love teaches respect.
“Oh Moosa ! Remember in whose court you are present. It should not be that this lengthy speech be regarded as disrespect!”
The moment this thought struck, Hazrat Moosa changed his manner and said:
“And I use it for many other purposes!” (Ta Haa-18)
His heart desired to lengthen this discourse with the beloved, but etiquette demanded silence. So he cut short his speech, else the discourses of love are indeed lengthy.
The Signs of Allaah Ta’ala.
Then Allaah Ta’ala said:
“Cast it down ! Oh Moosa.” (Ta Haa-19)
Hazrat Moosa executed the divine command:
“He threw it. And lo it was a serpent running.” (Ta Haa-20)
When Hazrat Moosa saw the amazing feat, due to human weakness, he became afraid and began to runaway. As soon he turned on his heels, he heard a voice:
He (Allaah Ta’ala) said:
“Seize it! and do not fear. Soon we shall return it to its original state.” (Ta Haa-21)
The end of Hazrat Moosa’s stick had two branches. These branches turned into the gaping jaws of the serpent. Although Hazrat Moosa was terrified, but the Divine Affinity had produced a certain tranquillity. So he fearlessly placed his hand over the mouth of the serpent. Immediately it resumed its original state of the two-pronged stick.
Again Hazrat Moosa was called and commanded to put his hand in his shirt and touch his armpit. His hand emerged shining brilliantly, free of any blemish or illness.
“And press your hand to your side. It will come forth white, free of any illness, as another sign.” (Ta Haa-22)
Allaah Ta’ala told him:
“Oh Moosa! These are two great signs of your prophethood from Us. This will verify your message of Truth. Just as We have endowed you with prophethood, so too have We granted you these great miracles.“
“So that We may show you our greatest signs.” (Ta Haa-23)
“These two are proofs from your Sustainer unto Firown and his chieftains. Indeed they are a miscreant nation.” (Qasas-32)
“Go! and show Firown and his people to the straight path. They have been extremely rebellious. Because of their pride and arrogance, they have oppressed the Bani Israeel and enslaved them. Therefore free them from this slavery.”
Hazrat Moosa supplicated to the Divine Court.
“Oh my Allaah! An Egyptian has been killed at my hands. Therefore I fear that they may kill me. I also fear that they will vehemently refute my message. Just as Thou has bestowed this rank upon me, so open my heart and fill it with Noor; and render this great task easy; and release the knot from my tongue; so the people may understand my speech. As my speech is not clear, and my brother Haroon is more eloquent than I, therefore also bestow this blessing (of prophethood) upon him, and make him my partner in this work.”
Allaah Ta’ala comforted Hazrat Moosa:
“Take this message and go to them. Show them the path to the truth. They will not be able to harm you in the least. You have Our support. Those miracles which We have granted you will be the means of your success. Finally you will be victorious. We have accepted your request and appointed your brother, Haroon, as your assistant. Now the two of you go to Firown and present this message of guidance to him in a sweet and gentle manner. Perchance he may accept the advice and the fear of Allaah Ta’ala will cause him to refrain from his tyranny.”
Translation Edited by :
Mufti Afzal Hoosen Elias
Courtesy: www.everymuslim.co.za ?
