Life of Prophet Moosa(a.s.) – complete book
CHAPTER FOUR-RETURN OF THE BANI ISRAEEL FROM EGYPT
The Departure of the Bani Israeel.
When the situation reached such a limit that even various types of punishment did not effect the Egyptians, then Allaah Ta’ala commanded Hazrat Moosa that:
The time has come for you to take the Children of Israel and set out towards
the land of your ancestors.
That very night Hazrat Moosa and Hazrat Haroon speedily took the Bani Israeel to the Red Sea. They left in such a haste, for fear that the Copts will become aware of their escape. In this great haste, the women did not have a chance to return the jewellery and the valuable clothes they had borrowed from the Copts during a religious festival.
The Drowning of Firown
Hazrat Moosa consoled the Bani Israeel saying:
“Do not fear, Allaah Ta’ala’s promise is true. You will be successful.”
Then he raised his hands in supplication to the Divine Master. Through divine revelation Hazrat Moosa was commanded to strike his staff on the water. When he struck the Red Sea, the ocean split in two, the waves stood up on either side like two mountains, and a path appeared in the centre. At Hazrat Moosa’s command all the Bani Israeel stepped onto the path. They walked across just as they walked on dry land. When Firown (who had followed them) beheld this phenomenon, he said to his people:
“This is my miraculous feat! Lets go forward and catch the Bani Israeel.”
Firown and his entire army followed the Bani Israeel on the same path. But the wonders of Allaah Ta’ala never cease to amaze. When the Bani Israeel had safely reached the opposite side, through Divine command the ocean resumed its normal appearance. Firown and his entire army, who were now in the midst of the ocean were drowned. When he began drowning, and he saw the angels of punishment in front of him, he began shouting:
“I believe in that Being, who has no partner, who the Bani Israeel believe in, and I am of the obedient ones.”
But his faith in Allaah Ta’ala was just another of his tricks, which he used to try and escape the punishment of Allaah Ta’ala. Therefore he received this answer from Allaah Ta’ala:
“Now Indeed! Whereas you have rebelled before, and you were of the corrupt ones.” (Yunus-91)
Meaning that Allaah Ta’ala is fully aware that you are not from the “Muslims” but of the “corrupt ones”.
“They did not believe until they beheld the terrible torment.” (Yunus-88)
“Surely your (two [i.e Moosa and Haroon]) supplication is accepted!” (Yunus-89)
Firown’s plea also received this reply from the Divine Master:
“Today we will save you bodily, so that you may remain as a sign to those after you.” (Yunus-92)
Till today a corpse is preserved in the Egyptian Museum. Due to the person being drowned in the ocean the nose had been bitten off by fish. It is said that it is the corpse of the Pharaoh of Moses. Allaah Ta’ala knows best.
The Splitting of the Ocean.
The noble Qur’aan has mentioned the story of the departure of the Bani Israeel, the drowning of Firown and the salvation of the Bani Israeel very briefly. Only the necessary portions were mentioned. However the warnings, advises and morals attached to these incidents were explained in detail.
“And assuredly we revealed unto Moosa!”
“Depart in the night with my servants, and strike for them a path in the ocean dry. You shall not be over taken. Nor will you fear!” (Taahaa-77)
When Hazrat Moosa and his people set out,
“Firown followed with his army and that portion of the ocean which came upon them covered them (i.e. drowned them).” (Tahaa-78)
“Firown led his people astray, and he did not guide them.” (Tahaa-79)
“And the good word of Thy Lord unto the Children of Israel was fulfilled, due to their long standing suffering. And we destroyed that which Firown and his people had built, and that (those structures) which they had raised.” (A’araaf-137)
“He(Firown) and his army were wrongfully arrogant in the land, and they thought that they would not be returned to us.” (Qasas-39)
“Therefore we seized him and his army, and cast them into the ocean. So behold! Thou the consequences of the tyrants.” (Qasas-40)
“How many gardens and springs did they leave behind?” (Dukhaan-25)
“And plantations, and lofty positions?” (Dukhaan-26)
“And the delights they had been enjoying?” (Dukhaan-27)
“And even so! We caused other nations to inherit it.” (Dukhaan-28)
“Not the heavens, nor did the earth weep over them. Nor were they granted respite.” (Dukhaan-29)
The Great Miracle
The Holy Qur’aan clearly states that the drowning of Firown and the salvation of the Bani Israeel, was indeed a great miracle in the favour of Hazrat Moosa. Within moments all material obstacles were destroyed, freeing the oppressed nations from the chains of the tyrants.
“And Allaah Ta’ala has power over everything.”
“And we delivered Moosa and all those who were with him.” (Shu’araah-65)
“Then we drowned the others (the Egyptians).” (Shu’araah-66)
“Indeed therein is a sign, but most of them do not believe.” (Shu’araah-67)
“And indeed your Lord! He is the Mighty, the Most Merciful!” (Shu’araah-68)
The Punishment of the People of Firown
This incident of Hazrat Moosa and Firown was in fact a fierce war of falsehood and truth. On one side was the humiliation and the fall of pride, insolence, tyranny and egotism. On the opposite side was the strange, yet wonderful triumph of suffered oppression, monotheism, patience and perseverance.
After the worldly destruction of Firown and his people, Allaah Ta’ala draws our attention as to what kind of severe punishment a nation will have to suffer in the hereafter.
“The terrible torment surrounds Firown and his folk!” (Mo’min-45)
“The Fire! They (the Egyptians) are exposed to it morning and evening,(i.e. the grave). And on the Day, when the hour will be raised {Qiyaamat} (it will be said):
“Enter the people of Firown into the most grievous punishment!” (Mo’min-46)
Translation Edited by :
Mufti Afzal Hoosen Elias
Courtesy: www.everymuslim.co.za ?
