Life of Prophet Moosa(a.s.) – complete book
CHAPTER SIX- CERTAIN EVENTS DURING THE ERA OF HAZRAT MOOSA
The Slaughtering of the Cow.
Once a person of the Bani Israeel had been murdered, but the murderer remained unknown. Suspicions led to false accusations which created much conflict. These arguments reached fearsome limits. So Hazrat Moosa resorted to the Divine court praying:
“Oh Allaah! This incident has created much friction among the people. Thou are the All-Knowing and the most wise. I beseech Thy help!”
Allaah Ta’ala replied saying:
“Tell them that they should slaughter a cow. Thereafter they should take a piece of flesh from the corpse of the cow and touch the dead body with it. Then we will grant it (the dead body) life, and the problem will be solved.”
Hazrat Moosa informed the Bani Israeel Of Allaah Ta’ala’s command, but as usual their perverted manner of thinking prompted them to mock and jeer. They said:
“Oh Moosa! You must be joking!”
Meaning that: “What does the slaughtering of a cow have to do with a murder?”
“Very well! If it really is the command of Allaah Ta’ala, then what kind of a cow is it? What colour is it? And we have to know some of its other qualities too!”
When Hazrat Moosa found out all its qualities from Allaah Ta’ala, and no alternative remained, they decided to carry out the divine command. Through the command of Allaah Ta’ala the dead person came back to life, and narrated the entire incident as it had happened. In this manner not only was the murderer found out, but it was also impossible for him to deny the evidence. The rumours and arguments that had been circulating were also stemmed.
This was undoubtedly one of the continuous signs of Allaah Ta’ala unto the Bani Israeel.
Hazrat Moosa and Qaroon.
Among the Bani Israeel their lived a very affluent person. The Qur’aan has mentioned him as “Qaroon”. He was extremely wealthy and possessed vast treasuries of gold and jewels. He wealth was so vast that it was difficult for a group of strong men to only carry the keys of his treasuries. This wealth made him very arrogant and conceited. Qaroon was so intoxicated by his wealth, that he began to regard all his friends and relatives as lowly and insignificant. He resorted to treating them in an extremely humiliating fashion.
Once Hazrat Moosa advised his people :
“Allaah Ta’ala has granted you countless blessings, wealth and honour. So express your appreciation spend in the way of Zakaat and Sadaqah (charity), and assist the poor. To forget Allaah Ta’ala and to oppose his commands is ingratitude to Allaah Ta’ala. It should not be that because Allaah Ta’ala has given you wealth and respect, that you treat the poor and weak people in a harsh and disgraceful manner.”
Qaroon’s self-centeredness did not benefit from Hazrat Moosa’s advice, and he haughtily said:
“This wealth of mine is not a gift from Allaah Ta’ala. It is the outcome of my knowledge and my hard-earned effort. I will not listen to your advice and squander my wealth oh Moosa!”
Undeterred Hazrat Moosa continued to preach his message, and tried to guide Qaroon on the path of the Truth. When Qaroon realised that Hazrat Moosa would not leave him alone, he planned to over-awe Hazrat Moosa.
One day he came out in great pomp and splendour. Hazrat Moosa was in the midst of a gathering delivering a Divine message when, Qaroon, heavily adorned, majestically passed by with a huge group. Qaroon’s attitude was this that:
“If Moosa wishes to hold his religious gatherings, I can also command a large following, and I possess much gold and jewels. Therefore with these weapons (gold and jewels) I will destroy Moosa!”
When the Bani Israeel saw this worldly wealth and honour, then human weakness prompted this desire in their hearts:
“Oh I wish that I had been granted that (wealth) that has been granted to Qaroon.”
But the learned ones immediately replied saying :
“Beware! Don’t be overwhelmed by this worldly wealth. Do not be enslaved by the greed for material, soon you will see the terrible outcome of this wealth.”
Qaroon spent much of his time proudly peacocking, mocking Hazrat Moosa, and humiliating the Muslims of the Bani Israeel. Finally, the Divine Master exposed His power, and the old Law of Retribution of deeds stretched forth its hand, and delivered its mighty blow. Qaroon, together with his enormous treasuries were sunk into the earth, in front of the Bani Israeel.
“And we sunk the earth together with him (Qaroon), and his mansion. He did not have anyone to assist him against Allaah Ta’ala, nor was he of those who were assisted.” (Qasas-81)
The commentators differ in opinion as to whether this incident occurred in Egypt, prior to drowning of Firown, or in the Valley of ‘Tee’. The Holy Qur’aan mentions this incident after the drowning of Firown, therefore we are inclined to believe it happened in the Valley of ‘Tee’.
Hazrat Moosa and Hazrat Khidr
One the important incidents of Hazrat Moosa’s life was his meeting one of the men of the inner secrets. This meeting has been mentioned in detail in the Qur’aan in Surah Khaf and in Bukhaari Shareef.
In Bukhaari Shareef it is mentioned that Hazrat Saeed bin Jubair told Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbaast that Nauf Bakkaali said that, that Moosa who was the companion of Hazrat Khidr was not Hazrat Moosa of the Bani Israeel, but another person by the name of Moosa. Whereupon Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbaast replied:
“That enemy of Allaah Ta’ala is a liar.”
Ubay bin Kaabt has narrated a Hadith to me which he heard from the Holy Prophet {S.A.W}. RasulAllaah {S.A.W} has said:
“One day Hazrat Moosa was delivering a sermon in the Bani Israeel, when a person asked:
“In this era who is the most learned ?”
Hazrat Moosa replied:“Allaah Ta’ala has granted me the most knowledge!”
Allaah Ta’ala reprimanded him saying: “Although this is undoubtedly your rank, but you should have attributed this knowledge to Me and said: “Allaah is the most learned.” “
Thereafter Allaah Ta’ala revealed to Hazrat Moosa that:
“At a certain place where the two oceans meet (Majma-ul-Bahrain) is a certain servant of ours who, (in certain matters), has even more knowledge than you.”
Hazrat Moosa requested Allaah Ta’ala:
“Oh my Sustainer! How can I meet this servant of yours?”
Allaah Ta’ala replied:
“Put a fish in a tiffin, and you will meet the person in that place where the fish gets lost.”
Hazrat Moosa put the fish in the tiffin and, along with his future successor Hazrat Yusha bin Noon, set off to find this pious person. They travelled until they reached a certain place. There they went to sleep for a while. While the two were asleep, the fish came alive, came out of the basket, and dived into the ocean. That portion of the water where the fish had entered the ocean solidified like ice, and formed a small path. It seemed as though a line had been drawn in the ocean.
As Hazrat Yusha bin Noon awoke he saw what had happened to the fish, but when Hazrat Moosa awoke he forgot to mention the incident. The two then resumed their journey. Shortly thereafter night fell. When the next day dawned, Hazrat Moosa said:
“Now we are feeling more tired. Bring the fish so that we may appease our hunger.”
Then RasulAllaah(pbuh) said:
“Until they reached the appointed spot, Hazrat Moosa did not feel tired. But when they erroneously continued further, they felt fatigued.”
Then Hazrat Yusha said:
“When we stopped to rest by the rock, something very strange happened to the fish. It began to move, came out of the basket, and found a path in the ocean. I totally forgot to mention this incident to you. This (forgetfulness) is the work of Shaytaan.”
RasulAllaah(pbuh) said:
“That line in the ocean was a “path” for the fish, and an incredible experience to Hazrat Moosa and Hazrat Yusha.”
Hazrat Moosa said:
“That is the place we are searching for.”
They retraced their steps to the rock. Upon reaching there, they found a person attired in beautiful clothes. Hazrat Moosa made “salaam” to him.
The person asked:
“Is there “salaam” in this land?” (Muslims do not live in this land.)
This was “Khidr”.
Hazrat Moosa said:
“My name is Moosa.”
Hazrat Khidr enquired:
“Moosa of the Bani Israeel?”
Hazrat Moosa replied:
“Yes I have come to acquire that knowledge which Allaah Ta’ala has blessed you with.”
Hazrat Khidr said:
“You will not be able to bear with me patiently regarding these matters. Allaah Ta’ala has endowed me with the knowledge of certain matters of this world, which has not been given to you. You have been endowed with the knowledge of Shariah, which I have not been given.”
Hazrat Moosa said:
“InshaAllaah, I will exercise patience, and I will not oppose you in the least.”
Hazrat Khidr said:
“Then the condition is that no matter what you see you must not ask any questions. I will explain its reality myself.”
Hazrat Moosa agreed and the pair set off in a particular direction. When they reached the seashore, they saw a boat. Hazrat Khidr asked the ferrymen the fare. As they knew Hazrat Khidr, they refused to charge them a fare. Hazrat Moosa and Hazrat Khidr climbed aboard, and the boat began its course. Not long after they had began travelling, Hazrat Khidr removed a beam from the boat, making a hole. This Hazrat Moosa could not stand. He told Hazrat Khidr:
“These people have done us a favour by carrying us free of charge, now you return the favour by making a hole in the ship, which will cause them to drown. This is a terrible thing.”
Hazrat Khidr replied:
“Did I not warn you that you will not be able to bear with me?”
Hazrat Moosa apologetically remarked:
“I totally forgot our agreement. Please do not seize me for my error.”
Then RasulAllaah(pbuh) said:
“This question was really through Hazrat Moosa’s forgetfulness. During this interim, a bird came and sat on the edge of the boat. It pecked at the water and took a drop into its beak.“
Thereupon Hazrat Khidr said:
“Undoubtedly, in comparison to the Divine knowledge, your and my knowledge is as insignificant as that drop of water (which the bird took in its beak) is, in comparison to the ocean.”
When the boat reached the opposite side the two disembarked and set off in a certain direction. While the pair were walking along the seashore, they came across some children playing in nearby field. Hazrat Khidr went forward and killed a certain child. Once again Hazrat Moosa lost control and said:
“How could you kill an innocent child? You committed a grievous wrong.”
Hazrat Khidr said to him:
“Did I not warn you that you will not be able to bear with me?”
Then RasulAllaah(pbuh) said:
“Because this second incident was more serious than the first, Hazrat Moosa was excused for not exercising patience.”
Hazrat Moosa replied:
“All right, again I am in the wrong. If I fail to exercise patience once more, then I will not have any excuse, and you may separate from me.”
The pair resumed there journey once more. They travelled until they reached a certain village. The residents of this village were well off and capable of entertaining guests, yet, when Hazrat Moosa and Hazrat Khidr requested the people extend their hospitality, as they were travellers, the people refused. They were still passing through the town when Hazrat Khidr went near a house, whose wall was tilting, and it was feared that the wall may fall down. Hazrat Khidr supported it with his hands and straightened it.
Hazrat Moosa interrupted Hazrat Khidr saying:
“We are travellers in this village, yet the people did not entertain us, nor did they offer us any accommodation. Why did you repair the wall of this village free of charge. If you wished to do it, you could have asked for a wage, which we could have used for food.”
Hazrat Khidr replied:
“Now the time has come for you and I to part.”
Then he explained to Hazrat Moosa the reality of these three incidents. Together with this he explained that this knowledge was from Allaah Ta’ala.
Some important facts regarding Hazrat Khidr
Regarding Hazrat Khidr certain facts warrant attention:
1. Is “Khidr” his name or title ?
2. Was Hazrat Khidr merely a pious person, or was he a great saint, or was he a prophet?
3. Was he granted eternal life or did he pass away?
4. Where is the place where the two oceans meet?
5. What is Hazrat Khidr’s rank?
1. The holy Qur’aan has not mentioned Hazrat Khidr by name or title, but has mentioned him as “Abd-um min Ibaadinaa” (a servant from among our servants). The authentic traditions of Bukhaari and Muslim Shareef has mentioned him as “Khidr”, but it is not known whether it is name or title.
2. The most preferable opinion is that he is a prophet. The honourable manner in which he is mentioned in the Qur’aan denotes prophethood. Sainthood is very much removed from this rank.
3. The authentic opinions of the Ullama and the historians is that he passed away because none can escape death. The Qur’aan states:
“(Oh Mohammed(pbuh) !) We have not granted any human before you immortality.” (Ambiyaa – 34)
4. According to Allama Sayed Mohammed Anwar Shah(R.A) the “Majma – ul –Bahrain”(The meeting of the two oceans) is at that place which is now known as “Aqaba”.
5. The rank of Hazrat Khidr: At the Beginning of this narrative, the Qur’aan has mentioned regarding the knowledge of Hazrat Khidr:
“And We had taught him from Our presence a knowledge.” (Khaf – 65)
At the end Hazrat Khidr is quoted as:
“And I did not act according to my own will.” (Khaf – 65)
From the above mentioned Ayaat, it is evident that Allaah Ta’ala had endowed Hazrat Khidr with the knowledge of certain inner secrets of this world. This was an exposition through which Allaah Ta’ala enabled the righteous ones to understand that, if veil of the unseen was lifted and the realities of this world were exposed as they had been exposed to Hazrat Khidr, then the laws of this world would also change. Since this world is a place of trial and error, it is necessary for these secrets to remain hidden.
Hazrat Moosa was the Nabi of Allaah Ta’ala, an eminent Rasool of Allaah Ta’ala, the trustee of a heavenly book and a Shariah, and he was included among the high-ranking Ambiyaa. His rank was much higher than that of Hazrat Khidr. The fact that Hazrat Khidr had been endowed with certain inner secrets, did not cause him excel Hazrat Moosa.
The Harm of the Bani Israeel.
From the afore-mentioned incidents, one can gauge how the Bani Israeel, both verbally and physically hurt Hazrat Moosa. They did not even abstain from slander and false accusations. The Qur’aan mentions the harm of the Bani Israeel in Surah Ahzaab and Surah Saff:
“Oh you who believe! Do not be like those who hurt Moosa.” (Ahzaab – 69)
“And recall that time when Moosa said to his people:”
“Oh my people why are you hurting me, when surely you know that I am the apostle of Allaah Ta’ala unto you.” (Saff – 5)
Saturday
Hazrat Ibrahim had specially fixed Friday for the worship of Allaah Ta’ala. During the era of Hazrat Moosa the Bani Israeel insisted that the day of worship be changed to Saturday. Due to their persistence Allaah Ta’ala revealed to Hazrat Moosa that their request had been accepted.
“And We said to them:
“Do not transgress in the matter of the Sabbath.”
“And We took a firm pledge from them.” (Ambiyaa – 154)
But the Bani Israeel did not hold true to their promise. (More details will be mentioned in Part 5 – Insha ALLAAH.)
Translation Edited by :
Mufti Afzal Hoosen Elias
Courtesy: www.everymuslim.co.za ?
