Life of Prophet Moosa(a.s.) – complete book
CHAPTER THREE -RETURN TO EGYPT
Entering Egypt
After Hazrat Moosa had been endowed with the lofty office of prophethood, experienced the wonderful blessing of Divine Conversation, and was assured success in the work of inviting to the truth, he descended the Sacred Valley. He then went to his wife who had been awaiting his arrival in the nearby forest.
Taking her with him he headed for Egypt to fulfill the Divine command. They reached Egypt by nightfall. He stealthily went to his home, but did not enter the house. He appeared in front of his mother as a traveller. Among the Bani Israeel, this house entertained many travelers. Hazrat Moosa was also treated honourably. A little later his older brother Haroon also arrived at the house. Prior to this Haroon had been endowed with prophethood. Through Divine revelation, he had been informed of Hazrat Moosa’s entire history. Upon seeing his brother, Hazrat Haroon excitedly embraced him. Then Hazrat Haroon gathered the family and narrated Hazrat Moosa’s story. They all rejoiced at the reunion, and at last the mother of Hazrat Moosa cooled her eyes.
The Court of Firown
Hazrat Moosa and Hazrat Haroon decide to go to Firown and convey the message of Allaah Ta’ala to him . With this object in mind the two brothers fearlessly entered Firown’s court. Upon reaching the throne they presented their message:
And Moosa said:
“Oh Firown! Verily, I am the apostle of the Sustainer of the worlds.” (A’araaf-104)
“It is incumbent upon me that I do not say anything against Allaah Ta’ala save the truth. Surely I have brought evidence from your Sustainer. So send the Children of Israel with Me.“ (A’araaf-105)
Firown replied
“Did we not raise you amongst us when you were a mere child, and did you not live with us for many years? Then you executed that deed of yours. You are of the ungrateful ones.” (Shu’araah-19)
Thereupon Hazrat Moosa (A.S) said:
“When I did it, it was an error.” (Shu’araah-20)
“Terrified, I fled from you, and my Allaah endowed me with wisdom, and included me among the Sent Ones.” (Shu’araah-21)
“And those favours which you gloat of, was that you enslaved the Children of Israel.” (Shu’araah-22)
Thereupon Firown enquired:
“What is meant by ?Rabb-ul-Aalameen’ {the Sustainer of the worlds}?” (Shu’araah-23)
Hazrat Moosa(A.S) replied:
“ ’Rabb-ul-Aalameen’, is that Being from whose sustenance not even you and your ancestors are independent.”
Meaning that:
“Allaah Ta’ala created you, brought you into this world, sustained and took care of you. Prior to your existence, your ancestors were also likewise sustained.”
Firown was dumbstruck. As he could not argue the matter any further, he said:
“I think that this person who calls himself your prophet is mad.”
When Hazrat Moosa realised that Firown was out-witted, he decided to explain the Providence of Allaah Ta’ala more impressively.
He said:
“That Being in whose hands lies the East and the West, and all that is therein, He is Who I call ‘Rabb-ul-Aalameen’. With a little intelligence you will easily realise this.”
Once again Hazrat Moosa reminded Firown:
“That path which you have chosen is not the straight path. ’Rabb-ul-Aalameen’ is the only Being who is worthy of worship. Any one who claims to be the Sustainer is an outright polytheist. Oh Firown ! Abstain from this because that Being who is ’Rabb-ul-Aalameen’ has revealed to us that whosoever opposes the Truth, refutes it and turns away from it, will be deserving of the wrath of the Divine Master.”
“Indeed it has been revealed to us that the chastisement will be for him who belied and turned away.” (Taahaa-48)
Firown again asked:
“Who is your Sustainer, Oh Moosa ? “ (Taahaa -49)
Hazrat Moosa replied:
“Our Sustainer is He who has created everything with its form, then he guided it.” (Taahaa-50)
Then Firown enquired:
“Then what happened to the former generations.” (Taahaa-51)
Hazrat Moosa replied:
“That knowledge is (recorded) by my Sustainer in the book. My Allaah did not make a mistake nor did He forget.” (Taahaa-52)
“He is that Being who has spread the earth for you and opened there-in pathways (roads) for you, and sent from the Heavens water. And thereby we have brought forth various kinds of vegetation.” (Taahaa-53)
“Eat and let your animals graze. Indeed there-in are signs for the men of prudence.” (Taahaa-54)
“From it (this earth) we have created you, and into it will we return you, and therefrom we shall bring you forth once again.” (Taahaa-55)
According to the commentators Hazrat Haroon acted as an interpreter between Hazrat Moosa and Firown. He conveyed Hazrat Moosa’s proofs and the arguments very eloquently.
Firown’s Misdeeds
This conversation became the topic of many gatherings. Firown employed various tactics to put an end to the talk. Finally he addressed the people.
Firown said:
“Oh chiefs! I am not aware of any deity save myself.” (Qasas-38)
Then he commanded his minister:
“Oh Haamaan! Build me a lofty tower so that I may reach the ways of access.“ (Mo’min-36)
“The way of access to the heaven. Then I will look at the deity of Moosa. Indeed I deem him to be of the liars.” (Mo’min-37)
Haamaan!
The Qur’aan has not mentioned whether ’Haamaan’ is the name of a specific person, or the title of a certain rank. Nor are we informed as to whether ‘Haamaan’ built the tower or not. The Tauraat is also silent in this respect.
The Scene at Firown’s Court
Firown’s anxiety was steadily increasing until it reached such a stage that he said:
Firown said:
“If you adopt any deity other than I, I shall surely imprison you.” (Shu’araah-29)
Moosa replied:
“Even if I present some clear proofs?” (Shu’araah-30)
He (Firown) replied:
“If you have come with a sign then show it, If you are truthful.” (A’araaf-106)
Hazrat Moosa went in front of the crowded court and threw his staff down in front of Firown. Immediately it turned into a serpent. It was a real serpent not a mere illusion. Then Hazrat Moosa put his hand in his shirt and touched his side. When he removed his hand, it shone like a brilliant star. This was the second sign and miracle.
Upon seeing their king being defeated by an Israelite, Frown’s ministers agitatedly
said:
“Undoubtedly! this is a very clever magician. He has played this trick so that he may overpower you and drive you off your land. We should ponder as to what should be done to him.”
Finally Firown and his people agreed that:
“We will temporarily give Moosa and Haroon a chance. During this time, we will gather magicians from all over the kingdom. The magicians will contest Moosa, and he will definitely be defeated. All his ambitions will be reduced to dust.”
Then Firown addressed Hazrat Moosa:
“Oh Moosa! We are aware of the fact that you are using this trick to usurp our land. Therefore you will be punished in such a manner, that all the renowned magicians will be gathered, and you will meet your end at their hands. Now we have to set a date for this great contest. We will not withdraw our agreement, nor will you go against your word.”
Hazrat Moosa said:
“The best time for that is “Yaum-uz-Zeenah” (the day of the festival). At noon on that day, we should all be present on the field.”
In short Hazrat Moosa and Firown had settled on “Yaum-uz-Zeenah”. Immediately Firown requested all his courtiers and statesmen to gather all the renowned magicians and send them to the court as soon as possible.
The Defeat of the Magicians and Firown’s Evil
The day of the festival dawned. With his usual pomp and splendor, Firown was seated on his throne. All the ministers and courtiers were also seated according to rank and file. Thousands of people gathered to witness the great contest between Truth and Falsehood.
On one side the enormous groups of all the great and famous magicians were assembled with their equipment, ready. On the other side stood the messengers of Allaah Ta’ala and the prophets of Truth; Hazrat Moosa and Hazrat Haroon.
And the magicians came to Firown saying:
“Surely there is a reward for us if we are successful!” (A’araaf-113)
He(Firown) replied:
“Yes! And indeed you will be of the favoured ones.” (A’araaf-114)
When the magicians were assured of their reward they turned to Hazrat Moosa
Moosa said to them:
“Woe unto you! Do not fabricate a lie, against Allaah Ta’ala, lest He may destroy you with some punishment. Verily he who fabricates lies will be unsuccessful.” (Taahaa-61)
The magicians then said:
“Oh Moosa! Either you cast down (your staff) or we shall be the ones to cast.” (A’araaf-115)
He (Moosa)said:
“You throw! Then they threw. They conjured an illusion over the eyes of the people and terrified them. They brought a mighty magic.“ (A’araaf-116)
And we revealed unto Moosa:
“Cast down your staff!”
“And lo! It swallowed all that they had conjured.” (A’araaf-117)
“Thus the truth prevailed and rendered all their actions futile.” (A’araaf-118)
“And the magicians threw themselves down into prostration.” (A’araaf-120)
They said:
“We believe in the Sustainer of the worlds.” (A’araaf-121)
“The Sustainer of Moosa and Haroon.” (A’araaf-122)
Upon seeing the situation, Firown said:
“Did you believe (in Moosa), before I gave you permission. Indeed he (Moosa) is your mentor, who has taught you magic. I will most certainly cut-off your hands and feet on the opposite sides, and I will hang you on the trunks of palm-trees. Then you will surely know which of us is more severe in torment and ever-lasting.” (Taahaa-71)
When any person is blessed with true faith, whether it be even for a moment, it creates such a courageous spiritual strength, that not even the most powerful worldly power can overpower it.
Therefore Firown’s tyrannical threats did not frighten the magicians in the least. They replied:
“By no means shall we give you preference over that which has come to us of the clear proofs, and that Being who has created us. Command whatever you wish. You can only command in respect of the life of this world.” (Taahaa-72)
“Indeed! We believe in our Sustainer, that He (Allaah Ta’ala) will forgive our faults, and that which you have compelled us to do in the way of magic. Allaah Ta’ala is the Best and the Eternal.” (Taahaa-73)
In this contest between truth and falsehood, Firown and his noblemen left terribly defeated. They were disgraced in front of the entire nation. Allaah Ta’ala had fulfilled the promise made to Hazrat Moosa.
Apart from the magicians, a group of Israelite youngsters also became Muslims.
“Due to fear of Firown and his chieftains none believed in Moosa save a group of his people,
Lest he (Firown) should persecute them.” (Yunus-83)
Firown’s courtiers could not even bear this limited success.
The chieftains of Firown’s people said:
“Will thou leave Moosa and his people to make mischief in the land, and to forsake you and your deities.”
He (Firown) replied:
“Soon we will kill their sons and let their women live.” (A’araaf-127)
This was Firown’s second announcement!
The Anxiety of the Bani Israeel.
When Hazrat Moosa was informed of Firown’s plots, he gathered the Bani Israeel and encouraged them to endure patiently, and to believe and place their trust in the hands of the Almighty Allaah . The Bani Israeel replied:
“Oh Moosa! From long before we have been oppressed and persecuted. Your arrival stirred a little hope. But the same calamity has befallen us again. This is very hard to bear.”
Hazrat Moosa tried to console them saying:
“Do not fear! You will be victorious. This Earth does not belong to Firown and his people. Allaah Ta’ala is the Sustainer of the Worlds. Allaah Ta’ala will grant the land to whosoever He wishes, and eventually it will be for those who fear Allaah Ta’ala.”
Then Hazrat Moosa told the Muslims that the tyranny of Firown was not over as yet. He will not allow the Bani Israeel and the Muslim Copts to leave Egypt freely. Thereupon they all supplicated to Allaah Ta’ala:
“Oh our Divine Master! Instead of Firown and his people expressing their appreciation for that wealth which Thou has bestowed upon them, they are preparing to oppress and persecute your devoted servants. They do not accept your path of truth, nor are they allowing others to accept. So make these tyrants taste their own medicine. Destroy that wealth and luxury which they adore! Just as they trampled the truth, so instead of granting them the good fortune of “Imaan”, punish them in such a terrible way that their tale will remain as a moral to the generations to come!”
Firown’s Retaliation.
Although Firown had calmed his ministers, the thought of Hazrat Moosa’s spiritual success was eating him up inside. Even the command of the slaughter of the Israelite boys did not give him peace. Finally he said:
“Leave me to slay Moosa, and let him beseech his Sustainer.” (Mo’min-26)
When Hazrat Moosa was informed of this he said:
“Truly indeed, I seek refuge in my Allaah and your Allaah from every proud person who does not believe in the Day of Reckoning!” (Mo’min-27)
The Egyptian Believer.
Among Firown’s courtiers there was an Egyptian nobleman who had secretly become a Muslim. When he heard this, he tried to appeal in favour of Hazrat Moosa. He tried to make them understand saying:
“Will you kill a man because he professes: ?My Sustainer is Allaah Ta’ala!?”
He has brought to you the best of proofs. If for instance he is liar, then this lie will not harm you. But if he is truthful, then you should fear the warnings which he has brought from the Almighty Allaah.
Firown cut the Muslim’s speech short saying:
“You know that which I have told you is correct and for the better.”
The Muslim made a final effort saying:
“Oh my people I fear that our condition must not be like that of the previous nations; like that of the Aad and the Thamud, and those nations that came later. Allaah Ta’ala never oppresses his servants. The destruction of those nations was through their own misdeeds. Today in the very same manner, you are opposing Moosa. You worry about your worldly status. I fear the Day of Judgement, when each one will call the other, but at that time no-one will be able to save you from the punishment of the Almighty Allaah. Oh you chieftains! Your condition is such that when Hazrat Yusuf propagated the message of Allaah Ta’ala,you(i.e. your ancestors) refused to believe. When he passed away, then you people said:
“Now Allaah Ta’ala will not send another messenger!”
Now you are adopting the same behaviour with Hazrat Moosa. For Allaah’s sake understand! and choose the straight path.
When Firown and his chieftains heard this speech, their attention was turned from Hazrat Moosa to this Muslim person. The Copts wished to kill him, but Allaah Ta’ala did not allow their filthy ideas to prevail.
“Then Allaah Ta’ala protected him from the evils which they plotted.” (Mo’min-45)
Firown’s Announcement.
When Firown failed to defeat Hazrat Moosa, he announced among the people:
“Oh my people! Do I not have a right to the sovereignty of Egypt, with all these rivers flowing beneath me? Do you not see?” (Zukhruf-51)
“Am I not better than this disgraced one, who cannot even speak clearly?” (Zukhruf-52)
“Why then has he not been showered with bracelets of gold, nor has he any angels to accompany him?” (Zukhruf-53)
The Wrath of Allaah Ta’ala
With the exception of a few, all the Egyptians followed Firown, and began to slaughter the male children of the Bani Israeel. Firown began to disgrace and humiliate Hazrat Moosa, and forcefully propagate the doctrine of his own godliness. Hazrat Moosa received the divine revelation that:
“Go and inform Firown, that if this is your behaviour, then soon the wrath of Allaah Ta’ala will descend.”
When he (Firown) did not heed this warning, almost immediately, the Divine wrath descended. Thereupon Firown and his people adopted this scheme; that when the divine punishment descended in a certain form, they would promise Hazrat Moosa that:
“Very well! We will believe in you if you supplicate Allaah to remove this calamity.”
When the punishment was lifted they reverted to their evil. When the punishment descended in another form, they said:
“Very well! We will set the Bani Israeel free and send them with you. Pray to your Allaah to remove this punishment.”
When they were once again granted respite through the supplication of Hazrat Moosa, and the punishment was removed, they would prepare to trouble them again. In this manner Allaah Ta’ala sent many different signs to Firown and his people, and they were repeatedly given grace. The Qur’aan has mentioned the seven signs of punishment:
“And assuredly we seized the people of the Firown with drought and lack of fruit, so that they may take a lesson.” (A’araaf-130)
“Thereafter we sent upon them the flood, locust, lice, frogs and blood as detailed signs.” (A’araaf-133)
Among the signs mentioned in these verses are lice and frogs. Regarding these the commentators have explained that the situation was such, that the frogs and the lice invaded everything; their food, clothes, utensils, etc. There was not a thing or a place where in these creatures were not seen.
Regarding the blood it is mentioned that the water of the Nile changed to the colour and taste of blood. Thus it became difficult for them to drink the water. Even the fish in the river died.
[According to the Arab linguists the word “qoomal” (lice) has a vast meaning. It can include all the following meanings:
“Allaah Ta’ala sent such a punishment on the Egyptians, that He sent lice upon the humans and spread flies in the food. Tiny destructive fleas were sent upon the animals. Weevils were born in the grain and the crops. The Qur’aan has included all destructive insects under the meaning of the word “qoomal”.”
Translation Edited by :
Mufti Afzal Hoosen Elias
Courtesy: www.everymuslim.co.za ?
