In Islam, Prophet Musa (known as Moses in English) is one of the most important and significant prophets. He is mentioned more times in the Qur'an than any other prophet, and his story is central to Islamic teachings. He played a key role in the liberation of the Children of Israel from the tyranny of the Pharaoh and conveyed Allah’s message to the people. Below, we explore the life and mission of Prophet Musa (Moses) from an Islamic perspective.
Prophet Musa (Moses) was born at a time when the Pharaoh of Egypt had ordered the killing of all male infants from the Children of Israel. His mother, fearing for his life, was inspired by Allah to place him in a basket and set him adrift in the Nile River. Allah guided the basket to the palace of the Pharaoh, where it was found by the Pharaoh’s wife, Asiya, who was moved with compassion and decided to adopt him.
Despite being raised in the Pharaoh's household, Prophet Musa (Moses) was always aware of his true heritage as a member of the Children of Israel. His early life in the palace was marked by a great inner struggle between the world of power and the suffering of his people. As he grew older, he learned about the oppression of his people under Pharaoh's rule and began to feel the weight of his prophetic calling.
The Qur'an describes the moment when Musa (Moses) fled from Egypt after accidentally killing an Egyptian soldier who was oppressing an Israelite. He fled to the land of Midian, where he found refuge and worked for the family of Prophet Shu'ayb (Jethro). It was during this time that Allah called him to prophethood and instructed him to return to Egypt to confront Pharaoh and free the Children of Israel.
Allah commanded Prophet Musa (Moses) to go back to Egypt and deliver His message to Pharaoh, urging him to release the Children of Israel from slavery and to worship Allah alone. Musa (Moses) was hesitant at first, feeling inadequate for such a monumental task. He asked Allah to appoint his brother, Harun (Aaron), as his assistant, and Allah granted his request. Together, they approached Pharaoh with a message of monotheism and justice.
Pharaoh rejected the message, arrogantly claiming divinity and refusing to listen to the call of Allah. Despite the signs and miracles that Musa (Moses) showed Pharaoh, such as his staff turning into a serpent and his hand becoming radiant, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he refused to submit to the will of Allah.
In response to Pharaoh’s stubbornness, Allah sent a series of plagues and signs to warn the Egyptian people. These included floods, locusts, frogs, and the turning of the Nile into blood. Each time, Pharaoh refused to repent, and his people continued to suffer. Allah then instructed Musa (Moses) to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt and across the Red Sea to safety.
When Pharaoh and his army pursued the Children of Israel, Allah commanded Musa (Moses) to strike the Red Sea with his staff. In a miraculous event, the sea parted, creating a path of dry land for the Children of Israel to cross. When Pharaoh’s army attempted to follow, the sea returned to its normal state, drowning the entire army.
This event marked a major turning point in the history of the Children of Israel, who were now freed from Pharaoh’s tyranny. The Qur'an describes this moment as a clear sign of Allah’s power and mercy, and it became a symbol of divine deliverance for the oppressed.
After crossing the Red Sea, the Children of Israel spent 40 years wandering in the desert, during which time Musa (Moses) received the Torah, the divine book of guidance. This period was marked by further challenges, as the people sometimes turned away from Allah and faced punishment for their disobedience. Despite these trials, Musa (Moses) remained a steadfast leader and continued to guide his people toward righteousness.
After the crossing of the Red Sea, Prophet Musa (Moses) ascended Mount Sinai, where Allah revealed the Torah to him. The Torah contained divine commandments and laws for the Children of Israel to follow, teaching them how to live righteous lives and fulfill their duties to Allah and to one another.
During their time in the desert, the Children of Israel faced many trials, including their impatience and disobedience. At one point, they worshipped a golden calf, an act that greatly angered Allah. Musa (Moses) confronted them, and those who repented were forgiven, but the wrongdoers faced punishment.
Despite these challenges, Musa (Moses) continued to lead and guide his people, emphasizing the importance of faith, patience, and submission to Allah’s will. He also warned them of the consequences of disobedience and reminded them of the mercy and justice of Allah.
In Islam, Prophet Musa (Moses) is considered one of the greatest prophets, and his story holds significant lessons for Muslims. His life exemplifies the values of patience, perseverance, and faith in the face of adversity. He is also known for his strong leadership, as he guided the Children of Israel through great hardship and helped establish the worship of Allah alone.
Prophet Musa (Moses) is mentioned in the Qur'an more times than any other prophet, and his story is told in detail across multiple chapters. His mission and his challenges with Pharaoh serve as a reminder of the dangers of arrogance, oppression, and disbelief, while his leadership and reliance on Allah provide an example of humility, trust, and obedience to the Creator.
Prophet Musa’s (Moses') legacy in Islam extends beyond his time on earth. He is honored as a prophet who brought a message of justice, compassion, and monotheism. His story is an important part of Islamic history, and his teachings continue to guide Muslims today. He is also regarded as one of the “Ulul Azm” prophets, a title given to the five greatest messengers of Allah: Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (PBUH).
Additionally, Prophet Musa (Moses) is believed to be an intercessor on the Day of Judgment. His example of unwavering faith and dedication to Allah’s message makes him a model for Muslims to follow in their own lives.