Lesson 2: The Birth of Musa

Prophet Musa was born during a time when Firawn ruled Egypt and was oppressing the Children of Israel (Bani Israel).

At that time, Firawn had heard reports and accounts that a man from Bani Israel would one day be the cause of the destruction of his rule. This fear was further strengthened by dreams he had, which deeply unsettled him.

Fearing this, Firawn issued a decree that ALL newborn boys from Bani Israel should be killed.

However, over time, the people of Egypt began to complain that there were fewer people available to carry out the labour and duties that had been assigned to Bani Israel. As a result, Firawn changed his policy — ordering that newborn boys be killed one year and spared the next.

Harun, the brother of Musa, was born in the year in which there was no killing. Musa, however, was born in the year when boys were to be slain. Despite this, Allah had a greater plan for Musa.

Inspired by Allah, Musa’s mother placed him into a box and set him afloat on the Nile River to protect him from Firawn’s soldiers.

Allah comforted her with the promise that He would return her son and that Musa would become a messenger. This is mentioned in the Quran:

“And We inspired the mother of Musa, (saying): ‘Suckle him [Musa], but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve. Verily! We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers.’”

Surah Al-Qasas, 28:7

The basket carrying Musa floated down the Nile River and eventually reached Firawn’s palace, where it was discovered by his wife, Asiyah. Upon seeing the baby, she was filled with love for him and convinced Firawn to adopt him as their son, unaware that this child was destined to challenge his tyranny. Allah willed that Musa would grow up in the very palace of the tyrant who sought to kill him.

To ensure the infant’s well-being, Asiyah searched for a wet nurse for Musa, but Musa refused to be nursed by any of the women brought to him. In the wisdom of Allah, Musa’s sister, who had followed the basket, suggested a suitable nurse. That nurse was none other than Musa’s biological mother, fulfilling Allah’s promise to return Musa to her.

“Then the household of Firawn picked him up, that he might become for them an enemy and a cause of their grief. Indeed, Firawn and Haman and their hosts were deliberate sinners. And the wife of Firawn said: ‘(He will be) a comfort of the eye for me and for you. Kill him not, perhaps he may be of benefit to us, or we may adopt him as a son.’ And they perceived not (what they were doing).”

Surah Al-Qasas, 28:8-9

Allah says:

“So We restored him to his mother, that she might be content and not grieve and that she might know that the promise of Allah is true. But most of them do not know.”

Surah Al-Qasas, 28:13

Musa grew up under the care of Firawn but was protected by Allah throughout his upbringing. His time in the palace, witnessing the injustice of Firawn, shaped him for his future mission. Allah was preparing Musa to become a strong leader who would eventually deliver Bani Israel from oppression.

According to a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) spoke about Musa’s exceptional character, saying:

“Amongst the messengers, Musa was the one who suffered the most from his people.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 3405

This hadith highlights that from a young age, Musa was destined for a life of struggle, but Allah had chosen him for a noble mission.

Key Lessons

1. Trust in Allah’s Plan: Musa’s story teaches us that even in the most difficult circumstances, Allah has a greater plan. His mother’s trust in Allah is a model of faith and patience.

2. Divine Protection: Despite Firawn’s tyranny and his plot to kill all male infants, Allah protected Musa and placed him in the very house of Firawn, demonstrating His absolute control over all matters.

3. Preparation for Leadership: Allah prepares His chosen ones for their mission in ways that may not be immediately apparent. Musa’s experiences in Firawn’s palace were part of Allah’s wisdom in shaping him to lead Bani Israel.

Conclusion

The story of Musa’s birth and early life is a powerful demonstration of Allah’s wisdom, protection, and mercy. By studying this early part of his life, learners will develop a deeper understanding of Allah’s control over all affairs and the importance of trusting in His plan, even in the most challenging times.