Lesson 4: Musa’s Journey to Madyan

On his journey to Madyan, Allah guided him to a well where he helped two women water their flock. Other shepherds would water their flocks, but then place a large rock on top of the well - the rock was so heavy it could only be moved by 10 men.

In aid of the women, Musa lifted the rock and allowed the women to take water for their animals, and then placed the rock back on the well. This highlighted that Musa was a strong man with a sturdy body.

After doing this Musa sat in the shade and then made a 4th dua.

The women return back to their father Prophet Shu'ayb. He is surprised to see them back so quickly, so they explain the situation to him and what had occurred.

Prophet Shu’ayb wished to reward Musa for his aid, so sends his daughters to fetch him.

The women hear him making dua.

One of the women approaches Musa in a shy manner, and explains that their father wishes to reward him for his help.

He agrees to go with them and meets Shuayb. One of the daughters suggests to their father that he should hire him as he is ‘Al Qawee Al Amin’: powerful/strong and trustworthy/upright.

He was strong, as he was able to lift the rock on his own. He was trustworthy because, when the women were leading him to their home, they initially walked in front of Musa. He told the women to walk behind him, and if he was to walk the incorrect way, to throw a stone in the direction of where he should walk.

Prophet Shuayb proposes to Musa, that he marry one of his daughters and serve him for 8 years, and if he wishes to add another two years to complete ten years, that is for him to choose.

So Musa agrees to the proposal and marries one of Shuayb’s daughters and carries out his service as promised of 8 years, plus the additional two, making it 10 years.

Before being called to Prophethood, Musa lived in Madyan after fleeing Egypt.

After spending several years in Madyan, Musa set out with his family and journeyed toward Egypt. During this journey, an event occurred that would forever change the course of his life.