By Monica Begum
Monica is from the West Midlands, and is currently working in the charity sector.
Nature lover, bookworm extraordinaire, and in hot pursuit of the white rabbit!
Musa (AS): he is one of our many noble, esteemed prophets, and what is remarkable about him is that in the Qur’an, he is mentioned substantially more, compared to our other prophets (peace be upon them all).
From infancy to youth, to his marriage, and then during his great mission, where he opposed the tyrannical Firaun, Pharaoh. There are many monumental events throughout his revered lifespan, which are detailed for us in the Qur’an, and this is all with great reason, and Allah (SWT) knows best.
“There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding. Never was the Qur’an a narration invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who believe.” [Qur’an 12:111]
“Then do they not reflect upon the Qur’an? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.” [Qur’an 4:82]
Allah (SWT), through His great mercy, describes to us the nature of the Qur’an, and instructs us to ponder upon and reflect on the vast narratives He has conveyed to us.
Alhamdulillah, we have the Qur’an, a very precious and illuminating treasure, at our fingertips; it holds significant benefit and wisdom for us, and what’s more, it is there to guide us, help us in the situations we find ourselves in, and renew our faith.
In Musa (AS)’s story, there are many prime examples: separating from parents, being involved in an accident, seeking refuge, marriage, having an important task to accomplish, being a leader, dealing with a speech impediment, as well as a fear of facing a difficult conversation or person.
“[Allāh] said, ‘Fear not. Indeed, I am with you both; I hear and I see.'” [Qur’an 20:46]
These are all themes that we can relate to in some way or form, and Allah (SWT) gives us guidance on how we can try to approach them, Subhan’Allah.
The Day of Ashura
Alhamdulillah, as we enter the Islamic new year, we are priveleged to experience the sacred month of Muharram, and we rejoice as we welcome the special day of Ashura on the 10th day. It is a day which is held in high regard, there is great virtue, and significance, and by the will of Allah (SWT), it is a day of unparalleled mercy, where prayers are answered, sins are forgiven, and fasting, thankfulness, and remembering Allah are all rewarded in abundance.
But what more can be said about why it is so special for us?
By unearthing the significant facts surrounding this day and the several events that unfolded within our history, it can help us to maximise our rewards, allow our efforts to be more meaningful, and help us to revive our faith and purpose. More importantly, it can increase our love for Allah (SWT) and enable us to earn His pleasure; by reflecting on this glorious occasion, Islam, and all the grand blessings He has bestowed upon us. Alhamdulillah.
One such renowned event which transpired on the day of Ashura actually took place during Musa (AS)’s lifetime. This was a milestone to say the least. This was the astonishing event of the splitting of the sea, Subhan’Allah.
“Then We inspired to Musa, “Strike with your staff the sea,” and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain.” [Qur’an 26:63]
After challenging the pharaoh, and assembling the group of believers who had realised the truth of Allah, and chosen to submit to Him, Musa (A.S) marched on to lead his people onward to safety.
However, this did not come without further trouble; as they were faced with a predicament when the pharaoh and his entourage gained upon them, nearing to attack. For Musa (AS) and his group, they had reached a dead end, with no way through as the great sea in front of them barricaded their path to reach refuge. What’s more they had no means of intervention; weapons, manpower, nothing to defend and save themselves; needless to say, his people became panicked.
“And when the two companies saw one another, the companions of Musa said, “Indeed, we are to be overtaken!” Musa said, “No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me…
Then We inspired to Musa, “Strike with your staff the sea,” and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain.”
[Qur’an 26:61-63]
The sea was split and (Musa AS) and his people were salvaged by the will of Allah (SWT). Subhan’Allah.
There is so much beauty and lesson in his story; as gruelling as Musa (AS)’s life was, as impossible as the situations and immense personal struggles he faced, regardless of this he kept his unwavering faith and reliance on Allah (SWT) always. He was resolute in trusting his Almighty Lord, Who had always reassured him and rescued him from the perils he faced throughout his life.
Musa (AS) was also fully aware that this was a test from Allah (SWT), and that He had always encouraged Musa (A.S) to believe in Him as well as himself, and the power and purpose Allah had given to him. He was emboldened to keep striving within his capacity to show Allah his own commitment and efforts in attaining success, whilst also knowing Allah was ultimately the One in control, e.g. striking the sea with his staff, and because of this, in the end, Allah honoured him.
“And I bestowed upon you love from Me that you would be brought up under My eye…
And I produced you for Myself.” [Qur’an 20:39 and 20:41]
Musa (AS)’s entire life was intricately and Most Expertly weaved by Al-Musaweer, the Fashioner, the Greatest of Orchestrators, and by Allah’s will, Musa (A.S)’s unrelenting pursuit was not in vain. His legacy continues on to this day, thousands of years on, where we fast and increase in righteous deeds to commemorate this epic feat; and it acts a sign of hope, lesson, inspiration for us all.
For one, the increasingly, harrowing, heart-wrenching events in Gaza, unfolding before us; it is events such as that of Musa (A.S)’s life (and pharaoh), which revitalise us and our faith, and grant us great resolve, optimism, and reassurance of the sheer magnificence, will, and power of Allah (SWT). Furthermore, the profound effects of unwavering trust in Him, while also doing what is in our control and capacity. Subhan’Allah.
I leave you with a Hadith Qudsi which I am inspired at this moment to share; Alhamdulillah, and pray that we are all able to ponder upon the majestic Qur’an, our most Majestic Lord, and thereby proactively increase in devotion to Him, and virtuous action, during this auspicious new year and beyond. May Allah (SWT) aid the heroes of Gaza, and may He make it easy, help, guide, and accept from us all, Ameen Ya Rabb.
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
Allah the Almighty said: I am as My servant thinks I am. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assembly better than it. And if he draws near to Me an arm’s length, I draw near to him a cubit, and if he draws near to Me a cubit, I draw near to him a fathom. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed. Another possible rendering of the Arabic is: “I am as My servant expects Me to be”. The meaning is that forgiveness and acceptance of repentance by the Almighty is subject to His servant truly believing that He is forgiving and merciful. However, not to accompany such belief with right action would be to mock the Almighty. It was related by al-Buhkari (also by Muslim, at-Tirmidhi and Ibn-Majah).
[Reference: Hadith 15, 40 Hadith Qudsi]
