THE PROPHET MOSES (PBUH) REQUESTS THE PROPHET AARON (PBUH) AS A COMPANION

The Prophet Moses' (pbuh) answers to the revelations from Allah are replete with numerous examples of his sincerity. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) told Allah frankly that he was hesitant and asked for His guidance. For instance, he expressed his concern that he might be killed by an Egyptian seeking vengeance, for having killed another Egyptian. He also stated that he was concerned of his inability to express himself fluently, fearing not being able to address Pharaoh properly. That is why he asked for the Prophet Aaron (pbuh), his brother, who was better at speaking, to accompany him. The related verses read: He said, "My Lord, I killed one of them and I am afraid they will kill me; and my brother Aaron is more eloquent than me so send him with me to support me and back me up. I am afraid they will call me a liar." (Surat al-Qasas: 33-34) "My brother Aaron. Strengthen my back by him and let him share in my task, so that we can glorify You much and remember You much."(Surah Ta-Ha: 30-34) Therefore, we should understand that the other wisdom why the Prophet Moses (pbuh) asked for the Prophet Aaron (pbuh) as companion was to help him better remember Allah. He thought the company of another person would make him glorify Him more. Indeed, the company of other believers and their mutual spiritual encouragement are essential in warding off heedlessness, for which reason, in many verses of the Qur'an, Allah admonishes the believers to remain together. This is another lesson believers must draw from the story of the Prophet Moses (pbuh). The Prophet Moses' (pbuh) requests were granted by Allah. Allah declared that the Prophet Aaron (pbuh) had been allowed to accompany the Prophet Moses (pbuh) in order to support him in his mission to Pharaoh as well as to give him strength: He (Allah) said, "We will reinforce you with your brother and by Our Signs will give you both authority, so that they will not be able to lay a hand on you. You and those who follow you will be the victors." (Surat al-Qasas: 35) In another verse Allah conveys the same event as follows: He said, "O Lord, expand my breast for me and make my task easy for me. Loosen the knot in my tongue so that they will understand my words. Assign me a helper from my family." (Surah Ta-Ha: 25-29) (Moses said,) "For You are watching us." He (Allah) said, "Your request has been granted, Moses." (Surah Ta-Ha: 35-36) When we consider the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) requests, we see that he disclosed all his requests candidly to Allah, and that he prayed and pleaded for Allah's guidance. The sincerity of his prayer is an example for all people. A human should pray humbly to Allah with sincerity, aware that he is weak and destitute before the Presence of Allah, Who holds everything under His total control. Allah knows everything and witnesses every deed a human engages in. Further, He knows inner thoughts of man. This being the case, there is no need to conceal anything from Allah. To conclude, every one needs to turn to Allah, with the sincerity and candour that he would otherwise not show to other human beings.

THE STORY OF THE PROPHET MOSES (PBUH)
and
THE MYSTERY OF DESTINY

On Mount Sinai, Allah gave the Prophet Moses (pbuh) the good tidings that He would grant him his brother, the ProphetAaron (pbuh) as a companion. Then, Allah reminded the Prophet Moses (pbuh) the blessings He previously granted to him:

We were gracious to you another time when We revealed to your mother: "Place him into the chest and throw it into the sea and the sea will wash it up on the shore, where an enemy of Mine and his will pick it up." I showered you with love from Me so that you would be brought up under My supervision. When your sister went and said, "Shall I direct you to someone who will take care of him?" that was how We returned you to your mother so that she might delight her eyes and not be grieved. You killed a man and We rescued you from trouble and tested you with many trials. You stayed some years among the people of Midian. Then you arrived at the pre-ordained time, Moses! I have chosen you for Myself. (Surah Ta-Ha: 37-41)

These verses reveal the mystery of destiny, of which many a people are unaware or hardly understand. From his babyhood to the time he was chosen as a messenger, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) spent every moment of his life in line with what was predestined for him in the eternal past. Every detail within this destiny is Allah's will. For instance, as stated earlier, thousands of minute details ordained by Allah in the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) destiny rendered possible the arrival of the chest to the family of Pharaoh.

It is also possible to see the extent to which the latter stages of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) life were within the confines of his destiny. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) became involved in a fight, left the city and headed to Midian, where he encountered two women. These women could not water their flocks because they avoided shepherds. Upon this situation, they asked for help from the Prophet Moses (pbuh). The Prophet Moses (pbuh) earned the trust of these women, and in return for his kindness, started a new life in Midian upon the proposal of their father. When the appointed time came, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) left Midian with his family. On his way back, he saw a fire where he was addressed by Allah and chosen to be Allah's Messenger.

The chest carrying the baby the Prophet Moses (pbuh) floating randomly down the Nile, his being picked up by Pharaoh's family, his being raised in the palace, the unintentional murder he committed, his departure from Egypt, his encounter with the two women, the many years spent with them, the way he started a family, the journey back to Egypt, Allah's address to him, and countless other details he experienced during this time all happened according to the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) destiny, already ordained before his birth. Not a single one of these events could have been omitted or have occurred differently. Because, our lives are similar to a film recorded in a video-cassette; it is impossible to remove even a single scene in one's destiny, just as how it cannot be done with a scene on a filmstrip. The destiny of a man, with each and every moment in it, is an intact whole.

Also in the verses, Allah mentions of the fact that the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) journey to the holy valley of Tuwa was in conformity with his destiny:

…Then you arrived at the pre-ordained time, Moses! (Surah Ta-Ha: 40)

This matter needs to be given special attention. The destiny referred here is not peculiar to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) only. Giving birth to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was part of the destiny of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother. That she would give birth to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) at a certain day, and even at a certain hour, was also part of her destiny. But the mother of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) had parents as well. It was also their destiny to be the parents of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother. This line of thought also holds true for the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) father and for the rest of his family.

The carpenter who made the chest which carried the Prophet Moses (pbuh) down the river also constructed it because he was predestined so in his destiny. His building of that chest was predestined for him even before he was born. The parents of this carpenter also led their lives in compliance with a certain destiny.

Let us consider the fight the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was involved in. This fight took place on just the moment the Prophet Moses (pbuh) happened to be there. From a simplistic point of view, one could say, "If it was to happen at a different time the Prophet Moses (pbuh) would not have been there and events could have taken a much different course." However this would be an incorrect evaluation. The fight took place just at the moment it was supposed to occur and evolved in the way it had to evolve. The reason being, this fight was also predestined by Allah. The same rule of destiny also holds true for the other parties involved in the fight, the reasons which led to the fight, as well as the man who advised the Prophet Moses (pbuh) to leave the city, advising him that people were conspiring against him. Ultimately, the shepherds near the Midian river, as well as the two women the Prophet Moses (pbuh) encountered, had all constituted indispensable parts of this destiny.

To fully grasp the fact that everything takes place within the decree predetermined by Allah is an important matter. The Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and grant him peace), in whom there is an excellent example for all believers, said:

If any adversity comes to you, do not say: "If I had only acted in such-and-such a way, it would have been such-and-such;" but instead, say: "Allah has decreed (it) and what He willed, He has done," for verily, (the word) (if) opens the way for the work of satan." (Muslim)

When all these points are considered together, it becomes clear that, not only the Prophet Moses (pbuh), but also everything about his life, formed part of his destiny. A deeper and more detailed consideration would allow us to understand that we are all parts of the same destiny. In our own lives, we are also exposed to events predetermined in the eternal past by the all-mighty Allah. We were all bound by a destiny ordained for us. The moment of our death will also be a part of the same destiny. Destiny is, in reality, a Divine knowledge encompassing the whole of existence. Just as how all the details of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) life, including his becoming a messenger, were predestined for him, all the details pertaining to the lives of all mankind, as well as your own lives, are all predestined. Furthermore, that you would read this book and become knowledgeable about the life of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) were all predestined at Allah's Sight for you long before the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was born. Destiny is an entirety in itself and covers everything. Immune to the will of any being other than of Allah, destiny is only determined by Him.

ARRIVAL AT THE VALLEY OF TUWA and THE FIRST REVELATION

he Prophet Moses (pbuh) honoured the agreement and stayed in Midian for many years. At the end of the appointed time, that is, when the agreement had come to termination, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and his family left Midian. On their journey, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) saw a fire in the distance, on the side of the Mount Sinai, which he was passing by with his family. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) thought he could bring a brand from the fire to warm up or to gather some information from it. Allah relates in the verses thus:

When Moses had fulfilled the appointed term and had set off with his family, he noticed a fire from one side of the Mount. He said to his family, "Stay here, I can see a fire. Hopefully I will bring you back some news from it or a burning branch from the fire so that you will be able to warm yourselves." (Surat al-Qasas: 29)

When Moses said to his household, "I can make out a fire. I will bring you news from it or at least a burning brand so that hopefully you will be able to warm yourselves." (Surat an-Naml: 7)

When he saw a fire and said to his family, "Wait here. I can make out a fire. Maybe I will bring you a brand from it, or will find guidance there." (Surah Ta-Ha: 10)

This event is indicative of yet another facet of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) exemplary character. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) is a very attentive person, who carefully assesses everything happening around him. He knows Allah ordains all events according to a specific destiny and through Divine reason. His noticing a fire on a mountain, and his assessing the situation, is a condition of mind peculiar to a vigilant believer. His decision to go alone, leaving his family behind to ensure their security, is also exemplary of the wisdom granted to him by Allah.

ALLAH'S DISCOURSE WITH THE PROPHET MOSES (PBUH)

When the Prophet Moses (pbuh) went up to the fire on the mountain, he encountered a miracle. He was addressed by Allah from a bush. There, he received the first revelations, stated in the Qur'an as follows: But when he reached it a voice called out to him from the right hand side of the valley in the part which was full of blessing, from out of the bush: "Moses, I am Allah, the Lord of all the worlds." (Surat al-Qasas: 30) Then when he reached it, a voice called out, "Moses! I am your Lord. Take off your sandals. You are in the holy valley of Tuwa. I have chosen you, so listen well to what is revealed. I am Allah. There is no god but Me, so worship Me and establish prayer to remember Me." (Surah Ta-Ha: 11-14) This was the first revelation the Prophet Moses (pbuh) received, honouring him as Allah's messenger, the highest rank that a human can attain in this world. An important issue deserves attention here; Allah addresses the Prophet Moses (pbuh) ... Allah had called onto the Prophet Moses (pbuh) from a tree. Allah was close enough to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) as to address him directly. The truth however is, Allah is always close enough to address anybody. For instance, as you read these lines, Allah is close to you. He is close enough to speak to you, to hear your voice and make you hear His voice. He is always close enough to hear our every word. He can hear us even if we whisper. Allah relates this fact in the Qur'an as "We are nearer to him than his jugular vein." (Surah Qaf: 16) After telling the Prophet Moses (pbuh) that the voice he hears belongs to our Lord, Allah asked him about his staff: "What is that in your right hand, Moses?" He said, "It is my staff. I lean on it and beat down leaves for my sheep with it and have other uses for it." (Surah Ta-Ha: 17-18) No doubt Allah had known what the Prophet Moses (pbuh) held in his hand. However, to edify the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and make known His wisdom to him, Allah asked him to throw down his staff: "Throw down your staff." Then when he saw it slithering like a snake he turned and fled and did not turn back again... (Surat an-Naml: 10) When the Prophet Moses (pbuh) saw his familiar staff turned into a snake, he was seized with fear. However, this event was created to be a lesson by which Allah taught the Prophet Moses (pbuh) to feel no fear except for Him, and to submit to no one other than Him: …"Have no fear, Moses. In My Presence the Messengers have no fear." (Surat an-Naml: 10) He said, "Take hold of it and have no fear. We will return it to its original form." (Surah Ta-Ha: 21) In compliance with the command, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) picked up his staff. This staff would later become a miracle used against Pharaoh. Thereafter, Allah gave the Prophet Moses (pbuh) a second miracle: Put your hand inside your shirt front. It will emerge pure white yet quite unharmed… (Surat al-Qasas: 32) As the verse above relates, the second miracle Allah granted to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) is the emergence of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) hand pure white, as a miracle from Allah. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) became excited and felt frightened by these things. However Allah commanded him not to fear and go forth with these miracles to Pharaoh: …And hug your arms to your sides to still your fear. These are two proofs from your Lord for Pharaoh and his ruling circle. They are a deviant people. (Surat al-Qasas:32)

ENTRANCE INTO THE COUNTRY OF MIDIAN and HIS SETTLEMENT THERE

The Prophet Moses (pbuh) left behind Pharaoh and his people, and set off to Midian. (Midian is a region beyond the Sinai desert to the east of Egypt, corresponding to the southern end of Jordan today.) At the water of Midian, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) encountered two women who could not water their flocks out of wanting to avoid other shepherds. But, as the verses of the Qur'an relate, outwardly, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) appeared as a highly decent and trustworthy person. Thus, the women did not hesitate to approach him. They explained that they had to graze their father's flocks for him since he was an old man, but that they couldn't because of the shepherds. Then, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) helped the women by leading their flock to the water:: When he arrived at the water of Midian, he found a crowd of people drawing water there. Standing apart from them, he found two women, holding back their sheep. He said, "What are you two doing here?" They said, "We cannot draw water until the shepherds have driven off their sheep. You see our father is a very old man." So he drew water for them... (Surat al-Qasas: 23-24) The verses provide an example of the courteous and benevolent character of the Prophet Moses (pbuh); he approaches two strangers, helped them, and earned their respect. On the other hand, it is to be understood that the men, mentioned as "shepherds," effected an attitude entirely opposite to the manners of the Prophet Moses (pbuh). This is evident from the fact that the women apparently avoided them though they chose to talk to the Prophet Moses (pbuh). These men might have been untrustworthy in appearance. (Allah knows the truth.) We may continue to conclude that a Muslim must carefully avoid the manners peculiar to the people mentioned here as "shepherds."Muslims should look to role models like the Prophet Moses (pbuh), who conducted himself kindly, decently and forthrightly. As the example of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) suggests, a Muslim must develop highly cultivated manners, and be trustworthy, qualities that should be immediately discernible in him. We need also make note of the fact that the Prophet Moses (pbuh) is always of a temperament that exemplifies that wholehearted submission to Allah. Leaving everything dear to him in the land of Egypt where he had grown up, he had no idea whatsoever of what the future would hold for him. Though it was not known to him, Allah already predestined certain events for him. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) prayed the following: …and then withdrew into the shade and said, "My Lord, I am truly in need of any good You have in store for me." (Surat al-Qasas: 24) One's sincerity in one's prayer is evidence in one's grasp of the fact that Allah has the power to do anything, that all blessings and adversities come only from Him, and that one has no other helper or protector other than Allah. The Prophet Moses' (pbuh) prayer quoted in the above verse is the kind made in complete submission to Allah, by someone who has a full comprehension of this truth. Indeed, Allah answered the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) sincere prayer and opened His mercy to him. The kindness the Prophet Moses (pbuh) had shown to the two women resulted in the start of a completely new life for him. While the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was resting, one of the women approached him to convey her father's invitation in appreciation for his help . Allah relates in the Qur'an as follows: Then there came unto him one of the two women, walking shyly and said, "My father invites you so that he can reward you with a payment for drawing water for us." When he came to him and told him the whole story he said, "Have no fear, you have escaped from wrongdoing people." (Surat al-Qasas: 25) The Prophet Moses (pbuh) prayed to our Lord sincerely, pleading for any good He would bestow on him. Allah answered his prayer and, following a threat against his life, guided him to the people who would help him and offer him security. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) was of a strong character, and person who was trusted because of his manners. Indeed, the women, despite being cautious against the shepherds, trusted the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and spoke to him. Furthermore one of the women asked her father to hire the Prophet Moses (pbuh) seeing as he was strong and trustworthy. This offer is related in the verses as follows One of them said, "Hire him, father. The best person to hire is someone strong and trustworthy." (Surat al-Qasas: 26) With these words, the woman explicitly expressed to her father that she found the Prophet Moses (pbuh) to be a reliable person. Convinced of his trustworthiness, the old man decided to wed his daughter to the Prophet Moses (pbuh). The recognizable decency of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was instrumental in his decision. Allah relates in the verses the proposal of the father of the women to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) as follows: He said, "I would like to marry you to one of these two daughters of mine on condition that you work for me for eight full years. If you complete ten, that is up to you. I do not want to be hard on you. You will find me, Allah willing, to be one of the righteous." He (Moses) said, "That is agreed between me and you. Whichever of the two terms I fulfil, there will be no injustice done to me. Allah is Guardian over what we say." (Surat al-Qasas: 27-28) The Prophet Moses (pbuh) accepted this proposal and began leading the rest of his life in Midian. Hence, Allah first delivered the Prophet Moses (pbuh) to safety, making the waters of the Nile carry him to the Palace of Pharaoh without drowning. Then, while his life was in danger in Egypt, He saved him a second time and led him to a peaceful life in Midian.

THE PROPHET MOSES (PBUH) DEPARTS FROM EGYPT

In the Qur'an Allah relates the following event about the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) life: He (Moses) entered the city at a time when its inhabitants were unaware and found two men fighting there—one from his party and the other from his enemy. The one from his party asked for his support against the other from his enemy. So Moses hit him, dealing him a fatal blow. He said, "This is part of satan's handiwork. He truly is an outright and misleading enemy." (Surat al-Qasas: 15) The above mentioned event reveals to us a situation in which the Prophet Moses (pbuh) witnessed a fight involving a man from his own party, he sided with, smiting the other. Though he did not intend to kill him, the man died from the blow. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) realized he erred. The moral of this account is that, when a person is in the wrong, it is unjust to support him simply because he is from one's own party. In the Qur'an it is related that the Prophet Moses (pbuh) referred to his wrongful action, that is, his assumption of the superiority of the man from his own party, as "the satan's handiwork." Indeed, the matter criticized here is one that has brought hatred and wars to mankind throughout history, and continues to do so till this day. Man's patriotic obsession towards his own family, tribe, comrades or race, and his rejection of what is just and right for that sake, have been the major cause of most of the conflicts and cruelty perpetrated in history. Alerted by his conscience, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) promptly grasped that this sentiment was an evil from the influence of satan, and, accordingly, sought refuge from it in Allah and repented. In the following verses, we read of the exemplary and conscientious approach adopted by the Prophet Moses (pbuh): He said, "My Lord, I have wronged myself. Forgive me." So He (Allah) forgave him. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. He said, "My Lord, because of Your blessing to me, I will never be a supporter of evildoers." (Surat al-Qasas: 16-17) Morning found him in the city, fearful and on his guard. Then suddenly the man who had sought his help the day before, shouted for help from him again. Moses said to him, "You are clearly a misguided man." (Surat al-Qasas: 18) As is related by the verses, aware that his safety was in jeopardy, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) spent the night on guard against any possible harm from Pharaoh and his people. The next day, the event related in the above verse took place; the man who asked the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) help the previous day came to him with a similar demand, this time against another man. The man hoped to receive Prophet Moses' (pbuh) help yet another time, based on the fact that he was from his own people. However, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) avoided repeating the same error. Aware that his companion was not in the right, he refused to help him. Immeadiately turning against the Prophet Moses (pbuh), this person who was the actual criminal, displayed his great depravity: But when he was about to grab the man who was their common enemy, he said, "Moses! Do you want to kill me just as you killed a person yesterday? You only want to be a tyrant in the land; you do not want to be a reformer." (Surat al-Qasas: 19) In any case, though committed unintentionally, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was considered a person who killed an Egyptian. Meanwhile, Pharaoh and the leading followers discussed the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) punishment, even the possibility of executing him. Someone who overheard the discussion came to warn the Prophet Moses (pbuh). Upon this warning, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) left Egypt: A man came running from the furthest part of the city, saying, "Moses, the Council are conspiring to kill you, so leave! I am someone who brings you good advice." So he left there fearful and on his guard, saying, "My Lord, rescue me from the people of the wrongdoers!" (Surat al-Qasas: 20-21) These facts about the life of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) give us some insight into his superior morality and beautiful personality as well. It appears that he was rather an excitable man. After Allah's discourse with him, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) displayed an examplary morality that feared only from Allah, sought refuge only in Him and put his trust in Him. This is a very good example of how Allah strengthens one's character.

BIRTH OF THE PROPHET MOSES (PBUH)

As related in the previous chapter, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was born into adversity. Even at the moment of his birth, his life was already in jeopardy. Pharaoh ordered all male children killed and the females spared for slavery. Ensnared by such circumstances, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was forced to lead his life among the slaves under the constant threat of death. His mother had been concerned about him until the moment she was inspired by Allah: We revealed to Moses' mother, "Suckle him and then when you fear for him cast him into the sea. Do not fear or grieve; We will return him to you and make him one of the Messengers." (Surat al-Qasas: 7) Allah inspired the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother and told her to put him into a chest and send it floating down the Nile, if the soldiers of Pharaoh ever learned about his birth. As she feared for the life of her son, she followed what was revealed to her. Not knowing where and how the flowing waters would have carried her son, she placed the Prophet Moses (pbuh) into a chest and released him to the waters of the Nile. However, by the inspiration of Allah, she knew he would ultimately return back to her and become a prophet. Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of everything, created the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and his mother and communicated what He preordianed for them. In the Qur'an it is related that some time later, Allah reminded the Prophet Moses (pbuh) about the facts of his early childhood as follows: When We revealed to your mother: "Place him into the chest and throw it into the sea and the sea will wash it up on the shore, where an enemy of Mine and his will pick it up..." (Surah Ta-Ha: 38-39) At this point, we should expand on the subject of destiny. Allah, as specified in the above verse, told the mother of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) to leave the child in the water, and informed her that Pharaoh would later find him, and that the Prophet Moses (pbuh) would ultimately return to her as a messenger of Allah. In other words, that the Prophet Moses (pbuh) would be placed in a chest and sent to the river, that he would be found and taken care of by Pharaoh, and that he would eventually become one of the prophets, were all known beforehand. That is because all of these events were predetermined by Allah, according to His will, and which He allowed the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother to know of in advance. Here, we should make note that all the details pertaining to the life of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) were predetermined in the Sight of Allah, and that they had all come true as had been ordained. The fulfilment of the revelation offered to the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother was possible through the occurrence of countless conditions predetermined by destiny. The Prophet Moses' (pbuh) avoiding the soldiers of Pharaoh and his reaching the palace of Pharaoh without drowning were dependent on the fulfilment of certain conditions. They are the following: 1- The chest the baby Moses was placed in would have to have been watertight. Therefore, he who constructed the chest would have crafted it in appropriate manner so as to allow to float. Moreover, the shape of the chest was an important factor as far as its speed on the water; it had to neither flow too quickly, floating passed Pharaoh's palace, nor too slowly, stopping at some point before the Palace. The chest would have to have been crafted into just the exact shape so as to allow it to float at just the right speed. These factors all comprised the numerous details preordained as part of the carpenter's destiny, crafting the chest exactly as he had to. 2- The current that had carried the chest would have to have been neither too fast nor too slow, but just the right speed. This could have only been possible by a precise calculation of the amount of rainfall which constituted the Nile's water volume-intensity per minute. This amount is also part of the intricate details in the destiny predetermined by Allah. 3- The blowing winds must have also affected the chest in the appropriate manner. That is, the winds also blew in compliance with a certain predetermined destiny. They must have blown neither too fast to cause it to drift, nor in the opposite direction, changing its direction, and nor too slow, slowing its speed. 4- When in the Nile, no one could have found the chest. That is, no one, except who should have, was supposed to have come across it or noticed it. Consequently, in compliance with a specified destiny, every one living along the Nile had not been near to or noticed the chest. In fact, these conditions were all part of the destiny preordained by Allah. 5- As well as the life of the Prophet Moses (pbuh), the lives of Pharaoh and his family, were also set to comply with a certain destiny. They would also have to have been exactly at the right place at the right time so as to permit them find the Prophet Moses (pbuh). The family of Pharaoh could have planned to come to the shore earlier. The factor which had ordained them to come there at the precise time was their destiny. The above are only a few of the factors which allowed Pharaoh find the Prophet Moses (pbuh). All of them had occurred exactly as was revealed to the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother. In fact, the promise Allah gave to the mother of the Prophet Moses (pbuh), and all the other events which have happened, have all taken place and been fulfilled as already ordained by Allah. The events involved in the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) destiny were not limited to only those events recounted so far. Each moment of his life, as in the case of lives of all human beings, is predetermined according to a specific destiny. Neither the place nor the year of his birth, nor the people he was surrounded by, nor his mother or father were designated according to his own choice. It was Allah Who ordained and created each one. This fact was also proclaimed by the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and grant him peace) who said "Everything is by decree—even incapacity and ability" (Muslim) A deeper consideration of these incidents will allow us to have a better grasp of how every moment of our lives is bound within our destiny. Through numerous examples, the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) story allows one to contemplate the meaning and implications of his destiny. In the various details of the story of the Prophet Moses (pbuh), Allah reminds us that an individual's life, as well as the lives of all mankind and the whole universe, are bound within the destiny he has ordained. Just as how the Prophet Moses (pbuh) floated on the Nile in compliance with his destiny Allah preordained for him, so were Pharaoh and his family made to reach the place where they were to encounter the Prophet Moses (pbuh). From the verses related to this subject, we learn that Pharaoh's family had behaved exactly as was previously revealed to the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother, that is, they had taken the Prophet Moses (pbuh) under their care without being aware of what the future would hold for them: The family of Pharaoh picked him up so that he might be an enemy and a source of grief to them. Certainly Pharaoh and Haman and their troops were in the wrong. The wife of Pharaoh said, "A source of delight for me and for you; do not kill him. It may well be that he will be of use to us or perhaps we could adopt him as a son." They were not aware. (Surat al-Qasas: 8-9) And thus Pharaoh and his family, utterly unaware of what Allah preordained for them, found the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and adopted him as their own son. In fact, they had decided to keep him in the hope that the child would some day be of some benefit to them. In the meantime, the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother was concerned about her son since she did not know what had happened to him. In the Qur'an the state of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother after putting him in the chest and Allah's revelation to her is related as follows: "Go after him." And she kept an eye on him from afar and they were not aware. We first made him refuse all wet-nurses, so she (Moses' sister) said, "Shall I show you to a household who will feed him for you and be good to him?" That is how We returned him to his mother so that she might delight her eyes and feel no grief and so that she would know that Allah's promise is true. But most of them do not know this. (Surat al-Qasas: 10-13) The baby Moses refused all the wet nurses, that is, he did not drink their milk, because, according to the destiny outlined for him, Allah had ordained him to drink only his own mother's milk. This makes light of the fact that every moment of human beings' lives are also in compliance with the destiny ordained by Allah. As had been revealed to his mother, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) ultimately returned to his own family. In the story of the Prophet Moses (pbuh), Allah illustrates that He often creates what appear to be difficult situation with an easy way out, and that there is good in events which are perceived as adversities. A mother, fearing the threat of her baby being killed by cruel soldiers, to save him, leaves the child to float in the waters of a river. The same child is then adopted by the most powerful family of the country, who ultimately return the baby back to her mother because he refuses all the other wet nurses… Each one of these events is a miracle in itself, demonstrating the ultimate perfection in the destiny decreed by Allah. For believers, every detail of one's destiny eventually turns out to be a blessing. As can be seen in the above example, sometimes Allah prepares such blessings for us through the most unexpected circumstances.

The Prophet Moses (PBUH)

INTRODUCTION The history of mankind could be considered as a history of the prophets. Allah (God) has communicated His Divine Revelation to people by means of His messengers throughout history. These messengers told people about Allah and communicated to them the words of our Lord. The struggle a number of prophets faced in spreading the message is depicted in detail in the Qur'an. The hardships they faced, the solutions they brought by the leave of Allah and the exemplary behaviour are all clearly outlined. Allah communicates what His messengers endured as an example for people, for their struggle and good character are also applicable for the people of today. In the Qur'an, the stories and experiences of various prophets, besides the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and grant him peace), such as the Prophet Jesus, Solomon, Joseph, Noah, Abraham, and many others (peace be upon them all), are conveyed as examples. For instance, there are numerous lessons for us in the righteous conduct of the Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him), as well as sagacious insight about human and social psychology in the Prophet Joseph's (pbuh) relation with his brothers, his being thrown into a well by them, his being sold into slavery, his being thrown into prison while a slave in the King's palace because of wrongful accusations, and his being placed in authority over the state treasury. There is indeed an important example for us in the Prophet Abraham (pbuh), who is mentioned by Allah in the Qur'an as "…a great example for you…," for his conscientiousness and clemency, and for putting his trust in Allah and his turning towards Allah when he was being cast into the fire. The prophet that is most frequently employed as an example in the Qur'an is the Prophet Moses (pbuh). The Prophet Moses' (pbuh) name is referred to in 34 different suras (chapters). We can find extensive information about the life of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) in three of the largest suras (al-A'raf, Ta-Ha, and al-Qasas). All these suras and verses offer detailed accounts of his difficulties with Pharaoh, beginning in his childhood, the evil conduct of some of his people and his struggle in communicating the message to them. His unyielding courage under the most stringent circumstances is presented with the intention of being an example to people. In this book we will examine the life of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) as it is depicted in the Qur'an. We will explore the events he has lived through as it is described. Essentially, the events in the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) life should not be regarded merely as events of the ancient past, but rather as events and examples to shed light to our own lives today.

SOVEREIGNTY OF PHARAOH IN EGYPT and THE CONDITION OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL Besides the city states established in Mesopotamia, Egyptian civilization was one of the most ancient civilizations in history. Ancient Egypt is known to have had the most organised social and political order of the time. Their invention of writing around 3000 B.C., their use of the river Nile, the deserts surrounding the country and serving as a strong defence against external threats were major factors in the successful progression of the Egyptian Civilization. Nevertheless, this great civilization was ruled by Pharaoh, whose reign is clearly described in the Qur'an as an example of obstinacy. These people acted proudly against Allah, persisting in their denial of the religion. Therefore, even their advanced civilization, social and political order, and military achievements, could not protect them from destruction. The most important events of the history of Egypt took place in connection to the presence of the children of Israel in the land. Israel is the other name of the Prophet Jacob (pbuh). The sons of Prophet Jacob (pbuh) had formed "the Children of Israel," the tribe which in time came to be known as "Jews." The children of Israel first came to Egypt during the time of the Prophet Joseph (pbuh), the youngest son of Prophet Jacob (pbuh). In the Qur'an, a detailed account of the life of Prophet Joseph (pbuh) is given in Surah Yusuf. Beginning in the early years of his life, Prophet Joseph (pbuh) had faced many difficulties and had been subjected to numerous assaults and slanders. Later in his life, after his release from prison by the decree of Allah where he had been put because of a false accusation, Prophet Joseph (pbuh) was placed in authority over the treasures of Egypt. His appointment was followed by the influx of the children of Israel into Egypt. Allah describes this in the Qur'an as follows: Then when they entered into Joseph's presence, he drew his parents close to him and said, "Enter Egypt safe and sound, if Allah wills." ( Surah Yusuf: 99) According to the account in the Qur'an, the children of Israel, who had dwelled in peace and security in Egypt, eventually lost their status in the society, and in time, were finally enslaved. From the related verses in the Qur'an we understand that the children of Israel lived in such a condition at the time the Prophet Moses (pbuh) arrived on the scene. As described in the Qur'an, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) went to Pharaoh as "a member of an enslaved tribe." The following arrogant answer, which Pharaoh and his inner circle made to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Prophet Aaron (pbuh), informs us about this fact: They said, "What! Should we believe in two human beings like ourselves when their people are our slaves?" (Surat al-Muminun: 47) As depicted in these verses, the Egyptians had subjected the children of Israel to slavery and placed them in their personal service. To maintain and enforce this system of slavery, the Egyptians employed methods of repression. This pressure was exercised to the extent of controlling the entire Israelite population. The proliferation of the male population, deemed to be a challenge to the Egyptian's own survival, was obstructed, whilst the female population was exploited for their service. Allah relates this fact in the verses: Remember when We rescued you from the people of Pharaoh. They were inflicting an evil punishment on you—slaughtering your sons and letting your women live. In that there was a tremendous trial for you from your Lord. (Surat al-Baqara: 49) Remember when We rescued you from Pharaoh's people who were inflicting an evil punishment on you, killing your sons and letting your women live. In that there was a tremendous trial from your Lord. (Surat al-A'raf: 141) The superstitious religion that was prevalent in the land of Egypt was the legacy of the idolatrous practices of Pharaoh's ancestors. (Surely Allah is beyond that) This unjust religion posited the existence of numerous gods. Pharaoh was, on the other hand, believed to be a supposed living god. It was precisely this belief which proffered pharaohs with such power over their subjects. Pharaoh and his immediate circle saw the Prophet Moses (pbuh) as a threat to the way of life dictated by the deviant religion of their ancestors, since, according to that religion, it was Pharaoh who possessed all the might and glory. Pharaoh's arrogance, his striving to maintain control, and his regarding the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Prophet Aaron (pbuh) as rivals, are evidenced in the following words of Pharaoh and his immediate circle, in their address to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Prophet Aaron (pbuh). Allah relates this in the Qur'an as follows: They said, "Have you come to us to turn us from what we found our fathers doing, and to gain greatness in the land? We do not believe you." (Surah Yunus: 7) In accordance with his ancestors' perverted religion, Pharaoh claimed that he was a so-called god. (Allah is beyond that). He even went to such lengths as to claim he was their most exalted Lord . (Allah is beyond that). Allah informs us about this perverse attitude of Pharaoh in the below verse: (Pharaoh) saying, "I am your Lord Most High!" (Surat an-Nazi'at: 24) Because of their superstition, Pharaoh and his inner circle saw themselves as so-called divine beings. (Allah is beyond that). Their arrogance stemmed from the fact that they were far from the love, care and compassion, which are precepts commanded by the original religion. As a consequence of their arrogance, they believed themselves to have the right to resort to cruelty. Their mentality is conveyed in the following verse: …to Pharaoh and his ruling circle. But they were proud and were a haughty people. (Surat al-Muminun: 46) Pharaoh exercised such a great influence over the people of Egypt that all submitted themselves completely to him. They believed Pharaoh was the sole possessor of the entire land of Egypt and the Nile river: Pharaoh called to his people, saying, "My people, does the kingdom of Egypt not belong to me? Do not all these rivers flow under my control? Do you not then see?" (Surat az-Zukhruf: 51) The Nile was correctly said to be life for Egypt. All of Egypt depended on the Nile for agriculture. She irrigated the crops, provided potable water for animals and people alike. According to Pharaoh and his inner circle, the sole owner of these waters and the land itself was Pharaoh. Everyone in Egypt acquiesced to his power and complied to his rule. In order to secure his power and reduce his people to submission, Pharaoh had divided them into factions and, by the help of his trusted advisors among them, ruled over these weakened groups. In a verse, Allah draws our attention to this situation: Pharaoh exalted himself arrogantly in the land and divided its people into camps, oppressing one group of them by slaughtering their sons and letting their women live. He was one of the corrupters. (Surat al-Qasas: 4) Prior to the birth of the Prophet Moses (pbuh), Egypt was a land of depravity and corruption. Based purely on racial discrimination, people were enslaved and tortured. Without apparent justification, Pharaoh decreed that all male sons born to his Israelite subjects should be killed. Moreover, plunged into arrogance and cruelty, he saw himself as a so-called god on earth. (Allah is beyond that) By way of an established system of rule, Pharaoh held everything under his control and made people adhere to him. It was under these circumstances that the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was sent by Allah as a messenger, to bring about an end to the oppression and cruelty, to remind people that He is our Lord, teach them the original religion, and rescue the children of Israel from captivity.