#SundayGathering with Shaykh Omar Khan

A glimpse from the lives of the Prophets of Allah (Peace and Blessings be upon Them all)

10/03/19 – Sayyiduna Musa & Haroon

(Peace be upon Them)

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The Banu Israaeel

• The children of Sayyiduna Ya’qub (peace be upon him) were known as Banu Israaeel. Israaeel was the title or a second name of Sayyiduna Ya’qub (peace be upon him)

• Some scholars state that the word Israaeel is a non Arabic word which is a compound word – it comprises of two words i.e. Israa and Eel. Four meanings have been attributed to the word Israa – 1) Slave 2) Chosen 3) Human 4) Immigration.

• The meaning of Eel is Allah the Almighty. • Sayyiduna Ya’qub was called Israaeel because he was a Devout Servant in

the Court of Allah the Almighty. • Some Scholars have stated that the word Israaeel is an Arabic word. In

Arabic Israa means ‘night journey’ and the meaning of Eel is Allah the Almighty. The meaning of this would be that Allah the Almighty granted Sayyiduna Ya’qub the ability to return to His Court in the night.

At Tafseer Al Qurtubi

The two blessed brothers

• The father of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) was ‘Imran – the leader of the tribe.

• Sayyiduna Haroon (peace be upon him) was the brother of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him).

• Sayyiduna Haroon (peace be upon him) was forbearing and had a lot of strength.

• It is mentioned in Hashiyah As Saawi ‘alal Jalalain that Sayyiduna Haroon (peace be upon him) was three years older than Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him).

The Situation prior to the birth of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) • Banu Israaeel were subservient to Fir’awn before the arrival of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) • They were given various duties that they had to fulfil. If they failed to fulfil these duties then they would be

punished. • The one who was unable to work had to pay tax which he had to fulfil prior to sunset every day. If he failed to pay

prior to sunset then his hands would be tied to his neck and he would be left in this state for a month. • The women of Banu Israaeel were treated like maids • Fir’awn saw a dream in which he saw that a fire arose from Bait ul Maqdis i.e. Jerusalem which encompassed the

whole of Egypt. In the dream, the fire destroyed all the dwellers apart from the Banu Israaeel. • Fir’awn was perturbed by the dream. Therefore he enquired from the experts of dreams in relation to the

interpretation of this dream. The experts stated that the meaning of this dream was that a boy would be born amongst the Banu Israaeel who would be the cause of the kingdom being destroyed.

• Fir’awn therefore commanded for every new born boy amongst the tribe of Israaeel to be slaughtered. • Thousands of boys were killed – some say sixty thousand whilst others state that seventy thousand boys were

slaughtered. At Tafseer Al Jalalain and Al Jamal (commentary upon Al Jalalain) • Allah the Almighty reminded the Banu Israaeel who were alive at the time of Allah’s Messenger (peace and

blessings of Allah be upon him) of these circumstances –

• (And remember) When We rescued you from Fir’awn’s people, for they were inflicting you with a dreadful torment, slaying your sons and sparing your daughters; that was a tremendous trial from your Lord (or a great reward).

Al Baqarah 2:49

The Birth of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) • And We inspired the mother of Musa that, “Suckle him; then when you

fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear nor grieve; We shall indeed return him back to you and make him one of the Noble Messengers.” Surah Al Qasas 28:7

• Ibn Al Juraij states that Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) cried four months after his birth. Due to the fear of neighbours and passers by reporting the birth of this child to Fir’awn’s people, Sayyiduna Musa’s mother placed him into the River Nile.

• Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) was found by Sayyidah Aasiyah Bint Muzaahim who was the wife of Fir’awn but unlike Fir’awn, she was a pious woman of true faith. She was from the lineage of the Noble Prophets. She would assist the destitute.

• ‘So the family of Fir’awn picked him up, in order that he become their enemy and a sorrow upon them; indeed Fir’awn and Haamaan and their armies were guilty. And Fir’awn’s wife said, “This child is the comfort of my eyes and yours. Do not kill him, perhaps he may benefit us or we may adopt him as our son.” And they were unaware.’ Surah Al Qasas 28: 8-9

The Restlessness of Sayyiduna Musa’s mother and sister

• ‘And in the morning, the heart of Musa’s mother became impatient; and she would have almost certainly given away his secret had We not strengthened her heart, so that she may have faith in Our promise. And she said to his sister, “Go after him” – she therefore observed him from far, and they were not aware.’ Surah Al Qasas 28: 10-11

Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) in the nurture of his mother • ‘And We had already forbidden suckle-nurses for him, so

she said, “Shall I show you a household that will nurse the child of yours, and they are his well-wishers?” So We returned him to his mother in order to soothe her eyes and not grieve, and to know that Allah’s promise is true but most people do not know.’ Surah Al Qasas 28:12-13

• The sister of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) seized the opportunity to arrange for her mother to be reunited with Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) when Fir’awn and his companions were struggling to find any nurse as Sayyiduna Musa would not consume milk from any of them.

• Thus Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) came back into the nurture of his noble mother

Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) halting an altercation • ‘And when he reached his maturity and full strength, We gave him wisdom and knowledge; and this

is how We reward the virtuous. And he entered the city when its inhabitants were sleeping unaware in the afternoon – he therefore found two men fighting; one was from Musa’s group, and the other from among his enemies; so the one who was of Musa’s group pleaded to Musa for help against him who was of his enemies – therefore Musa punched him thereby finishing him; he said, “This act was from the devil, indeed he is an open enemy, a misleader.” Surah Al Qasas 28:15

• ‘He said, “My Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul therefore forgive me.” He therefore forgave him; indeed only He is the Oft Forgiving, the Most Merciful.’ Surah Al Qasas 28: 16

• Ibn Ishaq said, Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) had openly opposed Fir’awn and condemned those who worshipped Fir’awn and idols. Therefore Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) entered the city one day whilst the nation was unaware.

• Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) intervened in order to stop the Egyptian man from continuing his attack on the man of his nation. However the Egyptian was refusing, therefore Sayyiduna Musa punched him. Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) did not intend to kill him but his punch proved to be fatal.

• Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) only assisted the man of his group (of the Banu Israaeel) because assisting the oppressed was necessary regardless of which nation the person was from.

At Tafseer Al Qurtubi

The day after the first altercation

• ‘So he was in the city at morning fearing, waiting to see what happens – thereupon he sighted the one who had appealed to him the day before, crying to him for help; Musa said to him, “Indeed you are clearly astray.” So when Musa wished to apprehend the man who was an enemy to the both, he said, “O Musa! Do you wish to kill me the way you killed a man yesterday? You only wish to become a strict ruler in the land, and not to make reform.” Surah Al Qasas 28:18-19

• Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with them both) narrates that Fir’awn was informed that a person of his nation had been killed. Therefore Fir’awn commanded that the one who killed the man along with witnesses be sought.

• The same man from the Banu Israaeel who was fighting the previous day was fighting again on the second day and he wished for the assistance of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him). Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) said that this man was clearly misguided as he was entering into altercations every day. When the man felt awe of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) he feared that Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) may strike him and that strike may lead to death. However his words of apprehension opened up to the peope of Fir’awn that the death of the man from their nation was caused by the strike of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him).

A well wisher’s advice

• ‘And a man came running from the outer part of the city; he said, “O Musa! Indeed the court members are considering killing you. Therefore go away – I surely am your well wisher.” Surah Al Qasas 28:20

• It is famously narrated that this man was a man of faith from the nation of Fir’awn who came running as a well wisher of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him)

Migration to Madyan

• ‘So he left the city in fear, waiting to see what happens. He said, “My Lord! Rescue me from the unjust people.” Surah Al Qasas 28:21

• ‘And when he turned his attention towards Madyan he said, “It is likely that my Lord will show me the right path.” Surah Al Qasas 28:22

• Madyan was the city in which Prophet Sho’aib (peace be upon him) resided. At that time the journey from Egypt to Madyan would be completed in eight days. Sayyiduna Jibril (peace be upon him) was sent to guide Sayyiduna Musa to Madyan.

• The followers of Fir’awn were trying to locate Sayyiduna Musa and chase him. However they failed to do so as there were three paths to Madyan and they were searching on the paths other to the one on which Sayyiduna Musa was travelling. Ruh ul Ma’ani

Sayyiduna Musa’s arrival in Madyan

• ‘And when he came to the water of Madyan, he found a group of men watering their animals, and away from them he found two women restraining their animals. He said, “What is the matter with you?” They said, “We do not water our animals until all the shepherds water and take away their animals; and our father is very old. Therefore Musa watered their animals for them and then turned towards the shade and said, “My Lord! I am in need of the sustenance you may send down for me.” Surah Al Qasas; 28 : 23-24

• These women were not wishing to enter into crowds of men to water their animals. Furthermore,

ten men would be required to remove a huge stone that was covering the well and similarly ten men would have to pull the rope in order to raise a bucket of water from this well. This well was huge. The women would therefore wait until everyone had left and then they would water their animals using the small amount of water left by those who had extracted the water from the well. Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) requested the men to have some pity upon these women but the response he received was that he should water the animals himself if he was so caring. They placed the huge stone over the well after saying this to Sayyiduna Musa.

• Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) removed the huge stone all by himself and extracted water

all by himself. He prayed for blessings and he placed the water close to the sheep whose thirst became quenched. At Tafseer Al Kabeer, Ruh ul Ma’ani

• How immense was the generosity of this Prophet of Allah and how great was the power granted to

him by Allah that he (peace be upon him) fulfilled this task all by himself in spite of being a traveller who had not eaten food for seven days.

Sayyiduna Musa and Sayyiduna Sho’aib (peace be upon them both)

• The two young women who Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) assisted at the well were the daughters of Sayyiduna Sho’aib (peace be upon him).

• When Sayyiduna Sho’aib (peace be upon him) saw that his daughters had arrived home quicker than usual, he enquired as to how they managed to complete the task swiftly. The daughters informed their father that there was a pious and strong man at the well who watered their animals for them.

• Sayyiduna Sho’aib (peace be upon him) sent his daughters to call Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) – ‘So one of the two women approached him, walking shyly. She said, “My father is calling you in order to give you wages because you watered our animals for us.” When Musa came to him and told him the story, he said “Do not fear, you are safe from the unjust people.” Surah Al Qasas 28:25

The advice of Sayyiduna Sho’aib’s daughter

• ‘One of the two women said, “O my father! Employ him. Indeed a strong and trustworthy employee is better.” Surah Al Qasas 28:26

• She had seen the piety of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) as he did not raise his gaze and she had seen his strength when he extracted the water from the well by himself.

The marriage of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) • ‘He said, “I wish to give you one of these

daughters in marriage, the bridal money being that you work for me for eight years. Then if you complete ten years, it will be from you. And I do not wish to put you in hardship. Allah willing, you will probably find me of the righteous.” Surah Al Qasas 28:27

• ‘Musa said, “This is agreed between me and you. There shall be no claim upon me if I fulfil any of these two terms. And Allah is the Trustee upon this word of ours.” Surah Al Qasas 28:28

Return to Egypt

• ‘So when Musa completed his term and was travelling with his wife, he saw a fire in the direction of the Mount (Sinai). He said to his wife, “Stay here – I have sighted a fire, perhaps I may bring you some news from it or ember so that you may warm yourselves.” And when he reached, he was called out to from the right side of the valley in the blessed field, from the tree, “O Musa! Indeed I am truly Allah, the Lord of the creation.” Surah Al Qasas 28:29-30

• Al Imam Al Bukhari and others have narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with him and his father) that Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) completed ten years serving Sayyiduna Sho’aib (peace be upon him)

• The Holy Qur’an also mentions what happened on the return to Egypt in the following manner – ‘And did the news of Musa reach you? When he saw a fire and said to his wife, “Wait – I have seen a fire – perhaps I may bring you an ember from it or find a way upon the fire.” So when he came near the fire, it was announced, “O Musa! Indeed I am your Lord, therefore take off your shoes; indeed you are in the Holy Valley of Tuwa!” Surah Ta Ha 20 : 9-12

• According to Al Hasan, Sa’eed Ibn Jubair and Mujaahid, Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) was commanded to remove his shoes so that his blessed feet could attain the blessings of this valley. At Tafseer Al Kabeer

What Allah the Almighty stated to Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him)

• “And I have chosen you, therefore listen carefully to what is divinely revealed to you. Indeed it is Me, Allah – there is no god except I – therefore worship me and keep the prayer established for My Remembrance. The Last Day will surely come – it was close that I hide it from all – in order that every soul may get the reward of its effort. Therefore never let one who does not accept faith in it and follows his own desires, prevent you from accepting this, so then you become ruined.” Surah Ta Ha 20: 13-14

Allah the Almighty granted Miracles to Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him)

• “And what is this in your right hand, O Musa?” He said, “This is my staff; I support myself on it and I knock down leaves for the sheep with it, and there are other uses for me in it.” He (Allah the Almighty) stated, “Put it down, O Musa.” So Musa put it down – thereupon it became a fast moving serpent. He said, “Pick it up and do not fear; We shall restore it to its former state. And put your hand inside your armpit – it will come out shining white, not due to illness – one more sign. In order, that We may show you Our great signs.” Surah Ta Ha 20: 17-23

The Command of Allah and the Du’a (supplication) of Sayyiduna Musa

• “Go to Fir’awn, he has rebelled.” Surah Ta Ha 20:24

• ‘Musa said, “My Lord, open up my chest for me. And make my task easy for me. And untie the knot of my tongue. In order that they may understand my speech. And appoint for me a viceroy from among my family. That is Haroon, my brother. Strengthen my waist through him. And make him a partner in my task. In order that we may profusely proclaim Your Purity. And profusely remember You. Indeed you see us.” He said, “O Musa, you have been granted your prayer.” Surah Ta Ha 20:25-36

The Command to both brothers

• "And I created you especially for Myself. You and your brother, both go with My signs, and do not slacken in My remembrance. Both of you go to Fir’awn; he has indeed rebelled. And speak to him courteously, that perhaps he may ponder or have some fear.” Surah Taha 20: 41-44

• There is a lesson for every propagator in the above Verses that in order to invite people towards faith it is important to avoid harshness in discussion.

Fir’awn’s discussion with Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) • ‘Fir’awn said, “Did we do not raise you amongst us, as a child? And you spent many years of your life among us!

And you committed the deed of yours that you committed, and you were ungrateful. Musa said, “I did that at a time when I was unaware of the consequences. I therefore went away from you as I feared you – so my Lord commanded me and appointed me as one of the Noble Messengers. And is this some great reward for which you express favour upon me – that you have enslaved the Descendants of Israel?” Surah Ash Shu’araa 26:18-22

• Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) was twelve years old according to some narrations whilst according to others he was thirty years old when he punched the disputant from Fir’awn’s nation resulting in the death of that disputant. After that event, Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) went to Madyan where he resided for ten years with Sayyiduna Sho’aib (peace be upon him).

• Fir’awn said that he had nurtured Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) but Sayyiduna Musa (Allah forbid) was ungrateful and had killed one of Fir’awn’s people. Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) responded that he did not intentionally kill. Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) had punched him to halt him from his continual attack on the man from Banu Israaeel. However that man died.

• In At Tafseer Al Kabeer, Al Imam Fakhruddin Ar Raazi (Allah shower mercy upon him) mentions the meaning of Surah Ash Shu’araa 26: 20 to be that Sayyiduna Musa did not perceive that his punch would lead to the death of the man because he only punched to teach him etiquette by halting him from his aggressive course of action.

• Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) rebutted Fir’awn in relation to nurturing by explaining that Fir’awn had enslaved the entire nation of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) and the wealth that he spent on Sayyiduna Musa was the wealth that Fir’awn had oppressively devoured from the nation of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him).

• Fir’awn was the same tyrant who killed thousands of children from the nation of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) in order to halt the arrival of Allah’s Prophet – this was the blessing of Allah that Allah kept Sayyiduna Musa safe from the plots of Fir’awn . At Tafseer Al Kabeer

Explaining the Exaltedness of Allah the Almighty to Fir’awn • "Therefore go to him and say, ‘We are the sent ones of

your Lord, therefore let the Descendants of Israel go with us, and do not trouble them; we have indeed brought to you a sign from your Lord; and peace be upon him who follows the guidance. It has indeed been revealed to us that the punishment is upon the one who denies and turns away.“ Surah Taha 20: 47 -48

• Fir’awn said, "So who is the Lord of you both, O Musa?"He said, "Our Lord is One Who gave everything its proper shape, then showed the path.” Surah Ta Ha 20: 49-50

Fir’awn rejected the invitation

• ‘Fir’awn said, “This (Noble) Messenger of yours, who has been sent towards you, has no intelligence!” Surah Ash Shu’araa 26:27

• Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) responded to this with wisdom – ‘He said, “The Lord of the East and the West and all that is between them; if you have sense.” Surah As Shua’araa 26:28

• It is evident from the response who was lacking intelligence and sense. However Fir’awn carried on with his senseless behaviour saying – ‘Fir’awn said, “If you ascribe any one else as a God other than me, I will surely imprison you.” Surah Ash Shu’araa 26:29

The Miracles of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him)

• ‘Musa said, “Even if I bring to you something clear?” Fir’awn said, “Then bring it, if you are of the truthful.” Surah Ash Shu’araa 26:30-31

• ‘So Musa put down his staff and it became a visible serpent. And he drew forth his hand, thereupon it shone bright before the beholders.’ Surah Ash Shu’araa 26:32-33

Fir’awn tried to challenge the miracles through his magicians • ‘Fir’awn said to the court members around him, “He is indeed an expert magician. He wishes to expel you out of

your land by his magic; so what is your advice?” They said, “Stop him and his brother, and send gatherers to the cities. To bring to you every expert great magician.” So the magicians were gathered at a set time on a day appointed. And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” The people said, “Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are victorious.” So when the magicians came, they said to Fir’awn, “Will we get some reward if we are victorious?” He said, “Yes, and you will then become close to me.” Musa said to them, “Cast whatever you intend to cast.” So they threw down their ropes and their staves and exclaimed, “By the honour of Fir’awn, indeed victory is ours!” Therefore Musa put forth his staff – so it immediately began swallowing all their fabrications. The magicians therefore fell down prostrating. They said, “We have accepted faith in the Lord Of The Creation. The Lord of Musa and Haroon.” Fir’awn said, “You accepted faith in him before I permitted you! He is indeed your leader who taught you magic; so now you will come to know; I swear, I will certainly cut off your hands and your feet from alternate sides, and crucify all of you.” They said, “No harm (in it), we will return to our Lord. We hope that our Lord will forgive us our mistakes, as we are the first to believe.” Surah 26:34-51

• They said, "We shall never prefer you above the clear proofs that have come to us from the One Who has created

us - therefore carry out what you want to; only in the life of this world will you be able to! Indeed we have accepted faith in our Lord, so that He may forgive us our sins and the magic which you forced us to perform; and Allah is Better, and the Most Lasting.“ Indeed the one who comes guilty to his Lord - so undoubtedly for him is hell; neither dying nor living in it. And the one who presents himself as a believer before Him, having done good deeds - so for them are the high ranks. Everlasting Gardens of Eden beneath which rivers flow, abiding in them for ever; and this is the reward of one who became pure. Surah Ta Ha 20: 72-76

• They said, "We shall return to our Lord. And what did you dislike in us, except that we believed in the signs of our

Lord when they came to us? Our Lord! Pour (bestow abundantly) patience on us, and bestow us death as Muslims.“ Surah Al A’raaf 7: 125-126

The evil words of the leaders close to Fir’awn • ‘The chieftains of Fir’awn’s people said, "Are you

releasing Musa and his people to cause turmoil in the land, and for Musa to abandon you and your appointed deities?" He said, "We shall now slay their sons and spare their women; and indeed we have power over them.“ Surah Al A’raaf 7:127

• ‘So when he brought the truth from Our presence to them, they said, “Kill the sons of those who believe in him, and keep their women alive”; and the evil scheme of the disbelievers only keeps wandering astray.’ Surah Al Mumin 40:25

Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) encouraged his nation to remain patient and steadfast

• ‘Musa said to his people, "Seek the help of Allah and patiently endure; indeed the Owner of the earth is Allah - He appoints as its successor whomever He wills; and the final triumph is for the pious.” They said, "We have been oppressed before you came to us, and after you have come to us"; he said, "It is likely that your Lord may destroy your enemy and in his place make you the rulers of the earth, and then see what deeds you perform." Surah Al A`raaf 7:128-129

• In relation to the final triumph, Al Imam Fakhruddin Ar Raazi (Allah shower mercy upon him) states that some scholars of Tafseer have stated that this final triumph refers to the Akhirah (next life) whilst others have said it refers to the final triumph in this world. Other scholars have stated that the final triumph is referring to success in this life and the next life. Al Imam Fakhruddin also states that this Verse shows that whoever fears Allah, Allah helps such a person in this life and the next.

Fir’awn’s arrogance

• ‘And Fir’awn said, “Allow me to kill Musa and let him pray to his Lord; I fear that he will change your religion or cause chaos in the land!” Surah Al Mumin 40:26

• ‘Musa said, “I seek the refuge of my and your Lord, from every haughty person who does not believe in the Day of Reckoning.” Surah Al Mumin 40:27

The advice of a believer • And a Muslim man from the people of Fir’awn who used to hide his faith, said, “What! You want to kill a man just because he says, ‘Allah is my Lord’

whereas he has indeed brought clear signs to you from your Lord? And supposedly if he is speaking wrongly, then the calamity of wrongful speech is upon him; and if he is truthful, then part of what he promises you will reach you; indeed Allah does not guide any transgressor, excessive liar. O my people! You now rule the earth, dominant; so who will save us from Allah’s punishment if it comes upon us?” Fir’awn said, “I only explain to you what I think is correct, and I show you only the right path.” Surah Al Mumin 40:28-29

• And the believer said, “O my people! I fear for you a day similar to that of the earlier groups! Like the tradition of the people of Nooh, and Aad, and

Thamud and others after them; and Allah does not will injustice upon bondmen.” Surah Al Mumin 40:30-31 • “O my people! I fear for you a day on which there will be a great outcry! A day when you will turn back fleeing; none can save you from Allah; and

whomever Allah sends astray, there is no guide for him. And indeed Yusuf came to you with clear signs before this, thereupon you remained doubtful concerning what he had brought; to the extent that when he died, you said, ‘Allah will surely not send any Noble Messenger after him’; this is how Allah sends astray whoever transgresses, is doubtful. Those who dispute regarding the signs of Allah without any proof having come to them; how very disgusting this is, in the sight of Allah and in the sight of the believers! This is how Allah seals the entire heart of every haughty, rebellious person.” Surah Al Mumin 40: 32-35

• “And O my people! What is the matter with me that I call you towards salvation whereas you call me towards hell?” Surah Al Mumin 40:41 • “You call me to disbelieve in Allah and ascribe such as partners to Him, regarding whom I do not have any knowledge - whereas I call you towards the

Most Honourable, the Oft Forgiving! So it is self evident that what you call me towards has no benefit being prayed to, either in this world or in the Hereafter, and that our return is towards Allah, and that the transgressors only are the people of the fire. And soon the time will come when you will remember what I now say to you; and I entrust my tasks to Allah; indeed Allah sees the bondmen.” Surah Al Mumin 40:42-44

• ‘Therefore Allah saved him from the evils of their scheming, and an evil punishment enveloped the people of Fir’awn. - The fire - upon which they are

presented morning and evening; and when the Last Day is established - “Put the people of Fir’awn into the most severe punishment.” Surah Al Mumin 40:45-46

• Ayah 64 of Surah Al Mumin is a basis for the belief of Ahl us Sunnah wal Jama’ah that the punishment of the grave is a reality.

Fir’awn’s plans and their annihilation

• ‘And Fir’awn said, “O Haman! Build a high palace for me, in order that I may reach the routes. The routes of the heavens, in order to glance at the God of Musa - and indeed I think he is a liar”; this is how the evil deeds of Fir’awn were made seeming good to him, and he was stopped from the path; and the evil scheme of Fir’awn was destined to be ruined’. Surah Al Mumin 40:36-37

A famine overcame the nation of Fir’awn • ‘And indeed We seized the people of Fir’awn with a

famine of several years and with reduction of fruits, so that they may follow advice.’ Surah Al A’raaf 7:130

• ‘So when good would reach them they would say, "This is for us"; and when misfortune reached them, they would infer it as ill omens of Musa and his companions; pay heed! The misfortune of their ill luck lies with Allah, but most of them are unaware. And they said, "You may come with any sign to us, in order to cast a magic spell on us - yet by no means are we going to believe in you.“ Surah Al A’raaf 7:131-132

Punishment came upon the nation of Fir’awn • ‘And Musa prayed, "Our Lord! You have given Fir’awn and his chiefs

adornment and wealth in the life of this world, our Lord, that they may lead astray from Your path; our Lord! Destroy their riches and harden their hearts so that they may not accept faith until they witness the painful punishment.“ Surah Yunus 10:88

• ‘We therefore sent against them the flood and the locusts and the vermin (or insects) and the frogs and the blood - separate signs; in response they were proud and were a guilty people.’ Surah Al A’raaf 7:133

• ‘And whenever the punishment came upon them they said, "O Musa! Pray to your Lord for us, by means of His covenant which you have; indeed if you lift the punishment from us we will surely accept faith in you and let the Descendants of Israel go with you.“ Consequently whenever We lifted the punishment from them for a term which they must reach, they used to then turn away.’ Surah Al A’raaf 7: 134-135

Sayyiduna Musa took Banu Israaeel away from Egypt • ‘And We divinely inspired Musa that, "Journey

with My bondmen in a part of the night and strike a dry path in the sea for them, you shall have no fear of Fir’awn getting to you, nor any danger.“ Surah Ta Ha 20:77

• Sayyiduna Musa carried the box in which Sayyiduna Yusuf (peace be upon him) had been placed and in accordance to the Wasiyyah (will) of Sayyiduna Yusuf, took the blessed body of Sayyiduna Yusuf (peace be upon him) from Egypt.

Fir’awn and his nation set off for destruction • ‘So Fir’awn sent gatherers into the cities. They

announced “These people are a small group. And indeed they have angered all of us. And indeed we are an alert army.” We therefore got them out from the gardens and water springs. And from treasures and nice houses. So it was; and We made the Descendants of Israel its inheritors. So the Fir’awn’s people followed them at sunrise. And when the two groups saw each other, those with Musa said, “They have caught us.” Musa said, “Never! Indeed my Lord is with me, He will now show me the way.” Surah Ash Shu’araa 26: 53-62

The sea parted for Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him)

• ‘So We sent the divine revelation to Musa that, “Strike the sea with your staff”; thereupon the sea parted; so each part was like a huge mountain. And We brought the others close to that place. And We saved Musa and all those with him.Then drowned the others. Indeed in this is surely a sign, and most of them were not Muslims. And indeed your Lord - only He is the Almighty, the Most Merciful.’ Surah Ash Shu’araa 26:63-68

It was too late for Fir’awn

• And We transported the Descendants of Israel across the sea, therefore Fir’awn and his army pursued them with rebellion and injustice; until when the drowning overcame him he cried, "I accept faith that there is no True God except the One in Whom the Descendants of Israel believe, and I am a Muslim.” “What! Now? Whereas you were disobedient from the start and you were mischievous! This day We shall salvage your body so that you may be a sign for those after you; and indeed most people are neglectful of Our signs.“ Surah Yunus 10:90-92

• Allah the Almighty states, ‘So their accepting of faith did not benefit them when they saw Our punishment; the tradition of Allah which has passed among His bondmen; and there were the disbelievers ruined.’ Surah Al Mumin 40:85

The ungratefulness of Banu Israaeel after the great blessings of Allah the Almighty

• And We made the people who were oppressed, the inheritors of the eastern and western parts of the land in which We placed blessings; and the good promise of your Lord was fulfilled for the Descendants of Israel - the reward of their patience; and We destroyed whatever Fir’awn and his people built and whatever they had contrived. And We transported the Descendants of Israel across the sea - so they came across a people who used to squat in seclusion in front of their idols; they said, "O Musa! Make a God for us, the way they have so many Gods!" He said, "You are indeed an ignorant people. The condition they are in is, in fact, one of destruction - and all what they do is utter falsehood.“ He said, "Shall I seek for you a God other than Allah, whereas He has given you superiority above the entire world?" Surah Al A’raaf 7: 137-140

The departure of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) to receive revelation

• ‘And We agreed with Musa a covenant for thirty nights and completed it by adding ten to them, so the Covenant of His Lord amounted to forty nights in full; and Musa said to his brother Haroon, “Be my deputy over my people and make rectification and do not allow the ways of the mischievous to enter.’ Surah Al A’raaf 7:142

• Allah the Almighty promised Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) that the Tawrah would be revealed to him after he spent forty days on Mount Tur (Sinai).

The desire of Sayyiduna Musa to be blessed with the vision of Allah the Almighty

• ‘And when Musa presented himself upon Our Promise, and his Lord spoke to him, he said, “My Lord! Show me Your Self, so that I may see you.” He said, “You will never be able to see Me, but look towards the mountain – if it stays in its place, then you shall soon see me.” So when his Lord directed His Light on the mountain, He blew it into bits and Musa fell down unconscious; then upon regaining consciousness, he said, “Purity is to You! I incline towards You, and I am the first Muslim.” Surah Al A’raaf 7:143

The nation went astray during the absence of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him)

• ‘He said, “We have therefore tried your people after you came, and Samiriyy led them astray. So Musa turned back to his people, angry and grieving; he said, “O my people, had not your Lord given you a good promise? Did a long time pass away for you, or did you wish that your Lord’s wrath come upon you, therefore you broke your promise with me?” They said, “We did not renege on our promise to you on our own will, but we were made to carry the burdens of ornaments of the people, so we cast them – and similarly did Samiriyy cast.” He therefore made a calf for them – a lifeless body making sounds like a cow – so they said, “This is your god and the god of Musa, whereas Musa has forgotten.” So do they not see that it does not answer to any of their speech and has no power to cause them any harm or benefit? Surah Ta Ha 85-89

How the calf spoke

• ‘Musa said, "And what is your explanation, O Samiriyy?“ He said, "I witnessed what the people did not witness – I therefore took a handful from the tracks of the angel, then threw it - and this is what seemed pleasing to my soul." Surah Ta Ha 20:95-96

• Al Imam Al Qurtubi (Allah shower mercy upon him) has stated that Samiriyy took a handful of soil from the tracks of the horse upon which Sayyiduna Jibril (peace be upon him) was riding. Al Jaami’ li Ahkaam il Qur’an by Al Qurtubi

Sayyiduna Musa’s discussion with Sayyiduna Haroon (peace be upon them both)

• ‘And when Musa returned to his people, angry and upset, he said, "What an evil way you have handled affairs on my behalf, behind me; did you hasten upon the command of your Lord?" And he cast down the stone tablets, and catching hold of his brother’s hair, began pulling him towards him; Haroon said, "O the son of my mother! The people thought I was weak and would have probably killed me; so do not make my enemies laugh at me and do not identify me with the unjust."He submitted, "My Lord! Forgive me and my brother and admit us into Your mercy; and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.“ Surah Al A’raaf 7:150-151

• The anger of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) was for the sake of Allah the Almighty. He acknowledged that his elder brother, Sayyiduna Haroon (peace be upon him) had not been unjust and therefore supplicated in the Court of the Almighty for forgiveness and mercy. Ruh ul Ma’ani

• ‘And undoubtedly Haroon had told them before it that, "O my people - you have needlessly fallen into trial because of this; and indeed your Lord is the Most Gracious, therefore follow me and obey my command.“ Surah Ta Ha 20:90

The punishment of Samiriyy

• ‘Musa said, "Therefore go away, for in this life your punishment is that you exclaim ‘Do not touch!’ And indeed for you is a time appointed, which you cannot break; and look at your deity, in front of which you remained squatting the whole day; we swear we will surely burn it and, smashing it into bits, discharge it into the river.“ Surah Ta Ha 20:97

• Whoever would go close to Samiriyy and touch him would be afflicted with a severe fever and Samiriyy himself would also suffer from a severe fever. People therefore stayed far away from him.

The command for the Banu Israaeel to repent

• ‘And when Musa said to his people, "O my people! You have wronged yourselves by taking the calf, therefore turn in repentance to your Creator, therefore kill each other; this is better for you before your Creator"; He therefore accepted your repentance; indeed He only is the Most Acceptor of Repentance, the Most Merciful.’ Surah Al Baqarah 2:54

• Therefore the Banu Israaeel had to repent in this way by killing each other.

The ignorant questions

• Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) was commanded to take seventy people from his nation with him who would repent on behalf of the nation.

• These seventy people asked a lot of questions – ‘And when you said "O Musa! We will not believe you till we clearly see Allah"; so the thunder seized you while you were watching.’ Surah Al Baqarah 2:55

• ‘Then We brought you back to life after your death, so that you may be grateful.’ Surah Al Baqarah 2:56

The Nation turned away from the Commands of Allah the Almighty • ‘And when We made a covenant with you and raised the Mount above you;

"Accept and hold fast to what We give you, and remember what is in it, so that you may attain piety.“ Surah Al Baqarah 2:63

• “O my people! Enter the holy land which Allah has decreed for you and do not turn back, for you will turn back as losers.” They said, “O Musa! In it lives a very strong nation - and we shall never enter it, until they have gone away from there; so when they have gone away from there, we will enter it.” So two men who were among those who feared Allah and whom Allah had favoured said, “Enter upon them by force, through the gate; if you enter the gate, victory will be yours; and depend only upon Allah, if you have faith.” They said, “O Musa! We will never enter it whilst they are there, so you and your Lord go and fight - we shall remain seated here.” Musa said, “My Lord! I have no control except over myself and my brother, so keep us separated from the disobedient nation.” Surah Al Maaidah 5:21-25

• ‘Allah said, “The (holy) land is therefore forbidden for them for forty years; they will wander in the earth; so do not grieve for these disobedient people.” Surah Al Maaidah 5:26

Allah’s Blessings on this nation

• Even when this nation was punished and forbidden from the Holy Land for forty years, Allah the Almighty continued to shower mercy upon it – ‘And We made the clouds a canopy for you and sent down Mann and Salwa on you; “Eat of the pure things We have provided you”; they did not wrong Us in the least, but indeed they wronged themselves.’ Surah Al Baqarah 2:57

• And when Musa asked for water for his people, We said, "Strike this rock with your staff"; thereupon twelve springs gushed forth from it; each group recognised its drinking-place; "Eat and drink from what Allah has provided, and do not roam about the earth making turmoil in it.“

Freedom from the continuous wonder

• ‘And when We said, “Enter this town and eat freely from what is in it, and enter the gate whilst prostrating, and say, ‘May our sins be forgiven’ - We will forgive you your sins; and We will soon increase the reward for the righteous.” But the unjust changed the word that had been ordered for another one, so We sent down a punishment on them from the skies, the recompense of their disobedience.’ Surah Al Baqarah 2:58-59

The Nation was not content with Mann and Salwaa

• ‘And when you said, "O Musa! We shall never put up with only one kind of food, so call upon your Lord to produce for us what the earth grows - some herbs, cucumbers, corn, lentils and onions"; he said, "What! You wish to exchange the better for something inferior? Therefore settle down in Egypt or any city, where you will get what you demand"; and disgrace and misery were destined for them; and they returned towards Allah’s wrath; that was because they disbelieved in Allah’s signs and wrongfully martyred the Prophets; that was for their disobedience and transgression.’ Surah Al Baqarah 2:61

The Cow – a means to investigate a murder • ‘And (remember) when Musa said to his people, "Allah commands you to

sacrifice a cow"; they said, "Are you making fun of us?" He answered, "Allah forbid that I should be of the ignorant!“ They said, "Pray to your Lord that He may describe the cow"; said Musa, "He says that it is a cow neither old nor very young but between the two conditions; so do what you are commanded.“ They said, "Pray to your Lord that He may reveal its colour to us"; answered Musa, "Indeed He says it is a yellow cow, of bright colour, pleasing to the beholders." They said, "Pray to your Lord that He may clearly describe the cow to us, we are really in a doubt as to which cow it is; and if Allah wills, we will attain guidance.“ Musa said, "He says, ‘She is a cow not made to work, neither ploughing the soil nor watering the fields; flawless and spotless’; they said, "You have now conveyed the proper fact"; so they sacrificed it, but seemed not to be sacrificing it.’ Surah Al Baqarah 2:67-71

• The cow which had all these characteristics was with an orphan who was very obedient towards his mother and the wishes of his father. At Tafser Al Kabeer

Qaaroon – another tyrant alive at the time of Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him)

• ‘Indeed Qaroon was from the people of Musa - he then oppressed them; and We gave him so many treasures that their keys were a heavy burden for a strong group; when his people said to him, “Do not show off - indeed Allah does not like the boastful. And seek the abode of the Hereafter with the wealth that Allah has given you, and do not forget your part in this world, and do favours (to others) the way Allah has favoured you, and do not seek to cause turmoil in the earth; indeed Allah does not like the mischievous.” He said, “I got this only due to a knowledge I have”; and does he not know that before him Allah destroyed the generations who were stronger than him and more in number? And there is no questioning of the guilty regarding their sins. He therefore came before his people in his pomp; said those who desired the worldly life, “If only we were to get what Qaroon has been given - he is indeed very fortunate.” And said those who were given the knowledge, “Woe to you - the reward of Allah is better for one who accepts faith and does good deeds; and only those who are patient will receive it.” ] We therefore buried him and his house into the earth; so he had no group to help save him from Allah; nor could he take revenge. And those who had the day before desired his status, said in the morning, “It is strange - Allah expands the sustenance for whomever He wills among His bondmen, and restricts it; if Allah had not been gracious to us He would have buried us too; strangely, the disbelievers do not prosper.” Surah Al Qasas 28: 76-82

Let us not be like the disgraced nation

• ‘O People who Believe! Do not be like the people who troubled Musa – so Allah freed him from the allegations they had uttered; and Musa is honourable in the sight of Allah.’ Surah Al Ahzaab 33:69

Sayyiduna Musa and Sayyiduna Khadhir • ‘And recall when Musa said to his assistant, “I will not give up until I reach the place where the two

seas meet or until I have progressed for ages.” And when they reached the place where the two seas meet, they forgot about their fish, and it took its way into the sea, making a tunnel. So when they had gone beyond that place, Musa said to his assistant, “Bring our breakfast - we have indeed faced great exertion in this journey of ours.” He said, “Just imagine - when we had taken shelter near the rock, so indeed I forgot the fish; and none but Satan caused me to forget to mention it; and the fish took its way into the sea - its amazing!” Surah Al Kahf 18:60-63

• ‘Musa said, "This is exactly what we wanted"; so they came back retracing their steps. So they found a bondman from amongst Our (chosen) bondmen, to whom We had given mercy from Us, and had bestowed the inspired knowledge from Ourselves. Musa said to him, "May I stay with you upon the condition that you will teach me the righteousness that you have been taught?“ He said, "You will never be able to patiently stay with me. And how will you bear something which your knowledge does not encompass?“ Musa said, "Allah willing, you will soon find me patient and I will not do anything against your instructions.“ He said, "Therefore if you stay with me, do not ask me about anything until I myself mention it to you.” Surah Al Kahf 18: 64-70

• ‘So they both set out; until when they had boarded the boat, the chosen bondman ruptured the boat; Musa said, "Did you make a hole in the boat in order to drown its passengers? You have indeed done an evil thing.“ He said, "Did I not say that you will never be able to patiently stay with me?“ Musa said, "Do not apprehend me upon my forgetting, and do not impose difficulty on me in my task.“ So they set out again; until when they met a boy, the chosen bondman slew him - Musa said, "Did you slay an innocent soul not in retribution for another? You have indeed done an extremely evil thing." Surah Al Kahf 18:71-74

Sayyiduna Musa and Sayyiduna Khadhir (cont’d) • ‘He said, "Did I not tell you that you will never be able to patiently stay with me?“

Musa said, "If I ask you anything after this, do not stay with me; indeed your condition from me is fulfilled.“ So they both set out again; until they came to the people of a dwelling – they asked its people for food - they refused to invite them – then in the village they both found a wall about to collapse, and the chosen bondman straightened it; said Moosa, "If you wished, you could have taken some wages for it!“ ] He said, "This is the parting between you and me; I shall now tell you the interpretation of the matters you could not patiently bear. In respect of the boat - it belonged to the poor people who worked on the river, so I wished to flaw it - and behind them was a king who would capture every sound ship. And in respect of the boy - his parents were Muslims and we feared that he may incite them to rebellion and disbelief. So we wished that their Lord may bestow them a child - better, purer and nearer to mercy. And in respect of the wall - it belonged to two orphan boys of the city, and beneath it was their treasure, and their father was a virtuous man; therefore your Lord willed that they should reach their maturity and remove their treasure; by the mercy of your Lord; and I have not done this at my own command; this is the interpretation of the matters you could not patiently bear." Surah Al Kahf 18:75-82

The passing away of Sayyiduna Musa

• Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (Allah be pleased with him) narrates in a Hadith mentioned in Sahih Muslim that the Angel of death (upon him be peace) came to Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) and Sayyiduna Musa struck the Angel and extracted an eye of the Angel Izraaeel (upon him be peace). The Angel returned and stated in the Court of the Almighty, “You sent me to a bondman who does not want to pass away.” Allah the Almighty returned the eye to Sayyiduna Izraaeel (upon him be peace) and told the Angel to return to Sayyiduna Musa stating that he should place his hand on the back of an ox – the lifespan would be increased according to the amount of hair under his hand. Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) asked what would happen thereafter and he was told that he would pass away. Sayyiduna Musa stated that he would rather pass away at that time. Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) supplicated that he reach Bait ul Maqdis – Jerusalem. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stated to the Noble Companions that if he wished he could show them the location of Sayyiduna Musa’s blessed grave near red hills on the corner of the path.

• Al Imam An Nawawi (Allah shower mercy on him) states in his commentary on Sahih Muslim that Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) supplicated to be buried in Bait ul Maqdis (Jerusalem) because this area was blessed with many Prophets (peace be upon them all).

• In Fath ul Bari, Al Imam Ibn Hajar Al ‘Asqalani mentions when commenting on the desire of Sayyiduna Omar Ibn Al Khattaab (Allah be pleased with him) to be buried besides the best of all creation (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and Sayyiduna Abu Bakr As Siddeeq (Allah be pleased with him) that one should have the desire to be buried besides pious people with the intention that the blessings that descend upon the pious will reach this person also. Similarly when pious people visit the pious individual and supplicate for the pious individual, this person buried besides him will also attain the blessings of those supplications.

• In Sahih Muslim, it is mentioned that The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his Family and Companions) stated that he passed by Sayyiduna Musa in the night of Al Israa (the night journey from Masjid ul Haraam to Masjid ul Aqsa) whilst Sayyiduna Musa (peace be upon him) was praying in his grave.