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Baby Mo
Prophet 14 of 25Ancient Egypt, era of Pharaoh

Prophet Musa (Moses)

مُوسَى

A baby set adrift, raised in his enemy's palace, then led the Children of Israel out of Egypt.

Pharaoh in Egypt dreamed a male baby of the Children of Israel would topple his rule. He ordered every Israelite baby boy killed. When Musa was born, his mother was inspired by Allah: "Set him adrift on the river. I will return him to you."

Musa's mother placed him in a basket and floated it down the Nile. The basket reached the garden of Pharaoh's palace. Pharaoh's wife, Asiyah, found him and fell in love with the baby. Even more remarkable: Allah arranged that Musa would only nurse from his own mother — who was called to the palace as a "nurse."

Musa grew up in Pharaoh's palace. One day he accidentally killed an Egyptian while defending an Israelite. He fled to Madyan, where he met Prophet Syu'aib, married his daughter, and herded sheep for 10 years.

When he returned to Egypt, Allah spoke directly to him at Mount Sinai — at the burning tree. Allah commanded him to face Pharaoh. Allah gave him two miracles: a staff that became a great serpent, and a hand that glowed.

Pharaoh refused. After nine miracles (floods, locusts, lice, frogs, blood, etc.), Musa finally led the Children of Israel out of Egypt. Pharaoh pursued with his army. At the Red Sea, Musa struck the water with his staff — the sea split. The Israelites crossed. Pharaoh followed, and the sea closed over him.

Musa is the only prophet who spoke directly with Allah without intermediary. He is called "Kalimullah" — the one Allah spoke to.

Three Key Lessons

  1. 1

    Allah can raise the enemy of tyranny inside the tyrant's own palace.

  2. 2

    There's no freedom without courage — Musa could have stayed comfortable in the palace.

  3. 3

    A miracle as big as the sea parting only appears after we step forward in faith first.

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