IN THE NAME OF ALLAH THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE MOST MERCIFUL
A few weeks ago, we were discussing about Khadijah (RA) on how Allah Revealed the first few revelations to Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him). Then we learnt about how Allah was emphasising about Tawheed and how important it is to seek knowledge about Him and His Creations.
Now, we will discuss on the lessons to be learnt when Allah Spoke directly to Prophet Musa (AS).
BACKGROUND
Prophet Musa (AS) was travelling to Egypt after spending 10 years in Madyan. He fled Egypt after he was wanted for the killing of a man. He settled in Madyan, became a shepherd, married one of the daughters of this man he helped with the flocks of animals, agreed with his father-in-law to stay in Madyan for 10 years. He then decided to return to Egypt with his family after spending 10 years in Madyan.
Allah informed us in the Qur’an surah Taha (20) verses 9-16:
“And has there come to you the story of Musa (Moses)?
When he saw a fire, he said to his family: “Wait! Verily, I have seen a fire, perhaps I can bring you some burning brand therefrom, or find some guidance at the fire.”
“And when he came to it (the fire), he was called by name: “O Musa (Moses)!
“Verily! I am your Lord! So take off your shoes, you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa.
“And I have chosen you. So listen to that which is inspired to you.
“Verily! I am Allah! La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) for My Remembrance.
“Verily, the Hour is coming and My Will is to keep it hidden that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.
“Therefore, let not the one who believes not therein (i.e. in the Day of Resurrection, Reckoning, Paradise and Hell, etc.), but follows his own lusts, divert you therefrom, lest you perish.
Allah begins to mention the story of Musa, how revelation began to come to Him, and Allah’s speaking directly to him. This occurred after Musa had completed the time agreed upon between he and his father-in-law that he would herd sheep. He was traveling with his family, and it has been said that he was headed for the land of Egypt, after having been away from it for more than ten years. He had his wife with him and he became lost on the way during a cold, wintery night. Therefore, he settled down, making a camp between some mountain passes and mountains that were covered with snow, sleet, dense clouds, darkness and fog. He began to try to make a fire with a kindling device he had with him, in order to produce some light, as was customary. However, it would not kindle anything and it even stopped giving off sparks. While he was in this condition, he saw a fire from the side of the mountain. It appeared to him to be a fire glowing from the right side of the mountain from where he was. He then announced the good news to his family saying,
(Verily, I have seen a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand) This means a flame from a fire
(or find some guidance at the fire.) This means someone who can guide me to the road. This proves that he lost the road. This is as Ath-Thawri reported from Abu Sa`id Al-A`war, from `Ikrimah, from Ibn `Abbas that he said concerning Allah’s statement,
(or find some guidance at the fire.) “This means someone who will guide me to the road. They were cold and had lost their way. Then, when he (Musa) saw the fire he said, `Either I will find someone who can guide us to the road, or at least I can bring you all some fire that you can kindle with.’ ”
LESSONS TO BE GAINED FROM THIS CONVERSATION BETWEEN ALLAH AND MUSA (AS)
Musa (AS) and his family were lost as they were travelling to Egypt. They were also very cold. He (AS) did not just hope that things will get better. He actually made the effort to look for guidance to lead him back again to Egypt, and the fire would warm him and his family.
We know that Allah has Promised us Guidance:
“We said: “Get down all of you from this place (the Paradise), then whenever there comes to you Guidance from Me, and whoever follows My Guidance, there shall be no fear on them, nor shall they grieve.” 2: 38
However, Guidance normally would not just fall in our path. We need to work hard in order to seek this Guidance. So, we must:
It has been Decreed that Allah was going to Speak to Musa (AS). Had it not been for him (AS) being lost and had he (AS) was successful in finding a direct route to Egypt, none of this would happen. So, in a way, the fact that Musa (AS) lost his way was a good thing, and on the basis that it was Decreed that he (AS) would lose his way, it had been Decreed also that he would see a light/fire which eventually led to his appointment as a Prophet of Allah. So, the bad thing that happened to him (being lost and cold) was in actually fact was a good thing for him (AS).
Whatever that happened to us in life has been written down and preserved in the Preserved Tablet. If the incident that is occurring in our lives are bad, then we just have to be patient and accept that it is going to happen and deal with it patiently.
Say: “Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Maula (Lord, Helper and Protector).” And in Allah let the believers put their trust.9: 51
Ibn Abbas reported: I was riding behind the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, when he said to me, “Young man, I will teach you some words. Be mindful of Allah and he will protect you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find him before you. If you ask, ask from Allah. If you seek help, seek help from Allah. Know that if the nations gathered together to benefit you, they will not benefit you unless Allah has decreed it for you. And if the nations gathered together to harm you, they will not harm you unless Allah has decreed it for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.” (al-Tirmidhī)
We simply have to be patient when facing adverse issues that has been written down and put our trust in Allah, and at the same time continue to have taqwa to Allah. The end product inshaAllah is something for our own benefit, even though at the initial stage it seems so harsh and adverse.
“…And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things.” 65: 2-3
Musa (AS) informed his wife that he saw a light from a fire and would bring either the fire for light and warmth, and perhaps guidance. Allah Grant him (AS) Guidance, and this Guidance is more important that the guidance which Musa (AS) was looking for. This is the Guidance which will lead to Paradise.
This light is taken as Allah’s Guidance. When we seek Allah’s Guidance sincerely, Guidance will come. Whenever we are lost and sincerely look for Guidance, Allah will Guide us. When Guidance comes, we must hold fast to it and follow it.
“Say: ‘O you mankind! Now truth (i.e. the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad), has come to you from your Lord. So whosoever receives guidance, he does so for the good of his own self; and whosoever goes astray, he does so to his own loss; and I am not (set) over you as a Wakeel (disposer of affairs to oblige you for guidance).’” 10:108
What Guidance has come to you and me? It is the Qur’an, as well as the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him).
That is why prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him) informed us:
تَرَكْتُ فِيْكُمْ أَمْرَيْنِ لَنْ تَضِلُّوْا مَا تَمَسَّكْتُمْ بِهِمَا : كِتَابَ اللهِ وَ سُنَّةَ رَسُوْلِهِ
I am leaving you 2 things. You will never be led astray if you hold fast to them: the Book of Allah and the way of the Messenger (Muwatta Imam Malik)
Whoever loves Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) and desires good in this world and in the Hereafter, let him enter Islam, and whoever turns away from that and is content with this world and has no interest in the Hereafter and does not submit, then his abode will be Hell. The individual is the one who will benefit or harm himself. There is no compulsion to choose either. Allah says:
“Verily, this (Verses of the Quran) is an admonition, so whosoever wills, let him take a Path to his Lord (Allah).”
[al-Insan 76:29]
“He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islam) which He ordained for Nuh (Noah), and that which We have inspired in you (O Muhammad, Peace and Blessings be upon him), and that which We ordained for Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Mosesý) and ‘Iesa (Jesus) saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). Intolerable for the Mushrikun , is that to which you (O Muhammad, Peace and Blessings be upon him) call them. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides unto Himself who turns to Him in repentance and in obedience. 42: 13
Allah Chose Musa (AS) to be one of the greatest Messengers, who would eventually save the children of Israel from being slaves of the pharaoh…. Just as Allah Chooses:
As in any other prophets, the first message to Musa (AS) is Tawheed.
“And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad, Peace and Blessings be upon him) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaha illa Ana [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah)], so worship Me (Alone and none else).”” 21: 25
This is the very first message of Allah. Before we do anything else, we must understand who Allah is and worship Him only. After we understand and implement this, then we will be able to do whatever thing which Allah Commanded us to do next.
In fact the whole purpose of life is to worship Allah:
“And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).” 51: 56
“Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us? So Exalted be Allaah, the True King: Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne!” 23:115-116
Allah has set for us this purpose of life and therefore we must not forget and not be distracted.
The next message after Tawheed is to pray. The prayer is a means of communication with Allah. By doing this regularly, one is always reminding ourselves of the purpose of life. If one neglects the prayer, then one will have disobeyed the important message that Allah has given us.
In fact, we know that the prayer is the very first question Allah is going to ask us on the Day of Judgment.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The first thing among their deeds for which the people will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be prayer. Our Lord will say to His angels, although He knows best, ‘Look at My slave’s prayer, is it complete or lacking?’ If it is complete, it will be recorded as complete, but if it is lacking, He will say, ‘Look and see whether my slave did any voluntary (naafil) prayers.’ If he had done voluntary prayers, He will say, ‘Complete the obligatory prayers of My slave from his voluntary prayers.’ Then the rest of his deeds will be examined in a similar manner.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood)
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The first action for which a servant of Allah will be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayers. If they are in order, he will have prospered and succeeded. If they are lacking, he will have failed and lost. If there is something defective in his obligatory prayers, then the Almighty Lord will say: See if my servant has any voluntary prayers that can complete what is insufficient in his obligatory prayers. The rest of his deeds will be judged the same way.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhī)
Once a man asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) about the most virtuous deed. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that the most virtuous deed is the prayer. The man asked again and again. The first three times, the Prophet (peace be upon him) again answered, “The prayer,” then on the fourth occasion he stated, “Jihad in the way of Allah.” [This is form a hadith recorded by Ahmad and ibn Hibban. According to al-Albani, the hadith is hasan. Muhammad Nasir al-Din al-Albani, Sahih al-Targheeb wa al-Tarheeb (Beirut: al-Maktab al-Islami, 1982), vol. 1, p. 150]
Allah also Informed us on the effects of the prayer on us:
“…Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha’ (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed, etc.)…” 29: 45
Everyone must prepare for the coming of the Hour. It was Warned to Musa (AS) and the Hour is near and therefore what has been our preparation so far?
“O you who believe! Fear Allah and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” 59: 18
“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)” [16:97]
Don’t be distracted on this preparation.
What can distract us from this preparation?
Allah Reminded us on why we are created:
“Who has created death and life, that He may test you which of you is best in deed. And He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving;” 67: 2
Before we meet Allah, we must also do righteous good deeds:
BUT ensure that these good deeds and Accepted by Allah by:
Allah also informed us to compete with each other in good deeds: “Fastabiqul khayrat.”
“…So hasten towards all that is good. Wheresoever you may be, Allah will bring you together (on the Day of Resurrection). Truly, Allah is Able to do all things.” 2: 148
“…To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allah willed, He would have made you one nation, but that (He) may test you in what He has given you; so strive as in a race in good deeds. The return of you (all) is to Allah; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ.” 5: 48
After the above 8 lessons, Allah Commanded Musa (AS) to enjoin good and forbid evil by going to the pharaoh. Allah Provided Musa (AS) with 2 miracles: his stick which turns into a serpent and also the ability of his hand to turn to pure white.
The last 2 lessons to be learnt would be:
“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful.” 3: 104
Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is a mission which will never end until the Hour begins. It is obligatory upon all the ummah, rulers and subjects, men and women, each according to his or her circumstances.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; and if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by feeling that it is wrong] – and that is the weakest of faith.” (Narrated by Muslim, 49)
In those days of Musa (AS) – magic and sorcery were rampant. Allah Provided Musa (AS) with the truth and with His Miracles which are better and which will defeat all the magic and deception.
If we trust Allah (tawakkul) and continue with our mission of enjoining good and forbid evil, Allah will Assist us in one way or another.
Tawakkul is basically the “trust and reliance on Allah” that is accepting the results that He decides regardless of how they may turn out to be. We may face challenges and difficult situations in our life but we have to face them strongly while believing in Allah Almighty that is the concept of Tawakkul. Tawakkul is our belief and the attitude that we have about putting trust in Allah to take care of all affairs of our life.
“And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever places his trust in Allah, Sufficient is He for him, for Allah will surely accomplish His Purpose: For verily, Allah has appointed for all things a due proportion.” (65:3).
CONCLUSION
This amazing story of the first conversation of Allah with Musa (AS) should provide us inshaAllah with a window of opportunity to strive and improve ourselves in the eyes of Allah. May Allah continue to Guide us in the straight path, Provide us with strength and wisdom to please Him and Grant us all Jannatul Firdaus.
