Prophet Moses , Quranic perspective as compiled by GROK

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The life of Prophet Moses (Musa, peace be upon him) is extensively detailed in the Quran, with his name mentioned 136 times, making him the most frequently referenced individual in the text. The Tafheem-ul-Quran, a renowned 6-volume Urdu translation and commentary by Syed Abul Ala Maududi, provides deep insights into the Quranic verses about Moses, combining orthodox and modernist interpretations. Below is a summarized account of Moses’ life based on the Quranic narrative, with references to relevant verses and insights from Tafheem-ul-Quran where applicable.

### Early Life and Birth

Moses was born into an Israelite family in Egypt during a time when the Pharaoh enslaved the Israelites and ordered the killing of their male newborns. To save him, Moses’ mother, inspired by God, placed him in a basket and set it afloat on the Nile River (Quran 28:7, 20:39). The Tafheem-ul-Quran explains that this act was divinely guided, highlighting God’s promise to restore Moses to his mother and appoint him as a messenger (28:7). Pharaoh’s wife, Asiya, discovered the basket and adopted Moses, raising him in the royal household (28:9). Maududi notes that this upbringing gave Moses insight into Egyptian affairs, preparing him for his future role (28:14).

### Flight to Midian

As an adult, Moses inadvertently killed an Egyptian while intervening in a dispute between an Israelite and an Egyptian (28:15). Consumed by guilt, he sought God’s forgiveness and fled Egypt to escape punishment (28:16, 28:20-21). In Midian, Moses helped two women water their flocks and was invited by their father, traditionally identified as Prophet Shuaib, to stay. Moses married one of Shuaib’s daughters and worked for him for eight to ten years (28:23-28). Tafheem-ul-Quran emphasizes Moses’ humility and strength in these verses, portraying him as a man of compassion and integrity (28:24).

### Prophetic Mission and Encounter with God

While traveling back to Egypt with his family, Moses encountered a fire near Mount Tur, where God spoke to him directly, appointing him as a prophet (28:29-30, 20:9-14). This direct communication earned Moses the title *Kaleemullah* (“Speaker of God”) in Islamic tradition (4:164). God revealed two miracles: Moses’ staff turning into a snake and his hand shining brightly (28:31-32). Maududi’s commentary on 20:14 underscores Moses’ acknowledgment of God as the sole Creator and Sovereign, a central theme in his mission to call people to monotheism. God instructed Moses to confront Pharaoh and demand the liberation of the Israelites, with his brother Aaron appointed as his helper (20:24-36, 23:45).

Tafheem-ul-Quran on 23:45 notes that the “clear authority” accompanying Moses and Aaron refers to their miracles, particularly the staff, as undeniable proof of their prophethood. Maududi explains that these signs were meant to affirm their divine mission to Pharaoh and his court (14:5).

### Confrontation with Pharaoh

Moses and Aaron challenged Pharaoh, urging him to worship the One God and free the Israelites (7:103-105). Pharaoh questioned Moses’ God, leading to a contest with Egyptian magicians. Moses’ staff, transformed into a snake, devoured the magicians’ illusions, proving God’s power (20:65-70). Maududi’s commentary on 20:50-52 highlights Moses’ wise response to Pharaoh’s taunts about the ancestors’ beliefs. Instead of condemning them, Moses stated that their fate was known only to God, a tactful approach that avoided alienating the audience while affirming divine justice.

Despite the miracles, Pharaoh remained defiant, enslaving the Israelites further (7:124-126). The Quran recounts nine signs sent to Pharaoh, including plagues, as warnings (17:101-102). Maududi notes that these signs were progressive demonstrations of God’s authority, yet Pharaoh’s arrogance led to his downfall.

### Exodus and Parting of the Sea

God commanded Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (20:77). Pursued by Pharaoh’s army, Moses, under divine guidance, struck the sea with his staff, parting it to allow the Israelites to cross (26:63). When Pharaoh’s forces followed, the sea closed, drowning them (26:66). Tafheem-ul-Quran on 26:63 emphasizes this miracle as a testament to God’s protection of His chosen servants and His punishment of oppressors.

### Revelation of the Torah and Challenges with the Israelites

At Mount Sinai, God revealed the Torah to Moses as guidance for the Israelites (2:87). However, the Israelites frequently disobeyed, notably worshipping the golden calf while Moses was receiving the revelation (7:148-150). Maududi’s commentary on 2:55 addresses their demand to see God outright, which led to a thunderbolt striking them, illustrating their rebellious nature. Moses prayed for their forgiveness, but their ingratitude persisted, such as complaining about manna and quails (2:57-61).

### Encounter with Khidr and Other Events

The Quran also narrates Moses’ journey with Khidr, a wise servant of God, to seek knowledge (18:60-82). Maududi’s Tafseer on 18:60-82 explains this as a lesson in divine wisdom, showing Moses the limits of human understanding. Another incident involves Korah (Qarun), a wealthy Israelite who rebelled against Moses and was swallowed by the earth as punishment (28:76-81).

### Later Life and Legacy

The Quran does not detail Moses’ death, but it emphasizes his role as a prophet and messenger who delivered the Torah and guided his people toward monotheism (5:44). Maududi’s commentary on 5:44 underscores the Torah’s divine origin as a source of guidance, though Muslims believe the Quran supersedes it as the final revelation. Moses’ life exemplifies resilience, faith, and submission to God’s will, serving as a model for believers.

### Key Quranic Verses Referenced

– **Birth and adoption**: 28:7-9, 20:39 (Tafheem-ul-Quran highlights divine protection).

– **Flight to Midian**: 28:15-28 (Maududi notes Moses’ humility).

– **Prophetic call**: 20:9-14, 28:29-32, 4:164 (direct communication emphasized).

– **Confrontation with Pharaoh**: 7:103-105, 20:50-52, 23:45 (miracles as proof of prophethood).

– **Parting of the sea**: 26:63-66 (God’s deliverance of the faithful).

– **Torah revelation**: 2:87, 5:44 (divine guidance for Israelites).

– **Khidr encounter**: 18:60-82 (lesson in divine wisdom).

### Sources

The summary draws from the Quranic text and Tafheem-ul-Quran’s commentary, as provided in the web results (e.g.,,,,,). Maududi’s work, completed over 30 years (1942–1972), offers a comprehensive analysis of these verses, addressing historical, social, and spiritual dimensions relevant to modern readers.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_in_Islam)%5B%5D(https://www.whyislam.org/story-of-moses-in-the-quran/)%5B%5D(https://islamicstudies.info/towards.php?sura=20&verse=50&to=52)