Indexed OCR Text

It needs to be born in mind that it is Allaah Himself Who has placed the love of
the child within the mother's heart. Had it not been for this love Allaah had
instilled, the greatest enemies of a child will be its parents because they are ones
who suffer the most because of the child. One can only imagine how much love
must be in the Being Who created all maternal love and paternal love!
The words of the orator of the Ambiyaa Jul need to be reiterated here to
encourage even the people of this day:
وَ اسْتَغْفِرُوْا رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوْبُوْا إِلَيْهِ ﴿ إِنَّ رَبِّئْ رَحِيمٌ وَّدُؤْدٌ
"Seek forgiveness from your Rabb then turn to Him. Indeed my Rabb is Most Merciful,
Most Loving."
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361

Sayyiduna Mossa V and Sayyiduna Haarcon U
362

Sayyiduna Mossa U, Sayyiduna Haarcon U, Qaaron, Fir'own and Haamaan
Introduction
The lineage of Hadhrat Moosa v meets with that of Hadhrat Ya'qoob v. His
father's name was Imraan and his mother's name was Yukabid. His lineage
therefore reads: Moosa, who was the son of Imraan, who was the son of
Qaamat, who was the son of Laawi, who was the son of Ya'qoob v. Hadhrat
Haaroon v was the real brother of Hadhrat Moosa v, but only three to four years
elder.
Hadhrat Moosa v was born in the home of Hadhrat Imraan during a time when
Fir'oun had instructed that all boys born to the Bani Israa'eel were to be killed.
The mother of Hadhrat Moosa v was therefore concerned that the soldiers
keeping watch over the Bani Israa'eel would arrive at any moment to snatch
away her little boy. As has been stated in the previous accounts of Hadhrat
Ya'qoob v and Hadhrat Yusuf v, the family of Hadhrat Ya'qoob v were called the
Bani Israa'eel and they moved to Egypt when Hadhrat Yusuf v was in a position
of authority there at the time.
It has been stated that Hadhrat Moosa v was born 1520 years before Hadhrat
Isa v (1520 B.C.) and passed away 1400 years before Hadhrat Isa v. The Fir'oun
(Pharaoh) reigning during the time of Hadhrat Moosa v was a man named
Waleed bin Mus'ab bin Rayyaan. Others say that his name was Rayyaan. Allaama
Ibn Katheer , writes that he was also known as Abu Murrah. It needs to be
noted that Fir'oun was the title of the kings of Egypt, the anglicised version of
which is Pharaoh. These Pharaohs reigned over Egypt for 31 generations, from
1000 B.C. until 332 B.C.
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Although the family of Hadhrat Moosa v concealed his birth for three months,
they were concerned for his safety because spies were always a danger.
However, Allaah's help was with them during these dangerous times, as will be
explained in the Hadith of Futoon in Nasa'ee, which will shortly be discussed.
Allaama Ibn Katheer ail da, has stated that this Hadith narrated by Hadhrat
Abdullaah bin Abbaas t was most probably from Rasulullaah p himself and is
reliable. Although some Muhadditheen regard it to be the words of Hadhrat
Abdullaah bin Abbaas t, none have criticised its authenticity. The Hadith is called
Hadithul Futoon (Hadith concerning the many trials of Hadhrat Moosa v)
because of the verse of the Qur'aan stating that Allaah tried Hadhrat Moosa v
with many trials.
Hadithul Futcon
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t was once asked for an explanation of the "many
trials" mentioned in the verse, "Then you (O Moosa v mistakenly) killed a person and We
saved you from grief and tried you with many trials".153 Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas
t told the people that the explanation is lengthy and they should rather come
early the next morning for the details. When the students arrived early the
following morning, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t narrated that Fir'oun was
once discussing with his advisors about the fact that Allaah had promised
Hadhrat Ibraheem v that there shall be Ambiyaa >) mesle and kings from amongst
his progeny. His advisors told Fir'oun that the Bani Israa'eel were eagerly
awaiting the fulfilment of this promise and although Hadhrat Yusuf v was a Nabi
from the Bani Israa'eel, there was another great Nabi whom they were
expecting.
Fir'oun immediately became concerned about the fact that if a Nabi is born from
amongst the Bani Israa'eel, this Nabi would free the Bani Israa'eel from Fir'oun's
153
Surah TaaHaa, verse 40.
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bondage. Fir'oun then asked for counsel from his advisors and they all agreed
that the only solution to eradicate the possibility of a Nabi was to ensure that he
killed all the male offspring born to the Bani Israa'eel.
Men were therefore sent to all the homes of the Bani Israa'eel to capture all
little boys and put them to death. This took place for a while until some people
realised that if all the males of the Bani Israa'eel were killed, there will eventually
be no male slaves. This meant that the Egyptians would have to do all the
laborious menial work themselves. Since they were not comfortable with this
prospect, they decided to kill the children only every alternate year, thereby
sparing half the workforce.
When the mother of Hadhrat Moosa v delivered her son Hadhrat Haaroon v, she
had nothing to fear because it was the year when no children were being killed.
However, Hadhrat Moosa v was to be born during the year when children were
being killed. Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t mentioned that this was the first
trial, which faced Hadhrat Moosa v even before he was born. When he was
born, Allaah consoled his mother by telling her, "(Continue to) Nurse him. (However,)
When you fear for his life, then place him in (a basket, which should be put into) the river
(Nile) and neither fear (for his safety because We shall protect him) nor grieve (over your
separation from him because it will not be for a long while). We shall certainly return him to you
(to suckle) and have made him from among the Ambiyaa".154
When she had placed him into the basket and it floated away, Shaytaan tried to
scare her by saying that even if the boy was killed while with her, she would have
the consolation of burying him herself. However, if he died in the water, his body
will be consumed by some creature. Nonetheless, she obeyed the orders of
Allaah. The tide rapidly carried the basket away and it floated right in front of
154 Surah Qasas, verse 7.
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Fir'oun's palace, where some of his slave girls were bathing. They retrieved the
basket and were about to open it when one of them said, "Someone has
certainly placed something in here. If we open it, no one would believe that we
found it just like this. Let us take it to the queen."
They then carried the basket to Fir'oun's wife. When she opened it and saw the
little Hadhrat Moosa v inside, Allaah immediately filled her heart with such love
for the child that she had never possessed for any other child.
As soon as Fir'oun's police heard about the child from the Bani Israa'eel who had
arrived in the palace, they immediately came to kill him. When he came to this
point of the narration, Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbaas t addressed his student
Hadhrat Ibn Jubayr , and said that this was the second trial. Fir'oun's wife
stopped the police and told them that a single child will make no difference to
the strength of the Bani Israa'eel. She therefore went to ask Fir'oun to pardon
the child. She told Fir'oun that this child would be the comfort of her eyes. Since
she had no children, he said that he understood why the child will be the
comfort of her eyes, but, he said, he had no need for the child.
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t added that Rasulullaah p said, "I swear by the
Being in Whose name oaths are taken! If Fir'oun had to declare like his wife that
the child would be the comfort of his eyes as well, Allaah would have blessed
him with Imaan just as He blessed his wife." Fir'oun then waived execution for
Hadhrat Moosa v.
Fir'oun's wife then started to search for someone to suckle the child, but he
would not drink from any of the women who tried to nurse him. Worried that
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the child will die without food, she sent her maidservants to the marketplace to
search for someone from whom the child would drink.
In the meantime, the mother of Hadhrat Moosa u had sent her daughter to
follow the basket and seen what became of it. In her concern, she had forgotten
about the promise Allaah had made to her that He would return her child to her.
Hadhrat Moosa v's sister watched what had happened to her brother and
approached the queen's maidservants to tell them that she knew of a woman
from whom the child will certainly drink and who will care well for the child. The
maidservants immediately grew suspicious of her, thinking that she may be
saying this and sounding so sure because she was the child's family. They
therefore had her arrested. When he came to this point of the narration,
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t addressed Hadhrat Ibn Jubayr alan, and said that
this was the third trial.
However, Hadhrat Moosa v's sister thought quickly and said that what she
meant was that the woman would suckle and care for the child very well
because she would be well paid by the queen. This statement quelled their
suspicions and they let her go. She then hurried back to her mother, related
everything to her and then took her to the palace. When she took the little
Hadhrat Moosa v into her lap, he immediately started to suckle and drank until
he was full.
The queen was elated to learn that the child had suckled and immediately sent
for Hadhrat Moosa v's mother. The queen asked her to stay in the palace to
nurse the child because she loved him so much that she could not bear to be
separated from him. Seeing that the queen needed her, the mother knew that
she could pretend to be indifferent since this would further quell any suspicion.
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She therefore told the queen that she had her own children at home who
needed her attention, so she was unable to stay at the palace. However, she
promised the queen that if she allowed her to take the baby home, she would
ensure that she devotes her fullest attention to the child and spare nothing to
give him the best care. She was also brave enough to make her own demands
because she remembered the promise of Allaah to return her child to her. The
queen was forced to give in because the baby refused to drink from anyone else.
Hadhrat Moosa v's mother therefore returned home with her son the same day
without any worries of him being killed.
Sometime later, the queen requested to see the child at the palace and
instructed all her courtiers that they ought to show honour to the child since she
would be caring for him. She also told them that she would be watching how
they treat the child and his mothers. Because of her instruction, mother and
child were showered with gifts from the moment they stepped out of the house
to leave for the palace. Eventually, when they reached the palace, the queen
herself gave them handsome gifts. She was extremely pleased to have the child
back and immediately took him to Fir'oun so that he may feel the love she had.
Fir'oun happily took the child in his lap, but as soon as the child was seated in his
lap, he pulled at Fir'oun's beard. As the jerk pulled Fir'oun's head down, his
courtiers said, "Did you see that! Remember that promise that Allaah made to
Ibraheem about sending a Nabi from amongst the Bani Israa'eel who would take
control over all your wealth and kingdom? Well, it seems that the promise is
being fulfilled with this child." The courtiers had already been debating the
amnesty given to this child from the beginning. Concerned by what he heard,
Fir'oun immediately summoned for the executioner to kill the child. When he
came to this point, Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbaas t again said, "O Ibn Jubay ala ).
This was the fourth trial."
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When the queen saw this, she exclaimed, "Sir! You had already promised that I
could have this child! What are you doing now?" Fir'oun replied, "By his action,
this child is telling me that he would soon be pulling me to the ground and
defeating me."
The queen explained to him that this was natural for all children to do and
meant nothing. However, she advised him to test the intelligence of the child by
placing two burning embers in front of him together with two large pearls. If he
was a child of extraordinary intellect and perception, he would grab at the pearls
rather than the embers. If not, then he would find the embers more enchanting
and grab at them as anyone without knowledge would do. The idea appealed to
Fir'oun and he had it done. Hadhrat Moosa v picked up an ember and placed it
in his mouth, as any child would do. Fir'oun then took it away from him and was
pleased to note that the child was just like any ordinary child. However, some
narrations state that Hadhrat Moosa v was heading for the pearls because of his
superior intelligence, but Allaah sent Hadhrat Jibra'eel v to turn him to the
embers so that Fir'oun may not know the truth. When they saw the outcome of
the test, the queen said to Fir'oun, "Do you see how exaggerated your reaction
was to what he did?"
In this way, Allaah spared the life of Hadhrat Moosa v yet again because of the
great things that he was destined to accomplish. Hadhrat Moosa v then
continued to be nursed and cared for by his mother at the expense of the king.
He was honoured and treated with prestige and dignity as he grew up to become
a young man. In fact, because of the honour that was accorded to him as a
member of the Bani Israa'eel, the Egyptians were less bold in the despicable
manner in which they treated the Bani Israa'eel.
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One day Hadhrat Moosa v was walking through a quiet part of the city during
the afternoon when he saw an Egyptian and an Israa'eeli fighting. When the
Israa'eeli saw Hadhrat Moosa v approach, he called to him for help. Hadhrat
Moosa v responded to his call, but the Egyptian would not yield. As he separated
the two, Hadhrat Moosa v punched the Egyptian. However, the punch proved
too hard for the weak Egyptian and he died on the spot. Grieved by what had
happened by mistake, Hadhrat Moosa v prayed to Allaah, saying, ""This (killing) is
from the works of Shaytaan (something Shaytaan loves). Indeed he (Shaytaan) is an enemy (to
man) and one who openly misleads." Moosa v said, "O my Rabb! I have oppressed
(wronged) myself, so forgive me (for my mistake)." So Allaah forgave him. Without doubt, He
is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful. (The Ambiyaa considered even their mistakes to be
equal to sins)" .155
Since no one else but the Israa'eeli was present to witness the death, the rest of
the city had no knowledge of what transpired. When the news reached Fir'oun
that one of his people had been murdered by an Israa'eeli, he launched an
investigation into the matter. However, despite all their efforts, the police could
not get any leads. The matter was therefore laid to rest. However, all was not as
rested yet.
Sometime later, Hadhrat Moosa v again found the same Israa'eeli fighting with
another Egyptian. When the Israa'eeli again called to Hadhrat Moosa v for help,
Hadhrat Moosa v was too ashamed of the previous incident to oblige. Instead,
he became angry with the Israa'eeli for getting into another fight since he
seemed to be the quarrelsome type. Hadhrat Moosa v therefore rebuked the
Israa'eeli for getting into yet another fight. Seeing that Hadhrat Moosa u was
angry with him, the Israa'eeli feared that he may also get a punch that would kill
him. He therefore blurted out aloud, "O Moosa! Do you wish to kill me like you killed
155
Surah Qasas, verses 15-16.
370

the person yesterday?" This was enough for the Egyptian to hear and he
immediately reported it to the authorities. When Fir'oun heard about it, he
issued orders for the arrest of Hadhrat Moosa v and the troops went out in
search of him. Fortunately, someone from another part of city happened to hear
about the arrest warrant and immediately warned Hadhrat Moosa v to leave the
city. When he came to this point, Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbaas t again said, "O
Ibn Jubayr ...... This was the next (fifth) trial when Allaah again saved his life."
Hadhrat Moosa v wasted no time in escaping the city and travelled towards the
city of Madyan. This was the first time that Hadhrat Moosa u had to leave the
comforts of being royalty, but he placed his trust in Allaah and ventured ahead
until he reached Madyan.
When he arrived in Madyan, he saw the people crowding the waterhole as they
took their animals to drink water. A little distance away he saw two young ladies
standing with their animals, but keeping the animals away from the water. Upon
seeing this, Hadhrat Moosa u went to them and enquired, "Why are you not
taking your animals to the water?" They replied, "We have to wait until these
people have finished and then get whatever is left of the water. We are here
because our father is very old and does not have the strength to bring the
animals here." Impressed by their sense of dignity, Hadhrat Moosa v offered to
take their animals for them and, because of his tremendous strength and agility,
he watered the animals in no time at all and returned them to the ladies.
He then sat beneath a tree to rest as the girls made their way home. He was
tired and hungry since his urgent escape from Egypt did not allow him time to
prepare for the journey. He also did not have anywhere to go.
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When the ladies returned home sooner than usual, their father enquired about
the reason. After had heard the story, he immediately sent one of them to call
Hadhrat Moosa u home to repay him for his help. She left and brought Hadhrat
Moosa v home, where the father asked about him. When Hadhrat Moosa u had
completed narrating his story, the old man assured him that he would be safe
there because Fir'oun had no jurisdiction over Madyan.
Thereafter, one of the daughters approached the father and suggested to him
that he should hire Hadhrat Moosa v to work for them because she found him to
be strong and trustworthy. Surprised, he asked her how she knew this. She told
him that his strength was evident from the manner in which he managed to
water the animals faster than anyone else. As for his trustworthiness, she related
that when she went to call for him and he saw that she was a lady, he
immediately cast his gaze down and did not look at her again. He then told her
to walk behind him and show him the way rather than walk ahead of him from
where his gaze might fall on her.
Her father was impressed by her keen observance and could see for himself that
Hadhrat Moosa v was an outstanding personality. The father then proposed to
Hadhrat Moosa v that he may marry one of the daughters on condition that he
worked for the father for eight years. Of course, if he preferred to stay on for ten
years, he was most welcome to do so. This father is said to have been Hadhrat
Shu'ayb v and the work was a form of dowry that was acceptable during those
days. Hadhrat Moosa v accepted the offer and spent the next ten years of his life
in Madyan.
Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Jubayr al , narrates that a Christian scholar once asked him if
he knew which of the two periods did Hadhrat Moosa v complete in Madyan.
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Since Hadhrat Sa'eed al was, had not yet heard the Hadithul Futoon at the time, he
had no reply for the man. However, after hearing the Hadith, he went to the
Christian and informed him that Hadhrat Moosa v had completed the term of
eight years, which he was obliged to do. However, Allaah wanted him to
complete the optional clause as well, because of which he continued to stay
there for another two years. "Tell me," the Christian scholar asked, "Is the man
from whom you heard this more knowledgeable then you?" Hadhrat Sa'eed il das )
informed the man that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t was indeed the most
knowledgeable man of them all.
After the ten years in Madyan, Hadhrat Moosa v decided to return to his
birthplace of Egypt. He therefore took his wife along with him and left. However,
he lost the way and found himself stranded in the icy cold without a way of
making a fire. It was then that he saw a fire burning brightly in the distance,
which was really not fire, but Noor from Allaah. Hadhrat Moosa v made his way
towards the 'fire' to get a firebrand, but it was there that he was told that he
was a Nabi of Allaah and shown the miracles of his staff and shining hand. These
details of this will follow later.
Hadhrat Moosa v was concerned that he would have difficulty going alone to
Fir'oun to deliver the message of Towheed because they would want to punish
him for the unintentional death of the Egyptian and he also did not feel
confident because of his stutter. He therefore requested Allaah if he could take
his brother Haaroon v along as well. Allaah therefore conferred the mantle of
Nabuwaat-prophethood to Hadhrat Haaroon v and instructed him to meet
Hadhrat Moosa v outside Egypt.
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The brothers then tried to get an audience with Fir'oun and succeeded after
some time. What happened next is beautifully described in Surah Shu'araa. They
said:
'We are two messengers of the Rabb of the universe (bearing the message) that you (release
the Bani Israa'eel from captivity and) send the Bani Israa'eel with us (to Shaam)." (When they
delivered this message to Fir'oun,) Fir'oun said (to Moosa v), "Did we not raise you among us as
a newborn child? And did you not live with us for many years of your life (How can you then
act ungratefully by telling me what to do) ? (In addition to this) You committed the deed (murder)
that you did and you were ungrateful (You benefited from my wealth and killed one of my men,
yet you want me to follow you?)." Moosa v said, "I did it (unintentionally killed the man) at a time
when I was from the mistaken ones (I killed him by mistake). I then fled from you people
when I feared (that) you (would not understand my case and kill me in retaliation). My Rabb then
granted me wisdom and included me among those sent (to people as Ambiyaa). The favour
you remind me of (that you raised me as a child) is because you (wish to overshadow the fact
that you) enslaved the Bani Israa'eel (However, the wrongs you do cannot be justified by the
good you did)." Fir'oun said, "What is the Rabb of the universe (Whose messenger you claim to
be)?" He (Moosa v) said, " (He is) The Rabb of the heavens, the earth and whatever is
between the two; if you will be convinced (if you wish to be convinced, understanding this is
sufficient for you)." He (Fir'oun) said (cynically) to those around him, "Do you hear (what he
says) ?" He (Moosa v) said, "He (Allaah) is your Rabb and the Rabb of your forefathers."
(Unable to find a reply) He (Fir'oun) said (to the people around him), "Indeed your Rasool who
has been sent to you is certainly insane." He (Moosa v) said, "He is the Rabb of the East,
the West and whatever is between the two; if you are able to understand (if you can
understand this, you will be able to accept Imaan)." (Addressing Moosa v) He (Fir'oun) said, "If you
take another as an Ilaah besides myself, I shall definitely include you among the
prisoners (of my dungeons where you will suffer terribly) !" He (Moosa v) said, " (Will you do this)
Even if I bring (show) you a something explicit (which proves that I am Allaah's messenger) ?"
He (Fir'oun) said, "Bring (show) it if you are truthful (in your claim that you are Allaah's
messenger)." So he (Moosa v) threw down his staff and it suddenly became a manifest
serpent (when Fir'oun saw the serpent charging towards him with its mouth open, he hid beneath his
throne until Moosa v restrained it). And he withdrew his hand (after placing it beneath his armpit),
which instantly turned white (bright and shining) for all to see. He (Fir'oun) said to the
ministers around him, "This is certainly a knowledgeable (skilful) magician. He intends to
expel you from your land with his magic. What do you advise (How should we deal with him)
?" They (the ministers) replied, "Grant him and his brother respite (time to prepare) while you
dispatch recruiters to the (various) towns (of Egypt) who will bring every learned (skilful)
magician to you (so that they may challenge Moosa v to a contest of magic)." So the magicians
were (summoned for the contest and) gathered for an appointment on the specified day
(which was a day of festivity for the people. Abdullah bin Abbaas t stated that this was the day of
Aashura). (To gather spectators) The people were asked, "Will you all gather (at a particular
field on the particular day) so that we may follow the (ways of the) magicians if they are
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victorious (over Moosa v)." When the magicians arrived (for the contest), they asked Fir'oun,
"Shall we receive any prize (privileges) if we are victorious?" He (Fir'oun) said, "Certainly!
Then you shall be from those who are close to me (in my court. The magician were so sure of
themselves that they joked to each other that if Hadhrat Moosa v had to defeat them, they would
believe in him)." Moosa v said (to the magicians), "Throw what you wish to throw." So they
threw their ropes and staffs saying, "By Fir'oun's honour! We shall certainly be the victors
(because our ropes and staffs appear to be slithering snakes to the people) !" Then Moosa threw
his staff, which (turned into a real snake and) instantly swallowed what (snakes) they
conjured (the optical illusions which made the people think that the snakes were real). (Realising
that the feat of Moosa v was not mere magic, but something possible only with Allaah's help,) The
magicians were cast down in prostration (they were forced to prostrate before Allaah to show
that they now believed in Allaah). They submitted, "We believe in the Rabb of the universe in
the Rabb of Moosa v and Haaroon v."
Fir'oun was humiliated as he sat there. In the meantime, the queen, whose
name was Aasiya prayed to Allaah to assist Hadhrat Moosa v. As she was doing
this, the people thought that she was worried for her husband Fir'oun.
Whenever Hadhrat Moosa v would display a miracle before Fir'oun and his
people, which was a punishment for them, they promised to free the Bani
Israa'eel if Hadhrat Moosa v prayed to Allaah to remove the punishment.
However, as soon as the punishment was removed, they again asked for another
sign from Allaah. Amongst these forms of punishment was a tempest, a gigantic
swarm of locusts, a scourge of lice, a plague of frogs and the punishment of
blood, all of which will be discussed ahead.
Eventually, when they refused to take heed, Allaah instructed Hadhrat Moosa v
to leave Egypt with the Bani Israa'eel one night. However, early the next
morning, Fir'oun left with his trope in search of them. The Bani Israa'eel was on
the shore of the sea when Fir'oun caught up with them. Allaah then instructed
Hadhrat Moosa v to strike the sea with his staff, causing twelve roads to open
up before them so that each of the twelve tribes could have their own road.
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They then walked through the sea unharmed. However, as Fir'oun and his
hordes followed, the sea closed up upon them and they were all killed. The
corpse of Fir'oun was washed ashore to assure the Bani Israa'eel that he was
indeed dead.
As Hadhrat Moosa v and the Bani Israa'eel proceeded towards Shaam, they
happened to pass by some people worshipping an idol they had themselves
made. Upon seeing this, the Bani Israa'eel said to Hadhrat Moosa v, "O Moosa!
Make a deity for us, so that we may also have an idol to worship." Hadhrat
Moosa v became very angry when he was made this foolish request and he
reprimanded the people, saying, "O you wretched people! Are you forsaking the
worship of one Allaah and turning to idolatry. Have you already forgotten the
great bounties and signs of Allaah which you have seen with your eyes?"
They proceeded further until they reached a place where Hadhrat Moosa u told
then to wait for him because he had to go to the mountain for 30 days to
communicate with Allaah. He then appointed Hadhrat Haaroon v to take charge
of the people and left. When at the mountain of Toor, he fasted for 30
consecutive days. When he was observing the 30th fast, the thought occurred to
him that it would be inappropriate to communicate with Allaah when there was
a foul odour emitting from his mouth because of his empty belly. He therefore
brushed his teeth and mouth with a Miswaak. When Allaah asked him why he
terminated his fast with the Miswaak and he explained his reasoning, Allaah said
to him, "Do you not know that the smell from the mouth of a fasting person is
more beloved to Me than the fragrance of musk? You should now fast for
another ten days before coming to Me." Hadhrat Moosa v therefore needed to
spend another 10 days on the mountain.
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In the meantime, the Bani Israa'eel were getting frustrated waiting after the 30
days had passed and decided not to obey Hadhrat Haaroon v any more. They
started to follow man named Saamiri, who was an idol worshipper at heart. He
had made a calf and placed in its mouth some sand from the footprint of
Hadhrat Jibra'eel v, which he noticed created signs of life. As a result, the calf
made the mooing sounds of a real calf. Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t stated
that the sound was actually made by wind entering the posterior of the calf
and emerging from the mouth.
Saamiri caused the Bani Israa'eel to split into three factions. The one followed
him and worshipped the calf because he told them that the calf was really their
god, but that Hadhrat Moosa u had forgotten and went in the opposite
direction. Another faction maintained that they will not reject the word of
Saamiri until Hadhrat Moosa u told them to. The third faction adamantly
rejected it as a ploy of Shaytaan. Despite all his efforts to stop them, the people
would not listen to Hadhrat Haaroon v. The people argued that Hadhrat Moosa
u had failed to keep his promise to return after 30 days, while other foolish ones
said that he had lost his way and was still searching for his Rabb.
When Hadhrat Moosa u got the opportunity to speak directly to Allaah after 40
days, Allaah informed him of what was happening to his people. Hadhrat Moosa
v returned in a rage, as has been discussed in the Qur'aan, the details of which
will be discussed later, Inshaa Allaah. After his anger had cooled, he repented for
his rage and questioned Saamiri about his actions. Surah TaaHaa describes this in
the following words:
He (Moosa v) said, "What have you to say, O Saamiri?" He (Saamiri) replied, "I saw what
they did not see (Jibra'eel v). So I took a handful (of sand) from the tracks (hoof-prints) of the
(horse of the) messenger (Jibra'eel v) and cast it (into the calf). Thus did my soul entice me."
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(When Saamiri saw Jibra'eel v, he noticed that greenery sprouted from every portion of land on which
Jibra'eel v's horse stepped. This made him realise that its footsteps must contain some wonderful
powers, which he could use in the calf.) He (Moosa v) said, "Go (away from here) ! Your
punishment in this world shall be that you wander around saying, 'Do not touch!' (Allaah
made it such that whenever someone touched Saamiri, or he touched anyone, both persons would be
immediately affected by severe fever. Therefore, people stayed far from him and he vehemently
avoided them.) You certainly have an appointment (with death) that you cannot miss. Look
at your Ilaah (the calf) to which you remained so devoted. We will surely burn it and then
scatter it (its remains) well in the ocean (until no trace of it is left)."
The Bani Israa'eel regretted their action and envied those of them who obeyed
what Hadhrat Haaroon v told them. They then asked Hadhrat Moosa v to show
them a way to forgiveness and he selected 70 of them to accompany him to
Mount Toor to seek forgiveness from Allaah. Surah A'raaf relates this in the
words, ". Moosa v chose from his people seventy persons for Our appointment. When the
earthquake struck them, he (Moosa v) said, "My Rabb! If You wished You could have
destroyed them and myself from before (if You wanted to destroy them, You could have killed
them before we came here. However, I am certain that You wish only to teach them a lesson. So do
revive them, so that the Bani Israa'eel do not accuse me of killing them). Will You (You will surely
not) destroy us (me) because of what the foolish ones among us do (because the Bani
Israa'eel will certainly kill me for this) ? (I am sure that) This is but a test from You by means of
which You send astray whoever You please and guide whoever You please. You are our
Protecting Friend so forgive us and have mercy on us. Undoubtedly You are the best of
forgivers." (Allaah then revived the seventy men)". They were struck by the earthquake
because, despite careful selection, there were some from amongst them who
still revered the calf within their hearts.
In reply to the du'aa of Hadhrat Moosa v, Allaah said, ""With My punishment I
afflict whoever I please whereas My mercy encompasses (surrounds) everything. I shall
soon (in the Aakhirah) ordain it (My mercy) for those who adopt Taqwa, who pay zakaah,
who believe in My Aayaat and who follow the Rasool (who is also) the untutored Nabi
(Muhammad &, about) whom they find (his name and description) written in the Torah and the
Injeel (both of which they have) with them."
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When he heard this, Hadhrat Moosa v said, "O Allaah! I have sought Your
pardon for my people, but You have spoken of Your mercy encompassing some
other nation. It would have been better if You made me amongst those people."
Allaah then informed Hadhrat Moosa v that the repentance of these people will
be accepted when the perpetrators are executed by their next of kin. It was
then that the individual from the seventy who appeared to be pious, but
harboured the love of the calf in his heart, also repented sincerely by having
himself executed by his next of kin. In this manner, his repentance was accepted.
Hadhrat Moosa v then travelled with the Bani Israa'eel to Shaam, where they
were commanded to enter a town that was in the control of a nation that was
notorious for their brutal strength and tyranny. However, rather than
accompanying Hadhrat Moosa v to the town, the Bani Israa'eel sat down and
told him that they do not have the strength to fight those people. They said that
they would enter only when the town was empty.
However, there were two men with Hadhrat Moosa v who told the Bani Israa'eel
that they needed to only get to the gates of city, after which Allaah would assist
them in vanquishing the inhabitants. When Hadhrat Yazeed bin Haaroon ail dea )
asked whom these two men were, he was told that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin
Abbaas t described them as two men from that very same town who had
become followers of Hadhrat Moosa v. They assured the Bani Israa'eel of victory
because they knew everything about their people. However, the Bani Israa'eel
did not even try to muster up the courage to even reach the gates. They then
insolently said that Hadhrat Moosa v and His Rabb should proceed to fight and
call them when the people of the town had vacated.
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