INTRODUCTION

The history of mankind could be considered as a history of the prophets. Allah (God) has communicated His Divine Revelation to people by means of His messengers throughout history. These messengers told people about Allah and communicated to them the words of our Lord.
The struggle a number of prophets faced in spreading the message is depicted in detail in the Qur'an. The hardships they faced, the solutions they brought by the leave of Allah and the exemplary behaviour are all clearly outlined. Allah communicates what His messengers endured as an example for people, for their struggle and good character are also applicable for the people of today.
In the Qur'an, the stories and experiences of various prophets, besides the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and grant him peace), such as the Prophet Jesus, Solomon, Joseph, Noah, Abraham, and many others (peace be upon them all), are conveyed as examples. For instance, there are numerous lessons for us in the righteous conduct of the Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him), as well as sagacious insight about human and social psychology in the Prophet Joseph's (pbuh) relation with his brothers, his being thrown into a well by them, his being sold into slavery, his being thrown into prison while a slave in the King's palace because of wrongful accusations, and his being placed in authority over the state treasury.
There is indeed an important example for us in the Prophet Abraham (pbuh), who is mentioned by Allah in the Qur'an as "…a great example for you…," for his conscientiousness and clemency, and for putting his trust in Allah and his turning towards Allah when he was being cast into the fire.
The prophet that is most frequently employed as an example in the Qur'an is the Prophet Moses (pbuh). The Prophet Moses' (pbuh) name is referred to in 34 different suras (chapters). We can find extensive information about the life of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) in three of the largest suras (al-A'raf, Ta-Ha, and al-Qasas). All these suras and verses offer detailed accounts of his difficulties with Pharaoh, beginning in his childhood, the evil conduct of some of his people and his struggle in communicating the message to them. His unyielding courage under the most stringent circumstances is presented with the intention of being an example to people.
In this website we will examine the life of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) as it is depicted in the Qur'an. We will explore the events he has lived through as it is described. Essentially, the events in the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) life should not be regarded merely as events of the ancient past, but rather as events and examples to shed light to our own lives today.

SOVEREIGNTY OF PHARAOH IN EGYPT and THE CONDITION OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL

Besides the city states established in Mesopotamia, Egyptian civilization was one of the most ancient civilizations in history. Ancient Egypt is known to have had the most organised social and political order of the time. Their invention of writing around 3000 B.C., their use of the river Nile, the deserts surrounding the country and serving as a strong defence against external threats were major factors in the successful progression of the Egyptian Civilization.
Nevertheless, this great civilization was ruled by Pharaoh, whose reign is clearly described in the Qur'an as an example of obstinacy. These people acted proudly against Allah, persisting in their denial of the religion. Therefore, even their advanced civilization, social and political order, and military achievements, could not protect them from destruction.
The most important events of the history of Egypt took place in connection to the presence of the children of Israel in the land.
Israel is the other name of the Prophet Jacob (pbuh). The sons of Prophet Jacob (pbuh) had formed "the Children of Israel," the tribe which in time came to be known as "Jews." The children of Israel first came to Egypt during the time of the Prophet Joseph (pbuh), the youngest son of Prophet Jacob (pbuh). In the Qur'an, a detailed account of the life of Prophet Joseph (pbuh) is given in Surah Yusuf. Beginning in the early years of his life, Prophet Joseph (pbuh) had faced many difficulties and had been subjected to numerous assaults and slanders. Later in his life, after his release from prison by the decree of Allah where he had been put because of a false accusation, Prophet Joseph (pbuh) was placed in authority over the treasures of Egypt. His appointment was followed by the influx of the children of Israel into Egypt. Allah describes this in the Qur'an as follows:
Then when they entered into Joseph's presence, he drew his parents close to him and said, "Enter Egypt safe and sound, if Allah wills." ( Surah Yusuf: 99)
According to the account in the Qur'an, the children of Israel, who had dwelled in peace and security in Egypt, eventually lost their status in the society, and in time, were finally enslaved. From the related verses in the Qur'an we understand that the children of Israel lived in such a condition at the time the Prophet Moses (pbuh) arrived on the scene. As described in the Qur'an, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) went to Pharaoh as "a member of an enslaved tribe." The following arrogant answer, which Pharaoh and his inner circle made to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Prophet Aaron (pbuh), informs us about this fact:
They said, "What! Should we believe in two human beings like ourselves when their people are our slaves?" (Surat al-Muminun: 47)
As depicted in these verses, the Egyptians had subjected the children of Israel to slavery and placed them in their personal service. To maintain and enforce this system of slavery, the Egyptians employed methods of repression. This pressure was exercised to the extent of controlling the entire Israelite population. The proliferation of the male population, deemed to be a challenge to the Egyptian's own survival, was obstructed, whilst the female population was exploited for their service. Allah relates this fact in the verses:
Remember when We rescued you from the people of Pharaoh. They were inflicting an evil punishment on you—slaughtering your sons and letting your women live. In that there was a tremendous trial for you from your Lord. (Surat al-Baqara: 49)
Remember when We rescued you from Pharaoh's people who were inflicting an evil punishment on you, killing your sons and letting your women live. In that there was a tremendous trial from your Lord. (Surat al-A'raf: 141)
The superstitious religion that was prevalent in the land of Egypt was the legacy of the idolatrous practices of Pharaoh's ancestors. (Surely Allah is beyond that) This unjust religion posited the existence of numerous gods. Pharaoh was, on the other hand, believed to be a supposed living god. It was precisely this belief which proffered pharaohs with such power over their subjects. Pharaoh and his immediate circle saw the Prophet Moses (pbuh) as a threat to the way of life dictated by the deviant religion of their ancestors, since, according to that religion, it was Pharaoh who possessed all the might and glory. Pharaoh's arrogance, his striving to maintain control, and his regarding the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Prophet Aaron (pbuh) as rivals, are evidenced in the following words of Pharaoh and his immediate circle, in their address to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Prophet Aaron (pbuh). Allah relates this in the Qur'an as follows:

They said, "Have you come to us to turn us from what we found our fathers doing, and to gain greatness in the land? We do not believe you." (Surah Yunus: 7)

In accordance with his ancestors' perverted religion, Pharaoh claimed that he was a so-called god. (Allah is beyond that). He even went to such lengths as to claim he was their most exalted Lord . (Allah is beyond that). Allah informs us about this perverse attitude of Pharaoh in the below verse:
(Pharaoh) saying, "I am your Lord Most High!" (Surat an-Nazi'at: 24)
Because of their superstition, Pharaoh and his inner circle saw themselves as so-called divine beings. (Allah is beyond that). Their arrogance stemmed from the fact that they were far from the love, care and compassion, which are precepts commanded by the original religion. As a consequence of their arrogance, they believed themselves to have the right to resort to cruelty. Their mentality is conveyed in the following verse:
…to Pharaoh and his ruling circle. But they were proud and were a haughty people. (Surat al-Muminun: 46)
Pharaoh exercised such a great influence over the people of Egypt that all submitted themselves completely to him. They believed Pharaoh was the sole possessor of the entire land of Egypt and the Nile river:
Pharaoh called to his people, saying, "My people, does the kingdom of Egypt not belong to me? Do not all these rivers flow under my control? Do you not then see?" (Surat az-Zukhruf: 51)
The Nile was correctly said to be life for Egypt. All of Egypt depended on the Nile for agriculture. She irrigated the crops, provided potable water for animals and people alike. According to Pharaoh and his inner circle, the sole owner of these waters and the land itself was Pharaoh. Everyone in Egypt acquiesced to his power and complied to his rule.
In order to secure his power and reduce his people to submission, Pharaoh had divided them into factions and, by the help of his trusted advisors among them, ruled over these weakened groups. In a verse, Allah draws our attention to this situation:
Pharaoh exalted himself arrogantly in the land and divided its people into camps, oppressing one group of them by slaughtering their sons and letting their women live. He was one of the corrupters. (Surat al-Qasas: 4)
Prior to the birth of the Prophet Moses (pbuh), Egypt was a land of depravity and corruption. Based purely on racial discrimination, people were enslaved and tortured. Without apparent justification, Pharaoh decreed that all male sons born to his Israelite subjects should be killed. Moreover, plunged into arrogance and cruelty, he saw himself as a so-called god on earth. (Allah is beyond that) By way of an established system of rule, Pharaoh held everything under his control and made people adhere to him.
It was under these circumstances that the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was sent by Allah as a messenger, to bring about an end to the oppression and cruelty, to remind people that He is our Lord, teach them the original religion, and rescue the children of Israel from captivity.
 

BIRTH OF THE PROPHET MOSES (PBUH)

As related in the previous chapter, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was born into adversity. Even at the moment of his birth, his life was already in jeopardy. Pharaoh ordered all male children killed and the females spared for slavery. Ensnared by such circumstances, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was forced to lead his life among the slaves under the constant threat of death. His mother had been concerned about him until the moment she was inspired by Allah:
We revealed to Moses' mother, "Suckle him and then when you fear for him cast him into the sea. Do not fear or grieve; We will return him to you and make him one of the Messengers." (Surat al-Qasas: 7)
Allah inspired the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother and told her to put him into a chest and send it floating down the Nile, if the soldiers of Pharaoh ever learned about his birth. As she feared for the life of her son, she followed what was revealed to her. Not knowing where and how the flowing waters would have carried her son, she placed the Prophet Moses (pbuh) into a chest and released him to the waters of the Nile. However, by the inspiration of Allah, she knew he would ultimately return back to her and become a prophet. Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of everything, created the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and his mother and communicated what He preordianed for them. In the Qur'an it is related that some time later, Allah reminded the Prophet Moses (pbuh) about the facts of his early childhood as follows:

When We revealed to your mother: "Place him into the chest and throw it into the sea and the sea will wash it up on the shore, where an enemy of Mine and his will pick it up..." (Surah Ta-Ha: 38-39)

At this point, we should expand on the subject of destiny. Allah, as specified in the above verse, told the mother of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) to leave the child in the water, and informed her that Pharaoh would later find him, and that the Prophet Moses (pbuh) would ultimately return to her as a messenger of Allah. In other words, that the Prophet Moses (pbuh) would be placed in a chest and sent to the river, that he would be found and taken care of by Pharaoh, and that he would eventually become one of the prophets, were all known beforehand. That is because all of these events were predetermined by Allah, according to His will, and which He allowed the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother to know of in advance.

Here, we should make note that all the details pertaining to the life of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) were predetermined in the Sight of Allah, and that they had all come true as had been ordained. The fulfilment of the revelation offered to the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother was possible through the occurrence of countless conditions predetermined by destiny.
The Prophet Moses' (pbuh) avoiding the soldiers of Pharaoh and his reaching the palace of Pharaoh without drowning were dependent on the fulfilment of certain conditions. They are the following:
1- The chest the baby Moses was placed in would have to have been watertight. Therefore, he who constructed the chest would have crafted it in appropriate manner so as to allow to float. Moreover, the shape of the chest was an important factor as far as its speed on the water; it had to neither flow too quickly, floating passed Pharaoh's palace, nor too slowly, stopping at some point before the Palace. The chest would have to have been crafted into just the exact shape so as to allow it to float at just the right speed. These factors all comprised the numerous details preordained as part of the carpenter's destiny, crafting the chest exactly as he had to.
2- The current that had carried the chest would have to have been neither too fast nor too slow, but just the right speed. This could have only been possible by a precise calculation of the amount of rainfall which constituted the Nile's water volume-intensity per minute. This amount is also part of the intricate details in the destiny predetermined by Allah.
3- The blowing winds must have also affected the chest in the appropriate manner. That is, the winds also blew in compliance with a certain predetermined destiny. They must have blown neither too fast to cause it to drift, nor in the opposite direction, changing its direction, and nor too slow, slowing its speed.
4- When in the Nile, no one could have found the chest. That is, no one, except who should have, was supposed to have come across it or noticed it. Consequently, in compliance with a specified destiny, every one living along the Nile had not been near to or noticed the chest. In fact, these conditions were all part of the destiny preordained by Allah.
5- As well as the life of the Prophet Moses (pbuh), the lives of Pharaoh and his family, were also set to comply with a certain destiny. They would also have to have been exactly at the right place at the right time so as to permit them find the Prophet Moses (pbuh). The family of Pharaoh could have planned to come to the shore earlier. The factor which had ordained them to come there at the precise time was their destiny.
The above are only a few of the factors which allowed Pharaoh find the Prophet Moses (pbuh). All of them had occurred exactly as was revealed to the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother. In fact, the promise Allah gave to the mother of the Prophet Moses (pbuh), and all the other events which have happened, have all taken place and been fulfilled as already ordained by Allah.
The events involved in the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) destiny were not limited to only those events recounted so far. Each moment of his life, as in the case of lives of all human beings, is predetermined according to a specific destiny. Neither the place nor the year of his birth, nor the people he was surrounded by, nor his mother or father were designated according to his own choice. It was Allah Who ordained and created each one. This fact was also proclaimed by the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and grant him peace) who said "Everything is by decree—even incapacity and ability" (Muslim)
A deeper consideration of these incidents will allow us to have a better grasp of how every moment of our lives is bound within our destiny. Through numerous examples, the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) story allows one to contemplate the meaning and implications of his destiny. In the various details of the story of the Prophet Moses (pbuh), Allah reminds us that an individual's life, as well as the lives of all mankind and the whole universe, are bound within the destiny he has ordained.
Just as how the Prophet Moses (pbuh) floated on the Nile in compliance with his destiny Allah preordained for him, so were Pharaoh and his family made to reach the place where they were to encounter the Prophet Moses (pbuh). From the verses related to this subject, we learn that Pharaoh's family had behaved exactly as was previously revealed to the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother, that is, they had taken the Prophet Moses (pbuh) under their care without being aware of what the future would hold for them:
The family of Pharaoh picked him up so that he might be an enemy and a source of grief to them. Certainly Pharaoh and Haman and their troops were in the wrong. The wife of Pharaoh said, "A source of delight for me and for you; do not kill him. It may well be that he will be of use to us or perhaps we could adopt him as a son." They were not aware. (Surat al-Qasas: 8-9)

And thus Pharaoh and his family, utterly unaware of what Allah preordained for them, found the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and adopted him as their own son. In fact, they had decided to keep him in the hope that the child would some day be of some benefit to them.

In the meantime, the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother was concerned about her son since she did not know what had happened to him. In the Qur'an the state of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother after putting him in the chest and Allah's revelation to her is related as follows:
"Go after him." And she kept an eye on him from afar and they were not aware. We first made him refuse all wet-nurses, so she (Moses' sister) said, "Shall I show you to a household who will feed him for you and be good to him?"
That is how We returned him to his mother so that she might delight her eyes and feel no grief and so that she would know that Allah's promise is true. But most of them do not know this. (Surat al-Qasas: 10-13)
The baby Moses refused all the wet nurses, that is, he did not drink their milk, because, according to the destiny outlined for him, Allah had ordained him to drink only his own mother's milk. This makes light of the fact that every moment of human beings' lives are also in compliance with the destiny ordained by Allah. As had been revealed to his mother, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) ultimately returned to his own family.
In the story of the Prophet Moses (pbuh), Allah illustrates that He often creates what appear to be difficult situation with an easy way out, and that there is good in events which are perceived as adversities. A mother, fearing the threat of her baby being killed by cruel soldiers, to save him, leaves the child to float in the waters of a river. The same child is then adopted by the most powerful family of the country, who ultimately return the baby back to her mother because he refuses all the other wet nurses… Each one of these events is a miracle in itself, demonstrating the ultimate perfection in the destiny decreed by Allah. For believers, every detail of one's destiny eventually turns out to be a blessing. As can be seen in the above example, sometimes Allah prepares such blessings for us through the most unexpected circumstances.
 

THE PROPHET MOSES (PBUH) DEPARTS FROM EGYPT

In the Qur'an Allah relates the following event about the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) life:
He (Moses) entered the city at a time when its inhabitants were unaware and found two men fighting there—one from his party and the other from his enemy. The one from his party asked for his support against the other from his enemy. So Moses hit him, dealing him a fatal blow. He said, "This is part of satan's handiwork. He truly is an outright and misleading enemy." (Surat al-Qasas: 15)
The above mentioned event reveals to us a situation in which the Prophet Moses (pbuh) witnessed a fight involving a man from his own party, he sided with, smiting the other. Though he did not intend to kill him, the man died from the blow. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) realized he erred. The moral of this account is that, when a person is in the wrong, it is unjust to support him simply because he is from one's own party. In the Qur'an it is related that the Prophet Moses (pbuh) referred to his wrongful action, that is, his assumption of the superiority of the man from his own party, as "the satan's handiwork."
Indeed, the matter criticized here is one that has brought hatred and wars to mankind throughout history, and continues to do so till this day. Man's patriotic obsession towards his own family, tribe, comrades or race, and his rejection of what is just and right for that sake, have been the major cause of most of the conflicts and cruelty perpetrated in history.
Alerted by his conscience, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) promptly grasped that this sentiment was an evil from the influence of satan, and, accordingly, sought refuge from it in Allah and repented. In the following verses, we read of the exemplary and conscientious approach adopted by the Prophet Moses (pbuh):
He said, "My Lord, I have wronged myself. Forgive me." So He (Allah) forgave him. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. He said, "My Lord, because of Your blessing to me, I will never be a supporter of evildoers." (Surat al-Qasas: 16-17)
Morning found him in the city, fearful and on his guard. Then suddenly the man who had sought his help the day before, shouted for help from him again. Moses said to him, "You are clearly a misguided man." (Surat al-Qasas: 18)
As is related by the verses, aware that his safety was in jeopardy, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) spent the night on guard against any possible harm from Pharaoh and his people. The next day, the event related in the above verse took place; the man who asked the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) help the previous day came to him with a similar demand, this time against another man. The man hoped to receive Prophet Moses' (pbuh) help yet another time, based on the fact that he was from his own people. However, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) avoided repeating the same error. Aware that his companion was not in the right, he refused to help him. Immeadiately turning against the Prophet Moses (pbuh), this person who was the actual criminal, displayed his great depravity:
But when he was about to grab the man who was their common enemy, he said, "Moses! Do you want to kill me just as you killed a person yesterday? You only want to be a tyrant in the land; you do not want to be a reformer." (Surat al-Qasas: 19)
In any case, though committed unintentionally, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was considered a person who killed an Egyptian. Meanwhile, Pharaoh and the leading followers discussed the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) punishment, even the possibility of executing him. Someone who overheard the discussion came to warn the Prophet Moses (pbuh). Upon this warning, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) left Egypt:
A man came running from the furthest part of the city, saying, "Moses, the Council are conspiring to kill you, so leave! I am someone who brings you good advice." So he left there fearful and on his guard, saying, "My Lord, rescue me from the people of the wrongdoers!" (Surat al-Qasas: 20-21)
These facts about the life of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) give us some insight into  his superior morality and beautiful personality as well. It appears that he was rather an excitable man. After Allah's discourse with him, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) displayed an examplary morality that feared only from Allah, sought refuge only in Him and put his trust in Him. This is a very good example of how Allah strengthens one's character.
 

ENTRANCE INTO THE COUNTRY OF MIDIAN and HIS SETTLEMENT THERE

The Prophet Moses (pbuh) left behind Pharaoh and his people, and set off to Midian. (Midian is a region beyond the Sinai desert to the east of Egypt, corresponding to the southern end of Jordan today.)
At the water of Midian, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) encountered two women who could not water their flocks out of wanting to avoid other shepherds. But, as the verses of the Qur'an relate, outwardly, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) appeared as a highly decent and trustworthy person. Thus, the women did not hesitate to approach him. They explained that they had to graze their father's flocks for him since he was an old man, but that they couldn't because of the shepherds. Then, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) helped the women by leading their flock to the water::
When he arrived at the water of Midian, he found a crowd of people drawing water there. Standing apart from them, he found two women, holding back their sheep. He said, "What are you two doing here?" They said, "We cannot draw water until the shepherds have driven off their sheep. You see our father is a very old man." So he drew water for them... (Surat al-Qasas: 23-24)

The verses provide an example of the courteous and benevolent character of the Prophet Moses (pbuh); he approaches two strangers, helped them, and earned their respect. On the other hand, it is to be understood that the men, mentioned as "shepherds," effected an attitude entirely opposite to the manners of the Prophet Moses (pbuh). This is evident from the fact that the women apparently avoided them though they chose to talk to the Prophet Moses (pbuh). These men might have been untrustworthy in appearance. (Allah knows the truth.)

We may continue to conclude that a Muslim must carefully avoid the manners peculiar to the people mentioned here as "shepherds." Muslims should look to role models like the Prophet Moses (pbuh), who conducted himself kindly, decently and forthrightly. As the example of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) suggests, a Muslim must develop highly cultivated manners, and be trustworthy, qualities that should be immediately discernible in him.
We need also make note of the fact that the Prophet Moses (pbuh) is always of a temperament that exemplifies that wholehearted submission to Allah. Leaving everything dear to him in the land of Egypt where he had grown up, he had no idea whatsoever of what the future would hold for him. Though it was not known to him, Allah already predestined certain events for him. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) prayed the following:
…and then withdrew into the shade and said, "My Lord, I am truly in need of any good You have in store for me." (Surat al-Qasas: 24)

One's sincerity in one's prayer is evidence in one's grasp of the fact that Allah has the power to do anything, that all blessings and adversities come only from Him, and that one has no other helper or protector other than Allah. The Prophet Moses' (pbuh) prayer quoted in the above verse is the kind made in complete submission to Allah, by someone who has a full comprehension of this truth. Indeed, Allah answered the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) sincere prayer and opened His mercy to him.

The kindness the Prophet Moses (pbuh) had shown to the two women resulted in the start of a completely new life for him. While the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was resting, one of the women approached him to convey her father's invitation in appreciation for his help . Allah relates in the Qur'an as follows:
Then there came unto him one of the two women, walking shyly and said, "My father invites you so that he can reward you with a payment for drawing water for us." When he came to him and told him the whole story he said, "Have no fear, you have escaped from wrongdoing people." (Surat al-Qasas: 25)
The Prophet Moses (pbuh) prayed to our Lord sincerely, pleading for any good He would bestow on him. Allah answered his prayer and, following a threat against his life, guided him to the people who would help him and offer him security. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) was of a strong character, and person who was trusted because of his manners. Indeed, the women, despite being cautious against the shepherds, trusted the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and spoke to him. Furthermore one of the women asked her father to hire the Prophet Moses (pbuh) seeing as he was strong and trustworthy. This offer is related in the verses as follows
One of them said, "Hire him, father. The best person to hire is someone strong and trustworthy." (Surat al-Qasas: 26)
With these words, the woman explicitly expressed to her father that she found the Prophet Moses (pbuh) to be a reliable person. Convinced of his trustworthiness, the old man decided to wed his daughter to the Prophet Moses (pbuh). The recognizable decency of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was instrumental in his decision. Allah relates in the verses the proposal of the father of the women to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) as follows:

He said, "I would like to marry you to one of these two daughters of mine on condition that you work for me for eight full years. If you complete ten, that is up to you. I do not want to be hard on you. You will find me, Allah willing, to be one of the righteous." He (Moses) said, "That is agreed between me and you. Whichever of the two terms I fulfil, there will be no injustice done to me. Allah is Guardian over what we say." (Surat al-Qasas: 27-28)

The Prophet Moses (pbuh) accepted this proposal and began leading the rest of his life in Midian. Hence, Allah first delivered the Prophet Moses (pbuh) to safety, making the waters of the Nile carry him to the Palace of Pharaoh without drowning. Then, while his life was in danger in Egypt, He saved him a second time and led him to a peaceful life in Midian.

 

ARRIVAL AT THE VALLEY OF TUWA and THE FIRST REVELATION

The Prophet Moses (pbuh) honoured the agreement and stayed in Midian for many years. At the end of the appointed time, that is, when the agreement had come to termination, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and his family left Midian. On their journey, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) saw a fire in the distance, on the side of the Mount Sinai, which he was passing by with his family. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) thought he could bring a brand from the fire to warm up or to gather some information from it. Allah relates in the verses  thus:
When Moses had fulfilled the appointed term and had set off with his family, he noticed a fire from one side of the Mount. He said to his family, "Stay here, I can see a fire. Hopefully I will bring you back some news from it or a burning branch from the fire so that you will be able to warm yourselves." (Surat al-Qasas: 29)

When Moses said to his household, "I can make out a fire. I will bring you news from it or at least a burning brand so that hopefully you will be able to warm yourselves." (Surat an-Naml: 7)

When he saw a fire and said to his family, "Wait here. I can make out a fire. Maybe I will bring you a brand from it, or will find guidance there." (Surah Ta-Ha: 10)

This event is indicative of yet another facet of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) exemplary character. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) is a very attentive person, who carefully assesses everything happening around him. He knows Allah ordains all events according to a specific destiny and through Divine reason. His noticing a fire on a mountain, and his assessing the situation, is a condition of mind peculiar to a vigilant believer. His decision to go alone, leaving his family behind to ensure their security, is also exemplary of the wisdom granted to him by Allah.

ALLAH'S DISCOURSE WITH THE PROPHET MOSES (PBUH)

When the Prophet Moses (pbuh) went up to the fire on the mountain, he encountered a miracle. He was addressed by Allah from a bush. There, he received the first revelations, stated in the Qur'an as follows:
But when he reached it a voice called out to him from the right hand side of the valley in the part which was full of blessing, from out of the bush: "Moses, I am Allah, the Lord of all the worlds." (Surat al-Qasas: 30)

Then when he reached it, a voice called out, "Moses! I am your Lord. Take off your sandals. You are in the holy valley of Tuwa. I have chosen you, so listen well to what is revealed. I am Allah. There is no god but Me, so worship Me and establish prayer to remember Me." (Surah Ta-Ha: 11-14)

This was the first revelation the Prophet Moses (pbuh) received, honouring him as Allah's messenger, the highest rank that a human can attain in this world.

An important issue deserves attention here; Allah addresses the Prophet Moses (pbuh) ... Allah had called onto the Prophet Moses (pbuh) from a tree. Allah was close enough to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) as to address him directly. The truth however is, Allah is always close enough to address anybody. For instance, as you read these lines, Allah is close to you. He is close enough to speak to you, to hear your voice and make you hear His voice. He is always close enough to hear our every word. He can hear us even if we whisper.
Allah relates this fact in the Qur'an as "We are nearer to him than his jugular vein." (Surah Qaf: 16) After telling the Prophet Moses (pbuh) that the voice he hears belongs to our Lord, Allah asked him about his staff:
"What is that in your right hand, Moses?" He said, "It is my staff. I lean on it and beat down leaves for my sheep with it and have other uses for it." (Surah Ta-Ha: 17-18)
No doubt Allah had known what the Prophet Moses (pbuh) held in his hand. However, to edify the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and make known His wisdom to him, Allah asked him to throw down his staff:

"Throw down your staff." Then when he saw it slithering like a snake he turned and fled and did not turn back again... (Surat an-Naml: 10)

When the Prophet Moses (pbuh) saw his familiar staff turned into a snake, he was seized with fear. However, this event was created to be a lesson by which Allah taught the Prophet Moses (pbuh) to feel no fear except for Him, and to submit to no one other than Him:

…"Have no fear, Moses. In My Presence the Messengers have no fear." (Surat an-Naml: 10)

He said, "Take hold of it and have no fear. We will return it to its original form." (Surah Ta-Ha: 21)

In compliance with the command, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) picked up his staff. This staff would later become a miracle used against Pharaoh. Thereafter, Allah gave the Prophet Moses (pbuh) a second miracle:

Put your hand inside your shirt front. It will emerge pure white yet quite unharmed… (Surat al-Qasas: 32)

As the verse above relates, the second miracle Allah granted to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) is the emergence of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) hand pure white, as a miracle from Allah. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) became excited and felt frightened by these things. However Allah commanded him not to fear and go forth with these miracles to Pharaoh:

…And hug your arms to your sides to still your fear. These are two proofs from your Lord for Pharaoh and his ruling circle. They are a deviant people. (Surat al-Qasas:32)
 

THE PROPHET MOSES (PBUH) REQUESTS THE PROPHET AARON (PBUH) AS A COMPANION

The Prophet Moses' (pbuh) answers to the revelations from Allah are replete with numerous examples of his sincerity. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) told Allah frankly that he was hesitant and asked for His guidance. For instance, he expressed his concern that he might be killed by an Egyptian seeking vengeance, for having killed another Egyptian. He also stated that he was concerned of his inability to express himself fluently, fearing not being able to address Pharaoh properly. That is why he asked for the Prophet Aaron (pbuh), his brother, who was better at speaking, to accompany him. The related verses read:
He said, "My Lord, I killed one of them and I am afraid they will kill me; and my brother Aaron is more eloquent than me so send him with me to support me and back me up. I am afraid they will call me a liar." (Surat al-Qasas: 33-34)
"My brother Aaron. Strengthen my back by him and let him share in my task, so that we can glorify You much and remember You much."(Surah Ta-Ha: 30-34)
Therefore, we should understand that the other wisdom why the Prophet Moses (pbuh) asked for the Prophet Aaron (pbuh) as companion was to help him better remember Allah. He thought the company of another person would make him glorify Him more. Indeed, the company of other believers and their mutual spiritual encouragement are essential in warding off heedlessness, for which reason, in many verses of the Qur'an, Allah admonishes the believers to remain together. This is another lesson believers must draw from the story of the Prophet Moses (pbuh).
The Prophet Moses' (pbuh) requests were granted by Allah. Allah declared that the Prophet Aaron (pbuh) had been allowed to accompany the Prophet Moses (pbuh) in order to support him in his mission to Pharaoh as well as to give him strength:
He (Allah) said, "We will reinforce you with your brother and by Our Signs will give you both authority, so that they will not be able to lay a hand on you. You and those who follow you will be the victors." (Surat al-Qasas: 35)
In another verse  Allah conveys the same event as follows:
He said, "O Lord, expand my breast for me and make my task easy for me. Loosen the knot in my tongue so that they will understand my words. Assign me a helper from my family." (Surah Ta-Ha: 25-29)
(Moses said,) "For You are watching us." He (Allah) said, "Your request has been granted, Moses." (Surah Ta-Ha: 35-36)

When we consider the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) requests, we see that he disclosed all his requests candidly to Allah, and that he prayed and pleaded for Allah's guidance. The sincerity of his prayer is an example for all people. A human should pray humbly to Allah with sincerity, aware that he is weak and destitute before the Presence of Allah, Who holds everything under His total control. Allah knows everything and witnesses every deed a human engages in. Further, He knows inner thoughts of man. This being the case, there is no need to conceal anything from Allah.

To conclude, every one needs to turn to Allah, with the sincerity and candour that he would otherwise not show to other human beings.

THE STORY OF THE PROPHET MOSES (PBUH) and THE MYSTERY OF DESTINY

 

On Mount Sinai, Allah gave the Prophet Moses (pbuh) the good tidings that He would grant him his brother, the ProphetAaron (pbuh) as a companion. Then, Allah reminded the Prophet Moses (pbuh) the blessings He previously granted to him:
We were gracious to you another time when We revealed to your mother: "Place him into the chest and throw it into the sea and the sea will wash it up on the shore, where an enemy of Mine and his will pick it up." I showered you with love from Me so that you would be brought up under My supervision. When your sister went and said, "Shall I direct you to someone who will take care of him?" that was how We returned you to your mother so that she might delight her eyes and not be grieved. You killed a man and We rescued you from trouble and tested you with many trials. You stayed some years among the people of Midian. Then you arrived at the pre-ordained time, Moses! I have chosen you for Myself. (Surah Ta-Ha: 37-41)

These verses reveal the mystery of destiny, of which many a people are unaware or hardly understand. From his babyhood to the time he was chosen as a messenger, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) spent every moment of his life in line with what was predestined for him in the eternal past. Every detail within this destiny is Allah's will. For instance, as stated earlier, thousands of minute details ordained by Allah in the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) destiny rendered possible the arrival of the chest to the family of Pharaoh.

It is also possible to see the extent to which the latter stages of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) life were within the confines of his destiny. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) became involved in a fight, left the city and headed to Midian, where he encountered two women. These women could not water their flocks because they avoided shepherds. Upon this situation, they asked for help from the Prophet Moses (pbuh). The Prophet Moses (pbuh) earned the trust of these women, and in return for his kindness, started a new life in Midian upon the proposal of their father. When the appointed time came, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) left Midian with his family. On his way back, he saw a fire where he was addressed by Allah and chosen to be Allah's Messenger.
The chest carrying the baby the Prophet Moses (pbuh) floating randomly down the Nile, his being picked up by Pharaoh's family, his being raised in the palace, the unintentional murder he committed, his departure from Egypt, his encounter with the two women, the many years spent with them, the way he started a family, the journey back to Egypt, Allah's address to him, and countless other details he experienced during this time all happened according to the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) destiny, already ordained before his birth. Not a single one of these events could have been omitted or have occurred differently. Because, our lives are similar to a film recorded in a video-cassette; it is impossible to remove even a single scene in one's destiny, just as how it cannot be done with a scene on a filmstrip. The destiny of a man, with each and every moment in it, is an intact whole.
Also in the verses, Allah mentions of the fact that the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) journey to the holy valley of Tuwa was in conformity with his destiny:
…Then you arrived at the pre-ordained time, Moses! (Surah Ta-Ha: 40)
This matter needs to be given special attention. The destiny referred here is not peculiar to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) only. Giving birth to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was part of the destiny of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother. That she would give birth to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) at a certain day, and even at a certain hour, was also part of her destiny. But the mother of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) had parents as well. It was also their destiny to be the parents of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) mother. This line of thought also holds true for the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) father and for the rest of his family.
The carpenter who made the chest which carried the Prophet Moses (pbuh) down the river also constructed it because he was predestined so in his destiny. His building of that chest was predestined for him even before he was born. The parents of this carpenter also led their lives in compliance with a certain destiny.

Let us consider the fight the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was involved in. This fight took place on just the moment the Prophet Moses (pbuh) happened to be there. From a simplistic point of view, one could say, "If it was to happen at a different time the  Prophet Moses (pbuh) would not have been there and events could have taken a much different course." However this would be an incorrect evaluation. The fight took place just at the moment it was supposed to occur and evolved in the way it had to evolve. The reason being, this fight was also predestined by Allah. The same rule of destiny also holds true for the other parties involved in the fight, the reasons which led to the fight, as well as the man who advised the Prophet Moses (pbuh) to leave the city, advising him that people were conspiring against him. Ultimately, the shepherds near the Midian river, as well as the two women the Prophet Moses (pbuh) encountered, had all constituted indispensable parts of this destiny.    

To fully grasp the fact that everything takes place within the decree predetermined by Allah is an important matter. The Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and grant him peace), in whom there is an excellent example for all believers, said:

If any adversity comes to you, do not say: "If I had only acted in such-and-such a way, it would have been such-and-such;" but instead, say: "Allah has decreed (it) and what He willed, He has done," for verily, (the word) (if) opens the way for the work of satan." (Muslim)

When all these points are considered together, it becomes clear that, not only the Prophet Moses (pbuh), but also everything about his life, formed part of his destiny. A deeper and more detailed consideration would allow us to understand that we are all parts of the same destiny. In our own lives, we are also exposed to events predetermined in the eternal past by the all-mighty Allah. We were all bound by a destiny ordained for us. The moment of our death will also be a part of the same destiny. Destiny is, in reality, a Divine knowledge encompassing the whole of existence. Just as how all the details of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) life, including his becoming a messenger, were predestined for him, all the details pertaining to the lives of all mankind, as well as your own lives, are all predestined. Furthermore, that you would read this book and become knowledgeable about the life of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) were all predestined at Allah's Sight for you long before the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was born. Destiny is an entirety in itself and covers everything. Immune to the will of any being other than of Allah, destiny is only determined by Him. (For more information please refer to Timelessness and the Reality of Fate and Eternity Has Already Begun by Harun Yahya).

CONVEYING THE MESSAGE TO PHARAOH and THE PROPER MANNER TO COMMUNICATE IT

    

Prior to their visit to Pharaoh, Allah warned the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Prophet Aaron (pbuh), and reminded them to always remember Him, and to never slacken in remembering Him:
"Go, you and your brother, with My Signs and do not slacken in remembering Me." (Surah Ta-Ha: 42)

Allah commanded the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Prophet Aaron (pbuh) to go to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. Allah explained to them that Pharaoh was arrogant and contentious, but nevertheless, He commanded them to adopt a gentle manner in communicating His message to him:       

"Go to Pharaoh; he has overstepped the bounds. But speak to him with gentle words so that hopefully he will pay heed or show some fear." (Surah Ta-Ha: 43-44 )
As stressed in the verses above, using gracious language is a highly effective approach that should always be adopted while communicating the religion. In many verses of the Qur'an, the importance of choosing kind words is stressed as a general rule. In fact, Allah commands man to speak gently even when the one he is conversing with is arrogant, making evident the clear importance of using such a manner in communicating the message of Allah.
Upon this command of Allah, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) once more candidly expressed the fear he felt in his heart. He told Allah about his concern, that is, being killed by Pharaoh:
They said, "Our Lord, we are afraid that he might persecute us or overstep the bounds." (Surah Ta-Ha: 45)
He (Moses) said, "My Lord, I killed one of them and I am afraid they will kill me." (Surat al-Qasas: 33)
Here, Allah once again reminded the Prophet Moses (pbuh) that He was with him, seeing and hearing everything he did. Furthermore, Allah commanded the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Prophet Aaron (pbuh) to go to Pharaoh and ask him to let Children of Israel go:
Go to him and say, "We are your Lord's Messengers so send the tribe of Israel away with us and do not punish them. We have brought you a Sign from your Lord. Peace be upon those who follow the guidance." (Surah Ta-Ha: 47)
It is worth noting that it is not only Pharaoh who was being tested here. It was a trial for the Prophet Moses (pbuh) as well. The Prophet Moses (pbuh) feared the possibility of being killed by Pharaoh. However, what Allah demanded from the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was more than a mere visit to Pharaoh; the Prophet Moses (pbuh) would go and ask Pharaoh to let all the  Children of Israel leave away with him. Going before the indisputable ruler of the land, to whom the whole nation submitted like a deity (Allah is beyond that), was certainly seemingly a very hazardous task according to the conditions of the time. Even more dangerous was telling Pharaoh explicitly that he was on the wrong path, and then to ask him to give freedom to an enslaved nation, that is, to the Children of Israel. Nevertheless, aware that they were under the total protection of Allah, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Prophet Aaron (pbuh) pursued their task with the assurance and ease our Lord bestowed upon them. Allah reminded them of this truth, commanding them not to fear:

He (Allah) said, "Have no fear. I will be with you, All-Hearing and All-Seeing." (Surah Ta-Ha: 46)

 

THE CORRUPTED REASONING OF PHARAOH

On Mount Sinai, together with the revelation, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was bestowed with great wisdom from our Lord. There, Allah enlightened the Prophet Moses (pbuh) on two subjects especially: destiny and putting one's trust in Allah. Allah inspired the Prophet Moses (pbuh) that his entire life had been within the confines of a certain destiny, and had pursued his journey in line with that destiny. Also, Allah revealed him that he should not fear Pharaoh, but put his trust in our Lord because Allah is with him, sees him, and helps him. As Allah relates in the Qur'an, with this awareness, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Prophet Aaron (pbuh) had gone to Pharaoh and his inner circle, referred to in the Qur'an as "a people of evildoers":
Then after them We sent Moses and Aaron with Our Signs to Pharaoh and his ruling circle, but they were arrogant and were a people of evildoers. (Surah Yunus: 75)
The dialogue between the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and Pharaoh is related in the Qur'an. A close examination of the answers Pharaoh gave to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) discloses his highly unreasonable and irrational way of thinking. From what he said, we understand that, rather than considering the words of the Prophet Moses (pbuh), he witlessly sought to defeat him and denounce him. Surely this was an end he could never attain. To this purpose, Pharaoh tried to win over the people around him or impose his crooked rationale on others. The dialogue between the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and Pharaoh was as follows:
Pharaoh said, "Who then is your Lord, Moses?"
He said, "Our Lord is He Who gives each thing its created form and then guides it."
He (Pharaoh) said, "What about the previous generations?"
He said, "Knowledge of them is with my Lord in a Book. My Lord does not misplace nor does He forget."
It is He Who made the earth a cradle for you and threaded pathways for you through it and sent down water from the sky by which We have brought forth various different types of plants. Eat and pasture your cattle. Certainly there are Signs in that for men of understanding. From it We created you, to it We will return you, and from it We will bring you forth a second time. (Surah Ta-Ha: 49-55)
Rather than evaluating this message with a sound mind and clear conscience, Pharaoh and his inner circle assessed it based on their accustomed way of thinking, founded on the deviant religion of their ancestors. According to their superstitious beliefs, Pharaoh was a deity (Allah is beyond that), far from admitting the idea of the existence of Allah:
But when Moses brought them Our Clear Signs they said, "This is nothing but trumped-up magic. We never heard anything like this among our earlier forefathers." (Surat al-Qasas: 36)
As the above verse makes clear, Pharaoh's people were deluded to think the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) intention in proclaiming the existence and unity of Allah, was to seize power in the land, by abolishing the perverted religion inherited from their ancestors. The perverted religion entitled Pharaoh and his inner circle to obvious advantages, and the change of this perverted religion implied a loss of power for Pharaoh and the shift of authority to the Prophet Moses (pbuh). They considered the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the religion revealed to him by our Lord with this deviant viewpoint  and believed that the Prophet Moses (pbuh) had simply come to oppress the people, just as Pharaoh had. This narrow understanding of theirs is best expressed in the answer of Pharaoh and his inner circle offered to the The Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Prophet Aaron (pbuh). Allah reveals as follows in the related verse:
They said, "Have you come to us to turn us from what we found our fathers doing, and to gain greatness in the land? We do not believe you." (Surah Yunus: 78)
However, as Allah relates in the verse, the accusation expressed in the words "Have you come to us to gain greatness in the land" by Pharaoh and his followers was merely an insincerely motivated attempt at slander. The Prophet Moses' (pbuh) intention was far from desiring to rule Egypt; he had only asked Pharaoh to send the tribe of Israel away with him. The Prophet Moses' (pbuh) request was the release of the Children of Israel, an enslaved nation who had been living under grief-ridden conditions:
Moses said, "Pharaoh! I am truly a Messenger from the Lord of all the worlds, duty bound to say nothing about Allah except the truth. I have come to you with a Clear Sign from your Lord. So send the tribe of Israel away with me." (Surat al-Araf: 104-105)
Nonetheless, Pharaoh, denying his request, tried various other methods against the Prophet Moses (pbuh). By reminding the Prophet Moses (pbuh) of how he had been brought up in his palace, he was attempting to remind him of the loyalty he owed to him and, with his foolish mind, to allegedly humiliate him in the eyes of his inner circle. Furthermore, with his shallow mentality, he tried to coerce him by mention of the Egyptian man he unintentionally killed. The Prophet Moses' (pbuh) response to all such mistreatment was one particular to a true believer, who unconditionally submits to his destiny, and has a full grasp of its implications. Allah tells in the related verse of the Qur'an as follows:
He (Pharaoh) said, "Did we not bring you up among us as a child and did you not spend many years of your life among us? Yet you committed the deed you did and were ungrateful."

He (Moses) said, "At the time I did it I was one of the misguided and so I fled from you when I was in fear of you but my Lord gave me right judgement and made me one of the Messengers." (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 18-21)

The Prophet Moses (pbuh) explained to Pharaoh that his growing up in the palace was not a favor but a result of his cruel oppression. Allah relates in the Qur'an thus:
And anyway you can only reproach me with this favour because you made the tribe of Israel into slaves! (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 22)
Despite any hesitation he may have previously felt, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) delivered the message fearlessly and forthrightly to Pharaoh and his circle of rulers, mindful that Allah had reminded him of His companionship. Pharaoh first asked the Prophet Moses (pbuh) about our Lord:
Pharaoh said, "What is the Lord of all the worlds?'
He (Moses) said, 'The Lord of the heavens and the earth and everything between them if you knew for sure."
He (Pharaoh) said to those around him, "Are you listening?"
He (Moses) said, "Your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers, the previous peoples." (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 23-26)
In his response, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was explaining that the religion of Pharaoh's ancestors was invalid since they were also transgressors. Allah was the Lord of those ancestors as well. Having nothing to say in reply, with his shallow mentality, Pharaoh resorted to slandering and threatening the Prophet Moses (pbuh) in order to intimidate him:
He (Pharaoh) said, "This Messenger, who has been sent to you, is mad."
He (Moses) said, "Your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers, the previous peoples." (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 23-26)
In his response, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was explaining that the religion of Pharaoh's ancestors was invalid since they were also transgressors. Allah was the Lord of those ancestors as well. Having nothing to say in reply, with his shallow mentality, Pharaoh resorted to slandering and threatening the Prophet Moses (pbuh) in order to intimidate him:
He (PharaHe (Pharaoh) said, "This Messenger, who has been sent to you, is mad." oh) said, "If you take any god other than me, I will certainly throw you into prison." (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 27-29)
He (Moses) said, "The Lord of the East and the West and everything between them if you used your intellect."
He (Pharaoh) said, "If you take any god other than me, I will certainly throw you into prison." (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 27-29)
As is evident, the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) concise explanations and clear evidence clearly defeated Pharaoh. This led him to accuse the Prophet Moses (pbuh) with the slander of being allegedly insane. Here, Pharaoh's primary concern was to try to counteract the powerful influence the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was having on the people. The forthright and convincing manner of the Prophet Moses' (pbuh) speech infuriated Pharaoh. Ultimately, he threatened the Prophet Moses (pbuh) with imprisonment if he continued denying his divinity (Allah is beyond that). This action was merely another manifestation of Pharaoh's cruel character.
At this point, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) declared that he had come with signs proving his prophecy, and performed the two miracles granted to him by Allah:
He (Moses) said, "Even if I were to bring you something undeniable?"
He (Pharaoh) said, "Produce it then if you are someone telling the truth."
So he threw down his staff and there it was, unmistakably a serpent. And he drew out his hand and there it was, pure white to those who looked. (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 30-33)
Pharaoh, and his inner circle, witnessing the two great miracles of Allah performed by the hand of the Prophet Moses (pbuh), thought with a grave foolishness they could have been possible only through sorcery. In order to refuse being impressed by these miracles, they inspired each other to think in the following way:
He (Pharaoh) said to the High Council round about him, "This certainly is a skilled magician who desires by his magic to expel you from your land, so what do you recommend?" (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 34-35)
The mentality exemplified here is typical of those who deny the truth. In many stories related in the Qur'an, there are numerous examples of similar people and their responses evidencing a flawed rationale. This condition of mind, blindly committed to following the faith of their ancestors, and rejecting the truth despite clear signs, was not particular only to Pharaoh and his inner circle. Throughout history, deniers similarly always sought a so-called way out. Allah conveys the distorted mindset of the arrogant in the Qur'an as follows:
I will divert from My Signs all those who are arrogant in the earth without any right. If they see every Sign, they will not believe in it. If they see the way of right guidance, they will not take it as a way. But if they see the way of error, they will take that as a way… (Surat al-A'raf: 146)
Pharaoh and his inner circle clearly preferred taking the route of denial and evil rather than choosing to be rightly guided. Despite these miracles, they decided to defy the Prophet Moses (pbuh). Surely for Pharaoh and his inner circle, this was a struggle lost from the very first beginning. To this purpose, they, with their shallow mindset,sought out in their own way so-called opponents to the Prophet Moses (pbuh), who they accused of being a "magician":
They said, "Detain him and his brother and send out marshals to the cities, to bring you all the skilled magicians." (Surat al-A'raf: 111-112)
Pharaoh claimed the miracles of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) were a magician's tricks, and according to his shallow mindset believed that they could be undone by his own magicians. Therefore, he could allegedly defeat the Prophet Moses (pbuh) to regain his leverage. In reality, however, they were doomed to an all-out defeat by Allah. Moreover, their defeat came from the least expected source.
Their shallow mentality fooled them into being certain of their ultimate victory. Thusthey allowed the Prophet Moses (pbuh) to appoint the time and place for the confrontation:
He said, "Have you come to us to expel us from our land by means of your magic, Moses? We will bring you magic to match it. So fix a time between us and you which neither we nor you will fail to keep at a place where we can meet halfway."
He (Moses) said, "Your time is the day of the festival. The people should gather in the morning." (Surah Ta-Ha: 57-59)
The Prophet Moses (pbuh) chose "the day of the festival" so that all the people could witness the encounter. There was  a superior wisdom in this choice. In this way, all the people would hear the message of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and witness the defeat of Pharaoh and his magicians. Pharaoh accepted the appointed time. The related verses read:

So Pharaoh went away and concocted his scheme and then he arrived.

Moses said to them, "Woe to you! Do not fabricate lies against Allah or He will annihilate you with His punishment. Fabricators of lies are bound to fail."
They argued among themselves about the matter and had a secret conference.
They said, "These two magicians desire by their magic to expel you from your land and abolish your most excellent way of life, so decide on your scheme and then arrive together in force. He who gains the upper hand today will definitely prosper." (Surah Ta-Ha: 60-64)

SIGNS TO THE END TIMES FROM THE STORY OF THE PROPHET MOSES (PBUH)

Adnan Oktar: It is stated in Surah Ta-Ha: "Grasp it and fear not. We shall return it to its former state.", referring to his (the Prophet Moses (pbuh)) scepter. That is, Allah inspires the Prophet Moses (pbuh) not to fear. Those were uneasy times. As you already know, Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) and the Prophet Moses (pbuh) are alike in this respect; that is there will always be an atmosphere of dreadful events but Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will have courage. It is also stated: "And thrust your hand within your armpit, it will come forth white without hurt." (That will be) another token. A white hand is focused attention on in the End Times. "...And that hand, which belongs to Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), people will see from where they sit.", "Insha'Allah, he (Hazrat Mahdi [pbuh]) will emerge in the night and people will see him from where they sit."

Presenter : The only ways for them to see him from where they sit are Internet and television.

Adnan Oktar: He (the Prophet Moses [pbuh]) says: "Oh my Lord, open up my chest" which should be interpreted as he (the Prophet Moses [pbuh]) gets palpitation when he is anxious and prays Allah to relieve him. He also stammers and pleads help from Allah saying: "...Ease my duty and help me find my tongue" and "Employ my brother Aaron as my aide". By saying this he implies that he needs somebody (the Prophet Aaron (pbuh) in this case) to help and take over the speech when he gets excited and stammer. Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) shares this characteristic feature, I mean he also stammers when he gets anxious. "He taps his left lap with his right hand". This is what is actually meant here. It is not necessarily literal but metaphorical in a sense that it is implied that Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh), like the Prophet Moses (pbuh), stammers when excited. "for You are watching us." says the Prophet Moses (pbuh), meaning Allah sees us in every possible way. "The Hour is approaching, without a doubt". Here the End Times are emphasized again. "I will virtually conceal the time when it (The Hour) will happen" says Allah. By saying this it is implied that it will be disclosed when the appropriate time comes. We understand from prophet's hadith pertaining to 7000 years and other hadith that "The Hour" will eventually happen.

"Tuck him in the ark and cast him on the water thus stream set him on the banks of Nile". There is an indicant for Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) in this verse. Therefore he will emerge somewhere around a body of water or a coast. All this could not be mentioned about in the Quran vainly. It has mystery, a holy secret. There is a wisdom. In the Solomon parable, for instance, or Dhu'l Qarnayn (pbuh)   parable and in the Surat al-Kahf there is always a wisdom. "I cast a love from My inner being upon you that you to be grown up before My eyes". First off all people will flee from Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) but later on he will be much loved. How is that hadith?

Oktar Babuna: "Like the sheeps fleeing from their shepherd."

Adnan Oktar:Yes, people will flee. "Thus we drove you back to your mother". It says to your "mother" not father as he has no father but only a mother. Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will also have no father, that is his father will have died while he is very young. Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) is an orphan. "...Thus we drove you back to your mother that she would be happy and be not sad". This means that his (the Prophet Moses' [pbuh]) mother may be sad like that. This is also a token. "You and your brother (referring to Jesus (pbuh) and Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) implying that they are brothers) go with my miracles (ayat); go to the Pharaoh for he is corrupted". Who is the current pharaoh? Darwinism and materialism. "Speak to him (Pharaoh) clemently for it is hoped that he gets the monition, think and may fear," that is to say it is advised that they should speak mercifully and clemently and avoid speaking harshly. A Muslim does not speak defamatory but clemently. It is said: "It is hoped that he gets the monition". It is very dangerous to humiliate a man. You should not think that you have subdued him but consider yourselves as conducers of Allah's will instead. "...And he may fear". That is he fears of Allah. He emphasizes again: "He said: Fear not for I am with you, I see and I hear". This is also a token indicating the End Times. In the atmosphere of fear Muslims shall fear nothing but Allah. "He said: Our Lord is the One Who is the Creator of all". Pharaoh asks first: "O' Moses ! Who is your Lord?" "He said: Our Lord is the Creator of all". What does he mention and explain first? The Creation. Explaining the Creation is what we do. That is why they call us "Creationists". He says: "Our Allah is the One Who created all and then showed the right path". Then he explained the religion which is "the right path". "...And the Pharaoh asked:", pay close attention for it is so important, "What about the first generations of the ancient times?". He refers to the first humans and asks how were they created. Those people whom Darwinists call "cavemen" were a concern for Pharaoh as well; they had the opinion that is close to that Darwinists' ideology. He (Pharaoh) produces some evidence and asks him (the Prophet Moses [pbuh]) to explain how they were created. They, the ancient Egyptians, also believed that humankind evolved from those primitive beings, that is they first emerged from the sludges of the Nile and then evolved from being primitive to an advanced form. This is the first thing that evolutionist of those times talks about with the Prophet Moses (pbuh). He talks about the Creation and his first question is: "How were those generations of the ancient times created?" He asks the Prophet Moses (pbuh) to explain this to him. "He said", thus answers the Prophet Moses (pbuh), "This is written in a Book which lays at the Sight of my Lord". Surely the first meaning of the verse is that it is determined in Allah's Sight, everything is created by Allah. Allah created them also. All the humanity was created as it is written in their destiny and they are in the form what their destiny dictates. But it is also implied metaphorically that answer to this question is written in a Book which is in Allah's Sight. A Book. It might be any book that will be emerged in the End Times or any book that has been already written. That might be any book that informs Darwinists about Him (Allah). It, insha'Allah also indicates this. Its denotative meaning. But this is its primary meaning. "My  Lord never confuses and forgets". They say everything is a cosequence of coincidences, but Allah reveals that there are no coincidences. "My Lord never confuses and forgets", he says, "...That he (Allah) rendered the earth into a cradle for you." He, this time, mentions about the Creation of the earth and the universe. What do we do? We explain the Big Bang, the Creation of the universe. Look, all the prophets explain the Creation and how universe was created to persuade them about what they are obsessed with. "He paved paths and brought down water from above for you". That is: everything was created by Allah. "Thus we created all kinds of plants and couples". This time he mentions about the Creation of the plants. "...And couples...". With "couples" he means that all the plants were created as couples. Biology has just figured it out that all the plants are created in couples, has it not? They just discovered the existence of the anther and the pistil. "Eat them and graze your stocks; these are, without a doubt, miracles for those who have wit". He (Allah) says that there are miracles for those who has the ability to think rationally. He says: "Eat", drawing attention to all the blessings, fruits, vegetables... "graze your stocks" He says, mentioning about the plants and the beasts this time. All the goats, sheeps... all of them, implying take care of what Allah has bestowed. "There are, without a doubt, miracles in this for those who have wit". "We created you from it, meaning the earth, the soil, and We will give you back to it". He mentions about the death now. "You will be resurrected" He says implying all the deceased will be resurrected to pass over to the Hereafter. "I swear", He (Allah) says, "We revealed all our miracles (ayat) but he denied them and obstinated." What do they do now? They deny and obstinate as well. "He (Pharaoh) said: O' Moses , did you come over to evacuate us from our land with your magic?". He, this time, accuses him (the Prophet Moses [pbuh]) with political offence when he is up against a wall. He accuses him of starting a gang. He concerns about his intentions that, he believed, is to form an organization to overthrow the state and injuring them. "O Moses , you cast your spell on us" he says. That is, all you are trying to do is a lie. He tries to pyschologically take him under pressure by using nationalistic terms. He employs forgery and says: "You are here to drive us out of our lands". He says: "You will bring damage to us, overthrow our state and collapse our system? You are here to give harm to us." And they say: "Therefore we will come back with a similar magic". Is this not the case we face now? They come forward with made-up explanations as well. "Determine a meeting point now. A broad, plain place that we and you would not object." What are we doing now? We discuss all this on television, just before the public eye. Look at what the verse says: "A broad place that we and you would not object". Why broad? For all the public to hear. "Moses said: Let us meet on a festive day and at the midmorning when people gather around". He recommends to meet at a time when it is most crowded. He intends to address the largest possible audience. "Thus the Pharaoh turned away just to pull his corrupt order together and get back". That is, he summons his men, professors, associate professors of the time. "Moses said: Shame on you! Do not lie to Allah and make up blasphemies for he would eradicate you with great torment". He implies that Allah would give them a catastrophe in a form of, say, economic crisis or else. It can be anything, is it not? "Those who lie have eradicated eventually" says the Prophet Moses (pbuh). "They then started to discuss their current status and hold confidential sessions". This is unmistakably a masonic methodology. Behold that the elites have already started to discuss and organize secret sessions. The most prominent feature of the freemasonry is their secrecy. Discretion and secrecy. Pharaoh was the freemason of the ancient times. We can see all of the masonic symbols and icon on their relics. Pharaoh was the freemason of that times; he is the master freemason indeed. "They said: They are (Moses and Aaron) are just two magicians". They initiate a propaganda against them. Media of that time hypes the public by spreading words like: "They want to drive you out of your land with their magic". Such a slander it is. They think that this is the most effective way to provocate the people. They say: "They will drive you out of your land, deprive you of your people and eradicate you all." "...And they want to terminate your religion, your path". What would that hodja in Istanbul say to Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh)?

Presenter : Yes, he would say: "He (Hazrat Mahdi [pbuh]) devastates our religion, leads us to disbelief."

Adnan Oktar:And what he (Pharaoh) says? They want to abolish your religion and make you stray out of the path. This is the same addressing form that would be directed at Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh). Times change, but events remain the same. The Divine practice of Allah never changes, it remains unchanged: "Therefore gather your traps". Look they set traps for Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) to fall into. They did it to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) in that time. "...And then come as masses". The Prophet Moses (pbuh) challenges them by saying: "Gather your traps and then come as masses, by fives, by tens... all of you as you are". "Those who outnumber today will really be salvaged". They challenge him and that is why it is said: "Gather your traps and then come as masses; those who outnumber today will really be salvaged". "O Moses !", they said, "Throw your scepter first or we will...", that is to say, you initiate the discussion and offer your argument or we will... Look, they first set their trick upon them. "He said: No, Insha'Allah, you throw yours first!" but then their ropes and scepters appeared to be running to him because of their magic. That is what Darwinists produced as evidence to make people believe it to be true. But they are essentially sketches that are called "reconstruction"; completely imaginary sketches. "They appeared to be running to him". "For that reason the Prophet Moses (pbuh) felt a soaring fear within himself", that is, he thinks how he could create something like those. "Fear not!", says Allah, "Fear not as you will prevail". Hazrat Mahdi (pbuh) will also absolutely prevail. "Throw what you grasp with your right hand and it will devour what they created. Because what they created is only a magician's trick and a magician can not escape no matter what he does". And what he (the Prophet Moses [pbuh]) proves when he throws what he grasps with his right hand is the Creation beacuse his scepter animates momentarily and devours their inventions. A scepter becomes a snake, meaning there is no evolution. They see that there is no evolution, do they not? Vide: "Because what they created is only a magician's trick and no magician can ever escape no matter what he does. And all the magicians prostrated". "They said: We believe in Moses and Aaron's Lord". They say that they have faith in the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and Aaron's Lord now, that is, they are convinced that they are the prophets of Allah and what they brought is the righteous religion. "Pharaoh said: So you believed them without my permission, did you?" They were the alleged Ergenekon Organization of that time. He was the Pharaoh and dajjal (antichrist) of that time. He wants to be asked permission to have faith, can you imagine that? Who do you think you are to say this, you blackguard?

"He (the Prophet Moses [pbuh]) is, without doubt, your senior who taught you the magic". So they try to humiliate the Prophet Moses (pbuh). He says: "He taught you the magic" and accuses the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and others of magic and claims that what they did was nothing but a lie. "Therefore I will dismember you crosswise" exactly the same way as this alleged Ergenekon Organization's torture methods. "I will cut and hang you from palm trees". "Thus you will learn whose wrath is greater and permanent". That is, Allah may forbid, he compares his power with Allah's. "They said: With the strong evidence that has been given us...". We offer strong evidence right now, do we not? "...And we would never prefer you to our Creator". They defy and say: "We would never follow you".

"Reign if you can, go ahead and reign!". They challenge him to do his best and say: "You can only reign this mortal world and nothing more". You can only martyr us which we aspire to. Masha'Allah! "We truly believe in Allah", they say, Alhamdulillah Masha'Allah, "May Allah forgive us for our sins and that you led us astray and forced us to deny him because of this spell". That is the way the alleged Ergenekon Organization forces people to commit crime, murder and corrupt them. They say: "... And that you led us astray and forced us to deny him with this spell". It is alleged that people forced to do amoral things and recruit them against their will. "...And you led us astray". What does "to lead astray" mean? That means to force. They say: "May Allah forgive our sins. That is, Allah is most beneficent and eternal." "The fact is that, for those who are sinners and guilty, their destiny is Hell where they cannot die and cannot resurrect". The emphasizes that, they wish they were dead but they could not die; they want to escape it but they just cannot.

"For those who comes before Allah with strong belief and good deeds, there are high degrees and Adnan heavens through which golden rivers flow and in which they dwell eternally. And these are what those who are purified get in return". "Adnan..." As you know, our Prophet (May Allah bless him and grant him peace) was also a "B'nai Adnan". Yes he was descended from him. Yes it is a beautiful name indeed. A name which is mentioned in the Quran. And I like it very much because it is also my name. Masha'Allah.

TITLES OF EGYPTIAN RULERS IN THE QUR'AN

The Prophet Moses (pbuh) was not the only prophet to have lived in ancient Egypt. The Prophet Joseph (pbuh) had also lived in Egypt long before the time of the Prophet Moses (pbuh).
In the stories of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Prophet Joseph (pbuh) in the Qur'an,  there is another important piece of information. To refer to the Egyptian ruler at the time of the Prophet Joseph (pbuh), the word "malik" (the King) is used in the Qur'an:
The King (Malik) said, "Bring him (Joseph) to me straight away! So I may draw him very close to me." When he had spoken with him, he declared, "Today you are trusted, established in our sight." (Surah Yusuf: 54)
In the time of the Prophet Moses (pbuh), however, the Egyptian ruler is referred to as the "Pharaoh"
We gave Moses nine Clear Signs. Ask the tribe of Israel about when he came to them and Pharaoh said to him, "Moses, I think you are bewitched." (Surat al-Isra': 101)
Historical records now available provide the reasons for the different names used to refer to these two rulers of Egypt. In ancient Egypt, the term "pharaoh" originally referred to the royal palace. During the reign of the ancient kingdoms, the rulers did not hold such a title. The word "pharaoh" came to be used as a synonym for the Egyptian king under the New Kingdom (starting in the 18th dynasty, 1539-1292 B.C.), and by the 22nd dynasty (c. 945-c. 730 B.C.) it had been adopted as an epithet of respect.1
Here again, the miraculous qualities of the Qur'an are evidenced once again: because the Prophet Joseph (pbuh) lived much before the New Kingdom, the Qur'an refers to the Egyptian king who was contemporary of the Prophet Joseph with the word "malik" and not "pharaoh."  The Prophet Moses (pbuh), on the other hand, lived during the time of the New Kingdom, and, therefore, the Egyptian ruler who was contemporary of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was referred to in the Qur'an as "pharaoh."
Clearly, such a distinction implies a certain knowledge of the history of the ancient Egypt. However, as mentioned earlier, the history of Ancient Egypt was completely forgotten by the 4th century, since hieroglyphic writing was not deciphered until the 19th century. Therefore, during the period the Qur'an was revealed, no in-depth knowledge of Egyptian history was available. This fact is yet another piece of evidence, among countless of others, proving the fact that Qur'an is the word of Allah.

THE STRUGGLE OF THE PROPHET MOSES (PBUH) AGAINST THE MAGICIANS

Magicians came to Pharaoh from all parts of the land of Egypt to struggle against the Prophet Moses (pbuh). Pharaoh assumed to have ultimate victory. Following a successful confrontation, the authority of Pharaoh and his inner circle would have been assured. While Pharaoh and his inner circle, in accordance with their shallow mentality, were hatching such a plot, they totally ignored the fact that the greatest and most auspicious of the plotters is Allah. However, Allah forestalls all the snares of disbelievers and those who triumph at the end are always the sincere believers. The magicians, on the other hand, were curious as to the reward they would receive in return for defeating the Prophet Moses (pbuh):
(They said) "To bring you all the skilled magicians." The magicians came to Pharaoh and they asked, "Will we receive a reward if we are the winners?"
He (Pharaoh) said, "Yes, and you will be among those brought near." (Surat al-A'raf: 112-114)

The magicians of Pharaoh used to officiate at the religious ceremonies of Egyptians. Above is an illustration of the magicians during a mummification ritual.

Pharaoh was taking advantage of the situation to consolidate his authority, while the magicians thought that by being honoured with being "close" to Pharaoh, they would gain certain benefits. The most able magicians of Egypt were brought against the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Prophet Aaron (pbuh). The Prophet Moses (pbuh) was asked to decide who should start:
They said, "Moses, will you throw or shall we be the first to throw?"
He said, "No, you throw!"
And suddenly their ropes and staffs appeared to him, by their magic, to be slithering about. (Surah Ta-Ha: 65-66)
When the magicians performed their magic, their ropes and staffs appeared to slither. As Allah informs us in the verse, all were deceived into seeing ropes and staffs as moving by themselves.
A certain point deserves attention here: in the above verse, we encounter the expression "appear to be slithering about." This wording indicates that there was not an actual movement, but only one perceived by the spectators. In another verse, Allah explains the illusory nature of this incident as follows:
He (Moses) said, "You throw." And when they threw, they cast a spell on the people's eyes and caused them to feel great fear of them. They produced an extremely powerful magic. (Surat al-A'raf: 116)
With their illusions, the magicians of Pharaoh won the public over. They exalted his regime by the spells they performed, which they did "by the might of Pharaoh." Pharaoh, in return, provided them financial benefits. In brief, their relationship was mutually beneficial.
In their confrontation with the Prophet Moses (pbuh), the magicians were completely aware that Pharaoh was not in possession of any kind of  power other than what Allah granted him. However, purely out of a desire to be brought "close" to enjoy the resulting benefits, they threw their staffs. They did so, in their own unwise way of thinking, quite sure of their superiority over the Prophet Moses (pbuh). The fact is however, those who triumph are always only those who side with Allah.
They threw down their ropes and staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh we are the winners." (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 44)

The magicians of Pharaoh were authorities on subjects ranging from astronomy to medicine. They exploited their prestige to influence the public and only to reinforce the oppressive rule of Pharaoh. Above is an ancient Egyptian relief showing the magicians holding the world.

Although deceitful, the magicians' show impressed some people among the crowd. Allah reminded the Prophet Moses (pbuh) not to be frightened:
Moses experienced in himself a feeling of alarm. We said, "Have no fear. You will have the upper hand. Throw down what is in your right hand. It will swallow up their handiwork. Their handiwork is just a magician's trick. Magicians do not prosper wherever they go." (Surah Ta-Ha: 67-69)
Bolstered by this reminder from our Lord, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) immediately turned to the magicians, telling them that their performance was mere sorcery which would be rendered void by the will of Allah:
When they had thrown, Moses said, "What you have brought is magic. Allah will certainly prove it false. Allah does not uphold the actions of corrupters." (Surah Yunus, 10: 81)
Following these words related in the verses, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) threw down his staff. The result was terrifying for the magicians. The Prophet Moses' (pbuh) staff swallowed the sorcery of Pharaoh's magicians:
We revealed to Moses, "Throw down your staff." And it immediately swallowed up what they had forged. So the Truth took place and what they did was shown to be false. They were defeated then and there, transformed into humbled men. (Surat al-A'raf: 117-119)
Unlike the illusory tricks of magicians, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) worked a real miracle by his staff. The magicians had plotted against the Prophet Moses (pbuh). However, Allah, the best of plotters, aided the Prophet Moses (pbuh) with a plan which rendered their tricks utterly worthless. Thus, the plots of the magicians only worked against them. As a miracle, Allah rendered the staff into a real living being.
Consequently, contrary to what the unbelievers expected, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) defeated the magicians. So, everybody witnessed that Allah's promise was true. As a blessing from His Sight, Allah supported the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and, made him victorious over one of the most powerful systems of his time as a miracle from His Sight.

THE PROPHET MOSES (PBUH) DEMOLISHED THE IDOL OF HIS TIME

Acording to the superstitious beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, "Snakes, frogs, earthworms and mice were made up of the mud of the Nile." That is to say, one of the main claims of Darwinism, which is, the fallacy that "living beings came into being by chance" was also a  widespread belief in ancient Egypt. Consequently when the Prophet Moses (pbuh) started to communicate the message, with the miracles Allah granted to him, he first tended to remove these superstitious beliefs of Egyptians. He eradicated the evolutionist conceptions.

When the Prophet Moses (pbuh) went to communicate Allah's message to Pharaoh, similar to contemporary Darwinists' questions and line of thought, Pharaoh also asked him, "What about the previous generations? "(Surat al-Anbiya, 51)

The Prophet Moses (pbuh), on the other hand, responded by Allah's inspiration and said: "Knowledge of them is with my Lord in a Book. My Lord does not misplace nor does He forget.' (Surat al-Anbiya, 52) and explained Creation providing its evidences.

In the Qur'an Allah relates that when the Prophet Moses (pbuh) threw his sceptor, it turned into an alive snake. When the Prophet Moses (pbuh) threw his sceptor, a non-living branch turned into a living snake and when he took it into his hand, it turned again into a non-living branch and finally when he threw it once again, it once again became alive. That is to say, a non-living being first becomes alive, then it dies and then it revives once again. With this miracle, Allah shows constant Creation to human beings. Allah tells in the related verses:

..threw it down and suddenly, IT WAS A SLITHERING SNAKE. He said, "Take hold of it and have no fear. We will return it to its original form. (Surah Ta-Ha, 20-21)

"Throw down what is in your right hand. IT WILL SWALLOW UP THEIR HANDIWORK. Their handiwork is just a magician's trick. Magicians do not prosper wherever they go.' (Surah Ta-Ha, 69)
"Throw down your staff." Then WHEN HE SAW IT SLITHERING LIKE A SNAKE he turned and fled and did not turn back again. "Have no fear, Moses. In my Presence the Messengers have no fear." (Surat an-Naml, 10)
When the Prophet Moses (pbuh) threw his sceptor, by Allah's blessing, a non-living piece of wood turned into an utterly living being with a digestive system which swallows what other people throw and moves rapidly. This way, Allah shows people an example of how He created life from non-existence. A non-living being revives, solely by Allah's will, that is to say, by Allah's command of "Be".

This miracle Allah granted to the Prophet Moses (pbuh) ruined ancient Egyptians' superstitious beliefs in an instant and even people who were against the Prophet Moses (pbuh) grasped the truth at that moment, left their superstitious beliefs behind and had faith in Allah.
 

SOME OF PHARAOH'S COURT EMBRACE FAITH

The confrontation between the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and those opposing him resulted in a completely unexpected end for Pharaoh, the magicians and the spectators alike. The people in subject, who had been so self-assured and arrogant of their superiority, were defeated. Furthermore, this total defeat took place right before the eyes of the people of Egypt. The impact of the defeat was even greater for the those opposing the Prophet Moses (pbuh). Their spectacle, which was merely an illusion, they knew very well not to have been real. They had devised tricks to deceive people into believing that their system—and consequently Pharaoh's system—was allegedly divinely powerful (Allah is beyond that). However, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) appeared with an obvious miracle. The staff of the Prophet Moses (pbuh) had actually devoured their trickery. These people, therefore, grasped that this was a real miracle, and a sign of the existence of Allah, and an evidence of Allah's support to the Prophet Moses (pbuh). Thereupon, they embraced faith:
The magicians threw themselves down in prostration. They said, "We have faith in the Lord of all the worlds, the Lord of Moses and Aaron." (Surat al-A'raf: 120-122)

Pharaoh, who openly challenged the Prophet Moses (pbuh), being so overly confident that he would win, was in fact defeated, with people who had used to be close to him finally believing in the Prophet Moses (pbuh). Pharaoh could not accept the decision of these people. According to his perverted rationale, he was the sole owner of the land—even of the people—, and thought himself entitled to authorize whether or not people be allowed to convert to another belief:

Pharaoh said, "Have you believed in him before I authorised you to do so? This is just some plot you have concocted in the city to drive its people from it." (Surat al-A'raf: 123)
Deluded by his own distorted mind, Pharaoh tried to rationalize the situation.
 Followed by an ignominious defeat, those who had served him came to believe in the Prophet Moses (pbuh). What should have been expected of Pharaoh then was to openly admit the occurrence of a miracle and to accept to be rightly guided. On the contrary, however, he offered himself false interpretations, fabricating scenarios which he himself knew were imaginary. Thus, he, with his distorted mind,  convinced himself that these people who had used to be close to him and the Prophet Moses (pbuh) were conspiring to seize power over Egypt. Pharaoh, with this crooked logic, made very wicked slanders. Allah relates in the verse:

"…He is your chief, the one who taught you magic…" (Surah Ta-Ha: 71

That is how Pharaoh witnessed the irrefutable signs and miracles of Allah but, witlessly resisted and denied the truth. In fact, his behaviour was typical of all those who deny the truth. Those people, resolved to remain in disbelief, adhere to it no matter how incontrovertible are the signs put forth to them. They resort foolishly to any form of delusion in order to, supposedly legitimise their denial. In every society and in every age, we will find countless disbelievers infected with the resolute obstinacy of Pharaoh, who have denied the existence, oneness and the righteousness of Allah's religion.
Nevertheless, Pharaoh knew that his obstinacy would not save him. The defeat of his people and their acceptance of faith in our Lord greatly destabilised his authority. In one way or another, he would have to defuse the situation and re-establish his power. For this purpose, he resorted to violence, threatening the believing people with torture and death. However, already cognisant of the truth of the message of Allah, they turned to Allah in submission. Allah relates in the verses:
 "…I will cut off your hands and feet alternately and have you crucified on palm trunks. Then you will know for certain which of us has the harsher and longer lasting punishment."

They said, "We will never prefer you to the Clear Signs which have come to us nor to Him Who brought us into being. Decide on any judgement you like. Your jurisdiction only covers the life of the earth." (Surah Ta-Ha: 71-73)

They said, "We are returning to our Lord. You are only avenging yourself on us because we had faith in our Lord's Signs when they came to us. Our Lord, pour down steadfastness upon us and take us back to You as Muslims." ( Surat al-Araf: 125-126)

They said, "We do not care! We are returning to our Lord. We remain hopeful that our Lord will forgive us our mistakes for being the first of the believers." (Surat ash-Shu'ara: 50-51)
As is explained in the above verses, these people of faith did not yield to the threats of Pharaoh, or submit to him, because they believed wholeheartedly that if they were to be killed, they would return to Allah, Who is the Creator of everything. All the while, they dearly hoped that Allah would forgive their former  morality and attitude. Because Allah is the Forgiver and the Merciful.
From then on, Pharaoh's rule over the people became increasingly malicious. He sought to steer the people through his power. Due to the oppression he meted out, no one, except for a small group of young people from the people of the Prophet Moses (pbuh), followed the Prophet Moses (pbuh). Only these few people showed the like of the courage and sincerity shown by those who came to believe despite previously being close to Pharaoh. The majority of people living in that period, on the other hand, did not appreciate the power of the Almighty Allah, and, having no fear of Him, rejected faith. This is conveyed in the Qur'an as follows:

No one believed in Moses, except for a few of his people, out of fear that Pharaoh, and the elders, would persecute them. Pharaoh was high and mighty in the land. He was one of the profligate. (Surah Yunus: 83)

One of those to have put her faith in the Prophet Moses (pbuh) was the spouse of Pharaoh. This noble woman, who previously shared so many worldly favours with Pharaoh, not only dared to leave all such riches behind, but also to make herself the object of Pharaoh's violence. Her choice is clearly the sign of a very profound and sincere faith. Indeed, along with Maryam (Mary) (pbuh), the Qur'an refers to the spouse of Pharaoh as a faithful woman whose conduct was exemplary:

Allah has made an example for those who believe: the wife of Pharaoh when she said, "My Lord, build a house in Paradise for me in Your Presence and rescue me from Pharaoh and his deeds and rescue me from this wrongdoing people." (Surat at-Tahrim: 11)

The sincere devotion of Pharaoh's spouse to Allah is a great example for all Muslims. This true believer abandoned the riches of this world, and acknowledged that the real life would be in the hereafter. She preferred the blessings of the hereafter over the benefits of this short, though deceptively dazzling life. She prayed to Allah only for a house in Paradise. Without a doubt, such a sincere prayer, filled with a spiritual devotion towards the hereafter, is a fine example for all those who believe.

 

...Those who believe and do right actions will be in the lush meadows of the Gardens. (Qur'an, 42: 22)