Who was Prophet Musa? His life and story

Full story

1. 1

   His birth and upbringing in the palace

   Musa (peace be upon him) was born at a time when Pharaoh was killing the male children of the Children of Israel. Allah inspired his mother to place the infant in a basket, set it afloat on the river, and not be afraid (Al-Qasas, 7).

   Pharaoh's household found the basket, and Musa grew up in the palace of his enemy, under the care of his own mother.

2. 2

   Migration to Madyan

   When Musa (peace be upon him) reached adulthood, he unintentionally caused the death of an Egyptian while helping someone, and fearing pursuit, he went to the city of Madyan.

   There he helped a righteous old man (according to tradition, Prophet Shuayb), married his daughter, and worked as a shepherd for years.

3. 3

   Prophethood at Mount Tur

   As Musa (peace be upon him) was traveling with his family, he saw a fire at Mount Tur. When he approached it, Allah spoke to him and granted him prophethood (Ta-Ha, 11-14).

   He was given two clear miracles: his staff turning into a snake, and his hand coming out radiant white. Allah also appointed his brother Harun as his helper and a Prophet.

4. 4

   The call against Pharaoh

   Musa and Harun (peace be upon them) went to Pharaoh and called him to believe in the One Allah and to free the Children of Israel. Pharaoh arrogantly refused and gathered his sorcerers.

   But when Musa's staff swallowed up what they had conjured, the sorcerers themselves saw the truth and believed.

5. 5

   The parting of the sea

   By Allah's command, Musa (peace be upon him) led the Children of Israel out of Egypt at night. Pharaoh pursued them with his army.

   When they reached the sea, Allah commanded Musa to strike the sea with his staff; the sea parted, and each side became like a great mountain (Ash-Shu'ara, 63). Musa and his people crossed, while Pharaoh and his army drowned in the water.

6. 6

   The giving of the Torah

   After the deliverance, Allah gave Musa (peace be upon him) the Torah to guide his people. While Musa was away to meet his Lord, some of the people took a calf as a god; Musa returned and warned them against this error.

   His whole life was filled with patience, struggle and devotion to Allah.

Musa (peace be upon him) is the Prophet mentioned most often by name in the Quran; his story is told at length especially in Surah Ta-Ha (20), Surah Al-Qasas (28) and Surah Al-A'raf. Because Allah spoke to him directly, he is called "Kalimullah" (the one Allah spoke to) (An-Nisa, 164).

• When Allah wills, He brings about deliverance in the very house of the oppressor.
• No power, however great, can stand against Allah.
• The call to truth wins over humble hearts, not arrogant ones.
• Patience and trust in Allah lead a people to freedom.

This page is based on Quran verses and authentic hadith sources.

• QuranSurah Al-Qasas, 7

  This verse states that Musa's mother was inspired to set the infant afloat on the river.

• QuranSurah Ash-Shu'ara, 63

  This verse narrates the parting of the sea by Allah's command.

• HadithSahih Bukhari, 2004

  This hadith about the fast of Ashura mentions Allah's deliverance of Musa and his people from Pharaoh.

• Classical sourceTDV İslam Ansiklopedisi, "Mûsâ"

  Referenced for academic information about the life and mission of Prophet Musa.

Other Prophets connected with this story.

• Prophet Ibrahim

  A caller to Tawhid, the friend of Allah (Khalilullah)

• Prophet Yusuf

  Interpreter of dreams, the honored one of Egypt, an example of patience and forgiveness

Common questions about this Prophet.

• Who was Prophet Musa?

  Musa (peace be upon him) is the great Prophet sent to Egypt against Pharaoh, who delivered the Children of Israel from his oppression and received the Torah from Allah. He is the "Kalimullah", the one Allah spoke to directly.

• What were Prophet Musa's miracles?

  His most famous miracles were his staff turning into a snake, his hand coming out radiant white, and the parting of the sea by Allah's command (Ash-Shu'ara, 63).

• Which scripture was given to Prophet Musa?

  Prophet Musa was given the Torah, which guided his people.

• Who was Prophet Musa's brother?

  His brother was Harun (peace be upon him); Allah also appointed him a Prophet and Musa's helper.