Context
Musa (PBUH) was born during a time of great oppression under Pharaoh, who had ordered the killing of all male Israelite newborns. Musa’s mother was guided by Allah to place him in a basket and set it afloat on the Nile River:“Nurse him, but when you fear for him, put him then into the river, and do not fear or grieve. We will certainly return him to you, and make him one of the messengers.”" (Qur’an 28:7). The basket was found by Pharaoh’s household, and Musa was raised in Pharaoh’s palace. The story of Musa extends among 10 passages (Lumbard, 2007), depicting Musa’s story significance.
Miracle
1. The Staff that Turned into a Serpent:
Musa was given a staff that transformed into a large, moving serpent when he cast it on the ground: Allah said, “Throw it down, O Moses!”, "So he did, then—behold!—it became a serpent, slithering."(Qur’an 20:19-20). This miracle was demonstrated to Pharaoh and his magicians as a sign of Allah’s power, surpassing their illusions
2. The Shining Hand:
Musa was commanded to place his hand under his garment, and when he withdrew it, it shone brightly as a sign of Allah’s support:
"And put your hand under your armpit, it will come out ˹shining˺ white, unblemished, as another sign," (Qur’an 20:22).
3. The Parting of the Red Sea:
When Musa led the people of Israel out of Egypt, they were chased by Pharaoh’s army. Allah commanded Musa to strike the sea with his staff, causing it to part into towering walls of water, creating a dry path for the Israelites to cross: "So We inspired Moses: Strike the sea with your staff, and the sea was split, each part was like a huge mountain." (Qur’an 26:63).
When Pharaoh and his army attempted to follow, they were drowned as the sea returned to its natural state (Qur’an 26:66).
4. Direct Conversation with Allah:
Musa was uniquely honored with direct communication from Allah, a miracle that affirmed his special status among the prophets: "There are messengers whose stories We have told you already and others We have not. And to Moses Allah spoke directly." (Qur’an 4:164).
