The Journey of Hazrat Musa (AS) begins in one of the darkest periods of oppression. In Egypt, Pharaoh ordered the killing of every newborn Israelite boy out of fear that they would one day challenge his power (see Surah Al-Qasas 28:4–6). It was in this time of fear that Hazrat Musa (A.S.) was born. By Allah’s plan he was raised inside the very palace of his greatest enemy. Later chosen as a Messenger of Allah, his life became a powerful example of courage, trust, and steadfastness against injustice.

The Journey of Hazrat Musa (AS) begins with a mother who was heartbroken and terrified. How could she protect her newborn son when Pharaoh’s soldiers were hunting every Israelite boy?

Yet Allah, in His infinite mercy, inspired her heart with these words: “Nurse him for a while, then place him in a basket and cast him into the river. Do not fear nor grieve; We shall surely return him to you and make him one of the Messengers.” (Surah Al-Qasas 28:7)

Ibn Kathir explains that when the mother of Musa became overwhelmed with fear, Allah placed this guidance directly in her heart. Her house stood near the banks of the Nile. She prepared a small box as a cradle, and whenever danger approached, she would place her baby inside and set it on the water. One day, in her haste, she forgot to tie the rope. The current carried the basket safely until it drifted to the steps of Pharaoh’s palace.

There, Pharaoh’s wife — the righteous Asiya (R.A.) — discovered the child. Her heart softened instantly with love, and she said, “This boy will bring us joy.” By Allah’s perfect plan, Musa’s own mother was later chosen as his wet nurse. Thus, in the early stages of The Journey of Hazrat Musa (AS), the very child whom Pharaoh sought to destroy grew up safely in the palace of his greatest enemy.

As The Journey of Hazrat Musa (AS) continued, he grew into adulthood and felt deep concern for the suffering of the Israelites under Pharaoh’s rule. One day, according to Surah Al-Qasas (28:15), he entered the city and found two men fighting — one from his own people and one from the Egyptians. When the Israelite called for help, Musa intervened and struck the Egyptian with a single blow. The man died at once.

Musa immediately realised the gravity of what had happened. He said, “This is of Satan’s doing,” and turned to Allah in sincere repentance, asking for forgiveness. Classical commentators such as Ibn Kathir note that the act was not premeditated. When word of the incident reached Pharaoh’s court and a plot to kill Musa was formed, he left Egypt in fear and travelled alone toward Madyan.

Upon reaching the wells of Madyan, he saw two women holding back their flock while other shepherds watered theirs first. Moved by compassion, he drew water for them. Their father — traditionally identified as Prophet Shu‘ayb (A.S.) — welcomed him, offered hospitality, and later proposed marriage to one of his daughters in return for eight to ten years of service. Musa accepted and spent those years as a shepherd, living a quieter life far from Egypt while his greater destiny continued to unfold.

“O Musa! Indeed, I am your Lord, so take off your shoes. You are in the sacred valley of Tuwa.” (Surah Taha 20:11–12)

Allah then gave him two clear signs of prophethood. His staff, when thrown down, became a swiftly moving serpent (Surah Taha 20:17–21). When he placed his hand inside his cloak and drew it out, it shone white without any disease (Surah Taha 20:22). Ibn Kathir notes that the hand appeared radiant, free from any illness or blemish, as a pure sign from Allah.

Allah then commanded him to go to Pharaoh, who had become arrogant and oppressive, and to free the Children of Israel. Musa felt fear because of his past and Pharaoh’s power. He expressed his worry, but Allah reassured him:

“Do not fear. Indeed, I am with you; I hear and I see.” (Surah Taha 20:46)

This moment in The Journey of Hazrat Musa (AS) teaches us something practical: even after years of quiet preparation, the call of responsibility can still bring fear. The response is not to pretend the fear does not exist, but to move forward while holding onto the certainty that Allah hears and sees. When we face a difficult duty today, we can remember this scene and take the next step with the same trust.

Despite the clear signs, Pharaoh’s heart only grew harder. Allah sent successive punishments upon Egypt — floods, locusts, lice, frogs, and water turned to blood — as distinct warnings (see Surah Al-A‘raf 7:133). Yet Pharaoh and his people remained arrogant and refused to free the Israelites.

Finally, Allah commanded Hazrat Musa (A.S.) to lead his people out of Egypt by night. As they departed, Pharaoh pursued them with a massive army. The Israelites soon found themselves trapped between the enemy behind them and the vast sea ahead. Fear spread among them.

In that critical moment of The Journey of Hazrat Musa (AS), he declared with complete trust: “No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.” (Surah Ash-Shu‘ara 26:62)

Allah then inspired him: “Strike the sea with your staff.” (Surah Ash-Shu‘ara 26:63). Musa (A.S.) obeyed. The waters miraculously parted, rising like towering mountains on either side and revealing a dry path.

Ibn Kathir notes in his tafsir that the sea split into paths resembling great mountains, and Allah made the seabed firm and dry so the believers could cross safely.

The believers crossed in safety. When Pharaoh’s army charged after them, the waters collapsed, drowning Pharaoh and his soldiers. Thus Allah saved the righteous and destroyed the oppressor.

Practical reflection: When we feel completely trapped — with no clear way forward and pressure closing in from behind — this moment in the journey of Musa (A.S.) reminds us to speak words of trust first, even before the solution appears. The next time you face a situation that seems impossible, pause and affirm: “My Lord is with me; He will guide me,” then take the next step of obedience that is within your reach.

There, in deep communion with his Lord, Musa (AS) received the Tablets (Alwah) containing the Torah (Tawrat) — a complete book of guidance, law, and mercy for the Children of Israel (see also Surah Al-A‘raf 7:145). Classical scholars such as Ibn Kathir note that these forty nights marked one of the highest moments of divine nearness granted to any prophet after the sea crossing.

This part of Musa’s journey reminds us that true closeness to Allah often comes only after we have first walked through hardship with patience and trust. When we remain steadfast through our own trials, Allah may open doors of guidance and light that we could never have reached otherwise.

In the later stage of The Journey of Hazrat Musa (AS), Allah Himself inscribed the sacred words upon the Tablets (Alwah). As stated in the Qur’an:

“And We wrote for him on the Tablets of everything an instruction and explanation for all things…” — Surah Al-A‘raf 7:145

These Tablets contained clear guidance on righteous living, worship, justice, and moral conduct. They became a shining light and a complete code of life for the Children of Israel.

Classical scholars such as Ibn Kathir note that this was a unique honour: Allah not only spoke directly to Musa (A.S.) but also wrote the revelation with His own command, making the Tablets a lasting source of divine instruction.

Even after receiving this great revelation, trials continued for Musa (A.S.) and his people. Yet he remained steadfast, turning to Allah with humility and complete trust. His example shows that receiving guidance is not the end of the journey — it is the beginning of living by it with patience.

Personal reflection: When Allah grants us knowledge or clarity in our own lives, the real test begins afterward. Like Musa (A.S.), we are called to hold firmly to what we have been given, especially when difficulties arise. Ask yourself: Am I treating the guidance I already have as a living light, or have I set it aside when the path becomes hard?

The extraordinary life of Hazrat Musa (A.S.) continues to offer clear guidance for believers facing fear, hardship, and responsibility. From The Journey of Hazrat Musa (AS) we can draw these seven practical lessons:

These lessons from The Journey of Hazrat Musa (AS) show that patience, courage, and trust in Allah lead to both outer victory and inner peace. May we carry them into our own trials with the same steadfastness.