Moses (Musa in Islam)

Definition and Etymology

Moses - Arabic: Musa (موسى). A pivotal prophet in Islam, revered for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and for mediating God’s commandments on Mount Sinai. The Arabic name “Musa” is derived from the Hebrew “Moshe,” reflecting the shared heritage in Judeo-Christian and Islamic traditions. In Turkish, he is also referred to as Musa.

Qur’anic Account

The Quran narrates Musa’s (Moses’) life with several compelling events which underscore his divine mission:

1. Infancy and Adoption by Pharaoh’s Family:

   • Moses was placed in a basket in the Nile by his mother to save him from the Pharaoh’s decree to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. He was found and adopted by Pharaoh’s wife, raising him in Pharaoh’s house.

2. Prophethood and Miracles:

   • Moses, while tending Jethro’s sheep, was called by God at Mount Sinai and given divine signs. These include transforming his staff into a serpent and his hand turning white as a sign without illness.
   • Facing Pharaoh, Moses presented God’s message, confronting court magicians whose arts were outshined by Moses’ miracles.

3. Liberation and the Plagues:

   • The Quran records the afflictions, known as the plagues, sent upon Egypt when Pharaoh refused to free the Israelites. This included turning water into blood, locusts, frogs, and darkness.
   • Moses led the Israelites through the parting of the Red Sea, saved them from Pharaoh’s pursing forces, which drowned when the waters returned.

4. Revelation of the Commandments:

   • Moses spent forty days on Mount Sinai, during which he received tablets inscribed with God’s commandments. Unlike the biblical account, the Quran states Moses set down the tablets after descend­ing the mountain and realizing the Israelites worshipped the golden calf.

5. Miracles in the Wilderness:

   • Moses provided water for his people by striking a rock with his staff during their desert sojourn.

Books for Further Studies

1. “Tafsir Al-Jalalayn” - Translated by Feras Hamza.
2. “Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir.
3. “Moses in the Quran and Islamic Exegesis” by Brannon M. Wheeler.
4. “The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary” by Seyyed Hossein Nasr.

Takeaways

• Moses (Musa) is a cornerstone of Abrahamic faiths, embodying faith, liberation, and divine revelation.
• The Quranic narrative places significant emphasis on perseverance and rightly guided leadership.
• Comparative religious studies often focus on the unique aspects and commonalities shared in the stories of Moses in the Bible and the Quran.

Conclusion

In Islam, Moses (Musa) stands as a figure of monumental faith, showcasing God’s omnipotence through miracles and moral leadership, revered not only by Muslims but broadly across the Abrahamic traditions. His story provides rich material for interfaith dialogue and deepens the understanding of shared religious heritage.