Moses in Islam – Moses in Quran

Moses ('Moses, son of Amram' or Musa) is one of the most prominent prophets and messengers of God in Islam and a key figure in the Abrahamic religions, including Judaism and Christianity. He is also the most frequently mentioned individual in the Quran, with his name appearing 136 times on different places in Quran. His life is recounted in more detail than any other prophet, emphasizing his struggles, miracles, and unwavering faith. Among his most notable challenges was his confrontation with Pharaoh, who refused to free the Israelites despite witnessing Moses' miracles, such as turning his staff into a serpent and parting the Red Sea. These divine signs demonstrated his unwavering faith and Allah’s support in his mission. The Quran acknowledges Abraham, Moses, and Jesus as key prophets in the monotheistic tradition, highlighting their roles in guiding humanity towards righteousness.

Is Moses Mentioned in the Quran?

Yes, Moses is mentioned extensively throughout the Quran. His life, from infancy to his mission as a prophet, is detailed in multiple surahs, including Surah Al-Qasas, Surah Ta-Ha, and Surah Al-A'raf. The Quran narrates his miracles, his interactions with Pharaoh, and his leadership in delivering the Israelites from oppression. His repeated mention underscores his importance in Islamic teachings

How Many Times is Moses Mentioned in the Quran?

Moses is the most frequently mentioned prophet in the Quran, with his name appearing 136 times across various chapters. His story is recounted in detail, highlighting his struggles, miracles, and leadership. The Quran emphasizes his role in guiding Bani Israel and confronting Pharaoh, making him one of the most significant figures in Islamic tradition.

Moses as the Most Mentioned Prophet in the Quran:

Moses’ life serves as a powerful example of faith, perseverance, and divine intervention. His numerous mentions in the Quran underscore his importance in Islamic theology. His interactions with Pharaoh, his miracles, and his role as a lawgiver illustrate his central role in guiding his people.

The Birth of Moses and Divine Protection:

During the time of his birth, the people of Bani Israel faced immense persecution under Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. According to the Quran, Pharaoh was informed by his astronomers that a child born among Bani Israel would eventually overthrow him. In response, he ordered the killing of every newborn male in Bani Israel.

Moses' mother, trusting in Allah's protection, placed her infant son in a small basket and set him adrift on the Nile River to save his life. This act of faith led to one of the most well known stories of Moses in the Quran. Pharaoh’s wife, Hazrat Asiya, a monotheistic woman of great faith, discovered the infant and took him in as her own. As she held him, she reportedly wished that his name would be remembered long after the great pyramids of Egypt had turned to dust. She named him Moses, which means “child,” “saved from drowning,” “drew out (from water),” or “hidden” and “covered.”

The Burning Bush: A Divine Encounter:

One of the most significant moments in Moses’ life was his encounter with the burning bush, where he received his divine calling. This event is mentioned in both the Quran and the Bible.

In the Quran, Surah Ta-Ha (20:9-14) and Surah Al-Qasas (28:29-30) describe how Moses, while traveling with his family, saw a fire on the side of Mount Sinai. As he approached it, Allah spoke to him directly, revealing His divine presence and appointing Moses as a prophet. The Quran states:

"But when he came to it (the fire), a voice was heard from the right side of the valley, from a tree in a blessed spot: 'O Moses! Indeed, I am Allah, the Lord of all that exists!'" (Quran 28:30)

It is also said when Moses saw the bush and went near him, He was asked to remove his sandals with a voice saying, remove your sandals Moses, you are in front of your lord. 

In the Bible, this event is described in the Book of Exodus (Exodus 3:1-6), where God speaks to Moses from a burning bush that is not consumed by fire. The voice of God instructs him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and assures him of divine support.

This miraculous encounter marked the beginning of Moses’ mission, giving him the strength and conviction to confront Pharaoh and demand the liberation of Bani Israel.

The Story of Moses in the Quran:

The Quran describes Moses’ journey in great detail, from his upbringing in Pharaoh’s palace to his mission as a prophet. The turning point in his life came when he fled Egypt after unintentionally killing an Egyptian. He sought refuge in Midian, where he married and received divine guidance. It was during this time that Allah spoke to him at Mount Sinai, commissioning him to return to Egypt and liberate Bani Israel from Pharaoh’s tyranny.

Hazrat Musa and his brother, Aaron, confronted Pharaoh with Allah’s command to release the Israelites. Despite showing many miracles, including turning his staff into a serpent and parting the Red Sea, Pharaoh refused to believe. One of the most remarkable miracles occurred when Moses confronted Pharaoh’s magicians. When they cast their ropes and staffs, they appeared to turn into serpents through illusion. However, by Allah’s power, Moses threw his own staff, which transformed into a real, large serpent that devoured the illusions of the magicians. Witnessing this undeniable miracle, the magicians fell in prostration and declared their faith in the Lord of Moses and Aaron, defying Pharaoh’s tyranny. The Quran narrates how Moses led his people across the sea, escaping towards Israel while Pharaoh and his army were drowned. This dramatic escape marked the liberation of Bani Israel, a pivotal event in Islamic history.

The Ten Commandments and the Covenant:

One of the most significant aspects of Moses’ story in the Quran is his receipt of the Ten Commandments. After escaping Egypt, Moses and the Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai, where Allah gave him the divine laws meant to guide his people. These commandments emphasized monotheism, justice, and ethical conduct. While the Quran does not list them explicitly as in the Bible, they align closely with the principles outlined in the Torah and the Biblical Book of Exodus (Exodus 20:1-17). Both religious texts highlight the importance of worshipping one God, honoring parents, and maintaining honesty and righteousness in dealings with others, showing a shared moral foundation across faiths. After escaping Egypt, Moses and the Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai, where Allah gave him the divine laws meant to guide the people. The Quran highlights this moment as a testament to Moses’ leadership and his role in establishing a moral code for his followers. The commandments emphasized monotheism, justice, and ethical conduct, forming a foundation for Islamic teachings.

The Death of Moses in the Quran:

The Quran does not explicitly describe how Moses died. However, hadith literature and Islamic scholars suggest that he passed away near the Promised Land. A well-known narration in Sahih Muslim states that the Angel of Death approached Moses, but he struck the angel, refusing to die until Allah commanded his soul to be taken. Another hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari describes how Moses was granted a final glimpse of the Promised Land before he passed away. These narrations add depth to the Islamic perspective on his passing, even though the Quran itself remains silent on the exact details of his death. However, Islamic tradition holds that he passed away before entering the Promised Land. Unlike other prophets whose deaths are detailed, Moses' passing remains somewhat mysterious. Some scholars suggest that he died near the borders of the land he longed to reach, fulfilling his divine mission before returning to his Creator.

Conclusion:

The story of Moses in the Quran is a profound narrative of struggle, faith, and divine justice. From his miraculous survival as an infant to his leadership in liberating Bani Israel, Moses remains a timeless symbol of resilience and trust in Allah. His story continues to inspire Muslims worldwide, reaffirming the Quran’s acknowledgment of Moses as one of the greatest prophets in history. Learn to recite the story of Moses beautifully with our online Quran recitation course.