Journeys of Faith: Retracing the footsteps of Musa (AS)
When a baby drifted along the Nile inside a basket, nobody could have predicted this boy would end up challenging one of the fiercest tyrants in history.
Under the oppression of Firawn (Pharaoh), Musa (AS) faced immense difficulties. But his patience, perseverance and unwavering faith in Allah (SWT) are timeless lessons for Muslims on how to deal with despots, as relevant today as they were then.
Today Egypt is one of our fastest-growing holiday destinations, as more and more Muslim travellers are discovering holidays in Egypt with its halal-friendly hotels and the clear waters and vibrant sea life of the Red Sea - but how many of you know the significance of this historic land and the lessons it can still teach us today?
From the dramatic parting of the Red Sea to receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, Musa (AS) and the Israelite’s journey to the Promised Land resonates deeply not just for Muslims but for people across all faiths and cultures.
Musa (AS) and The Firawn
Descendants of Prophet Yaqub (AS), the Israelites, initially migrated to Egypt during a famine in Canaan (Palestine and The Levant region). Over generations, they found themselves enslaved by Firawn.
Allah sent Prophet Musa (AS) and his brother Harun (AS) to confront Firawn. They urged him to believe in Allah (SWT) and stop the persecution of the Israelites.
Musa (AS) delivered Allah's (SWT) message to Firawn, demanding he free the Israelites. Despite witnessing Musa's (AS) miracles, the Firawn’s arrogance remained firm and he rejected the plea.
As told in Surah Al-A’raf, Allah (SWT) punished Firawn by sending a series of plagues - floods, locusts, lice, frogs, and turning the Nile’s water into blood. When each calamity struck, Firawn promised to release the Israelites, only to go back on his word once the plagues lifted.
When it became evident that Firawn would continue to disobey Allah (SWT), Musa (AS) led the Israelites out of Egypt. But Firawn’s army was hot on their heels.
Parting of the Red Sea
The Quran tells the stories of the various miracles performed by Musa (AS) during the migration - and the parting of the Red Sea is one of the more iconic moments from the journey.
When Musa (AS) and the Israelites reached the Red Sea, they were trapped between the chasing Egyptian army and the sea. But Allah (SWT) inspired Musa (AS) to miraculously part the water and create a path for his followers to cross. When their enemies tried to follow, the waters crashed back down and drowned Firawn and his soldiers.
Today’s visitors to Egypt’s Red Sea coast may consider this miracle, as they survey the exceptional natural beauty of this region, with its warm climate, beautiful sandy beaches and clear waters; or explore its vibrant underwater life of coral reefs and brightly coloured fish, by snorkelling or diving, or from a glass-bottomed boat.
The fate of Firawn
As Firawn took his final breath, he finally professed his faith in Allah (SWT). But his conversion was rejected. The Quran says Allah (SWT) preserved Firawn’s body as a sign for future generations.
"We brought the Children of Israel across the sea. Then Firawn and his soldiers pursued them unjustly and oppressively. But as Firawn was drowning, he cried out, “I believe that there is no god except that in whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am ˹now˺ one of those who submit. ˹He was told, “Now, you believe? But you always disobeyed and were one of the corruptors." Today We will preserve your corpse so that you may become an example for those who come after you. And surely most people are heedless of Our examples!” [Surah Yunus: 90- 92]
Historians and scholars still debate the identity of the Firawn or Pharaoh in question, but it seems likely to have been Ramses II also known as Ramses the Great. Certainly, he was known as a proud and arrogant ruler, who left behind more grand, colossal statues of himself than any other Pharaoh.
One of these, which is 11 metres tall, now stands in the huge atrium of the new Grand Egyptian Museum, opened close to the Pyramids of Giza. His preserved body is also still on display and can currently be seen in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation in Cairo.
Disobedience and the Wandering Years
After escaping Egypt, Musa (AS) led his people through the arid and mountainous Sinai Peninsula. The journey was treacherous and challenging. But the biggest challenge for Musa (AS) was his people. The Israelites frequently doubted and disobeyed him.
When Musa (AS) went to Mount Sinai for a few days to receive the Ten Commandments, his impatient followers reverted to their old ways - they crafted a golden calf in his absence to worship.
Upon his return with the Tawrat (Torah), Musa (AS) was angry with the Israelites for abandoning their faith. He destroyed the calf idol and urged the Israelites to repent.
Their persistent disobedience led to Allah's (SWT) decree that they wander the desert for forty years as punishment before entering the Promised Land. Musa (AS) continued to dutifully guide his people during their exile.
"Therefore it (this holy land) is forbidden to them for forty years; in distraction they will wander through the land. So be not sorrowful over the people who are the Fasiqoon (rebellious and disobedient to Allah)." [Surah Al-Maa’idah 5:21-26]
Musa (AS) died and did not live to see his people enter the Promised Land. His successor, Yusha (Joshua) (AS), eventually led the Israelites into the holy land of Palestine once they completed their penance.
Egypt still reverberates to the tales of Musa's (AS) journey. Today’s visitors to Egypt can imagine and feel Musa's (AS) incredible exodus - whether that's the parting of the Red Sea, seeing Firawn's mummified body in Cairo's museum or visiting the Sinai Peninsula, where the Israelites wandered for forty years.
This historical context reminds today’s Muslim visitors to Egypt that, as much as the destination, it's the journey - with its travails and challenges - that provides meaningful experiences.