Who is Allah?

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Papyrus on the Kafue River, Zambia

The one who spoke with God

Moses

(peace be upon him)
מֹשֶׁהموسىMoshe · Mūsā

A baby in the river, a burning bush, a sea, and a mountain.

▶ Watch the three tellingsc. 15th or 13th c. BCE
Stand-in photograph: Hans Hillewaert · CC BY-SA 4.0

The name in three scripts

HebrewמֹשֶׁהMosheMoshe Rabbeinu, “Moses our teacher”
GreekΜωϋσῆςMōusēsGreek
ArabicموسىMūsātitle Kalīm Allāh, “the one to whom God spoke”

One-minute snapshot

In a minute

c. 15th or 13th c. BCERead time 1 min
TorahGospelQur'an

Moses (peace be upon him) is the prophet the Qur'an names most often. To Jews he is Moshe Rabbeinu, “Moses our teacher”. Hidden as a baby in the Nile, raised in Pharaoh's palace, he fled to Midian, heard God at the burning bush, confronted Pharaoh, led the Israelites out of slavery through the sea, and received the Torah at Sinai. He died within sight of the promised land. Christians honour him as the giver of the Law. In all three faiths he is the prophet who spoke with God.

The bare granite massif of Jebel Musa in the Sinai.
Near view of Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa). American Colony (Jerusalem) Photo Dept. / Matson Photo Service, Library of Congress (public domain)

Watch

Three traditions, three films

Each told by its own community, in its own words, side by side. More on F-ILM.

A Jewish telling

Covenant & Conversation | Shemot | Rabbi SacksThe Rabbi Sacks Legacy · 5 minRabbi Sacks on Shemot: Moses' calling and leadership.

A Christian telling

Book of Exodus Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 1)BibleProject · 6 min Shows prophets (a film-maker's portrayal)BibleProject Exodus part 1: slavery, burning bush and liberation in 7 minutes.

A Muslim telling

Ep. 7: Let Go and Trust God: the Mother of Moses (as) | Upheld by Allah: Women in the Qur'anYaqeen Institute · 4 minYaqeen, Upheld by Allah ep 7: the mother of Moses letting go and trusting God.

Side by side

Three tellings

Quotations: Torah and Hebrew Bible, JPS 1917 · New Testament, World English Bible (British Edition) · Qur'an, Pickthall (1930). Translations and sources

Hebrew Bible · Torah

In Jewish tradition's own words.

Towering granite cliffs in the Sinai mountains.
The granite cliffs of Sinai. American Colony (Jerusalem) Photo Dept. / Matson Photo Service, Library of Congress (public domain)
  • The baby in the river, raised in Pharaoh's household.
  • Midian and the burning bush.
  • The plagues, the Passover and the sea.
  • Sinai and the Torah; forty years in the wilderness; his death on Mount Nebo.
“And there hath not arisen a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face;”Deuteronomy 34:10 · JPS 1917

The midrash explains his slow speech by a test with a hot coal in Pharaoh's palace (Exodus Rabbah 1:26), and says God chose him for his care of a lost lamb (Exodus Rabbah 2:2).

No one knows where he is buried (Deuteronomy 34:6).

Key passages: Exodus 1–40; Leviticus; Numbers; Deuteronomy 34:1–12

Is this how your tradition would say it? Tell us →

The Christian telling

In Christian tradition's own words.

Stone steps climbing a rocky mountainside.
The pilgrims' steps up Jebel Musa, Mount Sinai. American Colony (Jerusalem) Photo Dept. / Matson Photo Service, Library of Congress (public domain)
  • Moses appears with Elijah at the Transfiguration.
  • Hebrews praises his faith.
  • Christians read Deuteronomy 18:15, “a prophet like me”, as a prophecy of Christ.
“For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realised through Jesus Christ.”John 1:17 · WEB (British Edition)

Key passages: Matthew 17:1–8; John 1:17; Acts 3:22; Acts 7:20–44; Hebrews 3:1–6; 11:23–29

Is this how your tradition would say it? Tell us →

The Qur'an

In Islamic tradition's own words.

The Gulf of Suez and the Sinai Peninsula seen from orbit.
The Gulf of Suez and Sinai from Apollo 7, 1968. NASA / JSC (public domain)
  • God inspires his mother to set him in the river; Pharaoh's wife adopts him.
  • At the sacred valley he hears: “take off thy shoes”.
  • With Aaron (peace be upon him) he goes to Pharaoh “with gentle speech”.
  • The signs, the sea, the Torah, the golden calf; the journey with the hidden guide.
“And messengers We have mentioned unto thee before and messengers We have not mentioned unto thee; and Allah spake directly unto Moses;”Qur'an 4:164 · Pickthall (1930)

In the account of the Night Journey, Moses advises Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him) to ask for the daily prayers to be reduced from fifty to five (Bukhari 349; Muslim 162).

The Prophet fasted on ʿAshura because Moses (peace be upon him) was saved on that day (Bukhari 2004). Pharaoh's wife, Asiya, is honoured among the best of women (66:11).

Key passages: Qur'an 2:49–93; 7:103–162; 18:60–82; 20:9–98; 26:10–68; 28:3–46; 79:15–26; 4:164

Is this how your tradition would say it? Tell us →

Read the passages Hebrew Bible · Torah · 1

Deuteronomy 34:1–12 · Hebrew Bible · JPS 1917

1

וַיַּעַל מֹשֶׁה מֵעַרְבֹת מוֹאָב אֶל־הַר נְבוֹ רֹאשׁ הַפִּסְגָּה אֲשֶׁר עַל־פְּנֵי יְרֵחוֹ וַיַּרְאֵהוּ יְהוָה אֶת־כָּל־הָאָרֶץ אֶת־הַגִּלְעָד עַד־דָּן׃

And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land, even Gilead as far as Dan;

2

וְאֵת כָּל־נַפְתָּלִי וְאֶת־אֶרֶץ אֶפְרַיִם וּמְנַשֶּׁה וְאֵת כָּל־אֶרֶץ יְהוּדָה עַד הַיָּם הָאַחֲרוֹן׃

and all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah as far as the hinder sea;

3

וְאֶת־הַנֶּגֶב וְאֶת־הַכִּכָּר בִּקְעַת יְרֵחוֹ עִיר הַתְּמָרִים עַד־צֹעַר׃

and the South, and the Plain, even the valley of Jericho the city of palm-trees, as far as Zoar.

4

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֵלָיו זֹאת הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּעְתִּי לְאַבְרָהָם לְיִצְחָק וּלְיַעֲקֹב לֵאמֹר לְזַרְעֲךָ אֶתְּנֶנָּה הֶרְאִיתִיךָ בְעֵינֶיךָ וְשָׁמָּה לֹא תַעֲבֹר׃

And the LORD said unto him: ‘This is the land which I swore unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying: I will give it unto thy seed; I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.’

5

וַיָּמָת שָׁם מֹשֶׁה עֶבֶד־יְהוָה בְּאֶרֶץ מוֹאָב עַל־פִּי יְהוָה׃

So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.

6

וַיִּקְבֹּר אֹתוֹ בַגַּיְ בְּאֶרֶץ מוֹאָב מוּל בֵּית פְּעוֹר וְלֹא־יָדַע אִישׁ אֶת־קְבֻרָתוֹ עַד הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה׃

And he was buried in the valley in the land of Moab over against Beth-peor; and no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.

7

וּמֹשֶׁה בֶּן־מֵאָה וְעֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה בְּמֹתוֹ לֹא־כָהֲתָה עֵינוֹ וְלֹא־נָס לֵחֹה׃

And Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.

8

וַיִּבְכּוּ בְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־מֹשֶׁה בְּעַרְבֹת מוֹאָב שְׁלֹשִׁים יוֹם וַיִּתְּמוּ יְמֵי בְכִי אֵבֶל מֹשֶׁה׃

And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; so the days of weeping in the mourning for Moses were ended.

9

וִיהוֹשֻׁעַ בִּן־נוּן מָלֵא רוּחַ חָכְמָה כִּי־סָמַךְ מֹשֶׁה אֶת־יָדָיו עָלָיו וַיִּשְׁמְעוּ אֵלָיו בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיַּעֲשׂוּ כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him; and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

10

וְלֹא־קָם נָבִיא עוֹד בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל כְּמֹשֶׁה אֲשֶׁר יְדָעוֹ יְהוָה פָּנִים אֶל־פָּנִים׃

And there hath not arisen a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face;

The passage continues; open it in the player or your own Bible or Qur'an.

Read the passages The Christian telling · 7

Deuteronomy 18:15 · Hebrew Bible · JPS 1917

15

נָבִיא מִקִּרְבְּךָ מֵאַחֶיךָ כָּמֹנִי יָקִים לְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֵלָיו תִּשְׁמָעוּן׃

A prophet will the LORD thy God raise up unto thee, from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

John 1:17 · New Testament · WEB British Edition

17

For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realised through Jesus Christ.

Matthew 17:1–8 · New Testament · WEB British Edition

1

After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves.

2

He was changed before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light.

3

Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him.

4

Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

5

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”

6

When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid.

7

Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.”

8

Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone.

Acts 3:22 · New Testament · WEB British Edition

22

For Moses indeed said to the fathers, ‘The Lord God will raise up a prophet for you from amongst your brothers, like me. You shall listen to him in all things whatever he says to you.

Acts 7:20–44 · New Testament · WEB British Edition

20

At that time Moses was born, and was exceedingly handsome to God. He was nourished three months in his father’s house.

21

When he was abandoned, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up and reared him as her own son.

22

Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. He was mighty in his words and works.

23

But when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel.

24

Seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him and avenged him who was oppressed, striking the Egyptian.

25

He supposed that his brothers understood that God, by his hand, was giving them deliverance; but they didn’t understand.

26

“The day following, he appeared to them as they fought, and urged them to be at peace again, saying, ‘Sirs, you are brothers. Why do you wrong one another?’

27

But he who did his neighbour wrong pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?

28

Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’

29

Moses fled at this saying, and became a stranger in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.

The passage continues; open it in the player or your own Bible or Qur'an.

Hebrews 3:1–6 · New Testament · WEB British Edition

1

Therefore, holy brothers, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession: Jesus,

2

who was faithful to him who appointed him, as also Moses was in all his house.

3

For he has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, because he who built the house has more honour than the house.

4

For every house is built by someone; but he who built all things is God.

5

Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken,

6

but Christ is faithful as a Son over his house. We are his house, if we hold fast our confidence and the glorying of our hope firm to the end.

Hebrews 11:23–29 · New Testament · WEB British Edition

23

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.

24

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,

25

choosing rather to share ill treatment with God’s people than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a time,

26

considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

27

By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

28

By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them.

29

By faith they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land. When the Egyptians tried to do so, they were swallowed up.

Read the passages The Qur'an · 9

Qur'an 4:164 · The Qur'an · Pickthall (1930)

164

وَرُسُلًۭا قَدْ قَصَصْنَٰهُمْ عَلَيْكَ مِن قَبْلُ وَرُسُلًۭا لَّمْ نَقْصُصْهُمْ عَلَيْكَ ۚ وَكَلَّمَ ٱللَّهُ مُوسَىٰ تَكْلِيمًۭا

And messengers We have mentioned unto thee before and messengers We have not mentioned unto thee; and Allah spake directly unto Moses;

Qur'an 66:11 · The Qur'an · Pickthall (1930)

11

وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًۭا لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱمْرَأَتَ فِرْعَوْنَ إِذْ قَالَتْ رَبِّ ٱبْنِ لِى عِندَكَ بَيْتًۭا فِى ٱلْجَنَّةِ وَنَجِّنِى مِن فِرْعَوْنَ وَعَمَلِهِۦ وَنَجِّنِى مِنَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

And Allah citeth an example for those who believe: the wife of Pharaoh when she said: My Lord! Build for me a home with thee in the Garden, and deliver me from Pharaoh and his work, and deliver me from evil-doing folk;

Qur'an 2:49–93 · The Qur'an · Pickthall (1930)

49

وَإِذْ نَجَّيْنَٰكُم مِّنْ ءَالِ فِرْعَوْنَ يَسُومُونَكُمْ سُوٓءَ ٱلْعَذَابِ يُذَبِّحُونَ أَبْنَآءَكُمْ وَيَسْتَحْيُونَ نِسَآءَكُمْ ۚ وَفِى ذَٰلِكُم بَلَآءٌۭ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ عَظِيمٌۭ

And (remember) when We did deliver you from Pharaoh's folk, who were afflicting you with dreadful torment, slaying your sons and sparing your women: that was a tremendous trial from your Lord.

50

وَإِذْ فَرَقْنَا بِكُمُ ٱلْبَحْرَ فَأَنجَيْنَٰكُمْ وَأَغْرَقْنَآ ءَالَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَأَنتُمْ تَنظُرُونَ

And when We brought you through the sea and rescued you, and drowned the folk of Pharaoh in your sight.

51

وَإِذْ وَٰعَدْنَا مُوسَىٰٓ أَرْبَعِينَ لَيْلَةًۭ ثُمَّ ٱتَّخَذْتُمُ ٱلْعِجْلَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ وَأَنتُمْ ظَٰلِمُونَ

And when We did appoint for Moses forty nights (of solitude), and then ye chose the calf, when he had gone from you, and were wrong-doers.

52

ثُمَّ عَفَوْنَا عَنكُم مِّنۢ بَعْدِ ذَٰلِكَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

Then, even after that, We pardoned you in order that ye might give thanks.

53

وَإِذْ ءَاتَيْنَا مُوسَى ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَٱلْفُرْقَانَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ

And when We gave unto Moses the Scripture and the criterion (of right and wrong), that ye might be led aright.

54

وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِۦ يَٰقَوْمِ إِنَّكُمْ ظَلَمْتُمْ أَنفُسَكُم بِٱتِّخَاذِكُمُ ٱلْعِجْلَ فَتُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ بَارِئِكُمْ فَٱقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُمْ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكُمْ عِندَ بَارِئِكُمْ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلتَّوَّابُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

And when Moses said unto his people: O my people! Ye have wronged yourselves by your choosing of the calf (for worship) so turn in penitence to your Creator, and kill (the guilty) yourselves. That will be best for you with your Creator and He will relent toward you. Lo! He is the Relenting, the Merciful.

55

وَإِذْ قُلْتُمْ يَٰمُوسَىٰ لَن نُّؤْمِنَ لَكَ حَتَّىٰ نَرَى ٱللَّهَ جَهْرَةًۭ فَأَخَذَتْكُمُ ٱلصَّٰعِقَةُ وَأَنتُمْ تَنظُرُونَ

And when ye said: O Moses! We will not believe in thee till we see Allah plainly; and even while ye gazed the lightning seized you.

56

ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَٰكُم مِّنۢ بَعْدِ مَوْتِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

Then We revived you after your extinction, that ye might give thanks.

57

وَظَلَّلْنَا عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْغَمَامَ وَأَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْمَنَّ وَٱلسَّلْوَىٰ ۖ كُلُوا۟ مِن طَيِّبَٰتِ مَا رَزَقْنَٰكُمْ ۖ وَمَا ظَلَمُونَا وَلَٰكِن كَانُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ

And We caused the white cloud to overshadow you and sent down on you the manna and the quails, (saying): Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you - they wronged Us not, but they did wrong themselves.

58

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا ٱدْخُلُوا۟ هَٰذِهِ ٱلْقَرْيَةَ فَكُلُوا۟ مِنْهَا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمْ رَغَدًۭا وَٱدْخُلُوا۟ ٱلْبَابَ سُجَّدًۭا وَقُولُوا۟ حِطَّةٌۭ نَّغْفِرْ لَكُمْ خَطَٰيَٰكُمْ ۚ وَسَنَزِيدُ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ

And when We said: Go into this township and eat freely of that which is therein, and enter the gate prostrate, and say: "Repentance." We will forgive you your sins and will increase (reward) for the right-doers.

The passage continues; open it in the player or your own Bible or Qur'an.

Qur'an 7:103–162 · The Qur'an · Pickthall (1930)

103

ثُمَّ بَعَثْنَا مِنۢ بَعْدِهِم مُّوسَىٰ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَآ إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ وَمَلَإِي۟هِۦ فَظَلَمُوا۟ بِهَا ۖ فَٱنظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَٰقِبَةُ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ

Then, after them, We sent Moses with our tokens unto Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they repelled them. Now, see the nature of the consequence for the corrupters!

104

وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰ يَٰفِرْعَوْنُ إِنِّى رَسُولٌۭ مِّن رَّبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

Moses said: O Pharaoh! Lo! I am a messenger from the Lord of the Worlds,

105

حَقِيقٌ عَلَىٰٓ أَن لَّآ أَقُولَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلْحَقَّ ۚ قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِبَيِّنَةٍۢ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَأَرْسِلْ مَعِىَ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ

Approved upon condition that I speak concerning Allah nothing but the truth. I come unto you (lords of Egypt) with a clear proof from your Lord. So let the Children of Israel go with me.

106

قَالَ إِن كُنتَ جِئْتَ بِـَٔايَةٍۢ فَأْتِ بِهَآ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ

(Pharaoh) said: If thou comest with a token, then produce it, if thou art of those who speak the truth.

107

فَأَلْقَىٰ عَصَاهُ فَإِذَا هِىَ ثُعْبَانٌۭ مُّبِينٌۭ

Then he flung down his staff and lo! it was a serpent manifest;

108

وَنَزَعَ يَدَهُۥ فَإِذَا هِىَ بَيْضَآءُ لِلنَّٰظِرِينَ

And he drew forth his hand (from his bosom), and lo! it was white for the beholders.

109

قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ مِن قَوْمِ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَسَٰحِرٌ عَلِيمٌۭ

The chiefs of Pharaoh's people said: Lo! this is some knowing wizard,

110

يُرِيدُ أَن يُخْرِجَكُم مِّنْ أَرْضِكُمْ ۖ فَمَاذَا تَأْمُرُونَ

Who would expel you from your land. Now what do ye advise?

111

قَالُوٓا۟ أَرْجِهْ وَأَخَاهُ وَأَرْسِلْ فِى ٱلْمَدَآئِنِ حَٰشِرِينَ

They said (unto Pharaoh): Put him off (a while) - him and his brother - and send into the cities summoners,

112

يَأْتُوكَ بِكُلِّ سَٰحِرٍ عَلِيمٍۢ

To bring each knowing wizard unto thee.

The passage continues; open it in the player or your own Bible or Qur'an.

Qur'an 18:60–82 · The Qur'an · Pickthall (1930)

60

وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِفَتَىٰهُ لَآ أَبْرَحُ حَتَّىٰٓ أَبْلُغَ مَجْمَعَ ٱلْبَحْرَيْنِ أَوْ أَمْضِىَ حُقُبًۭا

And when Moses said unto his servant: I will not give up until I reach the point where the two rivers meet, though I march on for ages.

61

فَلَمَّا بَلَغَا مَجْمَعَ بَيْنِهِمَا نَسِيَا حُوتَهُمَا فَٱتَّخَذَ سَبِيلَهُۥ فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ سَرَبًۭا

And when they reached the point where the two met, they forgot their fish, and it took its way into the waters, being free.

62

فَلَمَّا جَاوَزَا قَالَ لِفَتَىٰهُ ءَاتِنَا غَدَآءَنَا لَقَدْ لَقِينَا مِن سَفَرِنَا هَٰذَا نَصَبًۭا

And when they had gone further, he said unto his servant: Bring us our breakfast. Verily we have found fatigue in this our journey.

63

قَالَ أَرَءَيْتَ إِذْ أَوَيْنَآ إِلَى ٱلصَّخْرَةِ فَإِنِّى نَسِيتُ ٱلْحُوتَ وَمَآ أَنسَىٰنِيهُ إِلَّا ٱلشَّيْطَٰنُ أَنْ أَذْكُرَهُۥ ۚ وَٱتَّخَذَ سَبِيلَهُۥ فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ عَجَبًۭا

He said: Didst thou see, when we took refuge on the rock, and I forgot the fish - and none but Satan caused me to forget to mention it - it took its way into the waters by a marvel.

64

قَالَ ذَٰلِكَ مَا كُنَّا نَبْغِ ۚ فَٱرْتَدَّا عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَارِهِمَا قَصَصًۭا

He said: This is that which we have been seeking. So they retraced their steps again.

65

فَوَجَدَا عَبْدًۭا مِّنْ عِبَادِنَآ ءَاتَيْنَٰهُ رَحْمَةًۭ مِّنْ عِندِنَا وَعَلَّمْنَٰهُ مِن لَّدُنَّا عِلْمًۭا

Then found they one of Our slaves, unto whom We had given mercy from Us, and had taught him knowledge from Our presence.

66

قَالَ لَهُۥ مُوسَىٰ هَلْ أَتَّبِعُكَ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تُعَلِّمَنِ مِمَّا عُلِّمْتَ رُشْدًۭا

Moses said unto him: May I follow thee, to the end that thou mayst teach me right conduct of that which thou hast been taught?

67

قَالَ إِنَّكَ لَن تَسْتَطِيعَ مَعِىَ صَبْرًۭا

He said: Lo! thou canst not bear with me.

68

وَكَيْفَ تَصْبِرُ عَلَىٰ مَا لَمْ تُحِطْ بِهِۦ خُبْرًۭا

How canst thou bear with that whereof thou canst not compass any knowledge?

69

قَالَ سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ صَابِرًۭا وَلَآ أَعْصِى لَكَ أَمْرًۭا

He said: Allah willing, thou shalt find me patient and I shall not in aught gainsay thee.

The passage continues; open it in the player or your own Bible or Qur'an.

Qur'an 20:9–98 · The Qur'an · Pickthall (1930)

9

وَهَلْ أَتَىٰكَ حَدِيثُ مُوسَىٰٓ

Hath there come unto thee the story of Moses?

10

إِذْ رَءَا نَارًۭا فَقَالَ لِأَهْلِهِ ٱمْكُثُوٓا۟ إِنِّىٓ ءَانَسْتُ نَارًۭا لَّعَلِّىٓ ءَاتِيكُم مِّنْهَا بِقَبَسٍ أَوْ أَجِدُ عَلَى ٱلنَّارِ هُدًۭى

When he saw a fire and said unto his folk: Lo! Wait! I see a fire afar off. Peradventure I may bring you a brand therefrom or may find guidance at the fire.

11

فَلَمَّآ أَتَىٰهَا نُودِىَ يَٰمُوسَىٰٓ

And when he reached it, he was called by name: O Moses!

12

إِنِّىٓ أَنَا۠ رَبُّكَ فَٱخْلَعْ نَعْلَيْكَ ۖ إِنَّكَ بِٱلْوَادِ ٱلْمُقَدَّسِ طُوًۭى

Lo! I, even I, am thy Lord, So take off thy shoes, for lo! thou art in the holy valley of Tuwa.

13

وَأَنَا ٱخْتَرْتُكَ فَٱسْتَمِعْ لِمَا يُوحَىٰٓ

And I have chosen thee, so hearken unto that which is inspired.

14

إِنَّنِىٓ أَنَا ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۠ فَٱعْبُدْنِى وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ لِذِكْرِىٓ

Lo! I, even I, am Allah, There is no God save Me. So serve Me and establish worship for My remembrance.

15

إِنَّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ ءَاتِيَةٌ أَكَادُ أُخْفِيهَا لِتُجْزَىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍۭ بِمَا تَسْعَىٰ

Lo! the Hour is surely coming. But I will to keep it hidden, that every soul may be rewarded for that which it striveth (to achieve).

16

فَلَا يَصُدَّنَّكَ عَنْهَا مَن لَّا يُؤْمِنُ بِهَا وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَىٰهُ فَتَرْدَىٰ

Therefor, let not him turn thee aside from (the thought of) it who believeth not therein but followeth his own desire, lest thou perish.

17

وَمَا تِلْكَ بِيَمِينِكَ يَٰمُوسَىٰ

And what is that in thy right hand, O Moses?

18

قَالَ هِىَ عَصَاىَ أَتَوَكَّؤُا۟ عَلَيْهَا وَأَهُشُّ بِهَا عَلَىٰ غَنَمِى وَلِىَ فِيهَا مَـَٔارِبُ أُخْرَىٰ

He said: This is my staff whereon I lean, and wherewith I bear down branches for my sheep, and wherein I find other uses.

The passage continues; open it in the player or your own Bible or Qur'an.

Qur'an 26:10–68 · The Qur'an · Pickthall (1930)

10

وَإِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبُّكَ مُوسَىٰٓ أَنِ ٱئْتِ ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

And when thy Lord called Moses, saying: Go unto the wrongdoing folk,

11

قَوْمَ فِرْعَوْنَ ۚ أَلَا يَتَّقُونَ

The folk of Pharaoh. Will they not ward off (evil)?

12

قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ أَن يُكَذِّبُونِ

He said: My Lord! Lo! I fear that they will deny me,

13

وَيَضِيقُ صَدْرِى وَلَا يَنطَلِقُ لِسَانِى فَأَرْسِلْ إِلَىٰ هَٰرُونَ

And I shall be embarrassed, and my tongue will not speak plainly, therefor send for Aaron (to help me).

14

وَلَهُمْ عَلَىَّ ذَنۢبٌۭ فَأَخَافُ أَن يَقْتُلُونِ

And they have a crime against me, so I fear that they will kill me.

15

قَالَ كَلَّا ۖ فَٱذْهَبَا بِـَٔايَٰتِنَآ ۖ إِنَّا مَعَكُم مُّسْتَمِعُونَ

He said: Nay, verily. So go ye twain with Our tokens. Lo! We shall be with you, Hearing.

16

فَأْتِيَا فِرْعَوْنَ فَقُولَآ إِنَّا رَسُولُ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ

And come together unto Pharaoh and say: Lo! we bear a message of the Lord of the Worlds,

17

أَنْ أَرْسِلْ مَعَنَا بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ

(Saying): Let the Children of Israel go with us.

18

قَالَ أَلَمْ نُرَبِّكَ فِينَا وَلِيدًۭا وَلَبِثْتَ فِينَا مِنْ عُمُرِكَ سِنِينَ

(Pharaoh) said (unto Moses): Did we not rear thee among us as a child? And thou didst dwell many years of thy life among us,

19

وَفَعَلْتَ فَعْلَتَكَ ٱلَّتِى فَعَلْتَ وَأَنتَ مِنَ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ

And thou didst that thy deed which thou didst, and thou wast one of the ingrates.

The passage continues; open it in the player or your own Bible or Qur'an.

Qur'an 28:3–46 · The Qur'an · Pickthall (1930)

3

نَتْلُوا۟ عَلَيْكَ مِن نَّبَإِ مُوسَىٰ وَفِرْعَوْنَ بِٱلْحَقِّ لِقَوْمٍۢ يُؤْمِنُونَ

We narrate unto thee (somewhat) of the story of Moses and Pharaoh with truth, for folk who believe.

4

إِنَّ فِرْعَوْنَ عَلَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَجَعَلَ أَهْلَهَا شِيَعًۭا يَسْتَضْعِفُ طَآئِفَةًۭ مِّنْهُمْ يُذَبِّحُ أَبْنَآءَهُمْ وَيَسْتَحْىِۦ نِسَآءَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُفْسِدِينَ

Lo! Pharaoh exalted himself in the earth and made its people castes. A tribe among them he oppressed, killing their sons and sparing their women. Lo! he was of those who work corruption.

5

وَنُرِيدُ أَن نَّمُنَّ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسْتُضْعِفُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَنَجْعَلَهُمْ أَئِمَّةًۭ وَنَجْعَلَهُمُ ٱلْوَٰرِثِينَ

And We desired to show favour unto those who were oppressed in the earth, and to make them examples and to make them the inheritors,

6

وَنُمَكِّنَ لَهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ وَنُرِىَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَهَٰمَٰنَ وَجُنُودَهُمَا مِنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا۟ يَحْذَرُونَ

And to establish them in the earth, and to show Pharaoh and Haman and their hosts that which they feared from them.

7

وَأَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أُمِّ مُوسَىٰٓ أَنْ أَرْضِعِيهِ ۖ فَإِذَا خِفْتِ عَلَيْهِ فَأَلْقِيهِ فِى ٱلْيَمِّ وَلَا تَخَافِى وَلَا تَحْزَنِىٓ ۖ إِنَّا رَآدُّوهُ إِلَيْكِ وَجَاعِلُوهُ مِنَ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ

And We inspired the mother of Moses, saying: Suckle him and, when thou fearest for him, then cast him into the river and fear not nor grieve. Lo! We shall bring him back unto thee and shall make him (one) of Our messengers.

8

فَٱلْتَقَطَهُۥٓ ءَالُ فِرْعَوْنَ لِيَكُونَ لَهُمْ عَدُوًّۭا وَحَزَنًا ۗ إِنَّ فِرْعَوْنَ وَهَٰمَٰنَ وَجُنُودَهُمَا كَانُوا۟ خَٰطِـِٔينَ

And the family of Pharaoh took him up, that he might become for them an enemy and a sorrow, Lo! Pharaoh and Haman and their hosts were ever sinning.

9

وَقَالَتِ ٱمْرَأَتُ فِرْعَوْنَ قُرَّتُ عَيْنٍۢ لِّى وَلَكَ ۖ لَا تَقْتُلُوهُ عَسَىٰٓ أَن يَنفَعَنَآ أَوْ نَتَّخِذَهُۥ وَلَدًۭا وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

And the wife of Pharaoh said: (He will be) a consolation for me and for thee. Kill him not. Peradventure he may be of use to us, or we may choose him for a son. And they perceived not.

10

وَأَصْبَحَ فُؤَادُ أُمِّ مُوسَىٰ فَٰرِغًا ۖ إِن كَادَتْ لَتُبْدِى بِهِۦ لَوْلَآ أَن رَّبَطْنَا عَلَىٰ قَلْبِهَا لِتَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

And the heart of the mother of Moses became void, and she would have betrayed him if We had not fortified her heart, that she might be of the believers.

11

وَقَالَتْ لِأُخْتِهِۦ قُصِّيهِ ۖ فَبَصُرَتْ بِهِۦ عَن جُنُبٍۢ وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

And she said unto his sister: Trace him. So she observed him from afar, and they perceived not.

12

۞ وَحَرَّمْنَا عَلَيْهِ ٱلْمَرَاضِعَ مِن قَبْلُ فَقَالَتْ هَلْ أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَىٰٓ أَهْلِ بَيْتٍۢ يَكْفُلُونَهُۥ لَكُمْ وَهُمْ لَهُۥ نَٰصِحُونَ

And We had before forbidden foster-mothers for him, so she said: Shall I show you a household who will rear him for you and take care of him?

The passage continues; open it in the player or your own Bible or Qur'an.

Qur'an 79:15–26 · The Qur'an · Pickthall (1930)

15

هَلْ أَتَىٰكَ حَدِيثُ مُوسَىٰٓ

Hath there come unto thee the history of Moses?

16

إِذْ نَادَىٰهُ رَبُّهُۥ بِٱلْوَادِ ٱلْمُقَدَّسِ طُوًى

How his Lord called him in the holy vale of Tuwa,

17

ٱذْهَبْ إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُۥ طَغَىٰ

(Saying:) Go thou unto Pharaoh - Lo! he hath rebelled -

18

فَقُلْ هَل لَّكَ إِلَىٰٓ أَن تَزَكَّىٰ

And say (unto him): Hast thou (will) to grow (in grace)?

19

وَأَهْدِيَكَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ فَتَخْشَىٰ

Then I will guide thee to thy Lord and thou shalt fear (Him).

20

فَأَرَىٰهُ ٱلْءَايَةَ ٱلْكُبْرَىٰ

And he showed him the tremendous token.

21

فَكَذَّبَ وَعَصَىٰ

But he denied and disobeyed,

22

ثُمَّ أَدْبَرَ يَسْعَىٰ

Then turned he away in haste,

23

فَحَشَرَ فَنَادَىٰ

Then gathered he and summoned

24

فَقَالَ أَنَا۠ رَبُّكُمُ ٱلْأَعْلَىٰ

And proclaimed: "I (Pharaoh) am your Lord the Highest."

The passage continues; open it in the player or your own Bible or Qur'an.

Common ground

Where they agree

  • The rescue as a baby and the palace.
  • Midian and the bush; the confrontation with Pharaoh.
  • The plagues or signs, the sea, the Law, the golden calf and the wilderness.
  • God spoke with him.

Said plainly, ranked never

Where they differ

  • Who adopts him: Pharaoh's daughter in Exodus, Pharaoh's wife in the Qur'an.
  • The journey with the hidden guide (18:60–82) is in the Qur'an only.
  • Christians read the Law as fulfilled in Christ.
  • In the Qur'an, Pharaoh declares faith too late and his body is kept as a sign (10:90–92).

Era and place

The world of Moses

Where
Egypt → Sinai → Midian → the lands east of the Jordan (Mount Nebo).
When
The 15th century BCE (1 Kings 6:1) or the 13th century BCE, as most scholars who accept a historical core prefer.
What archaeology can and cannot say
The Merneptah Stele (about 1208 BCE) names “Israel” in Canaan. There is no direct archaeological evidence of the Exodus.
The Sinai Peninsula between two arms of the Red Sea, seen from orbit.
The Sinai Peninsula from the Space Shuttle, 1994. NASA / JSC (public domain)

Gallery

The world of Moses

The Sinai mountains
The Sinai mountainsSinai Mountains, Prince Roy, CC BY 2.0
A wave breaking
A wave breakingCrashing Wave, Clearly Ambiguous, CC BY 2.0
Sunrise from Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa)
Sunrise from Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa)
The wooded slopes around Mount Nebo
The wooded slopes around Mount Nebomount nebo view, bertknot, CC BY-SA 2.0

Go deeper

Go deeper

The fortified monastery of St Catherine below Sinai's peaks in evening light.
St Catherine's Monastery, Sinai, in evening light. American Colony (Jerusalem) Photo Dept. / Matson Photo Service, Library of Congress (public domain)
The stories
Midrash and Jewish tradition

Exodus Rabbah fills in his childhood and his calling. Every Passover Seder retells the Exodus; the Talmud has God silence the angels' song as the Egyptians drown: “My handiwork is drowning” (Sanhedrin 39b).

Christian tradition

Stephen's speech in Acts 7 retells Moses' life. Hebrews 3 compares Moses, faithful as a servant in God's house, with Christ.

Tafsir and hadith

Ibn Kathir, on 20:9 onwards, follows Moses (peace be upon him) from the fire in the valley to his mission. Moses is called Kalīm Allāh because God spoke to him directly (4:164).

Read the passages Qur'an 20:9, Qur'an 4:164

Qur'an 20:9 · The Qur'an · Pickthall (1930)

9

وَهَلْ أَتَىٰكَ حَدِيثُ مُوسَىٰٓ

Hath there come unto thee the story of Moses?

Qur'an 4:164 · The Qur'an · Pickthall (1930)

164

وَرُسُلًۭا قَدْ قَصَصْنَٰهُمْ عَلَيْكَ مِن قَبْلُ وَرُسُلًۭا لَّمْ نَقْصُصْهُمْ عَلَيْكَ ۚ وَكَلَّمَ ٱللَّهُ مُوسَىٰ تَكْلِيمًۭا

And messengers We have mentioned unto thee before and messengers We have not mentioned unto thee; and Allah spake directly unto Moses;

Sources and further reading
Picture credits

Watch more: Moses

5 films and talks, chosen for this page. They play here.

  • Shattered: Why Moses broke the tablets

    Chabad.org · 3 min

  • Qalam Hangout: Lesson from Musa: Patience, Power, and Prophethood (Juz 16 Reflections)

    Qalam Institute · 19 min

  • The Call of Moses – Mustafa Sahin: Friday Sermon

    Cambridge Central Mosque · 22 min

    Cambridge Central Mosque: the call of Moses, a Friday sermon.

  • Story of Musa and Khidr (Part 1/6) - Surah Al Kahf in-depth w/ Nouman Ali Khan

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