One of the most glorious conversations to have ever transpired in human history was the one between God and Prophet Musa. A lengthy account involving Moses PBUH (Musa) Firaun and the Bani Israel has featured in several chapters of the Noble Quran. This extraordinary event, nonetheless, sticks out as the most poignant occurrence in the honorable Prophet’s life that ushers in his prophetic mission. This shall be a humble endeavor to derive impactful lessons from the blessed dialogue depicted in Surah Taha.
As described in the Surah, while traveling in a desert with his family, Musa suddenly noticed a fire in the distance. He asked his family to wait as he went ahead to investigate. Reassuring them that he would either bring back some light from the fire or guidance from the people who had lit it.
As Musa reached the fire, Allah communicated with him verbally, informing him of His presence. He told Musa to remove his shoes and told him that he was in the valley of Tuwa. He told Musa that He had chosen him, therefore he should pay attention to Allah’s speech.
Allah informed Moses that He is the only deity and must be worshipped. He instructed Moses to maintain prayer for the remembrance of God. Allah also warned him that the Last Day, when everyone will be rewarded based on their deeds, is approaching, and only Allah knows its timing. He cautioned Moses not to be distracted or led astray by those who deny the Last Day and follow their desires.
Invaluable Lesson #1: Notice God’s signs in your own life
Just as God had wanted Moses to take notice of the fire, He sends you and me signs too. It is entirely up to us whether to take heed of them or not. When things don’t go our way, it is a sign. If we’re touched by a Quranic verse, it is a sign. When we meet someone who harms or benefits us, it is a sign.
God’s signs are hidden in everything we experience in life. To understand and use these signs effectively, we must follow His guidance. If a sign aligns with the Quran and Sunnah, consider it a blessing and God’s approval. If it does not align, treat it as a warning and avoid it.
Invaluable Lesson #2: There is light and guidance in God’s speech
The irony of Musa’s intention of wanting to bring back some light or direction for his family is quite glaring. While he expected to find natural light and mortal guidance, he was instead gifted with Divine light and guidance via God’s words. This is how every believer should treat the Noble Quran, which is the speech of Allah.
If a single conversation between God and His appointed Prophet could carry the weight of the mission entrusted to him. Muslims must also realize that the Quran has the potential to take them from darkness into light. Hence, from ignorance into enlightenment.
Invaluable Lesson #3: Know that God chooses whom He wills, as Musa was chosen
God chose Musa to be a Prophet and kept him safe despite Firaun’s orders to kill newborn males. He instructed Musa’s mother to place him in a casket and let it float to Firaun’s palace.
Similarly, God has chosen you to read this article. You can choose to be inspired or disregard it. God guides those who seek goodness or evil towards their desires.
God chose us to be Muslims. We can either just wear the label or actively seek knowledge and follow God’s guidance.
Invaluable Lesson #4: Prayer (Salah) is for God-consciousness
God Almighty tells Moses to worship Him through prayer for the sake of remembrance. An honest assessment of our own lives will bear testimony to this. Those who pray in reality remind themselves of their servitude to God five times a day, and they remain mindful of God and His guidance. Whereas God and His laws are the last things on the mind of those who neglect or abandon prayer altogether.
Invaluable Lesson #5: Musa learns that even the best of men can be led astray
A stern warning is given to the Prophet of God. He is reminded that listening to deniers of the Last Day would lead to his ruin. If even a noble Prophet needs reminders from his Creator, how can we feel belittled when corrected by well-wishers? Believers should embrace such reminders. Faith can fluctuate, and even the noblest souls can stray.
Invaluable Lesson #6: Believers keep in touch with God
God grants Moses the chance to speak to him, and he seizes it. God knows our innermost thoughts anyway, so why not talk to Him? A believer’s soul is in contact with its Creator, even without words. The heart, mind, and soul should be attached to God. He loves it when a believer pleads with Him to fulfill his needs. This proves that the slave has kept his Master close to his heart.
Invaluable Lesson #7: Everything Can Be Used or Abused, as Seen by Musa
The Miraculous Staff of Musa
When Moses threw his staff, it turned into a snake by God’s will, demonstrating divine power. Typically, the staff served as a tool for support, but in this instance, it became a miraculous sign to impact his people. This event highlights how things can be used or abused, depending on intention.
Everyday Examples of Use and Abuse
A cook uses a knife to prepare food, while a criminal may misuse it to harm others. Similarly, the internet can be a platform for spreading the beauty of Islam or a means for immoral activities. Every tool or ability in life can be used for good or evil.
