Moses; A Prophet Who Grew Up in Enemy’s Home
Moses (AS) is said to have been a descendant of Levi, the son of Yaqub (AS). His father’s name is mentioned as Amram in the Torah and Muslims know him as Imran.
Moses (AS) was born some 250 years after the death of Abraham (AS). His birth came at a time when pharaoh had ordered the killing of all baby boys of Bani Isra’il and detention of all the girls. Some historians say pharaoh issued the order fearing that Bani Isra’il might get strong and forged unity with his enemies while some others say he did this after having a dream about a boy from Bani Israi’l destroying his rule.
According to the verses of the Quran, after Moses was born, his mother (Jochebed) was inspired to breastfeed him and then throw him into water. “And We revealed to Musa's mothers, saying: Give him suck, then when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear nor grieve; surely We will bring him back to you and make him one of the messengers.” (Surah Al-Qasas, Verse 7)
Then “The people of the Pharaoh picked him up (without realizing) that he would become their enemy and a source of their sorrow. The Pharaoh, Haman, and their army were sinful people.” (Surah Al-Qasas, Verse 8)
“We had decreed that the infant must not be breast-fed by any nurse besides his mother. His sister said to the people of the Pharaoh, “May I show you a family who can nurse him for you with kindness?’” (Surah Al-Qasas, Verse 12)
So the mother of Moses breastfed her child. Moses grew up in the home of pharaoh until he became a young man.
Moses, unlike pharaoh, was monotheist and could not tolerate bullying and oppression.
Once, when he saw an Egyptian man attacking a man from Bani Isra’il, Moses defended the oppressed man and hit the Egyptian in the chest. The man died and Moses escaped Egypt.
He went to Madyan, where he encountered girls who were looking after some sheep. Moses (AS) helped them in watering the sheep and accompanied them to their home.
They were the daughters of Shuaib (AS). They urged their father to employ Moses (AS) and he accepted it. Shuaib (AS) then offered him to marry his daughter. After the end of the contract, Moses married one of Shuaib’s daughters.
Moses is said to have worked for Shuaib for ten years, learning Hikma (wisdom) and knowledge from him.
