Name

Musa – and its meaning: the one drawn from the water.

Father’s name: Imraan – and he is from the lineage of Ya’qūb (Jacob), the son of (Iṣḥaaq) Isaac, the son of Ibraheem (Abraham).

Brother’s name

Harūn (Aaron) – he was sent after Mūsa (Moses) to strengthen his back and to be his supporter, and this was through the intercession of Musa with Allah. Yūsuf (Joseph) had already brought the Children of Israel – who are the descendants of Jacob – into Egypt. When Joseph passed away, the family of Pharaoh subjected them to severe torment. Then, Allah sent Moses and Aaron to the Children of Israel and to Pharaoh and his people. After them, Allah sent, as mentioned in the Quran, Dawūd (David) and Sulaymaan (Solomon).

Servant’s name

Yūsha’ (Joshua), the son of Nūn – he became a prophet after the deaths of Moses and Aaron.

Teacher’s name

Al-Khidr – there is a difference of opinion on whether he was a prophet or a righteous man.

Nickname and exclusive qualities

“Kaleemullaah”, whom Allah chose with immense favor that was not given to anyone else. Allah honored Moses with His direct speech on Earth for a profound wisdom known only to Allah. That’s why Moses is called “Kaleemullah,” which means: the one to whom Allah spoke directly. Allah bestowed this unique privilege upon him, directly communicating with him from above the seven heavens, in contrast to other Prophets and Messengers who received revelation through human intermediaries or angels. Moses is among the “Ulul ‘Azm” (those [Messengers] of firm determination) and one of the chosen ones. And he, in the sight of Allah, was honorably distinguished, as He stated (interpretation of meaning): ﴾…And he [Moses], in the sight of Allah, was distinguished﴿. (Quran, 33:69) Indeed, he had a high rank and a significant position with his Lord. Al-Hasan al-Basri said, “His supplication was answered by Allah.” And it is he whom Allah has selectively created and chosen for Himself, as He stated (interpretation of meaning): ﴾…Then you came here according to the fixed term which I ordained (for you), O Mūsa (Moses)! And I have chosen you, for Myself.﴿ (Quran, 2:40-41)

Enemy’s name

Pharaoh (identified as Rameses II by historians), his chief minister Hamaan, as Allah stated (interpretation of meaning): ﴾…Pharaoh and Hamaan and their soldiers…﴿ (Quran, 28:8)

Book’s name

The Torah and the Scriptures – there is a difference of opinion regarding whether they are two separate books or two names for the same book.

Birth and death

Born in Egypt, and passed away at Mount At-Toor.

Occupation

He was a shepherd.

Caregiver’s name

Aasiya – she was the wife of Pharaoh.

Miracles

He is the prophet with the most miracles, signs, and proofs after our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

His place now

In the sixth heaven, as mentioned in the hadith of Anas, which is agreed upon.

His wooden staff

He used to carry a staff, and he explained this by saying, as Allah stated (interpretation of meaning): ﴾He [Moses] said, “It is my staff; I lean upon it, and I bring down leaves for my sheep and I have therein other uses.”﴿ (Quran, 28:8)

His Religion

Moses did not bring Judaism; rather, he came with Islam in its general sense, which means “submission to Allah alone.” This is the religion of all the prophets from Nūh (Noah) to Muhammad ﷺ. Allah said about Abraham as stated (interpretation of meaning): ﴾Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim [submitting to Allah]. And he was not of the polytheists [who associate others with Allah].﴿ (Quran, 3:67), and He stated regarding Moses (interpretation of meaning): ﴾ And Moses said, “O my people, if you have believed in Allāh, then rely upon Him, if you should be Muslims [i.e., submitting to Him].”﴿ (Quran, 10:84), so, therefore, Judaism is a false and distorted religion that deviates from the true faith that Moses brought. The reason the Jews are called “Yehūd” is that his followers said as stated (interpretation of meaning): ﴾Certainly we have huduna to you.﴿ (Quran, 7:156), “huduna” means: repented, turned back. Or it can be in relation to Yehūda (Judah), one of the sons of Jacob.

The context of his story with his mother

The complete context of the story is not mentioned except in Surah Al-Qasas (Chapter 28), as Allah stated (interpretation of meaning): ﴾ And We inspired to the mother of Moses, “Suckle him; but when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear and do not grieve. Indeed, We will return him to you and will make him [one] of the messengers.” And the family of Pharaoh picked him up [out of the river] so that he would become to them an enemy and a [cause of] grief. Indeed, Pharaoh and Hamaan and their soldiers were deliberate sinners. And the wife of Pharaoh said, “[He will be] a comfort of the eye [i.e., pleasure] for me and for you. Do not kill him; perhaps he may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son.” And they perceived not. And the heart of Moses’ mother became empty [of all else]. She was about to disclose [the matter concerning] him had We not bound fast her heart that she would be of the believers. And she said to his sister, “Follow him”; so, she watched him from a distance while they perceived not. And We had prevented from him [all] wet nurses before, so she said, “Shall I direct you to a household that will be responsible for him for you while they are to him [for his upbringing] sincere?” So, We restored him to his mother that she might be content and not grieve and that she would know that the promise of Allah is true. But most of them [i.e., the people] do not know.﴿  (Quran, 28:7-13).