Who was Prophet Musa? Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) is the prophet mentioned by name most often in the Qur’an. His story, spread across many surahs, covers a baby saved from a tyrant, a young man who fled Egypt, a messenger who stood before Pharaoh, and a leader who guided the Children of Israel through the sea. Here is the story of Prophet Musa in seven chapters, each with its verse and a lesson.
1. A Baby Placed in the River
The story of Prophet Musa begins with danger. Pharaoh was killing the sons of the Children of Israel. Allah inspired Musa’s mother:
“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.”
— Qur’an 28:7, Saheeh International (quran.com)
The basket reached Pharaoh’s own household, and Musa was raised in the palace while his mother was reunited with him to nurse him.
Lesson: Trusting Allah can mean doing what seems frightening.
2. A Mistake and Repentance
As a young man, Musa struck an Egyptian who was fighting a man from his people, and the man died. Musa immediately turned to Allah:
“He said, ‘My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me,’ and He forgave him. Indeed, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
— Qur’an 28:16, Saheeh International (quran.com)
He then fled to Madyan, where he married and worked for several years.
3. The Call at Tuwa
This was the moment Prophet Musa received his mission. Returning towards Egypt, Musa saw a fire on the mountain and heard Allah call him:
“Indeed, I am your Lord, so remove your sandals. Indeed, you are in the blessed valley of Ṭuwā.”
— Qur’an 20:12, Saheeh International (quran.com)
Given the task of going to Pharaoh, Musa asked: “My Lord, expand [i.e., relax] for me my breast [with assurance] And ease for me my task And untie the knot from my tongue That they may understand my speech” (Qur’an 20:25–28).
Lesson: Ask Allah for help before every hard task.
4. Gentle Words to a Tyrant
Musa and his brother Harun (Aaron) were told how to speak to Pharaoh:
“And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear [Allāh].”
— Qur’an 20:44, Saheeh International (quran.com)
Lesson: Even when confronting injustice, speak with wisdom and gentleness.
5. Signs and Arrogance
Pharaoh rejected the signs Musa brought, including his staff and his shining hand. Then:
“So We sent upon them the flood and locusts and lice and frogs and blood as distinct signs, but they were arrogant and were a criminal people.”
— Qur’an 7:133, Saheeh International (quran.com)
6. The Parting of the Sea
The most famous miracle of Prophet Musa came at the sea. When Pharaoh’s army caught up with the Children of Israel at the sea, the people cried, “Indeed, we are to be overtaken!” Musa replied:
“No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.”
— Qur’an 26:62, Saheeh International (quran.com)
“Then We inspired to Moses, ‘Strike with your staff the sea,’ and it parted, and each portion was like a great towering mountain” (Qur’an 26:63).
Lesson: When there seems to be no way out, trust that Allah will guide you.
7. The Scripture, and a Journey for Knowledge
Allah gave Musa the Torah: “And [recall] when We gave Moses the Scripture and criterion that perhaps you would be guided” (Qur’an 2:53). Later, Musa travelled to learn from Al-Khidr, a journey told in Surah Al-Kahf; read it in our Quran stories.
Lesson: Even the greatest prophets kept seeking knowledge with humility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Musa the same as Moses?
Yes. Musa is the Arabic form of Moses. Muslims honour him as one of the greatest messengers; see the major prophets of Islam.
Which dua of Prophet Musa is most famous?
“Rabbi-shrah li sadri, wa yassir li amri” (“My Lord, expand for me my breast and ease for me my task”), from Qur’an 20:25–26, often recited before exams and difficult tasks.
A Dua from the Prophets
The stories of Prophet Musa and the other prophets are full of short, powerful duas. Our prophetic dua designs keep them in view.
Explore Dua of Prophet Ibrahim A.S, an instant digital download supplied as a high-resolution JPEG file for printing at home or at a local print shop; no physical item is shipped. Custom designs can be requested.
