Page 114 - Perished Nations

Exodus from Egypt

Allah explained to Fir’awn and his close circle through Musa (as) that
which they had to take heed of, and thus warned them. In response, they
rebelled and accused him of being possessed and untrue. Allah prepared
a humiliating end for them. He revealed to Musa (as) what was to happen:
By inspiration we told Musa: "Travel by night with my servants; for surely
ye shall be pursued."
Then Fir’awn sent heralds to (all) the Cities,
(Saying): "These (Israelites) are but a small band,
And they are raging furiously against us;
But we are a multitude amply fore-warned."
So We expelled them from gardens, springs,
Treasures, and every kind of honourable position;
Thus it was, but We made the Children of Israel inheritors of such things.
So they pursued them at sunrise.
And when the two bodies saw each other, the people of Musa said: "We
are sure to be overtaken." (Surat ash-Shuara: 52-61)
As described in the above verses, the Children of Israel thought that
they were trapped, and Fir’awn’s men thought that they were about to
catch them. But Musa (as) said, never losing faith in Allah's help: "By no
means! my Lord is with me! Soon will He guide me!" (Surat ash-Shu’ara:
62)
At that moment, Allah saved Musa (as) and the Children of Israel by di-
viding the sea. Once the Children of Israel had safely crossed, Fir’awn and
his men were drowned under the waters which closed over them.
Then We told Musa by inspiration: "Strike the sea with thy rod." So it divi-
ded, and each separate part became like the huge, firm mass of a mountain.
And We made the other party approach thither.
We delivered Musa and all who were with him;
But We drowned the others. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do
not believe. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.
(Surat ash-Shu’ara: 63-68)
The staff or rod that Musa's (as) carried rod had miraculous qualities,
by the will of Allah. Earlier, Allah had turned it into a serpent in front of
the Fir’awn and his magicians. When the magicians tried the same trick,

Harun Yahya
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