Page 84 - The Prophet Moses (pbuh)

THE PROPHET MOSES (PBUH)

DEPRAVITY IN SOME OF

THE PEOPLE AMONG
THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL

fter his confrontation with people gathered by Pharaoh,
the Prophet Moses (pbuh) stayed in Egypt for an extend-
A ed period of time, marked by more severe oppression
meted out by Pharaoh against the Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the Children
of Israel. On one hand, the Prophet Moses (pbuh) confronted Pharaoh and
his oppression, while on the other, he summoned the Children of the Israel
to steadfastness. Some among the Children of the Israel displayed an atti-
tude incompatible with respect towards the Prophet Moses (pbuh), saying
that his presence did not alleviate the repression they were subjected to.
Allah relates this wicked attitude of these people as follows:
Moses said to his people, "Seek help in Allah and be steadfast. The
Earth belongs to Allah. He bequeaths it to any of His servants He
wills. The successful outcome is for those who have fear for Allah."
They said, "We suffered harm before you came to us and after you
came to us."
He said, "It may well be that your Lord is going to destroy your en-
emy and make you the successors in the land so that He can see
how you behave." (Surat al-Araf: 128-129)
This wicked attitude of ome of the Children of Israel towards the
Prophet Moses (pbuh) is an indication of their spiritual weakness. By send-
ing a prophetto save them from the cruelty of Pharaoh, Allah favored them
and asked them to be steadfast. Due to the weakness of their faith and their
utter lack of wisdom, they were not able to forebear. They showed the kind

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