Prophet Moses (peace be upon him – pbuh) is one of the most prominent personalities mentioned in the Holy Quran and his life is recounted more than any other individual. The Quran states that Moses (pbuh) was sent by God to the Pharaoh of Egypt and the Israelites as guidance and warning.

Prophet Moses (pbuh), born in the family of Israelites, at a time when the rulers of Egypt, Pharaohs proclaimed themselves as Gods. More so, inflicting extreme torment on their subjects, the rulers of Egypt had passed a decree that a son born to an Israelite parent would be put to death; only daughters would be spared to serve the followers of Pharaoh. But, as God had planned, Moses (pbuh) happened to grow up in the household of Pharoah under the benevolent care of his Queen. When Moses (pbuh) was given the divine mission, along with his brother Harun, Moses (pbuh) approached Pharaoh and appealed to him to give up his arrogance and high and mighty ways and to bow before the Lord, who was indeed the ruler of the world.

On being asked to show any proof of his prophethood, Prophet Moses (pbuh) threw down his staff (stick he used to carry to tame animals) and it became a live serpent. He then drew his hand out of the pocket of his cloak, and it shone with dazzling brightness. Pharaoh’s chiefs told him that this was magic and let the best magicians defeat Moses (pbuh) in a competition. Even there, Moses (pbuh) came out victorious and the magicians proclaimed their belief on Prophet Moses (pbuh).