Children of Moses (Peace Be Upon Him)
Scholarly sources indicate that the Prophet Moses (PBUH) married the daughter of the elder he encountered in Midian. He became acquainted with her and her sister when he helped them by watering their sheep. The elder spoke highly of Moses to their father, who was an elderly man himself. Consequently, the elder proposed that Moses marry one of his daughters in exchange for eight years of service tending to his flocks. Indeed, Moses married one of the daughters, believed to be named Zipporah, and she bore him two sons whose names are not specified in the sources. After fulfilling his service period, Moses took his wife and children back to Egypt. There are various opinions regarding this elder; some say he was the Prophet Shuaib (PBUH), while others suggest he was Shuaib’s cousin or nephew, or simply a righteous man from Shuaib’s people.
God’s Communication with Moses
During Moses’ journey from Midian back to Egypt, he received a divine message from God. This marked the moment when he was chosen as a prophet and messenger, instructed to approach Pharaoh and call him towards the monotheistic worship of God. It is recounted that while Moses and his family traversed the cold and dark night, they were unable to kindle a fire. However, he saw a light in the distance, which he thought to be fire, and he left his family behind to investigate. Upon moving away from them, he heard the voice of God, who called to him, saying: (When he came to it, he was called, “O Moses! Indeed, I am your Lord, so remove your sandals. You are in the sacred valley of Tuwa. And I have chosen you, so listen to what is revealed. Indeed, I am Allah; there is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.”)
Moses’ Mission and Prophethood
God (Exalted be He) has related the story of Moses’ (PBUH) invitation to his people to worship Him in numerous Quranic chapters, including Al-A’raf, Yunus, Taha, Ash-Shu’ara, Al-Qasas, and others. The initial account of Moses involves his confrontation and call to Pharaoh, who claimed divinity. However, Pharaoh obstinately maintained his position and refused to heed the message from God. God informed Moses of Pharaoh’s eventual downfall and the salvation of Moses and his people from Pharaoh’s tyranny.