Ya‘qub and his sons moved to Egypt because Yusuf, the son of Ya‘qub, was the ruler of Egypt. Back in Canaan, they had herded their flocks, milked their sheep and sold their wool, while in Egypt even Yusuf’s slaves and servants ate well and enjoyed themselves.
Yusuf sent for Ya‘qub and his family, asking them to come from Canaan. He could not relish his food or drink when his father and brothers were not with him. How could he enjoy life when he alone was in Egypt? How could he live in a palace when his father and brothers lived in a tiny house in Canaan?
So Ya‘qub and his sons came to Egypt. Yusuf welcomed them and was delighted to see them. The people of Egypt also welcomed the family of their lord, the family of their noble king. They loved this noble family because they loved Yusuf for his generosity and goodness to them, and because they saw he was a compassionate man who gave true counsel. They saw that Ya‘qub too was a noble and generous father.
Ya‘qub enjoyed great respect in Egypt. Its people were to him like his own sons. They were pleased that Ya‘qub and his sons remained in Egypt, and Egypt became their homeland.
After some time, Ya‘qub died and was buried in Egypt. Yusuf grieved over him, and so did the people of Egypt. It was as if they had lost their own father.
After a time, Yusuf also died. That was a terrible day for the people of Egypt. They were very sad and wept over him for a long time. They forgot their own sorrows in this greater sorrow. It was as if they had never been visited by any affliction before that day.
They buried Yusuf as well and consoled each other. They were all equal in their love for Yusuf. It was as if every child had lost a father and every adult had lost a brother.
They went to Yusuf’s sons and brothers to comfort them. They told them:
“Masters! Your loss today is no greater than our loss. We have lost a compassionate brother, a merciful and just master, in this man we buried today.”
They continued:
They said:
“We will never forget our noble king, and we will never forget that you are his people.”
And so it remained for a long time. The Egyptians remembered their words and recognized the nobility of the people of Canaan, also known as the Israelites.
But later, things changed.
The Egyptians also changed:
Some Egyptians claimed that Yusuf had been a foreigner from Canaan and should not have ruled Egypt. Over time, many forgot Yusuf’s virtue, generosity, and justice.
The Pharaohs came to power and developed deep hatred toward the Israelites. Eventually, a tyrant king rose to authority.
He:
He believed:
Pharaoh treated them like animals, to be fed and used for labor.
He was arrogant and declared:
“I am your Lord Most High.”
He boasted about his kingdom, rivers, and wealth, and behaved as if he ruled absolutely.
A priest informed Pharaoh:
“A child will be born among the Israelites who will destroy your kingdom.”
Pharaoh became enraged and ordered:
His guards searched everywhere.
The Qur’an describes this tyranny:
“He slaughtered their sons and let their women live.”
Despite Pharaoh’s oppression, Allah willed that the child destined to bring change would be born.
Musa ibn ‘Imran was born and survived.
Musa’s mother feared for her child’s life. The guards were searching everywhere.
Allah inspired her:
Though afraid, she obeyed.
The box was discovered near Pharaoh’s palace.
Inside was a beautiful child.
The Queen loved him instantly and pleaded:
“Do not kill him. Perhaps he will benefit us or we may take him as a son.”
Thus, Musa entered Pharaoh’s palace—the very household of his enemy.
The child refused all wet nurses.
Meanwhile, Musa’s mother sent his sister to find him.
His sister suggested a woman—his own mother.
When Musa was returned to his mother:
Musa was returned to his mother so she would not grieve and would know Allah’s promise is true.
After weaning, Musa returned to the palace and grew up as a prince.
He witnessed:
These experiences shaped his sense of justice.
As a young man, Musa saw an Israelite fighting a Copt.
He intervened and struck the Copt, who died.
Musa regretted this deeply and repented to Allah.
Pharaoh’s guards sought the killer.
Musa fled Egypt in fear, trusting in Allah.
Allah guided Musa to Midian:
Musa helped two women draw water.
Their father invited him kindly.
Musa stayed as a guest and later married one of the daughters.
Musa agreed to work for:
This became his bride-price.
After completing his term, Musa traveled with his family.
During the journey, he saw a fire and went toward it.
At the fire, Allah spoke to Musa:
“I am your Lord.”
Musa received revelation and was chosen as a Messenger.
Allah commanded Musa:
Musa feared Pharaoh but obeyed Allah.
Musa confronted Pharaoh with truth.
Pharaoh responded with arrogance, denial, and threats.
Allah gave Musa miracles:
Pharaoh gathered sorcerers to challenge Musa.
Musa’s miracle defeated them.
The sorcerers realized the truth and believed in Allah.
Pharaoh threatened them with punishment, but they remained firm in belief.
After many signs and warnings:
Pharaoh pursued them but drowned.
The story of Musa demonstrates: