The story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and his confrontation with Pharaoh’s tyranny holds timeless themes of liberation and justice. Both the Torah and the Quran deeply embed this narrative, highlighting the severe oppression of the Israelites and celebrating their miraculous escape and the divine punishment that befell their oppressors. These themes resonate profoundly when considering the contemporary struggles of the Palestinian people, providing both historical insights and warnings about the fate of tyrannical rule.
Pharaoh’s Harsh Rule
In Musa’s era, the Pharaoh inflicted extreme suffering on the Israelites. Islamic texts recount his brutal policies, including murdering newborn boys and enslaving girls. The Quran paints a picture of his arrogance,
“O my people! Is not mine the dominion of Egypt, and these rivers flowing underneath me? Do you not then see? Am I not better than this Moses, who is a man of low birth and can scarcely express himself clearly?” (Quran 43:51-53).
Pharaoh’s denial of Musa’s monotheistic message fueled his cruel rule.
The Miraculous Escape
The story reaches its climax with the Israelites’ escape through the parted Red Sea, a clear act of divine intervention. Allah commanded Musa to strike the sea with his staff, creating a path of safety. The Quran describes,
“Strike with your staff the sea,’ and it split, each part like a great towering mountain” (Quran 26:63).
When Pharaoh’s army followed, the waters closed over them, symbolizing divine justice and the end of tyranny.
Parallel to the Palestinian Struggle
Today’s Palestinian plight mirrors the historical oppression faced by the Israelites. The conflict involves displacement, severe restrictions on movement, and state-imposed hardships. The West Bank and Gaza Strip suffer from limited access to resources and economic opportunities, representing a modern battle against control that many deem oppressive.
Global Call for Action
The story of Musa is a caution against tyranny. The Quran states,
“We desired to show favor to those who were oppressed in the land” (Quran 28:5).
It serves as a historical warning: oppressors will not prevail. Divine justice may arrive in unexpected forms.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the Palestinian struggle, we draw lessons from history. Tyranny is destined to fall. The oppressed, like the Israelites under Musa, will witness the dawn of justice. The international community must learn from the past and strive for a resolution that respects the dignity and rights of all people, paving the way for a future free from oppression.