The staff of Musa AS serves as a great reminder of Allah’s unimaginable power. It broke the boundaries of what is considered to be normal and thus proved that the miracle of Musa AS staff couldn’t come from mankind. This event solidified the prophethood of Musa AS and established Islam as the true religion. This blog will detail the significance of Musa AS’s staff and its impact on the pharaoh.
The Name Of The Staff
In Islam, the staff of Musa AS is known as ‘asa’. The word is derived from the Arabic language and means ‘stick’. It is also called the ‘Rod of God’ or ‘Staff of God.’
The First Miracle
Musa AS And The Journey
It all began when Musa AS began to feel homesick. He wanted to return home but knew the dangers around the journey. Therefore, he decided to visit his family and relatives without the pharaoh and his people knowing. He gathered his family and the flock given to him by this father-in-law and began his journey from Midian to Egypt on a cold and dark night. They decided to camp, and Musa AS decided to start a fire. But he failed at it, which left him surprised.
Still in this state, he saw a fire burning toward the mountain At-Tur. When he glanced at the fire, he was filled with hope. He turned towards his family and said to them,
“Lo! I see in the distance a fire; peradventure I shall bring you tidings thence, or a brand from the fire that ye may warm yourselves.”
[Surah Qasas, Verse 28]
When he walked closer, he was astonished to see a fire blazing in a green bush on the mountain next to the valley. Still, in a state of amazement, he heard a voice call out,
“O Moses! Lo! I, even I, am Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.”
[Surah Qasas, Verse 30]
Musa AS And The Serpent
Startled, Musa AS looked around to identify the source, but the voice spoke again.
“And what is that in thy right hand, O Moses?”
[Surah Taha, Verse 17]
Now, even more startled, Musa AS replied,
This is my staff, whereon I lean, wherewith I beat down branches for my sheep, and wherein I find other uses.
[Surah Taha, Verse 18]
The voice said again,
“Throw down thy staff.”
[Surah Qasas, Verse 31]
And when Musa AS threw his staff down, it turned into a great serpent, which glided as if it weighed nothing. It had a huge mouth with sharp jaws and swallowed every rock that came its way. When Musa AS witnessed this, he turned away and didn’t look back. Once again, the voice spoke,
“Grasp it and fear not. We shall return it to its former state.”
[Surah Taha, Verse 21]
Musa AS took hold of the serpent. It miraculously returned to its original form. Seeing this, Musa AS was reassured that the voice was indeed Allah SWT, and instead of fear, he felt calm and peaceful. Allah SWT then commanded Musa AS to put his hand into the opening of his collar.
“Thrust thy hand into the bosom of thy robe; it will come forth white without hurt.”
Musa AS followed the command, and his hand shone bright as if it were a part of the moon or a flash of lightning. Then Allah said,
“And guard thy heart from fear. Then these shall be two proofs from your Lord unto Pharaoh and his chiefs. Lo! They are evil-living folk.”
[Surah Qasas, Verse 32]
Note: The two miracles are the staff turning into a serpent and the hand shining bright.
Musa AS And Harun AS
After the two miracles, Musa AS appealed to his Lord,
“My Lord! Lo! I killed a man among them and I fear that they will kill me. My brother Aaron is more eloquent than me in speech. Therefore, send him with me as a helper to confirm me. Lo! I fear that they will tell the lie to me. ”
Musa AS had a speech defect because he picked up coal and put it on his tongue when he was given a choice between a pearl and a date. Therefore, he found it difficult to speak clearly.
Hearing his request, he heard Allah say,
“We will strengthen thine arm with thy brother, and We will give unto you both power so that they cannot reach you for Our portents. Ye twain, and those who follow you will be the winners.”
[Surah Qasas, Verse 35]
Note: The verses continue, stating the conversation between Allah SWT and Prophet Musa PBUH.
After this, Musa AS and Haroon AS both went to the Pharaoh and told him to let the children of Israel come with them. But the pharaoh declined and asked about the Lord of the Universe. When Musa AS told him, he scoffed. Later in the verses, it is stated that even when Musa AS showed the pharaoh his hand and how his staff could turn into a snake, he still didn’t believe him. A few other events transpired after this, all of which the pharaoh failed. These instances led him to his doom, where Musa AS emerged victorious by Allah’s will.
The Importance Of The Staff
All of the events that involved Musa AS’s staff were a clear indication to the disbelievers of the miracles that Allah SWT is capable of.
The staff was a physical representation of faith in Allah and established Musa AS as the true and correct leader of his time. Therefore, all the people who had any doubt regarding the authenticity of Islam were satisfied and became Muslims. Beyond its religious importance, all events involving the staff of Musa AS hold significant cultural and historical significance. This, combined with the other miracles performed by the Prophets throughout history, helps people revert to the right path every day and grow closer to their Lord.