04/07/2025
Excerpts from the Friday sermon at Masjid Al Haram delivered by President Sheikh Abdur Rahman As Sudais on 9 Muharram 1447
The Story of Musa, the Migration of the Prophet, and the Day of Ashura: Lessons, Pride, and Reflections
In a time when tribulations have intensified and multiplied, and distress has become widespread, it is essential to understand their causes. They should not obscure sound thinking and deep insight. One must reflect upon events, analyze incidents, and take lessons from the stories of past days and their occurrences. Allah the Almighty has commanded this, saying:
“So take warning, O people of vision.”
And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to love optimism and good omens, and he would say:
“A good word is a good omen.”
Among the greatest examples in the stories of steadfastness, reliance on Allah, and optimism in times of hardship, is the story of Musa (peace be upon him).
Allah Almighty inspired Musa and his brother Harun (peace be upon them) to approach Pharaoh and his people, to call them to the worship of Allah alone and to abandon tyranny. Allah said:
“Go to Pharaoh, for indeed, he has transgressed.”
This is a great lesson for every caller to Allah: to combine wisdom, gentleness, firmness, and patience, and to rely on Allah Almighty. Allah also commanded His Prophet (peace be upon him):
“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction.”
Musa (peace be upon him) went out with the Children of Israel, pursued by Pharaoh and his soldiers. When the Children of Israel saw Pharaoh approaching, they said:
“Indeed, we are to be overtaken!”
Musa (peace be upon him) said:
“No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.”
This is a model of unwavering trust in Allah and certainty of His help. Allah then revealed to Musa to strike the sea with his staff, and it parted, each portion like a towering mountain. They passed safely, and when Pharaoh and his soldiers entered, they were drowned.
Thus, Allah saved Musa (peace be upon him) and those with him and destroyed Pharaoh and his forces. In this way, victory is achieved for the believers and a good outcome for the pious.
In the migration of the Prophet (peace be upon him), we see another magnificent example of complete reliance on Allah in times of trial. When Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
“If any of them should look under his feet, he would see us,”
the Prophet replied:
“O Abu Bakr, what do you think of two, of whom Allah is the third?”
And Allah said:
“Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.”
The Day of Ashura thus embodies the values of steadfastness, strength, pride in faith, and trust in Allah. It is a reminder for the Muslim community, inspiring renewed resolve and honor, and reinforcing the bond of our Ummah to its history, civilization, and the messages that time cannot erase.
Among the lessons and reminders is the clear Qur’anic methodology of the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) when faced with hardship: to turn to Allah with supplication, abundant repentance, and not to despair of relief, no matter how severe the calamity. Allah said:
“And We inspired to Musa, ‘Strike with your staff the sea,’ and it parted.”
This shows that Allah provides relief even at the last moment.
Today—Ashura—is a day of profound lessons and blessings, reminding us of Allah’s great power and His support for His believing servants, and a day to reflect and renew trust in the Almighty.
- Inside the Haramain -
