Moses’ (a.s.) Conversation with Allah (s.w.t.)

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

The following is extracted from “When You Hear Hoof Beats, Think of A Zebra” by Shaykh Shams Ira Friedlander. 

Moses (a.s.) was in the field one day, and Allah (s.w.t.) Said to him, “What is it you have in your hand?” 

“A staff.” 

“And what do you do with this staff?” 

Now Allah (s.w.t.) did not have to Ask Moses (a.s.) of course.  Allah (s.w.t.) would Know, for He Knows all.  But He Asked this of Moses (a.s.) so that their conversation can be repeated, and we can learn from it today. 

When He Asked, “And what do you do with that staff?” Moses (a.s.) said, “I lean on it.  And sometimes I use it to separate my sheep and keep them in line.  Also I knock down leaves from trees so that my sheep will have some food.” 

Allah (s.w.t.) Said, “Throw the staff to the ground.”  He did, and the staff turned into a snake. 

Then Allah (s.w.t.) Said, “Pick up the snake.”  And Moses (a.s.) picked up the snake. 

This story could end right here and this is the lesson: submission to Allah (s.w.t.).  Even with the fear that the snake could kill him, Moses’ (a.s.) submission to Allah (s.w.t.) was greater than his fear of death.  He was told to throw the snake down, and he did, and it turned back into a staff.  The real lesson for us is that if we lean on anything other than Allah (s.w.t.), it could turn into a snake. 

Then Allah (s.w.t.) Said to Moses (a.s.). “Place your hand on your heart,” and he did.  When he removed his and, he saw written in his palm of his hand in Nur, Divine Light, the Name of Allah (s.w.t.) which signified that his heart had His Name Engraved upon it.  When one’s heart becomes pure, then the sign of Allah (s.w.t.) is Written upon our being.

Then Allah (s.w.t.) Said to Moses (a.s.). “Place your hand on your heart,” and he did.  When he removed his and, he saw written in his palm of his hand in Nur, Divine Light, the Name of Allah (s.w.t.) which signified that his heart had His Name Engraved upon it.  When one’s heart becomes pure, then the sign of Allah (s.w.t.) is Written upon our being.

Extracted from “When You Hear Hoof Beats Think of A Zebra” by Shems Friedlander