The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (Part 132)
Educational Lessons from the Story of Prophet Musa (AS) (Continued…)
Lesson Twenty-Five: Among Allah’s Blessings upon His Servants Is the Arrival of Relief After Hardship
One of the great blessings of Allah (SWT) upon human beings is that after hardship and difficulty, He brings relief and ease. This relief may sometimes come very soon, after only a short period of hardship, while at other times it may come after a long period of difficulty and suffering.
One example of swift relief after hardship is the return of Prophet Musa (AS) to his mother after he had been cast into the Nile. Allah (SWT) says, [1]“فَرَدَدْنَاهُ إِلَى أُمِّهِ كَيْ تَقَرَّ عَيْنُهَا وَلَا تَحْزَنَ وَلِتَعْلَمَ أَنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّ وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ” Translation: “So we restored him to his mother so that her eyes might be comforted, she would not grieve, and she would know that the promise of Allah is true. But most of them do not know.” [2]
Another example of relief after a long period of hardship and suffering is the return of Prophet Yusuf (AS) to his father, Prophet Yaqub (AS), after years of separation.
The relief and mercy of Allah toward Prophet Ayyub (AS) may also be mentioned. Allah (SWT) tested him for a long period with illness and the loss of his children and wealth and then restored his health, children, and possessions. Allah (SWT) says, [3]«فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ فَكَشَفْنَا مَا بِهِ مِنْ ضُرٍّ وَآتَيْنَاهُ أَهْلَهُ وَمِثْلَهُمْ مَعَهُمْ رَحْمَةً مِّنْ عِندِنَا وَذِكْرَى لِلْعَابِدِينَ» Translation: “So We answered his prayer, removed the affliction that had befallen him, and restored his family to him, along with the like of them, as a mercy from Us and a reminder for those devoted to worship.”
Divine relief is not limited to individuals. Believing nations and communities may also experience relief and divine victory after periods of hardship and suffering.
One clear example is the history of Banu Israel. Pharaoh transgressed against them and committed manifest oppression. He killed their sons, spared their women, and spread corruption throughout the land. He humiliated and oppressed his people and, in arrogance and rebellion, claimed divinity.
Ultimately, divine relief came to Banu Israil through the destruction of Pharaoh and his armies. Allah (SWT) says, [4] “وَأَنجَيْنَا مُوسَى وَمَن مَّعَهُ أَجْمَعِينَ * ثُمَّ أَغْرَقْنَا الْآخَرِينَ” Translation: “And we saved Musa and all those with him. Then we drowned the others.” [5]
However, divine relief for a believing community is attained through faith, righteous deeds, patience, and seeking Allah’s help. Allah (SWT) has promised to grant security and stability to believers who perform righteous deeds.
Therefore, one of the important educational lessons of the story of Prophet Musa (AS) is that hardships are not the end of the road, and a believer should not despair of Allah’s mercy and promise during times of difficulty. The divine way is that relief follows hardship and tranquility follows suffering. A person’s responsibility during difficult times is to preserve faith, exercise patience, place his trust in Allah, and remain steadfast in righteous deeds. [6]
