An old woman in the army of Musa (alayhis salaam)
An old woman in the army of Musa (alayhis salaam)
When Pharaoh began persecuting the Banu Isra’il in Egypt, compelling them into labour, beating them and oppressing them, Allah commanded Musa ‘alayhis salam to leave Egypt together with the Banu Isra’il on that very night so that they may be saved from the oppression of Pharaoh. Consequently, Musa ‘alayhis salam left with the Banu Isra’il. When they reached the Nile river, they forgot the road. No one could recognize the road. He became surprised and shouted out: “Whoever is acquainted with this area should please come forward and show us the way.” Upon this an old woman came forward and said: “When Yusuf was about to leave this world, he made a bequest to his brothers and nephews that if at any time you have to leave Egypt, you must carry my coffin, in which my body will be, together with you to wherever you are going. As long as you do not take the coffin, you will not find your way.” Musa ‘alayhis salam asked the whereabouts of the coffin. No one knew the place except for that very same old woman. When he asked her, she replied: “I will not show you the place until you guarantee me one thing.” He asked: “What is that? She replied: “You must guarantee me that I will die on iman and that I will be wherever you are in jannah.” Musa ‘alayhis salam raised his hands and said: “O Allah!
That which she is asking me for is not in my power.” Upon this he was ordered: “You give the guarantee, I will fulfil it.” He therefore gave her the guarantee and she showed him the place where the coffin could be found buried in the centre of the river. The moment the coffin was removed, they found the road.
Lesson: Look at how pious this old woman was in that she did not ask for any of the treasures of the world. Instead, she successfully organized the hereafter for herself. O women! You also abandon your lust and desire for this world. You will receive (of this world) whatever has been written for you. Instead, put your Din in order.
