THE DEMISE OF MUSA (ALAYHIS SALAM)
DEMISE OF MUSA (ALAYHIS SALAM)
When the time of Hadhrat Musa’s demise approached, he called his
two companions, Hadhrat Yusha’ Bin Noon and Hadhrat Kalib Bin
Yuqana (alayhimas salaam). He instructed them to prepare a number
of copies of the Tauraah for distribution among his people. The work
was immediately initiated. Nabi Musa (alayhis salaam) himself wrote
one complete copy of the Tauraah. The checking and proof-reading
of this copy was done by Hadhrat Jibraeel (alayhis salaam). This
special copy was entrusted to the offspring of Nabi Haroon (alayhis
salaam). On the occasion of handing them his copy of the Tauraah,
Hadhrat Musa (alayhis salaam) said: “My age is now three hundred
years. The time is near for me to depart from this earthly abode. I
desire to appoint the ablest among you to be my vicegerent
(Khalifah) after me. The best among you for this position is Yusha
whom I am appointing to be my Khalifah.” The nation of Bani Israeel
happily and wholeheartedly accepted the appointment of Hadhrat
Yusha’ (alayhis salaam). Everyone pledged obedience to him.
Nabi Musa (alayhis salaam) thereafter became more engrossed in
Thikrullaah. He set off to Mount Tur for the last time. Here he
engaged in conversation with Allah Ta’ala. After he returned to his
people from Mount Tur, he engaged in counselling Bani Israaeel,
giving them many farewell advices and admonition.
Allah Ta’ala had informed Hadhrat Nabi Musa (alayhis salaam) of
his imminent Maut (Death). After he had presented numerous
farewell advices to Bani Israaeel, one day Malakul Maut appeared
unannounced in human form. When he stated his purpose, viz. taking
Musa’s life, he (Hadhrat Musa) became enraged. He struck Malakul
Maut who was in human form, such a fierce blow which damaged his
(Malakul Maut’s) eye. Malakul Maut departed and complained to
Allah Ta’ala.
Allah Ta’ala sent Jibraeel (alayhis salaam) with the message: “O
Musa! If you desire longer life, then place your hand on the back of a
ram. I take oath by My Might and Splendour! Your life will be
extended in years for as many hairs of the ram which are covered by
your hand.”
After Hadhrat Jibraeel (alayhis salaam) delivered this divine
message, Nabi Musa (alayhis salaam) commented: “O Jibraeel! After
I have done so and my lifespan is extended to the number of hairs
which my hand covers on the back of a ram, and after the expiry of
all those years, then what will happen?” Jibraeel (alayhis salaam)
said: “Thereafter is Maut.” Nabi Musa (alayhis salaam) said: “Since
the ultimate fate is Maut, why should I not be presently pleased with
Maut? Go, send Malakul Maut to me. With the greatest pleasure I
submit and hand over my soul.” Jibraeel (alayhis salaam) departed.
Immediately Nabi Musa (alayhis salaam) set off for the
wilderness. On arriving in the desolate place he suddenly saw seven
men in a beautiful lush area. They were preparing a beautiful grave.
Nabi Musa (alayhis salaam) said: “Whose grave is this?” A
spokesman for the seven men said: “It is the grave of one of Allah’s
beloved devotees. His height is your height.”
Nabi Musa (alayhis salaam) stood there whilst they were
preparing the grave. He then said: “May I lay down in this grave for a
few moments?” They happily consented. Who were these seven
persons? They were Jibraeel, Meekaaeel, Israafeel, Izraaeel and
another three Muqarrab Angels (Angels of high rank enjoying very
close divine proximity). Allah Ta’ala had dispatched them to prepare
the grave in honour of Nabi Musa (alayhis salaam).
Lying down in the grave, he exclaimed: “What a wonderful abode,
Subhaanallaah!” Immediately Malakul Maut (Hadhrat Izraaeel –
alayhis salaam) stepped forward and placed a wonderfully fragrant
flower to the nose of Hadhrat Musa (alayhis salaam). At that very
moment the blessed Rooh of Nabi Musa (alayhis salaam) took flight
from his earthly body.
Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi Raaji-oon.
