Reading outline · Narrative
Musa in Surahs 28 and 20
Surah 28 tells of Pharaoh’s oppression, the infant entrusted to the river and his return to his mother.
This outline follows the main passages. Open each reading to follow the story in full.
In this outline
An infant under threat
Surah 28 tells of Pharaoh’s oppression, the infant entrusted to the river and his return to his mother.
We narrate unto thee (somewhat) of the story of Moses and Pharaoh with truth, for folk who believe. Lo! Pharaoh exalted himself in the earth and made its people castes. A tribe among them he oppressed, killing their sons and sparing their women. Lo! he was of those …
Departure and refuge
Musa leaves in fear, reaches the water of Madyan and helps two women water their flocks.
And when he reached his full strength and was ripe, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. Thus do We reward the good. And he entered the city at a time of carelessness of its folk, and he found therein two men fighting, one of his own caste, and …
The call
Surah 20 describes the encounter at the holy valley Tuwa and Musa’s commission.
Hath there come unto thee the story of Moses? When he saw a fire and said unto his folk: Lo! Wait! I see a fire afar off. Peradventure I may bring you a brand therefrom or may find guidance at the fire. And when he reached it, he …
Confronting Pharaoh
Musa and Harun confront Pharaoh. The contest with the magicians forms part of this account.
Go, both of you, unto Pharaoh. Lo! he hath transgressed (the bounds). And speak unto him a gentle word, that peradventure he may heed or fear. They said: Our Lord! Lo! we fear that he may be beforehand with us or that he may play the tyrant. He …
Crossing and absence
The sea crossing is followed by Musa’s absence and the people’s trial concerning the calf.
And verily We inspired Moses, saying: Take away My slaves by night and strike for them a dry path in the sea, fearing not to be overtaken, neither being afraid (of the sea). Then Pharaoh followed them with his hosts and there covered them that which did cover …
Places in this story
EgyptSources & reading notes
Introductions and explanations are editorial writing. Quoted text retains its named edition; selections may be shortened with an ellipsis.
An infant under threat. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Departure and refuge. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
The call. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Confronting Pharaoh. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Crossing and absence. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Original scene outline
An infant under threat
Surah 28 tells of Pharaoh’s oppression, the infant entrusted to the river and his return to his mother.
Departure and refuge
Musa leaves in fear, reaches the water of Madyan and helps two women water their flocks.
The call
Surah 20 describes the encounter at the holy valley Tuwa and Musa’s commission.
Confronting Pharaoh
Musa and Harun confront Pharaoh. The contest with the magicians forms part of this account.
Crossing and absence
The sea crossing is followed by Musa’s absence and the people’s trial concerning the calf.