The story of Musa has always been one of my favourites. The place of Musa’s mother within the story is one of the things that strikes me the most; a remarkable woman who had strong conviction in Allāh, even when it came to giving away the thing that was dearest and most beloved to her.

“And the heart of Musa’s mother became empty. She was about to disclose [the matter concerning Musa], had We not strengthened her heart so that she would remain of the believers.” (Surah Qasas, verse 10)

In Ibn Katheer’s commentary of this ayah, he mentions that the nature of her grief was so intense, such that there was absolutely no other matter that occupied her heart as much as Musa did. What’s beautiful is that Allāh acknowledges the state of her heart and makes mention of it in His Book – her heart is empty. There’s a reason why He mentions her grief and her emptiness; it’s an important part of the story. Allāh narrates that she finds herself close to disclosing Musa’s existence, after having concealed her pregnancy and his birth. But He strengthens her heart, He enables her to have conviction in His promise, and He beautifully takes care of what seems to be a hopeless situation. 

Lesson one to take away, is that grief and sorrow are so perfectly normal, don’t ever think otherwise. The best of people from the past experienced it. What’s detrimental is not the feeling, but how we channel it, and who we channel it towards. Know that He is Al-Wali, your Protective Friend, that when things seem dark, He is An-Nur, the Light, and Al-Fattah, the Opener, when all your paths seem closed. 

Most importantly, when you experience such intense emotions, and difficult trials, know that Allāh will also equip you with the necessary characteristics and traits to see through those rough periods. Certainly He is with you.

Despite the intense grief and love that Musa’s mother had for him, she didn’t hesitate in fulfilling the inspiration to cast him into the river when it came to her. Why? Because her trust in Allāh was greater than her love for Musa – she is a woman who lived the concept of tawakkul – trusting in God’s plan. In letting Musa go, she made a bold statement that her love for Musa was vast, but that her love for Allāh and her conviction in His planning, was far greater than the former. 

In ayah 13, Allāh says, “We restored him [Musa] to his mother that she might be content and not grieve and that she would know that the promise of Allah is true. But most people do not know.” (Surah Qasas, verse 13) And this is important, because the very return of Musa to her when all other women found themselves unable to breastfeed Musa, is a testimony to how Allāh’s promise is true, so true. It is also significant because the delight and contentment follows on from the emptiness – something beautiful follows on from the difficulty.

Lesson two to take away – The Promises of Allāh are true. And if He promises to give glad-tidings to those are patient amidst trial, know that it’s true. When He tells us that with hardship comes ease – twice over – then without a doubt, it is the truth. He will never leave you in tribulation without some sort of opening and some eventual ease. 

I think perhaps one of the most beautiful lessons to take away is how wonderfully Allāh plans. When Musa’s mother cast him into the river, did she ever anticipate that the basket would end up at the door of the very man whom she had wanted to keep Musa away from? Did she ever anticipate that Musa’s safety would actually be in the proximity of Fira’un – the tyrant who sought to kill all baby boys? When ‘Aasiya laid her eyes on Musa, she fell in love with him and persuaded Fira’un to let Musa live with them – “A comfort for the eye, for me and for you (Fira’un). Kill him not. Perhaps he may be of benefit for us and we may adopt him as a son. And they perceived not.” (Surah Qasas, verses 8-9) 

In our limited thinking, there is only so much we can perceive. But He perceives all things, and with Him lies Wisdom and Knowledge that is far, far greater than our own. Trust in Him.

“If they would only put their trust in Allah as they should, He would provide for them like he provides for the birds who fly out in the morning hungry and return fully satiated.” (Tirmidhi)

And how can we learn to trust Him, to really trust Him? By knowing Him. Learn about Him, and all His names and attributes – really try to know the Lord that you worship, love and entrust your affairs unto. Because if you know Him, nothing can shake you.