The Little Chest on the River

This is a true story from the Quran. It is about a mother and her baby boy, who grew up to be Prophet Musa عليه السلام.

Long, long ago, in the land of Egypt, there was a proud king called Pharaoh. He was very cruel to a people called the Children of Israel. He was even harming their baby boys.

In one family of the Children of Israel, a baby boy was born. That baby boy was Musa.

Then Allah inspired Musa's mother. He placed in her heart what she should do:

"Suckle him, and then, when you fear for his safety, put him in the river: do not be afraid, and do not grieve, for We shall return him to you and make him a messenger."

So she nursed her baby. And when she feared for him, she did just as Allah had inspired her. She laid him in a little chest, which is a kind of box, and she set the chest on the river.

The water lapped softly against the little chest. Slowly, gently, the river carried it away from home.

But baby Musa was never alone. Allah was watching over him the whole way.

The river brought the chest to the bank. And who do you think picked up the baby? Pharaoh's own family!

But Allah had placed love for this baby in people's hearts. Pharaoh's wife said to Pharaoh, "Here is a joy to behold for me and for you!" She asked them not to harm him, and she said, "He may be of use to us, or we may adopt him as a son." They did not know what Allah had planned.

Back at home, the heart of Musa's mother felt empty. She could think of nothing but her baby. She very nearly told people all about him. But Allah made her heart strong, so that she would keep believing in His promise.

She said to Musa's big sister, "Follow him." So his sister went after him, quietly watching from a distance, and nobody knew who she was.

In Pharaoh's house, the baby needed milk. Woman after woman came to nurse him, but baby Musa would not drink from any of them. Allah had made it so.

Then his sister went up to Pharaoh's people. "Shall I tell you about a household which could bring him up for you and take good care of him?" she asked.

And the household she meant was Musa's very own family! That is how Allah brought baby Musa back to his mother. He was in her arms once again. She was comforted, and she was not sad any more. Now she knew for certain that Allah's promise is true.

Allah kept the rest of His promise, too. When Musa grew up, Allah chose him and made him a messenger: Prophet Musa عليه السلام.

Musa's mother did her part, and then she left the rest to Allah. And Allah took care of everything.

If you ever feel worried, do your best, and then whisper, "I trust You, ya Allah."

Now snuggle down, warm and cosy. The night is quiet. Just as Allah watched over baby Musa on the river, He is watching over you. Sleep well.