Dr. Bilal Ahmad & Intizar Ahmad
It is believed that Prophet Harun(alayhi as-salam) elder brother of Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam)belonged to the Bani Israel (the children of Israel)was born in Egypt. Prophet Harun (alayhi as-salam) is one of the prophets who is mentioned in the Qur’anmost of the time in tandem with his brother Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam). In the literature, very little detail is given about the early life of Prophet Harun (alayhi as-salam)the actual biological brother of Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam). In the holy Quran, no detailed information about the life and Prophet-hood of Prophet Harun(alayhi as-salam)is available, except for the two historical events associated with him, the Golden Calf and his visit to the then King of Egypt, along with his younger brother Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam).When Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) spoke to Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam), and granted him prophethood, Musa (alayhi as-salam) made this powerful dua to Allah mentioned in holy Quran, Surah Ta ha, that begins at ayat 25 and ends verse 28. The dua in Arabic is, Rabbish rahli sadri wa yassirli amri wah lul uqdatan min lisaani, yaf kahu kauli. This dua means, “My Lord, expand for me my breast [with assurance] and ease for me my task and untie the knot from my tongue that they may understand my speech.”This is a beautiful dua, Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam)asked Allah to clear his chest, to make this mission of his easy, to let the knot of his tongue be loosened so that they can understand what he says. That is so the people could understand the message of Allah (swt).Further, He (alayhi as-salam)says, “Oh Allah, give me an aid. Give me a helper from my family. Somebody I can trust. Provide me support of Harun who can strengthen me. Make Harun a partner in this mission of mine. It is clear that Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam) appeals to Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) to appoint Harun (alayhi as-salam), his brother, also as a prophet alongside of him, and make him a partner in this mission that he is being sent on. It is important to understand that Musa (alayhi as-salam) is a prophet of Allah, and he’s even described as being a prophet who is very strong. A man’s man, a tough person, and he’s asking for help. It means one must realize what he/she needs in future to tackle the situation efficiently. Now another place in the holy Qur’an, in Surah al-Qasas, surah number twenty-eight. Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) tells us about Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam) making this request to Allah. Ayah numbers 34 & 35 in surah number 28.
Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam) specifically ask for Harun (alayhi as-salam) as he believed Prophet Harun (alayhi as-salam)is a lot more eloquent in speech so can help me communicate and make my point. He will back me up, because I’m afraid these people might not listen to me. They might try to call me a liar, and try to reject me. Almighty Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) said, “We will strengthen your arm through your prophet.” Meaning, We will give you the support that you need in order to carry out your task through your brother. We will make your brother your support, and We will give both of you authority. We will appoint both of you as prophets of Allah, and they won’t be able to get to you. Prophet Harun (alayhi as-salam) was very mature, very intelligent, very devout, a good preacher and also extremely eloquent and well spoken. We learn here that anybody who is working for the deen, anyone striving to make the world a better place, it’s not so much about admitting what you can’t do, but it’s very important to understand, identify, and recognize the talents that others have. When you find people who have talents and abilities, and can contribute something valuable, identify it, admit it, praise them for it, recruit them based on it. It is important to realize that we are not in competition with each other as we all on the same mission Islam. The team of Allah, Qur’an, so we don’t have any of these petty conflicts and arrogance and insecurities. We embrace each other’s talents and abilities. We must facilitate people to be able to contribute and really be able to take the mission further through their talents and knowledge. We observe that prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam), identify great qualities in his brother Harun(alayhi as-salam) so prayed Allah for his support. Prophet Harun(alayhi as-salam), was amongst the descendants of Prophet Ibrahim (alayhi as-salam) who was granted Prophet-hood during the Prophet-hood of his younger brother Prophet Musa(alayhi as-salam). The name of his father was Imran and is mentioned in the holy Quran as a man who is “Guided to the right path.”
Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam) requested Allah for support as is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Taha, verses 25-35. The request of Prophet Musa(alayhi as-salam) was graciously accepted by Allah and Prophet Harun (alayhi as-salam) accompanied him to the Court of King Pharaoh.Bani Israel had been under severe oppression at the hands of Pharaoh for a long time and had been serving the Pharaoh and his army as slaves. Not only the Pharaoh but the other powerful Egyptians also treated the children of Israel (Bani Israel) as slaves.Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam) and Prophet Harun (alayhi as-salam) on the command of Allah meet the Pharaoh to warn him about the punishment and to release the people of Israel. Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam) and his brother Prophet Harun (alayhi as-salam) reached the Court of Pharaoh and asked him to release the people of Israel. They were a little worried about the behavior of Pharaoh as is mentioned in Quran, Surah Taha verses 42-48. Allah says, Go with My signs, you and your brother, and do not be lax in remembering Me. Then go to the Pharaoh as he has become exceedingly rebellious Speak to him gently. He may possibly take heed or may come to have fear. They said: “O our Lord, we are really frightened lest he behave insolently with us or become violent (The Lord) said: “Be not afraid. I am verily with you, and I hear and see. So go to him and say: ‘The two of us have indeed been sent by your Lord. So let the children of Israel come with us, and do not oppress them. We have come to you with a token from your Lord. Peace on him who follows the way of guidance. It has been revealed to us that punishment will befall him who denies and turns away.So, both reached the court of Pharaoh and warned him about the upcoming punishment from Allah.
“Prophet Harun (Aaron), the brother of Prophet Musa (Moses), was a significant messenger in Islam mentioned in the Quran. He helped Musa deliver the message of monotheism to Pharaoh and the Egyptians. During Musa’s absence, Harun took charge of the Israelites, who then committed idolatry by worshipping a golden calf. Harun demonstrated patience and compassion, and upon Musa’s return, he sought forgiveness for his people. He is remembered for his leadership and commitment to steadfastness in faith. He is believed to have died in the Sinai wilderness.”
The dialogue started between them and Pharaoh. A section of the audience was impressed by the view point of Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam) and Prophet Haroon (alayhi as-salam). But it did not transpire into any positivity. Instead, Pharaoh declared Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam) a magician and called his top magicians to contest him. But even the top magicians of Pharaoh could not beat the two brothers, Prophet Musa(alayhi as-salam) and Prophet Haroon(alayhi as-salam) and they still came out victorious. Consequently, king Pharaoh ordered his army to kill all the Israelites. Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam) and Prophet Haroon (alayhi as-salam) lead the entire population of Israelites to go out of Egypt. The army of Pharaoh followed them. Ultimately, the Israelites were trapped between the ocean and the army of Pharaoh. However, with the Will and Command of Allah, the sea was parted to let Israelites cross, out of Egypt, under the guidance of Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam) and Prophet Haroon (alayhi as-salam). The Pharaoh’s army tried to follow them but the path suddenly disappeared and the whole army was drowned in the ocean. This is believed to be the present-day Red Sea, which separates the Arabian Peninsula from Egypt. The Israelites, commonly referred to as Bani Israel in the Islamic Commentaries, were safely brought out of the reach of Pharaoh. Still, the consistent slavery had left its impact on their lives. They felt it difficult to leave the worship of Idols. However, Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam) and Prophet Haroon (alayhi as-salam)continued preaching. Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam) on the command of Allah had to leave the town and go up the Mount Sinai for a spiritual interaction. His journey to and back from Mount Sinai lasted 40 days and nights. He asked his brother Prophet Haroon (alayhi as-salam)to lead Bani Israel in his absence who fulfilled his duty with full devotion and preached to the Israelites to worship only One Allah and leave idolatry.
A group of Israelites rebelled after few days and one of them, named Sameri, collected the entire gold and jewelry from the Israelites and made a Golden Calf, which was worshiped after some days. Prophet Harun (alayhi as-salam) tried his best to stop them from this type of worship but they said, let Musa(alayhi as-salam) come back; till that time, we will not leave worshiping this Idol of Golden Calf. According to holy Quran, verses 85 to 94 of Surah Taha, He said: “We have put your people on trial in your absence; and Sameri has led them astray.”So Moses returned to his people full of anger and regret. “O my people,” he said, “did not your Lord make you a better promise? Did the time of covenant seem too long to you? Or did you wish the wrath of your Lord to fall upon you that you broke the promise you had made to me? They said: “We did not break our promise to you of our own will, but we were made to carry the loads of ornaments belonging to the people, which we threw (into the fire), and so did Sameri. Then he produced the image of a calf which mooed like a cow. And they said: ‘This is your god and the god of Moses (whom) he has neglected. Did they not see that it did not give them any answer, nor had it power to do them harm or bring them gain? Harun had indeed told them earlier: “O my people, you are being only misled with this. Surely your Lord is Ar-Rahman. So follow me and obey my command.”They said “So long as Moses does not come back we are not going to give it up, and we will remain devoted to it.”But (Moses) said: “O Harun, when you saw that they had gone astray, what hindered youFrom coming after me? Did you not disobey my command?” (And Moses pulled him by the hair).“O son of my mother,” (Harun cried), do not pull me by my beard or my hair! I was really afraid you may say that I had created a rift among the children of Israel, and did not pay heed to your command.”On listening to the viewpoint of Prophet Haroon (alayhi as-salam), his brother Prophet Musa(alayhi as-salam) realized that Harun was helpless in this matter, though he tried his best.It is believed that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) , while ascending to Heavens during the historic event of Miraj An-Nabi, met Prophet Haroon(alayhi as-salam). This was the fifth level of Heavens. It is mentioned in the old Islamic Commentaries that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) particularly mentioned the personality and beauty of Prophet Haroon (alayhi as-salam). It is believed by some Muslims that Prophet Harun (alayhi as-salam) was buried on the top of Mount Harun, situated near the town of Petra, present-day Jordan. The local Muslims believe that the tomb of Prophet Harun(alayhi as-salam) exists on the top of Mount Harun, alongside a historic mosque with a white dome. This mosque was built in the 14th Century. However, there is no authentic proof of this place being the burial site of the Prophet Haroon(alayhi as-salam). In brief, Prophet Harun(alayhi as-salam)was a prominent prophet in Islam, mentioned in the holy Quran as the brother of Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam) and a messenger of Allah. He played a significant role in the history of the Israelites, supporting his brother in delivering the message of monotheism to Pharaoh and the people of Egypt. In absence of Prophet Musa (alayhi as-salam) he took charge of the Israelites and during this time they fell into idolatry, worshipping a golden calf. He showed patience and compassion, and after Musa (alayhi as-salam)’s return, he pleaded for forgiveness for the Israelites’ sin, demonstrating his leadership and concern for his people. The holy Quran does not provide specific details about Harun’s death, but it is believed he passed away in the wilderness of Sinai during the Israelites’ journey. His legacy remains a source of guidance, emphasizing steadfastness in faith and the value of supporting one another in righteousness.May Almighty Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) allow us to be more like the great prophets and messengers of Allah.
(The authors write regularly on “Islamic Topics” exclusively for the opinion pages of “ Kashmir Horizon” . The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
