The Prophet Who Talked to God: The Unique Case of Moses

Throughout history, the prophets of various religions have played significant roles in their communities, receiving divine revelations that have shaped the beliefs and practices of billions of people. Among these revered figures, one stands out with a unique distinction: the Prophet Moses. This article delves into the remarkable story of Moses and his direct communication with God.

The Prophets and Their Messages

The holy texts of multiple religions document the lives and interactions of numerous prophets who communicated with God, often through the mediation of angels. The G-d Edition of ArtScroll Studios' Stone Edition TaNaCH lists 48 true prophets and seven prophetesses, all of whom had the privilege of directly engaging with God.

However, the story of Moses is unique among these prophets. According to the Islamic belief, God Almighty chose Moses to be the most honored and chosen of all the prophets, in direct communication, without the need for an intermediary.

Moses and His Divine Revelation

Moses' Call and Divine Revelation
In the Holy Qur'an, God Almighty directly called upon Moses to hear his revelation. The call to Moses occurred at the Blessed Valley of Tuwa, a sacred and pure spot:

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And when he drew near to it, he was called, 'O Moses! It is indeed I, [O,] Lord of the worlds! So cast off your sandals; for you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa. I have chosen you, so listen to that which is revealed. (Qur'an 20:11-13)

This incident highlights the exceptional nature of Moses' communication with God, symbolized by his removal of his sandals as a sign of respect and reverence for the sacred place.

A Unique Divine Encounter

Moses' Direct Communication with God
In the account of Moses' journey to the mountain of Mount Horeb (Koh-e-Toor), he encountered God in a manner unlike any other prophet in the history of religion:

Here, Moses received a direct revelation, supplemented by a brief manifestation of God's glory:

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But when he approached it, he was called, 'O Moses! It is indeed I, the Lord; do not fear, for you have found grace in my sight. Place your hand in your bosom, and when you take it out, it will be white to test you by My signs, for you are on the truth; and to add to the truth. So take your sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. And He said: 'I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said: 'I have indeed seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. And now the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. Therefore, come now and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.' (Exodus 3:6-10, 13-14)

Moses was given the task of leading his people out of Egypt, a significant mission entrusted to him by God.

Direct Revelation and Its Implications

The Significance of Direct Revelation
Being a prophet involves receiving divine messages, sometimes with the ability to foresee the future. While many prophets received revelations through angels, Moses' direct communication with God was a unique and profound experience. This direct revelation allowed Moses to understand and convey God's will to the Israelites, leading to the establishment of the Torah, a holy book that has been central to Jewish faith and law.

Another aspect of Moses' encounter was his inability to see God's full glory. According to the Hadith and Tafsir, when Moses encountered God, he only saw a small part of God's aura (Noor) and light (Jalwa), which caused Moses to become unconscious due to the overwhelming nature of this divine presence.

Conclusion

The story of Moses is a testament to the unique relationship between a prophet and God. While many prophets had profound and transformative experiences, Moses' direct communication has made him a figure of immense respect and reverence in both Judaism and Islam. His story continues to inspire and teach us about the power of revelation and the importance of following God's will.