Episode 2
Episode 2: Defending the Oppressed, Fleeing for His Life
Musa grew into manhood. When he reached his full strength and maturity, Allah granted him wisdom and knowledge — thus does Allah reward those who do good (28:14). One day, he entered the city at a time when its people were inattentive, and found two men fighting — one from his own people (the Children of Israel), the other from his enemy's people (Fir'aun's court). The man from his own people called on him for help against his opponent. Musa struck the man with his fist, and it killed him. Realizing the gravity of what he had done, he said, "This is from the work of Satan. Indeed, he is a manifest, misleading enemy" (28:15). With a trembling heart, Musa pleaded, "My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, so forgive me." And Allah forgave him — for He is the Forgiving, the Merciful (28:16). Musa then vowed, "My Lord, for the favor You bestowed upon me, I will never be a supporter of criminals" (28:17). The next morning, Musa walked through the city fearful and watchful. The man who had asked for his help the day before cried out to him again. Musa said to him, "Indeed, you are clearly a man astray." When Musa moved to seize the man who was an enemy to them both, that man — thinking Musa meant to strike him — said, "O Musa, do you intend to kill me as you killed someone yesterday? You only want to be a tyrant in the land; you do not want to be one of the reformers" (28:18-19). A man came running from the far end of the city: "O Musa, indeed the leaders are conspiring to kill you, so leave. I am indeed one of your sincere advisers" (28:20). Musa left the city, fearful, watching, praying, "My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people" (28:21). Reflection: Musa acknowledged his fault at once and turned to Allah without lingering in self-justification — a lesson that a person's true greatness lies not in never erring, but in how swiftly they return to Allah when they do.
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Episode 3: In the Land of Madyan