Nabi Harun

Harun was appointed a prophet at the request of Musa in his munajat in Thuwa: "Make me a servant from my family, namely Harun my brother; strengthen my strength with him and make him an ally in my affairs." Allah answered, "Your request has indeed been granted, O Musa." The Qur'an mentions that Harun was more fluent in speaking, accompanying Moses in facing Pharaoh.

When Moses prayed for forty nights, Harun was left to lead the Children of Israel. When Samiri led them astray with the calf statue, Harun advised, "O my people, indeed you have only been given a trial by it, and indeed your Lord is the Most Gracious, so follow me." But they threatened him. When Musa returned and grabbed his head angrily, Harun explained that he was holding back to maintain the unity of the Children of Israel until Musa returned — and Musa prayed for forgiveness for both of them.

Harun exemplifies the power of congregational preaching: a big treatise needs a supporting companion. He also taught the jurisprudence of a leader's priorities — weighing up between cracking down on evil and maintaining the unity of the people. Allah immortalized the greeting for both of them: "Salamun 'ala Musa wa Harun."