THE JOURNEY TO MADYAN (II)

 FAJR REMINDER: THE JOURNEY TO MADYAN (II)

By: Umm Affān

Rabī' Al-Awwal 25, 1448 (7-September-2026)

When the two women whom Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām) had helped returned home, their father was surprised that they had arrived so early. He asked them about the reason for their early return, and they informed him about Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām) and what he had done for them. Thus, he sent one of his daughters to invite Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām). Allāh (ﷻ) says:

فَجَاءَتْهُ إِحْدَاهُمَا تَمْشِي عَلَى اسْتِحْيَاءٍ قَالَتْ إِنَّ أَبِي يَدْعُوكَ لِيَجْزِيَكَ أَجْرَ مَا سَقَيْتَ لَنَا 

“Then there came to him one of the two women, walking shyly. She said: ‘Verily, my father calls you that he may reward you for having watered (our flocks) for us.’” [Sūrah Al-Qasas (28) Verse 25]

This verse draws our attention to the fact that this righteous woman came to Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām) “walking shyly,” showing that Ḥayā’ (modesty and shyness) is a beautiful quality that should be evident in a Muslim woman’s character.

Modesty is not limited to the way a woman dresses; it should also reflects in her speech, mannerisms, behaviour, and even the way she carries herself. A woman who possesses modesty does not need to compromise her dignity to interact with the world around her. She can speak when necessary, work as applied to her nature, seek knowledge, and fulfil her responsibilities while maintaining the honour, self-respect, and boundaries that Islām has taught her. 

In a time when modesty is wrongly portrayed as weakness or oppression, the example of this woman reminds us that true modesty is a source of dignity, strength, and honour. A Muslim woman should therefore strive to preserve her Ḥayā’, guard her dignity, and let her conduct reflect the beautiful values that Allāh loves.

When Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām) arrived before their father, he narrated his story and explained why he had left his country. The man reassured him and told him to calm down and relax.

Thereafter, one of the man's daughters advised her father to hire Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām) as a shepherd to look after their sheep, mentioning that he was strong and trustworthy.

However, their father responded:

 إِنِّي أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُنكِحَكَ إِحْدَى ابْنَتَيَّ هَاتَيْنِ عَلَىٰ أَن تَأْجُرَنِي ثَمَانِيَ حِجَجٍ فَإِنْ أَتْمَمْتَ عَشْرًا فَمِنْ عِندِكَ وَمَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ أَشُقَّ عَلَيْكَ سَتَجِدُنِي إِن شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ

“I intend to wed one of these two daughters of mine to you on the condition that you serve me (i.e., take care of my flocks) for eight years; but if you complete ten years, it will be (a favor) from you. But I intend not to place you under difficulty. If Allāh wills, you will find me one of the righteous.” [Sūrah Al-Qasas (28) Verse 26]

This verse underscores the important role parents can play in guiding their children in the selection of a spouse. A parent who knows the character, religion, and conduct of a righteous person may wisely suggest such a person to their child, as the father of the two women recognised the good qualities of Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām). 

Parents should not be completely detached from such an important decision, nor should they force their children into marriage. Rather, they should offer sincere guidance, use their experience and knowledge of people, and help their children consider what truly matters—especially righteousness, good character, and commitment to the Dīn. A righteous spouse can be among the greatest blessings in a person's life, and the wise counsel of caring parents can help their children make this important choice with greater insight and confidence.

From the foregoing, it’s mentioned that Ibn Abī Hatim recorded that ‘Alī Ibn Rabah said he heard ‘Utbah Ibn An-Nadar As-Sulamī narrating that Allāh’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: 

إِنَّ مُوسَى صلى الله عليه وسلم أَجَّرَ نَفْسَهُ ثَمَانِيَ سِنِينَ أَوْ عَشْرًا عَلَى عِفَّةِ فَرْجِهِ وَطَعَامِ بَطْنِهِ.‏

“Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām) hired himself out for eight years, or ten, in return for his chastity and food in his stomach.” [Sunan Ibn Mājah 2444]

Moreover, Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām) fulfilled the condition of serving the man for ten years, as Ibn ‘Abbās (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhumā) mentioned in a Ḥadīth recorded in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī. Thereafter, he married one of the man's daughters.

There is an important lesson here for every man. A man should strive to earn a lawful living and work to provide for himself and his family. No one should consider honest labour beneath him. Prophet Mūsā (‘Alayhi Salām), despite being one of the greatest Messengers of Allāh, worked as a shepherd and fulfilled his responsibilities. Al-Miqdam Ibn Ma’dikarib reported: The Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said, 

مَا أَكَلَ أَحَدٌ طَعَامًا قَطُّ خَيْرًا مِنْ أَنْ يَأْكُلَ مِنْ عَمَلِ يَدِهِ وَإِنَّ نَبِيَّ اللَّهِ دَاوُدَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام كَانَ يَأْكُلُ مِنْ عَمَلِ يَدِهِ

“No meal eaten by one of you is better than the meal he eats from the work of his own hands. Verily, the Prophet of Allāh, Dāwūd, upon him be peace, would eat from the work of his own hands.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1966]

A man should therefore strive to fend for himself and his family according to his ability. Honest work is honourable, and earning through one's own efforts is a noble quality taught to us by the Prophets of Allāh (‘Alayhim Salām).

Let's learn from Prophet Mūsā’s (‘Alayhi Salām) journey—the importance of turning to Allāh during times of fear, maintaining modesty and dignity, showing compassion to those in need, and striving honestly to provide for ourselves and our families.

I beseech Allāh (ﷻ) to ease our struggles and make us among those who benefit people. Aameen