Surah Taa-Haa (20) — Ayah 40

40. When your sister was walking along the shore (watching over you), and (when Pharaoh’s people picked up the chest) she said, 'Shall I tell you of someone who can nurse this child properly?' So We returned you to your mother so that her eyes might be comforted [24] and she would not grieve. And you killed a man, but We saved you from that distress [25] and tested you with various trials. Then you stayed for several years among the people of Madyan. Then, O Moses, you have come here at the appointed time [26] decreed by destiny.

[24]
The Upbringing of Musa at Pharaoh’s Court:

Then We arranged for your upbringing in such a way that when your mother entrusted you to the river in a chest, she instructed her daughter, that is, your sister, to walk along the riverbank and keep watch over what would happen to the chest. Eventually, she found out that you had reached Pharaoh’s house. Upon seeing such a lovely child, Pharaoh’s wife Asiya said to her husband that since they had no children, why not adopt him as their own son? In the end, she convinced her husband Pharaoh of this matter. Now the question arose as to which wet nurse would feed Sayyiduna Musaؑ. Whichever wet nurse was brought, Sayyiduna Musaؑ would refuse to drink her milk. This became a very difficult problem. When this matter became public, Sayyiduna Musa’s sister appeared there and said, “I can point out a wet nurse to you; I hope this child will surely drink her milk.” Thus, Musa’s sister gave the address of her mother. When she was brought, the child indeed began to drink her milk. Then Pharaoh and his wife entrusted the child to Sayyiduna Musa’s mother herself, and her salary was also fixed from the royal treasury. She was sent back to her home along with the child. In this way, O Musa! We arranged for your upbringing in a wondrous manner. You yourself reached your mother, you were brought up, and your mother’s eyes were comforted. Thus, We saved you from the jaws of death and arranged for your upbringing in your childhood at the hands of that very Pharaoh who was intent on taking your life.

[25]
The Death of a Copt at the Hands of Sayyiduna Musa:

The details of this incident will come in Surah Al-Qasas. In brief, a Copt (an Egyptian) was unintentionally killed at the hands of Sayyiduna Musa. He only struck him with a fist, which caused his death. So We showed you the way to Madyan, and as a result, saved you from the danger of death that you faced as punishment. Even after that, many trials came upon you, in which We continued to help you.

[26]
According to Destiny, Means Are Always Created:

When you reached Madyan, you were a complete stranger and traveler. Then We arranged such means for you that you began to live honorably with Shu‘aybؑ in Madyan. For years, you herded his sheep. This too was intended for your upbringing. Then, when you married Shu‘ayb’sؑ daughter, this need of yours was also fulfilled. After spending the appointed period in Madyan, you thought of returning to your homeland. On a long, dark winter night, you were traveling with your family and lost your way. Now, seeing a fire, you came here to find out the way and to take some embers of fire for your family. So all this did not happen by chance. Rather, you have arrived here exactly according to Our will and plan. We intended to bring you here at this time and in this condition, so We created such circumstances for you that you arrived here on your own.