In the third volume of Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi’s Qasas un Nabiyeen
, the narrative shifts from the trials of individuals like Ibrahim and Yusuf toward the grand, epic struggle of Sayyiduna Musa (AS). This part is a compelling study of power, patience, and the inevitable triumph of truth over tyranny. The Shift from Honor to Oppression
Part 3 opens with a poignant transition for the Children of Israel. After the passing of Sayyiduna Yusuf (AS), who was mourned as a just and compassionate king, the era of protection ends. A new Pharaoh arises, and the Israelites are transformed from honored guests in Egypt into an oppressed class. This sets the stage for a "story that tears habit apart," highlighting how quickly earthly fortunes can change. Key Narrative Pillars in Volume 3
The text focuses on the life of Musa (AS), detailing his journey through some of the most dramatic scenes in the Quran:
The Secret Birth: Musa (AS) is born under the shadow of Pharaoh’s decree to kill all newborn Israelite boys. His mother's inspiration to place him in a chest in the Nile is presented as a profound act of trust in Allah.
Life in the Palace: Paradoxically, the very tyrant seeking to destroy the savior of the Israelites ends up raising him in his own home. qasas un nabiyeen english pdf part 3
The Madyan Exile: After an accidental altercation, Musa (AS) flees to Madyan, where he finds a "merciful father and wise teacher" in Sayyiduna Shu'ayb (AS) (a story often interlinked in these volumes).
The Burning Bush: The climax of the volume involves Musa's encounter with the "cold fire" and the call to Prophethood, where he is commanded to confront the "tyranny and despotism" of Pharaoh. Themes for Deep Reflection
Nadwi uses these stories to bridge linguistic learning with moral growth. Interesting themes to explore from this volume include:
The Power of Dua: Musa’s request for his brother Harun (AS) to assist him highlights the importance of companionship and support in one’s mission.
Truth vs. Falsehood: The "Decisive Proof" and "Conclusive Argument" presented by the prophets against powerful kings serve as a reminder that moral authority outweighs physical might. In the third volume of Maulana Abul Hasan
Fate and Destiny: The narrative emphasizes how "destiny took over" despite Pharaoh's efforts to prevent the rise of a challenger.
For those studying the Arabic to English vocabulary, this volume introduces critical terms related to social dynamics, such as tyranny, shyness, steadfastness, and counsel. You can find a variety of study aids and summary sheets for these stories on Islamic Teaching Resources or view the full text on Archive.org. Qasas un Nabiyeen: Volume 3 Stories | PDF | Moses - Scribd
Based on Qasas un Nabiyeen (Stories of the Prophets) Part 3 by Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, the narrative focus shifts to the youth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his marriage, and the early years before prophethood.
Here is the story put together from the key events found in Part 3:
Read the English translation on the left side. Underline key vocabulary (Qasas = stories, Nabiyeen = Prophets, Fir’awn = Pharaoh). Commands (Amr): How does Sulaiman address the Hoopoe
Don't just read the PDF—interact with it. Here is a suggested workflow for Part 3:
Step 1: The "Scan" Read the English translation of the story first (e.g., the story of Sulaiman). Get the plot clear in your mind. Understanding the context reduces the friction of translating Arabic sentences.
Step 2: The "Grammar Hunt" Part 3 is famous for dialogues. Look for:
Step 3: The "Vocabulary Notebook" Create a spreadsheet or a notebook section for "Miracles." List the Arabic words used for the miracles of Isa (healing the blind, raising the dead) and Sulaiman (understanding birds). This is thematic vocabulary that appears frequently in the Qur'an.
With the rise of Islamic homeschooling in the West, parents are looking for high-quality, sequential Islamic literature. Part 3 offers a "middle school" reading level suitable for children 10-15 years old, especially when translated.