Courage, Frankness in Story of Moses
Among such individuals were divine prophets who courageously stood against tyrants and oppressors.
Among the characteristics of divine leaders are courage, frankness and decisiveness. This is while other leaders usually resort to secrecy and concealment and refuse to express their objectives and plans openly.
Frankness in words and decisiveness in action are among principles in the policy of divine prophets and leaders. They openly express their plans and divine teachings and are ready to face oppositions and objections.
Such a method is very effective in education of people because those who are arrogant or make the same mistake again and again fail to recognize their wrong approach if they are met with kindness and resilience. Hence, divine leaders speak firmly and from a position of power with such people and do not fear anything.
God says in Verse 39 of Surah Al-Ahzab: “Those who preach the message of God and are humble before Him should not be afraid of anyone besides God. God is Sufficient in keeping the account.”
Prophet Moses (AS), who was one of the great messengers of God, used this method. According to Verses 104-105 of Surah Al-Imran: “Moses said: ‘O Pharaoh! I am a Messenger from the Lord of the Worlds. I must only speak what is true about God. I have brought you miracles from your Lord; therefore, let the children of Israel go free.’”
This is an example of the confrontation between the truth and falsehood when Moses (AS) says he has been sent by the Lord of the Worlds. Interestingly, this was the first time pharaoh was addressed with the phrase: “O Pharaoh!” This is an address that is polite but free from any flattery. This was actually a declaration of war against pharaoh and his rule as it showed that pharaoh and others like him are lying and that there is no God but the Lord of the Worlds.
Prophet Moses (AS) did not address pharaoh using special titles others used to address him and this shows how courageous and frank Moses (AS) was.
