Harun (AS): The Prophet, Brother, and Supporter of Musa (AS)

Hazrat Harun (AS) is a distinguished Prophet, spiritual leader, and the devoted brother of Hazrat Musa (AS) (Moses). Known as Aaron in English and other languages, Harun's story is beautifully woven throughout the Quran and Islamic teachings. It demonstrates the power of brotherhood, faith, and unwavering support in the face of adversity.

Who is Harun (AS)?

Harun (AS), or Aaron, was the elder brother of Musa (AS) and a prophet of Allah. The name Aaron means "mountain of strength" or "enlightened" in Hebrew, while Harun meaning in Arabic, carries connotations of nobility and leadership. The Harun name meaning reflects his role as a pillar of support and guidance for his people.

The story of Musa in Islam is inextricably linked to the story of Harun (AS). While Musa received direct revelation from Allah and was chosen as the primary messenger to Pharaoh and the Israelites, Harun's role was equally vital. He served as the eloquent voice, the steadfast supporter, and the spiritual anchor during times of trial and uncertainty.

Birth and Family Tree of  Prophet Harun (A.S)

Harun (AS) was born in Egypt in the tribe of Levi, which was part of Prophet Yaqub's (Jacob's) family line. His parents were Imran and Yukabad, who were deeply religious and God-fearing people. Allah blessed this righteous couple with two sons who would both become prophets, Harun and Musa (AS). Growing up in a home filled with faith, patience, and devotion to Allah prepared both brothers for the great challenges they would face.

• Parents: Imran and Yukabid
• Siblings: Musa (brother) and Miriam (sister)
• Children: Prophet Harun's sons' names are Shabbar and Shabbir
• Ancestors: The family is descended from Hazrat Ya'qub A.S. (Jacob), the father of Hazrat Yusuf A.S. (Joseph). 

A Time of Fear and Oppression

The time when Hazrat Harun (AS) was born was filled with fear and cruelty. Pharaoh had heard a prophecy that a boy from the Israelites would one day overthrow his kingdom. Terrified by this prediction, he ordered that all newborn Hebrew boys be killed.

Hazrat Musa (AS), who was younger than Harun, was born during this terrible time. To save him, his mother placed him in a basket and set it on the Nile River, trusting in Allah's plan. Miraculously, Pharaoh's own family found and raised him.

Moses' brother, Harun (AS), was born before this harsh decree was issued, so He escaped this danger. This was part of Allah's divine wisdom. Hazrat Haroon A.S needed to survive and grow up so he could later stand beside his younger brother Musa in their mission to guide their people and confront Pharaoh.

A Family Chosen by Allah

Both brothers were raised with strong faith and values, which prepared them to become leaders and prophets. Their parents' righteousness and devotion created the perfect foundation for two of the greatest prophets in history to emerge from their household.

Learn Quran Online with expert tutors 

The Prophetic Status of Harun (AS)

Hazrat Haroon (A.S) was not only the brother of Moses but also the Prophet of Allah. Allah says in the Quran:

وَ وَهَبْنَا لَهٗ مِنْ رَّحْمَتِنَاۤ اَخَاهُ هٰرُوْنَ نَبِیًّا

"And We gave to (Musa) out of Our mercy his brother Harun as a prophet." (Quran 19:53)

This prophetic status meant that Harun received divine inspiration and possessed the spiritual authority to guide the Children of Israel. He was not merely an assistant but a co-leader in the truest sense, with his own direct connection to Allah.

Who is Older: Moses or Aaron?

Islamic sources and biblical traditions indicate that Harun (AS) was the elder brother. He was almost three years older than Musa (AS). Despite being older and possessing natural leadership qualities, Harun humbly supported his younger brother's prophetic mission.

Help your kids learn about the Prophets’ lives

Prophet Harun story in the Quran - A Comprehensive Look

Hazrat Haroon (AS), or Aaron, is a prophet in Islam mentioned in the Quran as the brother and deputy of Prophet Musa (AS). The Quran describes his role in supporting Musa, his efforts to guide the Israelites, and a specific account where he tried to stop them from worshipping a golden calf while Musa was away. He is honored for his faith, compassion, and steadfastness. 

Hazrat Musa's (A.S) Prayer for Support

The story of Hazrat Musa (A.S) begins with his appointment as a prophet when Allah spoke to him at Mount Sinai. Understanding the magnitude of the task before him, Musa (AS) felt the need for support. In a beautiful display of both humility and strategic wisdom, he prayed to Allah:

وَ اجْعَلْ لِّیْ وَزِیْرًا مِّنْ اَهْلِیْ (29) هٰرُوْنَ اَخِی (30) اشْدُدْ بِهٖۤ اَزْرِیْ (31) وَ اَشْرِكْهُ فِیْۤ اَمْرِیْ (32) كَیْ نُسَبِّحَكَ كَثِیْرًا (33) وَّ نَذْكُرَكَ كَثِیْرًا (34) اِنَّكَ كُنْتَ بِنَا بَصِیْرًا

“And appoint for me a minister from my family - Harun, my brother. Increase my strength through him, and let him share my task, so that we may glorify You much and remember You much. Indeed, you are ever seeing of us.” (Quran 20:29-32)

Allah accepted this prayer, saying:

“You have been granted your request, O Musa.” (Quran 20:36)

 قَدْ اُوْتِیْتَ سُؤْلَكَ یٰمُوْسٰى

And in another verse:

“We will strengthen your arm through your brother and grant you both authority so they cannot reach you. (It will be) through Our signs; you and those who follow you will be the predominant.” (Quran 28:35)

The Gift of Eloquence

One of the most significant reasons Musa (AS) requested Harun's assistance was his brother's exceptional eloquence. Musa (AS) had a speech impediment, which he feared might hinder his ability to effectively communicate Allah's message to Pharaoh and the people. He said:

وَ اَخِیْ هٰرُوْنُ هُوَ اَفْصَحُ مِنِّیْ لِسَانًا فَاَرْسِلْهُ مَعِیَ رِدْاً یُّصَدِّقُنِیْۤ٘-اِنِّیْۤ اَخَافُ اَنْ یُّكَذِّبُوْنِ

"And my brother Harun is more eloquent than I in speech, so send him with me as a helper to confirm me. Indeed, I fear that they will deny me." (Quran 28:34)

Confronting Pharaoh: A Mission of Two Brothers

Allah sent Moses and his brother Aaron to preach to Pharaoh (Firawn). In Islamic history, the Pharaoh is a symbol of tyranny, arrogance, and oppression, famously known for his confrontation with Prophet Musa A.S.

According to the Quran, he persecuted the Children of Israel, claimed divinity, and ultimately drowned with his army when he defied Allah’s command to release his slaves. His story serves as a major cautionary tale about the consequences of defying divine guidance. 

Allah commanded two brothers:

 اِذْهَبَاۤ اِلٰى فِرْعَوْنَ اِنَّهٗ طَغٰى (43) فَقُوْلَا لَهٗ قَوْلًا لَّیِّنًا لَّعَلَّهٗ یَتَذَكَّرُ اَوْ یَخْشٰى (44) 

"Go, both of you, to Pharaoh. Indeed, he has transgressed. And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear Allah." (Quran 20:43-44)

The Trial of the Golden Calf

The most challenging test for Harun (AS) came during Musa's absence on Mount Sinai. When Musa (AS) went to receive the Torah, he left Harun (AS) in charge of the Israelites, saying:

"And We appointed for Musa thirty nights and supplemented them with ten; thus the term of his Lord was completed as forty nights. And Musa said to his brother Harun, 'Take my place among my people, do right, and do not follow the way of the corrupters.'" (Quran 7:142)

During these forty days and nights, a man named As-Samiri exploited Musa's absence and led many Israelites astray by fashioning a golden calf from their jewelry. The people began worshipping this idol, breaking their covenant with Allah.

Hazrat Haroon (AS) found himself in an incredibly difficult position. He strongly opposed idolatry and tried to prevent it, but faced resistance from a large portion of the community. The Quran describes his dilemma:

"And Harun had already told them before (the return of Musa), 'O my people, you are only being tested by it, and indeed, your Lord is the Most Merciful, so follow me and obey my order.' They said, 'We will never cease being devoted to it until Musa returns to us.'" (Quran 20:90-91)

When Musa (AS) returned and saw what had happened, he was understandably furious. In his anger, he seized his brother by the head and beard, questioning why he had allowed this to happen. Harun's response reveals his wisdom and the impossible situation he faced:

‘(Haroon) said, 'O son of my mother, indeed the people oppressed me and were about to kill me, so let not the enemies rejoice over me and do not place me among the wrongdoing people.’ (Quran 7:150)

Learn about the inspiring stories of the Prophets with our online Islamic courses. 

Hadith About Aaron, Moses' brother 

Beyond the Quran, Islamic tradition holds Harun (AS) in high esteem. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) acknowledged the special relationship between Hazrat Musa and Harun (A.S) in several narrations. 

According to Sahih Muslim and other hadith collections, the Prophet made a significant comparison when he said to Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him):

"You are to me as Harun was to Musa, except that there is no prophet after me." (Sahih Muslim 2404)

This comparison highlights the trusted, supportive role that Prophet Aaron played. He was the right hand, the confidant, and the deputy of Hazrat Musa (AS). By making this comparison, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) elevated the relationship between a leader and his most trusted companion to the model established by these two great prophets.

Lessons from the Life of Harun (A.S)

Lessons from the life of Prophet Harun (A.S.) include the importance of brotherhood and teamwork, advocating for the oneness of God, showing patience and compassion, and embracing your specific talents to serve a greater purpose. He is remembered for his calm leadership while his brother Moses was away and his loyalty to the mission of combating idol worship, even when facing opposition.

The Power of Supportive Brotherhood

The relationship between Moses brother teaches us profound lessons about genuine brotherhood. Supporting one another's missions, complementing each other's strengths, and standing together in adversity. True brotherhood is about shared purpose, mutual respect, and unwavering support.

Humility in Leadership

Despite being the elder brother and a prophet, Harun (AS) humbly supported Musa's primary leadership role. This shows that true leadership involves knowing when to lead and when to support, when to speak and when to listen. His lack of ego and his willingness to serve rather than compete exemplify the highest form of spiritual maturity.

Eloquence as a Divine Gift

Harun (A.S) reminds us that communication skills are divine gifts that should be used to convey truth and guide people toward righteousness. It teaches us to develop our ability to articulate truth clearly, persuasively, and with wisdom.

Patience and Wisdom in Trials

The golden calf incident demonstrates remarkable patience and wisdom. Harun had to navigate an impossible situation where immediate forceful action might have caused civil war and division. His choice to prevent greater harm while maintaining opposition to wrongdoing shows sophisticated leadership thinking that balances idealism with practical wisdom.

The Importance of Unity

Throughout his life, Harun (AS) prioritized unity between himself and his brother, unity among the believers, and ultimately unity in worshipping Allah. His fear of causing division among the Israelites, even in the face of their grave sin, shows how seriously he took the responsibility of maintaining community cohesion.

The Passing of Prophet Harun (Peace Be Upon Him)

Prophet Harun (peace be upon him) departed from this world during the Israelites' arduous journey through the wilderness. His passing left Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and the believers in profound sorrow, for he was deeply cherished by all who knew him.

Islamic traditions tell us that he passed away peacefully on Mount Hor, where Allah honored him as one of His chosen messengers, granting him a dignified departure befitting his noble station.

Allah says in the Quran: "And We guided them both to the Straight Path." (Surah As-Saffat, 37:118)

The legacy of Prophet Aaron endures as a testament to love, patience, and unwavering faith. His life teaches us that true greatness in Allah's sight is not measured merely by displays of power or the performance of miracles, but by the sincerity of one's heart and the compassion shown in serving His cause. Through his gentle wisdom and steadfast devotion, he exemplified the qualities that earn divine pleasure and the love of people.

The Prophet Harun Grave 

The grave of Prophet Haroon (Aaron), the brother of Moses, is located in Jabal Harun (Mount Aaron), near Petra in Jordan. It is considered the burial site of the biblical Aaron (Harun in Islamic tradition) and a holy place for Muslims, Jews, and Christians. The current building is a small, white-domed mosque constructed during the Mamluk period around the 14th century.

Conclusion 

Hazrat Haroon (A.S.) is a revered prophet and messenger of Allah in Islam, known primarily as the elder brother and devoted supporter of Prophet Musa (A.S.). Appointed as a prophet himself, he was vital to the mission of delivering the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh and guiding them to the worship of the One God.