Questioner: At what age was Hazarat Musa(as), when he was told he was a prophet?
Huzoor (rh): He didn’t think he was a prophet, he was told that he was a prophet. So, generally we understand that when people reach the age of maturity, not in the sense that they become adults, but in the sense that they become mature in mind, it is then that they are given the responsibility of prophethood by Allah. Because youngish irresponsible people cannot be given that grave responsibility. And even if they are responsible within, otherwise Allah would not make them prophets. People’s attitude to them would not be the right attitude that should be towards grown-up people. So, it is generally inferred, although it is not mentioned in the Holy Quran, it is generally inferred from some traditions and other mentions elsewhere, that prophets are given this office at the age of 40 or thereabouts. That is the general conception, but it is not essential. Some prophets we know were made prophets earlier. For instance, Hazrat Yahya (as) was martyred when he was about 30 or 33. So he must have been made a prophet earlier than that. Similarly, Hazrat Isa (as), Jesus Christ, peace be upon him, is known to have been crucified, though we believe he didn’t die upon the cross, but he was crucified at the age of 33. That being so, his inception of prophethood was much earlier, definitely. At least a few years earlier, I should say. So that is the general rule. We can’t fix a definite date. That must be a prerequisite for a prophet to acquire that age.
Questioner: Thank you.
