Separate Us From the Rebellious

Mūsā was one step away from Jerusalem — the promise of Allah that he had been waiting for, for years. Mūsā was almost there; he had it. He had been freed from Egypt. Firʿawn had been destroyed. And now they were at the gates of Jerusalem. He could see it with his own eyes; he could see the promise of Allah right in front of him. And in that critical moment, Banū Isrāʾīl betrayed him. It was a grim moment for Mūsā (peace be upon him). After that, Mūsā raised his hands to Allah (swt) and said:

O my Lord, I have power only over myself and my brother, so separate us from the people who are rebellious. I have no control over these people; I have control only over myself and my brother. None of these are doing anything for me. So, O Allah, please separate me from the people who are rebellious. Because he saw that this nation — whom he had served, and brought out, and delivered to safety — now, when they were one step away from Jerusalem, betrayed him and refused to enter.