Joshua is not mentioned in the Holy Quran by name though a young companion of Moses is mentioned in two places. Ubayy ibn Kaab related that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said this companion was Joshua. People of the Book agree that he was a prophet of God. He was from the lineage of Joseph and was the chief of his tribe. He assisted Moses during his life and was appointed prophet in his place after his death.
Moses had assigned him several important tasks. When Moses sent the chiefs of the twelve tribes to assess the situation in Canaan, then ruled by cruel and powerful unbelievers, Joshua and his companion Caleb were part of that delegation. When the Israelites refused to fight out of fear, Joshua and Caleb encouraged them to trust in God and fight bravely in His cause.
“But among their God fearing men were two on whom God had bestowed His grace. They said, Attack them by the gate. When you enter, victory will be yours. Put your trust in God if you are believers.”
(Surah Al Maidah 5:23)
Joshua accompanied Moses on almost every important mission. When Moses went to meet Khidr, Joshua joined him on that journey as well. The Quran states:
“When they had journeyed on, Moses said to his attendant, Bring us our meal. We have certainly suffered much fatigue on this journey. He said, When we stopped at the rock, I forgot about the fish and none but Satan made me forget to mention it. It took its course into the sea in a wondrous way. Moses said, That is what we were seeking. So they turned back retracing their footsteps and found one of Our servants to whom We had granted mercy and taught knowledge from Our own presence.”
(Surah Al Kahf 18:60–65)
Joshua was chosen to succeed Moses during his lifetime
“The Lord said to Moses, Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand upon him. Set him before Eleazar the priest and the congregation and give him a charge in their sight. Put some of your honor upon him that the children of Israel may obey him.”
(Book of Numbers 27:18–20)
When the Israelites faced the powerful people of Amalek in the wilderness of Sinai, Moses appointed Joshua as the general of the army. Moses went up a hill with Aaron holding his staff while Joshua led the battle and defeated Amalek.
Before his death, Moses was commanded to bring Joshua into the Tent of Meeting where the Light of God appeared revealing the future of Israel.
“The Lord gave Joshua son of Nun a charge and said, Be strong and courageous for you shall bring the Israelites into the land I swore to give them and I will be with you.”
(Book of Deuteronomy 31:23)
After the death of Moses, God commanded Joshua:
“Moses my servant is dead. Now arise, go over the Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to the children of Israel.”
(Book of Joshua 1:2)
Joshua conveyed God’s message to the Israelites and led them toward the Holy Land conquering Canaan and Jerusalem.
“Their Prophet said to them, A sign of his authority is that the Ark of the Covenant will come to you containing tranquility from your Lord and relics left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron carried by angels. Indeed, in this is a sign for you if you are believers.”
(Surah Al Baqarah 2:248)
The Ark was made of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long and one and a half cubits wide and high. It was covered with gold inside and out and had four golden handles for carrying. The Torah wrapped in golden cloth was kept inside. A jar of manna, Aaron’s robe, and Moses’ staff were also placed in it as reminders of God’s blessings.
Joshua was commanded to circle the city carrying the Ark and blowing seven ram horns for seven days. On the seventh day, after the seventh round and the final blast of the horns, the people shouted and the city walls collapsed.
Before the conquest, the Israelites were told to enter the city humbly and praise God, but instead they entered arrogantly and shouted in pride. For this they were punished
“And remember when it was said to them, Dwell in this town and eat from it as you will, but say words of humility and enter the gate humbly. We will forgive your sins and increase the reward of those who do good. But the wrongdoers changed the words they had been told, so We sent down upon them a plague from heaven for their disobedience.”
(Surah Al Aaraf 7:161–162)
When Joshua and the Israelites entered Gibeon, the ruler of Jerusalem allied with four kings to resist them. After a fierce battle, God sent a storm of hailstones that killed the fleeing enemies.
“Then Joshua said, Sun stand still over Gibeon and you Moon over the valley of Aijalon. So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance on its enemies.”
(Book of Joshua 10:12–13)
Joshua conquered thirty one kings and divided the land of Palestine among the tribes of Israel, appointing leaders, ministers, and judges to govern.
Before his death Joshua gathered all the tribes at Shechem and said
Your ancestors Abraham, Terah, and Nahor lived beyond the Euphrates and served other gods. God guided Abraham, brought him to Canaan, and blessed his descendants. When you were enslaved in Egypt, God sent Moses and Aaron who delivered you. Then you faced the rulers of Palestine and God granted you victory. He gave you lands you did not cultivate, cities you did not build, and fruits you did not plant. Therefore serve God sincerely and abandon false gods. Worship Him as your forefathers did.
Point to note
When Joshua and his army circled the city with the Ark of the Covenant and blew the horns for six days then shouted on the seventh, the walls collapsed. The Ark containing the Torah carried the divine light and spiritual energy of Moses. This reflects the ancient belief that the belongings of the righteous absorb their spiritual essence. When minds focus upon them, that spiritual energy strengthens faith, and faith itself becomes a force that brings things into existence.
When the Israelites shouted with full certainty and faith, the vibration of their voices amplified by divine energy caused the walls to fall.