The Story of Aaron’s Death

Al-Suddi said: Allah, exalted is He, revealed to Moses: “I am about to take Aaron in death, so bring him to such-and-such a mountain.” Moses and Aaron, peace be upon them, set out toward that mountain, where they came upon a tree unlike any they had ever seen, and a built house containing a bed spread with coverings and fragrant scents. When Aaron saw it, he was delighted by it and said, “Moses, I would like to sleep on this bed.” Moses said, “Then sleep on it.” Aaron said, “I fear that the owner of this house may come and become angry with me.” Moses replied, “Do not be afraid. I shall protect you from the owner of this house, so sleep.” Aaron said, “Moses, sleep with me, so that if the owner of the house comes, he will be angry with both you and me together.”

When they had lain down, death came upon Aaron. As he felt death approaching, he said, “Moses, you have deceived me!” When he was taken, the house was raised away, the tree disappeared, and the bed bearing him was raised to heaven. When Moses returned to the Children of Israel without Aaron, they said, “Moses killed Aaron out of envy, because the Children of Israel loved him.” Moses, peace be upon him, said, “Woe to you! He was my brother—how could I kill him?” When they persisted in accusing him, he rose, performed two rak'ahs, and then supplicated Allah Most High. The bed descended until they saw it between heaven and earth, and they believed him.

It is related from Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, that Moses and Aaron, peace be upon them, ascended the mountain. Aaron died, and Moses remained (1). The Children of Israel said to Moses, peace be upon him, “You killed him,” and they harmed him. So Allah commanded the angels, and they carried Aaron until they passed with him before the Children of Israel. The angels announced his death, until the Children of Israel knew that he had died. Thus Allah Most High declared Moses innocent of what they had alleged. Then the angels carried him away and buried him. No one came to know the location of his grave except a vulture, so Allah made it deaf and mute.

Amr ibn Maymun said: Aaron died before Moses, peace be upon him, in the wilderness. The two had gone out to some caves, where Aaron died. Moses buried him and returned to the Children of Israel, who said, “You killed him because of our love for him.” Aaron had been dearly loved among the Children of Israel. Moses, peace be upon him, then humbly beseeched his Lord, exalted is He, and Allah revealed to him: “Take them to his grave, for I shall raise him.” So Moses took them to his grave. Moses called out to him (2), and Aaron emerged from his grave, shaking his head. Moses said, “Did I kill you?” He replied, “No; rather, I died.” Moses said, “Then return to your resting place.” And they departed.