top of page
Writer's pictureGODs Message

The word "PHARAOH" in the Quran

Updated: May 30


In the Old Testament, the Egyptian ruler during the period of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and Prophet Yusuf (as) are named "Pharaoh." However, this title was actually employed after the eras in which these two Prophets lived.


While addressing the Egyptian ruler at the time of Prophet Yusuf (as), the word "Al-Malik" in Arabic is used in the Quran: It refers to a ruler, king or sultan:

The King said, 'Bring him to me straight away!'… (Qur'an, 12:50)

The ruler of Egypt in the time of the Prophet Musa (as) is referred to as "Pharaoh." This distinction in the Quran is not made in the Old and New Testaments nor by Jewish historians. In the Bible, the word "Pharaoh" is used, in every reference to an Egyptian monarch. On the other hand, the Quran is far more concise and accurate in the terminology it employs.


The use of the word "Pharaoh" in Egyptian history belongs only to the late period. This particular title began to be employed in the 14th century B.C., during the reign of Amenhotep IV. The Prophet Yusuf (as) lived at least 200 years before that time.


The Encyclopaedia Britannica says that the word "Pharaoh" was a title of respect used from the New Kingdom (beginning with the 18th dynasty; B.C. 1539-1292) until the 22nd dynasty (B.C. 945-730), after which this term of address became the title of the king. Further information on this subject comes from the Academic American Encyclopaedia, which states that the title of Pharaoh began to be used in the New Kingdom.

In this way We give you news of what has gone before and We have given you a reminder direct from Us. Those who turn away from it will bear a heavy burden on the Day of Rising. (Qur’an, 20: 99-100)

As we have seen, the use of the word "Pharaoh" dates from a specific period in history. For that reason, the fact that the Quran distinguishes between the different Egyptian titles in different Egyptian eras is yet another proof that the Quran is Allah's Word.

 

There are a total of 112 verses found -Searched for "pharaoh"


Below are a list of all the occurrences of the word 'Pharaoh' found in the Quran.


To Pharaoh and his establishment, but they followed the command of Pharaoh, and the command of Pharaoh was not [at all] discerning.

Hud (Hud) [11:97]


The ways into the heavens - so that I may look at the deity of Moses; but indeed, I think he is a liar." And thus was made attractive to Pharaoh the evil of his deed, and he was averted from the [right] way. And the plan of Pharaoh was not except in ruin.

The Forgiver (Al-Ghaafir) [40:37]


And Allah presents an example of those who believed: the wife of Pharaoh, when she said, "My Lord, build for me near You a house in Paradise and save me from Pharaoh and his deeds and save me from the wrongdoing people."

The Prohibition (At-Tahrim) [66:11]


But no one believed Moses, except [some] youths among his people, for fear of Pharaoh and his establishment that they would persecute them. And indeed, Pharaoh was haughty within the land, and indeed, he was of the transgressors.

Jonas (Yunus) [10:83]


And the family of Pharaoh picked him up [out of the river] so that he would become to them an enemy and a [cause of] grief. Indeed, Pharaoh and Haman and their soldiers were deliberate sinners.

The Stories (Al-Qasas) [28:8]


[Theirs is] like the custom of the people of Pharaoh and of those before them. They denied the signs of their Lord, so We destroyed them for their sins, and We drowned the people of Pharaoh. And all [of them] were wrongdoers.

The Spoils of War (Al-Anfaal) [8:54]


And Pharaoh said, "O eminent ones, I have not known you to have a god other than me. Then ignite for me, O Haman, [a fire] upon the clay and make for me a tower that I may look at the God of Moses. And indeed, I do think he is among the liars."

The Stories (Al-Qasas) [28:38]


And We took the Children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh and his soldiers pursued them in tyranny and enmity until, when drowning overtook him, he said, "I believe that there is no deity except that in whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am of the Muslims."

Jonas (Yunus) [10:90]


And Pharaoh called out among his people; he said, "O my people, does not the kingdom of Egypt belong to me, and these rivers flowing beneath me; then do you not see?

Ornaments of gold (Az-Zukhruf) [43:51]


And Pharaoh said, "Let me kill Moses and let him call upon his Lord. Indeed, I fear that he will change your religion or that he will cause corruption in the land."

The Forgiver (Al-Ghaafir) [40:26]


And Pharaoh said, "O Haman, construct for me a tower that I might reach the ways -

The Forgiver (Al-Ghaafir) [40:36]


[Moses] said, "You have already known that none has sent down these [signs] except the Lord of the heavens and the earth as evidence, and indeed I think, O Pharaoh, that you are destroyed."

The Night Journey (Al-Israa) [17:102]


And the eminent among the people of Pharaoh said," Will you leave Moses and his people to cause corruption in the land and abandon you and your gods?" [Pharaoh] said, "We will kill their sons and keep their women alive; and indeed, we are subjugators over them."

The Heights (Al-A'raaf) [7:127]


"Go to Pharaoh. Indeed, he has transgressed.

Those who drag forth (An-Naazi'aat) [79:17]


To Pharaoh and his establishment, but they were arrogant and were a haughty people. The Believers (Al-Muminoon) [23:46]


But Pharaoh disobeyed the messenger, so We seized him with a ruinous seizure. The Enshrouded One (Al-Muzzammil) [73:16]


And there came Pharaoh and those before him and the overturned cities with sin. The Reality (Al-Haaqqa) [69:9]


And the wife of Pharaoh said, "[He will be] a comfort of the eye for me and for you. Do not kill him; perhaps he may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son." And they perceived not. The Stories (Al-Qasas) [28:9]


And put your hand into the opening of your garment [at the breast]; it will come out white without disease. [These are] among the nine signs [you will take] to Pharaoh and his people. Indeed, they have been a people defiantly disobedient." The Ant (An-Naml) [27:12]


Indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people into factions, oppressing a sector among them, slaughtering their [newborn] sons and keeping their females alive. Indeed, he was of the corrupters. The Stories (Al-Qasas) [28:4]


So Pharaoh pursued them with his soldiers, and there covered them from the sea that which covered them, Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:78]


Insert your hand into the opening of your garment; it will come out white, without disease. And draw in your arm close to you [as prevention] from fear, for those are two proofs from your Lord to Pharaoh and his establishment. Indeed, they have been a people defiantly disobedient." The Stories (Al-Qasas) [28:32]


And certainly did We send Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his establishment, and he said, "Indeed, I am the messenger of the Lord of the worlds." Ornaments of gold (Az-Zukhruf) [43:46]


And Pharaoh led his people astray and did not guide [them]. Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:79]


Then We sent after them Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his establishment, but they were unjust toward them. So see how was the end of the corrupters. The Heights (Al-A'raaf) [7:103]


So Pharaoh went away, put together his plan, and then came [to Moses]. Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:60]


And We said after Pharaoh to the Children of Israel, "Dwell in the land, and when there comes the promise of the Hereafter, We will bring you forth in [one] gathering." The Night Journey (Al-Israa) [17:104]


And We caused the people who had been oppressed to inherit the eastern regions of the land and the western ones, which We had blessed. And the good word of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of what they had patiently endured. And We destroyed [all] that Pharaoh and his people were producing and what they had been building. The Heights (Al-A'raaf) [7:137]


Then We sent after them Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh and his establishment with Our signs, but they behaved arrogantly and were a criminal people Jonas (Yunus) [10:75]


And Pharaoh said, "Bring to me every learned magician." Jonas (Yunus) [10:79]


And Moses said, "Our Lord, indeed You have given Pharaoh and his establishment splendor and wealth in the worldly life, our Lord, that they may lead [men] astray from Your way. Our Lord, obliterate their wealth and harden their hearts so that they will not believe until they see the painful punishment." Jonas (Yunus) [10:88]


And We had certainly given Moses nine evident signs, so ask the Children of Israel [about] when he came to them and Pharaoh said to him, "Indeed I think, O Moses, that you are affected by magic." The Night Journey (Al-Israa) [17:101]


Go to Pharaoh. Indeed, he has transgressed." Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:24]


Go, both of you, to Pharaoh. Indeed, he has transgressed. Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:43]


And We certainly showed Pharaoh Our signs - all of them - but he denied and refused. Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:56]


From Pharaoh. Indeed, he was a haughty one among the transgressors. The Smoke (Ad-Dukhaan) [44:31]


[Theirs is] like the custom of the people of Pharaoh and of those before them. They disbelieved in the signs of Allah, so Allah seized them for their sins. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and severe in penalty. The Spoils of War (Al-Anfaal) [8:52]


And [recall, O Children of Israel], when We saved you from the people of Pharaoh, [who were] afflicting you with the worst torment - killing your sons and keeping your women alive. And in that was a great trial from your Lord. The Heights (Al-A'raaf) [7:141]


Moses said to the magicians summoned by Pharaoh, "Woe to you! Do not invent a lie against Allah or He will exterminate you with a punishment; and he has failed who invents [such falsehood]." Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:61]


And We certainly seized the people of Pharaoh with years of famine and a deficiency in fruits that perhaps they would be reminded. The Heights (Al-A'raaf) [7:130]


Said Pharaoh, "You believed in him before I gave you permission. Indeed, this is a conspiracy which you conspired in the city to expel therefrom its people. But you are going to know. The Heights (Al-A'raaf) [7:123]


And Pharaoh and his people were overcome right there and became debased. The Heights (Al-A'raaf) [7:119]


Said Pharaoh, "And what is the Lord of the worlds?" The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:23]


And when the magicians arrived, they said to Pharaoh, "Is there indeed for us a reward if we are the predominant?" The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:41]


And [recall, O Children of Israel], when Moses said to His people, "Remember the favor of Allah upon you when He saved you from the people of Pharaoh, who were afflicting you with the worst torment and were slaughtering your [newborn] sons and keeping your females alive. And in that was a great trial from your Lord. Abraham (Ibrahim) [14:6]


Go to Pharaoh and say, 'We are the messengers of the Lord of the worlds, The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:16]


The people of Pharaoh. Will they not fear Allah?" The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:11]


And [We destroyed] Qarun and Pharaoh and Haman. And Moses had already come to them with clear evidences, and they were arrogant in the land, but they were not outrunners [of Our punishment]. The Spider (Al-Ankaboot) [29:39]


So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, "By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant." The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:44]


The Fire, they are exposed to it morning and evening. And the Day the Hour appears [it will be said], "Make the people of Pharaoh enter the severest punishment." The Forgiver (Al-Ghaafir) [40:46]


[Those of] Pharaoh and Thamud? The Constellations (Al-Burooj) [85:18]


But Pharaoh denied and disobeyed. Those who drag forth (An-Naazi'aat) [79:21]


Indeed, We have sent to you a Messenger as a witness upon you just as We sent to Pharaoh a messenger. The Enshrouded One (Al-Muzzammil) [73:15]


And there certainly came to the people of Pharaoh warning. The Moon (Al-Qamar) [54:41]


And in Moses [was a sign], when We sent him to Pharaoh with clear authority. The Winnowing Winds (Adh-Dhaariyat) [51:38]


And 'Aad and Pharaoh and the brothers of Lot The letter Qaaf (Qaaf) [50:13]


And We had already tried before them the people of Pharaoh, and there came to them a noble messenger, The Smoke (Ad-Dukhaan) [44:17]


So Allah protected him from the evils they plotted, and the people of Pharaoh were enveloped by the worst of punishment - The Forgiver (Al-Ghaafir) [40:45]


Then Pharaoh sent among the cities gatherers The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:53]


O my people, sovereignty is yours today, [your being] dominant in the land. But who would protect us from the punishment of Allah if it came to us?" Pharaoh said, "I do not show you except what I see, and I do not guide you except to the way of right conduct." The Forgiver (Al-Ghaafir) [40:29]


And a believing man from the family of Pharaoh who concealed his faith said, "Do you kill a man [merely] because he says, 'My Lord is Allah' while he has brought you clear proofs from your Lord? And if he should be lying, then upon him is [the consequence of] his lie; but if he should be truthful, there will strike you some of what he promises you. Indeed, Allah does not guide one who is a transgressor and a liar. The Forgiver (Al-Ghaafir) [40:28]


To Pharaoh, Haman and Qarun; but they said, "[He is] a magician and a liar." The Forgiver (Al-Ghaafir) [40:24]


The people of Noah denied before them, and [the tribe of] 'Aad and Pharaoh, the owner of stakes, The letter Saad (Saad) [38:12]


Said the eminent among the people of Pharaoh, "Indeed, this is a learned magician The Heights (Al-A'raaf) [7:109]


And establish them in the land and show Pharaoh and [his minister] Haman and their soldiers through them that which they had feared. The Stories (Al-Qasas) [28:6]


We recite to you from the news of Moses and Pharaoh in truth for a people who believe. The Stories (Al-Qasas) [28:3]


And the magicians came to Pharaoh. They said, "Indeed for us is a reward if we are the predominant." The Heights (Al-A'raaf) [7:113]


And [with] Pharaoh, owner of the stakes? - The Dawn (Al-Fajr) [89:10]


[Theirs is] like the custom of the people of Pharaoh and those before them. They denied Our signs, so Allah seized them for their sins. And Allah is severe in penalty. The Family of Imraan (Aal-i-Imraan) [3:11]


And [recall] when We parted the sea for you and saved you and drowned the people of Pharaoh while you were looking on. The Cow (Al-Baqara) [2:50]


And [recall] when We saved your forefathers from the people of Pharaoh, who afflicted you with the worst torment, slaughtering your [newborn] sons and keeping your females alive. And in that was a great trial from your Lord. The Cow (Al-Baqara) [2:49]


And Moses said, "O Pharaoh, I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds The Heights (Al-A'raaf) [7:104]


[Pharaoh] said to those around him, "Do you not hear?" The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:25]

[Pharaoh] said to the eminent ones around him, "Indeed, this is a learned magician. The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:34]


[Pharaoh] said, "If you take a god other than me, I will surely place you among those imprisoned." The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:29]


And We had inspired to Moses, "Travel by night with My servants and strike for them a dry path through the sea; you will not fear being overtaken [by Pharaoh] nor be afraid [of drowning]." Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:77]


[Pharaoh] said, "You believed Moses before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic, but you are going to know. I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you all." The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:49]


[Pharaoh] said, "Then bring it, if you should be of the truthful." The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:31]


[Pharaoh] said, "Indeed, your 'messenger' who has been sent to you is mad." The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:27]


[Pharaoh] said, "Did we not raise you among us as a child, and you remained among us for years of your life? The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:18]


[Pharaoh] said, "If you have come with a sign, then bring it forth, if you should be of the truthful." The Heights (Al-A'raaf) [7:106]


[Pharaoh] said, "You believed him before I gave you permission. Indeed, he is your leader who has taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you on the trunks of palm trees, and you will surely know which of us is more severe in [giving] punishment and more enduring." Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:71]


[Pharaoh] said, "So who is the Lord of you two, O Moses?" Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:49]


They said, "We did not break our promise to you by our will, but we were made to carry burdens from the ornaments of the people [of Pharaoh], so we threw them [into the fire], and thus did the Samiri throw." Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:87]


[Pharaoh] said, "Then what is the case of the former generations?" Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:51]


So We took him and his soldiers and cast them into the sea, and he was blameworthy. The Winnowing Winds (Adh-Dhaariyat) [51:40]

onoun

So go to him and say, 'Indeed, we are messengers of your Lord, so send with us the Children of Israel and do not torment them. We have come to you with a sign from your Lord. And peace will be upon he who follows the guidance. Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:47]


So he intended to drive them from the land, but We drowned him and those with him all together. The Night Journey (Al-Israa) [17:103]


So he bluffed his people, and they obeyed him. Indeed, they were [themselves] a people defiantly disobedient [of Allah]. Ornaments of gold (Az-Zukhruf) [43:54]


They said, "Never will we prefer you over what has come to us of clear proofs and [over] He who created us. So decree whatever you are to decree. You can only decree for this worldly life. Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:72]


And he was arrogant, he and his soldiers, in the land, without right, and they thought that they would not be returned to Us. The Stories (Al-Qasas) [28:39]


So today We will save you in body that you may be to those who succeed you a sign. And indeed, many among the people, of Our signs, are heedless Jonas (Yunus) [10:92]


And let me guide you to your Lord so you would fear [Him]?'" Those who drag forth (An-Naazi'aat) [79:19]


And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear [Allah]." Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:44]


Now? And you had disobeyed [Him] before and were of the corrupters? Jonas (Yunus) [10:91]


That We may show you [some] of Our greater signs. Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:23]


Indeed, we have believed in our Lord that He may forgive us our sins and what you compelled us [to do] of magic. And Allah is better and more enduring." Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) [20:73]


And is this a favor of which you remind me - that you have enslaved the Children of Israel?" The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:22]


He will precede his people on the Day of Resurrection and lead them into the Fire; and wretched is the place to which they are led. Hud (Hud) [11:98]


But he turned away with his supporters and said," A magician or a madman." The Winnowing Winds (Adh-Dhaariyat) [51:39]


[Moses] said, "Even if I brought you proof manifest?" The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:30]


Who will bring you every learned, skilled magician." The Poets (Ash-Shu'araa) [26:37]


So We took him and his soldiers and threw them into the sea. So see how was the end of the wrongdoers. The Stories (Al-Qasas) [28:40]


Or am I [not] better than this one who is insignificant and hardly makes himself clear? Ornaments of gold (Az-Zukhruf) [43:52]


Who will bring you every learned magician." The Heights (Al-A'raaf) [7:112]


And he showed him the greatest sign, Those who drag forth (An-Naazi'aat) [79:20]


And said, "I am your most exalted lord." Those who drag forth (An-Naazi'aat) [79:24]


So Allah seized him in exemplary punishment for the last and the first [transgression]. Those who drag forth (An-Naazi'aat) [79:25]


[All of] whom oppressed within the lands The Dawn (Al-Fajr) [89:11]


And increased therein the corruption. The Dawn (Al-Fajr) [89:12]


So your Lord poured upon them a scourge of punishment. The Dawn (Al-Fajr) [89:13]


And say to him, 'Would you [be willing to] purify yourself Those who drag forth (An-Naazi'aat) [79:18]

 

Please verify all the above verses yourself.

May Allah guide us all.

Peace and Respect!"

 

References:

3-Elias Karîm, “Qur’anic Accuracy vs. Biblical Error: The Kings & Pharaohs of Egypt,” www.islamic-awareness.org/Quran/Contrad/External/josephdetail.html; Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips, “An Aspect of the Qur’aan’s Miraculous Nature,” www.islaam.com/Article.asp?id=40






38 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page