Pharaoh; A Fake God Who Drowned
Pharaoh was the ruler of the entire Egypt and commander in chief of its armed forces. The word pharaoh is mentioned in the Quran 74 times, all of which refer to the pharaoh who lived at the time of Moses (AS).
Many historians believe that it was Ramses II (1290-1224 BC) while some say it was Merenptah who ruled Egypt from 1224 to 1214 BC).
The Quran describes pharaoh as an oppressive ruler who considers himself to be the god of Egypt. He brought the Bani Isra’il people, who had settled in Egypt during the prophethood of Joseph (AS), under his rule. Because astrologers had predicted that a boy from Bani Isra’il will destroy pharaoh’s kingdom, he ordered the killing of all of Bani Isra’il’s baby boys. However, urged by his wife Asiyeh, pharaoh adopted Moses as his son and he was with them until he became a young man.
Pharaoh was did not believe in God. He would imprison and torture his opponents in various ways.
When Moses was appointed as a prophet, he was tasked to invite pharaoh to monotheism. Pharaoh listened to what Moses said and saw his miracles as well but rejected his call and called Moses a liar and a sorcerer. He asked Moses to compete with Egypt’s top sorcerers.
During the competition that was held on a holiday, the sorcerers realized that what Moses did was no sorcery. But pharaoh did not relent and ordered the torturing of the sorcerers.
Moses and his followers fled Egypt at night while pharaoh and his people were chasing them. When they reached the sea, Moses stretched out his hand and held out his staff and God parted the waters, allowing his followers safe passage. But when pharaoh and his people arrived and entered the sea, the waters returned and they drowned.
The Quran says that pharaoh confessed his belief in God at the last moment just before drowning but it was not accepted. The Quran also says that his body was saved to serve as a lesson for others: “We will save your body on this day so that you may become evidence (of Our existence) for the coming generations; many people are unaware of such evidence.” (Surah Yunus, Verse 92)
