ONLY GOD OF EGYPT AND GODS OF PHARAOH ACCORDING TO PHARAOHIC RELIGION

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Pharaoh And His Gods In Ancient Egypt Islamic Awareness © Islamic Awareness, All Rights Reserved. First Composed: 23rd August 2008 Last Updated: 23rd September 2008 inShare

Assalamu ʿalaykum wa rahamatullahi wa barakatuhu:

1. Introduction Concerning the ancient Egyptian religion during the time of the Pharaohs, the Qur'an reports three interesting statements. Firstly, when Prophet Moses calls Pharaoh to worship one true God, the call is rejected. Instead Pharaoh collects his men and proclaims that he is their Lord, most high. Has the story of Moses reached thee? Behold, thy Lord did call to him in the sacred valley of Tuwa, "Go thou to Pharaoh for he has indeed transgressed all bounds: And say to him, ‘Wouldst thou that thou shouldst be purified (from sin)? - And that I guide thee to thy Lord, so thou shouldst fear Him?'" Then did (Moses) show him the Great Sign. But (Pharaoh) rejected it and disobeyed (guidance); Further, he turned his back, striving hard (against God). Then he collected (his men) and made a proclamation, Saying, "I am your Lord, Most High". [Qur'an 79:15-24]

Secondly, when Moses goes to Pharaoh with clear signs, they are rejected as being "fake". Pharaoh then addresses his chiefs by saying that he knows of no god for them except him. Pharaoh said: "O Chiefs! no god do I know for you but myself... [Qur'an 28:38]

The last statement comes in connection with the victory of Prophet Moses over the magicians of Egypt. Here the chiefs of Pharaoh say to him that this victory of Moses over the magicians could result in an abandonment of you (i.e., Pharaoh) and your gods (Arabic: wa yadaraka wa ālihataka) in favour of the God of Moses. And the chiefs of Pharaoh's people said: "Do you leave Musa and his people to make mischief in the land and to forsake you and your gods?" He said: "We will slay their sons and spare their women, and surely we are masters over them." [Qur'an 7:127]

Thus the Qur'an reports three important statements concerning the ancient Egyptian religion as practiced during the time of Moses. Firstly, Pharaoh's proclamation that he is their Lord, Most High. Secondly, Pharaoh’s claim that he knew of no god for their chiefs except him. Thirdly,


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ONLY GOD OF EGYPT AND GODS OF PHARAOH ACCORDING TO PHARAOHIC RELIGION by AHLUSSUNNAHVSALIMIRZA - Issuu