Who Was the Pharaoh of Prophet Musa?
One of the most debated questions in ancient Near Eastern history is: Who was the Pharaoh of Prophet Musa (Moses), peace be upon him? This historical inquiry isn’t just an academic matter; it connects deeply with divine revelation, archaeological findings, and interfaith understanding.
Conflicting Views Among Historians
Historians differ on the identity of the Pharaoh in Musa’s era. Most Western historians propose Merneptah (also spelled Merenptah), the 13th-century BCE Egyptian ruler, as the Pharaoh of Prophet Musa and the Exodus.
However, others strongly disagree. This disagreement mainly stems from the assumption that both the birth of Prophet Musa and the Exodus of Bani Isra’il occurred under the same Pharaoh—a conclusion not supported by careful chronological scrutiny.
In reality, these two monumental events likely occurred under two different kings, challenging the unified theory about the Pharaoh of Prophet Musa presented in popular narratives.
Another reason for historical confusion is the contradiction between Torah and Qur’anic accounts. According to the Hebrew Bible, it was Pharaoh’s daughter who rescued Musa from the Nile and raised him as her own. But the Qur’an states clearly:
“And the wife of Pharaoh said: ‘A comfort for the eye – for me and for you. Do not kill him; perhaps he may benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son.'”
This verse indicates that it was Pharaoh’s wife, not his daughter, who adopted Musa (peace be upon him).
Did Merneptah Fit the Profile?
If we accept the Torah’s version, then Merneptah might be considered, especially since historical records suggest he had no sons. However, another serious chronological issue arises: when Prophet Musa (Moses) stood against Pharaoh during the Exodus, he was approximately 80 years old (Exodus 7:7).
If Merneptah was Pharaoh at the time of Musa’s birth and also during the Exodus, the two would have been close in age—making this scenario historically implausible.
Stronger Evidence: Birth of Musa During the Reign of Ramesses II
Many researchers now support a more logically consistent narrative: Prophet Musa was born during the reign of Ramesses II—also known as Ramesses the Great—one of Egypt’s most powerful rulers and widely considered by many as the Pharaoh of Musa during his early life.
Ramesses II ruled for over 60 years, had multiple wives, and fathered dozens of children.
Despite his many sons, it appears that his last wife, a much younger queen, was unable to bear a child. It is entirely possible that her maternal longing made her eager to adopt the infant Musa when she saw his innocent face floating in the Nile.
And the wife of Pharaoh said, ‘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.'” Qur’an (28:9): “
This aligns with both the Qur’anic narrative and human emotional psychology. Her affection for the child was not based on politics, but on a genuine desire for motherhood in her youth and the childlessness of her union.
Pharaoh of the Exodus: A Successor to Ramesses II
The Torah itself offers a key clue:
“During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God.” (Exodus 2:23 –)This matches the Islamic understanding and suggests:
- Ramesses II was the Pharaoh at Musa’s birth.
- Merneptah, his successor, may have been the Pharaoh during the Exodus.
Thus, the Pharaoh Musa confronted was not the same Pharaoh under whom he was raised.
Who Was the Pharaoh at the Time of Prophet Musa? Exploring the Evidence Behind Menephtah
As someone who has studied both Qur’anic exegesis and Egyptian history, I found myself drawn deeply into this narrative.
The emotional tension between tyranny and divine justice, between maternal love and state cruelty, is overwhelming.
In visiting the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, standing before the mummified body believed to be that of Merneptah, I felt a chilling connection to history where revelation meets evidence.
Whether in the Qur’an or Torah, the story of Prophet Musa and Pharaoh is not merely history it is a timeless lesson on power, arrogance, divine mercy, and faith.
Who Was the Pharaoh at the Time of Prophet Musa? Exploring the Evidence Behind Menephtah
One of the most debated yet fascinating questions in the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) is: Who exactly was the Pharaoh of Prophet Musa during his lifetime?
While scholars have proposed various theories, the weight of evidence points toward Menephtah (also spelled Merenptah), the son of Ramses II, as the Pharaoh of Musa عليه السلام.
Let us explore this identification through four compelling and historically supported arguments.
1. Continuous Historical Attribution
From the time of Alexander the Great to this day, the most widely accepted view among historians and scholars is that Menephtah was the Pharaoh who opposed Prophet Musa.
This long-standing attribution across generations is not merely cultural hearsay — in historical analysis, continuous attribution carries substantial evidentiary weight.
When a particular figure is consistently linked to an event across centuries, it strengthens the argument for its accuracy.
2. Absence of Alternative Pharaoh Claims
No other Pharaoh in Egyptian history is clearly associated with the Exodus of the Children of Israel.
While a few names have been loosely proposed, none are supported by chronological consistency, archaeological evidence, or scriptural alignment.
These other candidates lack the solid historical or textual foundations needed to rival the Menephtah identification.
3. Alignment with Torah Timeline and Historical Chronology
According to the Torah, the Israelites remained in Egypt for approximately 400 years after the time of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) عليه السلام.
Historical records confirm that Prophet Yusuf arrived during the Hyksos dynasty, which ruled Egypt around 1800 BCE. Menephtah, on the other hand, died in 1215 BCE.
That places nearly 585 years between the Hyksos conquest and Menephtah’s death.
Now consider this: Prophet Yusuf lived for 110 years (Torah, Genesis 50:26),
and it is clear he did not enter Egypt with the first wave of the Hyksos but came after their rule was well-established.
After growing up in Egypt, he was imprisoned, became a minister, and eventually settled his family there — all events that would have taken decades.
This narrows the gap between Yusuf’s arrival and Musa’s time to approximately 400 years, perfectly matching the Torah’s stated duration of Israelite residence in Egypt (Exodus 12:40).
Such an alignment between religious scripture and secular history gives even more strength to the argument that Menephtah was the Pharaoh of Prophet Musa, the very ruler who clashed with him and ultimately drowned in the sea during the Exodus.
4. Qur’anic Confirmation and the Collapse of the Royal Line
The Holy Qur’an provides another powerful indicator. Allah says:
“We drowned the people of Pharaoh, all of them were wrongdoers.” (Surah Al-Qasas, 28:40)
This verse speaks not only of the drowning of Pharaoh but also his entire lineage and inner circle.
Historical sources confirm that after Menephtah’s death, a period of dynastic chaos (known as the era of political fragmentation or interregnum) followed.
Egypt plunged into instability, with multiple claimants to the throne and no clear successor — which matches the Qur’anic statement that the Pharaoh’s entire household perished.
This collapse is a historical phenomenon consistent with the Qur’anic narrative, suggesting that Menephtah the Pharaoh of Prophet Musa — drowned,
and that his death led to the disintegration of a royal line, thus fulfilling the divine punishment described in the scripture.
(For historical context: see Kenneth A. Kitchen, Pharaoh Triumphant: The Life and Times of Ramesses II, 1982, and James K. Hoffmeier, Israel in Egypt: The Evidence for the Authenticity of the Exodus Tradition, Oxford University Press, 1996.)
The Story of Prophet Yusuf and Pharaoh – 13 Key Points
1. Prophetic Lineage and Migration
Prophet Yusuf عليه السلام was the great-grandson of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام, who migrated from Nimrod’s Babylonian empire to Shaam (Greater Syria).
His sons Isḥāq and Ismāʿīl settled in Shaam and Ḥijāz respectively, forming two divinely guided branches of prophetic heritage (Qur’an 6:84).
2. The Hyksos Connection to Ismāʿīl’s Descendants
Historical research aligns the Hyksos—Semitic invaders who ruled Egypt—with Arab tribes likely from the lineage of Ismāʿīl.
They introduced chariots and adopted Egyptian culture while maintaining Semitic roots (cf. The Hyksos Enigma, Bietak).
3. Prophet Yaʿqūb’s Residence in Canaan
Prophet Yaʿqūb عليه السلام (Israel) lived in Canaan (modern-day Palestine/Levant).
He had twelve sons; Yusuf and Binyamin were full brothers from his younger wife. Yaʿqūb’s visible love for these sons triggered jealousy in the elder brothers (Qur’an 12:8–10).
4. Yusuf’s Betrayal and Sale in Egypt
The jealous brothers abandoned Yusuf in a well. A caravan found and sold him in Egypt, where he was purchased by the chief minister—al-ʿAzīz (Qur’an 12:19–21). This act set the stage for divine destiny.
5. Zulaikha’s Seduction and Yusuf’s Imprisonment
The minister’s wife, Zulaikha, infatuated by Yusuf’s beauty, tried to seduce him. Upon rejection, she falsely accused him, leading to his imprisonment despite his innocence (Qur’an 12:23–35).
6. Dream Interpretation and Divine Favor
In prison, Yusuf عليه السلام accurately interpreted dreams of two inmates, one of whom later recommended him to Pharaoh when the king had a puzzling dream involving seven lean and seven fat cows (Qur’an 12:36–49).
7. Yusuf’s Rise to Power as Minister
Pharaoh, impressed by Yusuf’s interpretation and wisdom, appointed him to manage Egypt’s granaries—effectively making him Prime Minister during the time of famine (Qur’an 12:55–56).
8. Reunion with Family during the Famine
When famine struck Canaan, Yusuf’s brothers came to Egypt for food. Yusuf recognized them, devised a plan to bring Binyamin, and later revealed his identity.
He forgave them, showing nobility and divine patience (Qur’an 12:58–90).
9. Yaʿqūb’s Migration to Egypt
With Pharaoh’s permission, Yusuf invited his father Yaʿqūb and the entire clan to settle in Egypt, marking the historical presence of Bani Israel in the Nile Valley (Qur’an 12:99–100).
10. Oppression under New Egyptian Rule
After the Hyksos (possibly linked to Ismāʿīl’s lineage) were overthrown by native Egyptian dynasties, the new Pharaohs enslaved the Israelites, fearing their growing numbers and strength (Exodus 1:8–10, Qur’an 28:4–6).
11. Birth of Prophet Musa and Pharaoh’s Decree
During the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II, Musa عليه السلام was born. A royal edict declared that every male child of Bani Israel must be killed, fearing a future revolt (Qur’an 28:4, Exodus 1:22).
12. Divine Protection and Upbringing in the Palace
Musa’s mother, inspired by Allah (Qur’an 28:7), placed him in a basket in the Nile. He was found and raised by Pharaoh’s wife, who saw in him a blessing, not a threat (Qur’an 28:9–13).
13. Prophethood and the Exodus
After years in exile in Madyan with Prophet Shu’ayb, Musa received prophethood at Mount Tur.
He returned to confront Pharaoh Merneptah (son of Ramesses II), demanded the freedom of his people, and eventually led the Israelites through the parted sea as Pharaoh and his army drowned (Qur’an 20:9–78, 26:63–66).
conclusion
The historical and Qur’anic evidence suggests that the Pharaoh of Prophet Musa during his early life was likely Ramesses II, while the Pharaoh of the Exodus was his successor, Merneptah.
This view aligns with archaeological findings, biblical chronology, and Qur’anic descriptions of Pharaoh’s tyranny, downfall, and the collapse of his royal line.
From the Hyksos era of Prophet Yusuf to the oppression of Bani Israel, the narrative reflects divine justice and lessons in faith.
Understanding the true identity of the Pharaoh of Prophet Musa is not just about history—it deepens our comprehension of Islamic heritage, strengthens interfaith dialogue, and reveals timeless moral lessons about arrogance, mercy, and steadfast belief in the face of oppression.
conclusion In Point
- Likely Early-Life Pharaoh: Evidence suggests Pharaoh of Prophet Musa in his youth was Ramesses II.
- Pharaoh of the Exodus: Historical records point to Merneptah, successor of Ramesses II, as the ruler during the Exodus.
- Chronology Alignment: Matches biblical timelines, archaeological evidence, and Qur’anic narrative of Pharaoh’s rise and downfall.
- Historical Context: Links from the Hyksos period of Prophet Yusuf to the enslavement of Bani Israel.
- Qur’anic Fulfillment: The collapse of Pharaoh’s royal line after drowning mirrors Qur’anic verses.
- Moral Lessons: Teaches humility, divine justice, and faith against tyranny.
- Relevance Today: The story of the Pharaoh of Prophet Musa enriches Islamic heritage and supports interfaith understanding.
