Thursday, July 24, 2025

Did Pharaoh (Firaun) Submit and Become a Muslim?

By Dr. Max Shimba, Servant of Jesus Christ, Our Great God and Savior (Titus 2:13)

Introduction

Dear reader,

Surah Yunus (10:90–92) of the Qur'an, revealed in Mecca and translated into Swahili by Sheikh Ali Muhsin Al-Barwani, appears to suggest that Pharaoh (known in Arabic as Firaun) submitted to God and became a Muslim at the time of his death. However, upon further reading of the Qur'an, a significant theological contradiction arises—challenging the consistency of this claim.

Surah Yunus 10:90–92: Pharaoh’s Supposed Conversion

Surah Yunus 10:90–92 states:

90: “We took the Children of Israel across the sea. Pharaoh and his soldiers pursued them out of transgression and enmity. When he was about to drown, he said, ‘I believe that there is no deity except the One in whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am among the Muslims!’

91: ‘Now? But you disobeyed before and were among the corrupters.’

92: ‘So today We will preserve your body so that you may be a sign for those after you. And indeed, many among mankind are heedless of Our signs.’

This passage clearly portrays Pharaoh as declaring his faith in the God of the Children of Israel and submitting at the moment of death. Many Islamic scholars, including Muhammad Asad in The Message of the Qur'an (Dar al-Andalus Limited, Gibraltar, 1993, p. 306, fn. 112), interpret this as Pharaoh becoming a Muslim before his death and being forgiven.

The Theological Dilemma: Contradictions in the Qur'an

However, this interpretation raises profound theological concerns when we compare it with other Qur'anic verses that seemingly contradict this account.

1. Surah An-Nisa’ 4:17–18: Toba (Repentance) Must Be Timely

17: “Verily, repentance with Allah is only for those who do evil in ignorance and then repent soon after. It is they to whom Allah will turn in forgiveness.”

18: “But repentance is not accepted from those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: ‘Now I repent.’ Nor of those who die as disbelievers; for them We have prepared a painful punishment.”

Observation:
According to these verses, repentance at the point of death—after a life of knowing rebellion—is not accepted. Pharaoh, who willfully opposed Moses and committed evil knowingly, clearly does not fit the Qur'anic criteria of “those who sin in ignorance”. Hence, the Qur'an itself appears to invalidate Pharaoh’s deathbed repentance.

2. Surah Ghafir 40:83–85: Repentance After Punishment Is Not Accepted

83: “When their messengers came to them with clear signs, they arrogantly disbelieved in what they had been given of knowledge...”

84: “Then when they saw Our punishment, they said, ‘We believe in Allah alone and disbelieve in what we used to associate with Him.’”

85: “But their faith was of no benefit to them once they saw Our punishment. Such is Allah’s established way with His servants. And the disbelievers then were utterly lost.”

Observation:
This passage underscores that faith or repentance after witnessing divine punishment is ineffective and unacceptable. Again, this disqualifies Pharaoh’s last-minute submission, as it occurred precisely after he had seen the punishment—the drowning in the sea.

Contradiction Within the Qur'an?

If, according to Surah Yunus 10:90–92, Pharaoh’s repentance is preserved as a sign, but other verses such as Surah An-Nisa 4:17–18 and Surah Ghafir 40:83–85 state that repentance at the point of death or during punishment is rejected, then the Qur’an seems to be in internal contradiction. Does Allah forgive those who repent at the brink of death—or not?

Moreover, a serious theological paradox arises concerning Muslim funerary practices. Muslims pray for forgiveness for the dead—even though, by Qur’anic logic, the dead have already tasted death and thus, are beyond repentance (as per 4:18). How, then, is forgiveness expected?

The Call to Certainty in Jesus Christ

As I continued to study the Qur’an, I encountered numerous such contradictions—raising fundamental doubts about its consistency and divine authorship. Can a God who claims to be all-knowing and wise contradict Himself within His own revelation?

In stark contrast, the Holy Bible is clear and consistent in presenting salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
(John 14:6)

And the apostles affirmed:

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
(Acts 4:12)

An Invitation to Salvation Through Christ

Do you want to give your life to Jesus Christ today so He may save you and give you eternal life? Receiving Jesus means acknowledging Him as the only Savior and Lord.

Pray This Prayer of Salvation

“O Holy God, I come before You. I confess that I am a sinner. Please forgive all my sins. I repent with all my heart. I ask that the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross for me, cleanse me now—spirit, soul, and body. I open my heart. Lord Jesus Christ, I welcome You into my life. Come in by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Be my Lord and Savior now and forever. Make me the person You desire me to be. Thank You for forgiving me and saving me. I surrender to serve You all the days of my life. Satan has no authority over me—In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer sincerely and with faith, then you are now saved, and all your sins are forgiven. The blood of Jesus now covers you.

Next Steps After Salvation

Pray daily and speak with God – (John 15:7)
Read the Bible daily – (Acts 17:11)
Allow the Holy Spirit to lead your life – (Galatians 5:16–25; Romans 8:14–17)
Trust God in all things – (1 Peter 5:7; Zechariah 4:6)
Fellowship regularly with other believers – (Hebrews 10:25)
Reject sin and live a holy life – (James 4:7–8)
Witness to others about your new faith – (Matthew 10:32–33; Romans 1:16)

Conclusion

Congratulations on your new life in Christ. You are now a new creation. May you walk in His blessings, truth, and power from now on.