Who is the Firawn in history,ruling periods and duration.History of Firawn,their ruling periods,duration and all.The term “Firawn” (Arabic: فرعون) refers to the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt, rulers who held immense political and religious power. In Islamic tradition, the word “Firawn” specifically refers to a particular Pharaoh mentioned in the Quran, who is known for his oppression of the Israelites and his confrontation with the Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him). Here is an overview of the history and context:
Pharaohs in Ancient Egyptian History
The Pharaohs were kings or rulers of ancient Egypt, and their reigns are categorized into three main periods:
- Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE): Known as the “Age of the Pyramids,” this period included the construction of monumental structures like the Great Pyramid of Giza.
- Middle Kingdom (2055–1650 BCE): A time of political stability, cultural flourishing, and advancements in arts and architecture.
- New Kingdom (1550–1077 BCE): Egypt reached the peak of its power and influence during this period. Prominent Pharaohs like Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, and Ramses II ruled during this era.
The Pharaohs were seen as divine figures, intermediaries between the gods and the people, and wielded supreme authority.
Firawn in the Quran
In the Islamic tradition, “Firawn” refers to the Pharaoh who opposed Prophet Musa (Moses). This Pharaoh’s story is intertwined with key events, such as:
- Oppression of the Israelites: Firawn enslaved the Israelites and subjected them to harsh conditions.
- The Birth of Musa: In response to a prophecy about a child who would overthrow him, Firawn ordered the killing of all male Israelite infants. Musa was miraculously saved and raised in Firawn’s palace.
- Musa’s Prophethood: As an adult, Musa received divine revelation from Allah, commanding him to confront Firawn and demand the release of the Israelites.
- The Plagues of Egypt: When Firawn refused to release the Israelites, Allah sent a series of plagues as a warning.
- The Exodus: Musa led the Israelites out of Egypt, culminating in the parting of the Red Sea. Firawn and his army pursued them but were drowned as the sea closed upon them.
The Quran emphasizes Firawn’s arrogance and refusal to acknowledge Allah despite numerous signs, portraying him as a symbol of tyranny and disbelief.
Historical Identifications
While the Quran does not name the specific Pharaoh, some scholars and historians attempt to correlate the Firawn of Musa’s time with historical figures based on Egyptian history and archaeological evidence:
- Ramses II (1279–1213 BCE): Often suggested due to his long reign, massive building projects, and prominence in history.
- Merneptah (1213–1203 BCE): Ramses II’s successor, also considered by some researchers.
- Amenhotep II (1427–1401 BCE): Proposed by others based on timelines and events.
These identifications remain speculative, as no definitive evidence has been found to confirm which Pharaoh is referred to in the Quran.
Legacy
The story of Firawn serves as a moral lesson in Islamic teachings, warning against arrogance, oppression, and defiance of divine guidance. It highlights the importance of faith, humility, and justice. The remains of some Pharaohs, including Ramses II, have been discovered and are preserved in museums, serving as historical artifacts of ancient Egypt’s grandeur.