Plagues of Egypt - Qur'anic References and Significance

Introduction

The “Plagues of Egypt” are a significant narrative in the Qur’an as well as in the Biblical tradition, serving as a divine punishment for Pharaoh and his people’s refusal to heed Moses’ message. The Qur’an references these plagues primarily in Surahs Al-A’raf (7:127-135) and Al-Isra (17:103-104), but interpretations vary among Islamic scholars.

Etymology and Translations

Arabic Translation: طُوفَانُ مِصِر (ṭūfān Miṣr) Turkish Translation: Mısır’ın Belâları

Qur’anic References

Surah Al-A’raf (7:127-135)

• Verses 127-135:
  • This passage narrates God’s chastisement of the people of Pharaoh with a series of plagues, intending to turn them away from their sinful practices.
  • The plagues mentioned include dearth, scarcity of fruits, floods, locusts, lice (qummal), frogs, and blood.
  • Despite these clear signs, Pharaoh and his people continue in their disbelief, leading to divine retribution and their ultimate drowning in the sea.

Surah Al-Isra (17:103-104)

• Verses 103-104:
  • Referred to as “nine clear signs”, these verses summarize the miracles presented to Pharaoh, which are often debated among commentators as either specific plagues or commandments.
  • This brief account highlights Moses as a messenger with divine signs from the “Lord of the Heavens and the Earth.”

Scholarly Interpretations

Mr. Sale’s Translation from Jalāl al-Dīn al-Mahallī and al-Baidāwī:

• Miracles as Signs:

  • Changing Moses’ rod into a serpent.
  • Making his hand white and shining.
  • Producing locusts, lice, frogs, and blood.
  • Dividing the Red Sea.
  • Bringing water out of the rock.
  • Shaking Mount Sinai.

• Commandments:

  • Prohibitions against idolatry, theft, adultery, murder, sorcery, usury.
  • Ethical commands concerning false accusations and desertion of the army.
  • Observing the Sabbath.

Comparative Analysis

Similarities with the Biblical Account:

• Both accounts include a series of plagues involving natural disasters and diseases.
• The purpose in both traditions is to compel Pharaoh to release the Children of Israel.

Differences:

• The Qur’an mentions fewer plagues explicitly by name, focusing on the overall sinful behavior and eventual punishment.
• Some Islamic interpretations focus on the commandments as divine signs, reflecting a broader moral message.

Books for Further Studies

1. “The Qur’an” - Translated by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
2. “Tafsir al-Jalalayn” - Tafsir (exegesis) by Jalal ad-Din al-Mahalli and Jalal ad-Din as-Suyuti.
3. “Stories of the Prophets” - By Ibn Kathir.
4. “Kehf’ten Quran’a: Bir Mushafın Hikayesi” - By Dr. Tuba İnal Çekiç (For Turkish readers).

Takeaways

• Understanding the narrative of the Plagues of Egypt in the Qur’an emphasizes the themes of divine justice and the consequences of persistent disbelief.
• These stories serve as moral and spiritual lessons within the Islamic tradition, highlighting the struggle of Moses as a prophet and the defiance of Pharaoh.

Conclusion

The story of the “Plagues of Egypt” in the Qur’an illustrates a divine demonstration of power aimed at freeing the Children of Israel and establishing monotheistic worship. These references not only share historical roots with other Abrahamic traditions but also extend moral and ethical lessons relevant to the Islamic faith. Through deeper study and comparative analysis, one can appreciate the rich tapestry of scriptural narrative and its enduring significance across religious contexts.