ABSTRACT

This chapter argues that the Qur’anic passage is likely to respond to an earlier rabbinic tradition, while the second part examines the function of the Qur’anic account of Pharaoh’s submission in the literary context of sura 10. It deals with some general comments on the study of Qur’anic intertextuality. The chapter focuses on the importance of repentance for the salvation of Israel. The story of Pharaoh’s repentance at sea and his consequent deliverance, denuded of the scriptural prooftext Exodus 9:15–16, could very well have formed part of lifeless body of biblically inspired yet exegetically unharnessed lore. The Qur’anic statement that Pharaoh would become a “sign” for posterity accordingly means that he is to function as a deterrent example. The Qur’anic proclamations, in particular those datable to Muhammad’s Meccan period, seem to be engaged in a sustained attempt at harnessing this disparate body of material to their own theological agenda.