The Pharaoh and Mummy of Exodus: Fact or Fiction?

The Exodus narrative, one of the most significant stories in history, has perplexed scholars for centuries. The question of who the Pharaoh was during the exodus and what happened to his body, a mummy, has been a subject of ongoing debate. We will dive into details about the traditional identification and the debate surrounding this historical figure, as well as the scientific examination of certain pharaohs' mummies.

Traditional Identification: Ramses II

According to traditional sources and scholarly consensus, the Pharaoh traditionally associated with the Exodus is Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great. His reign spanned from 1279 to 1213 BCE. However, debates persist among scholars about the exact timeline and historical figure behind the Exodus.

Physical Evidence: Mummy of Ramses II

The mummy of Ramses II was discovered in 1881 in a royal cache in Deir el-Bahari, Egypt, and is currently located in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Despite popular belief, identification of Ramses II as the Pharaoh of the Exodus is grounded more in tradition than definitive historical evidence.

Merneptah: The Pharaoh’s Son Who Drowned During Pursuit

Historical records indicate that Merneptah, the son of Ramses II, drowned while pursuing Prophet Musa (Moses). This information comes from the findings of Dr. Morris Bukali, a renowned French doctor who examined the pharaohs' mummies. Dr. Bukali's examination led him to publish a book based on his findings, suggesting that Merneptah's body was miraculously preserved, as mentioned in the Quran. Interestingly, Dr. Bukali converted to Islam after conducting this examination, further highlighting the significance of his findings.

Examination and Publication

Dr. Morris Bukali's book, which you can read in its entirety or focus on pages 158-160, is a fascinating account of his research and findings. This publication provides a unique perspective on the Exodus narrative and the mummies of ancient Egypt.

Lack of Evidence: Thutmose I and Absence of Mummy

Historical records suggest that Thutmose I died in 1513 BCE, which coincides with the time mentioned in the Bible as the year the Pharaoh chased the Israelites into the Red Sea. Notably, the absence of any evidence of a recovered body or a tomb further complicates the identification of the Pharaoh.

Pharaoh’s Titles and the Exodus Narrative

The traditional titles of the Egyptian rulers, as found on the Hieroglyphic royal cartouches, often include words like "servitude" or "glorification to their prime deity, Ra," such as "Ramses Eternal Servant of Ra" or "Seti II Watchful Eye of Ra." These titles were always mentioned after the king's actual name, not before.

Additionally, the title "Lord of the Two Lands" was commonly used by the kings of the Nile Valley. These titles are part of the understanding of the pharaohs' roles in ancient Egypt and help contextualize their actions and responsibilities.

Academic Consensus: Unidentified Pharaoh

Professor Zāhi awwās, the Secretary General of the Egyptian Council for Antiquities and a former minister of tourism, has stated in various seminars that the Pharaoh of Mūsa's time has not been definitively identified. He reiterates that no evidence supports the claim that any of the known rulers was the Biblical figure.

During an interview with the Baraini Ayyām newspaper on 22/05/2005, awwās emphatically stated, 'Absolutely not. The Fir‘awn of Mūsa died by drowning, and there is no evidence in the mummy. Furthermore, the analysis of most of the royal mummies has not revealed which of them belongs to the Biblical figure…so there is no conclusive evidence until now.'

Conclusion

The Pharaoh of the Exodus and his mummy remain subjects of continuous debate and ongoing research. The traditional identification of Ramses II as the Pharaoh is based on historical and cultural traditions rather than definitive archaeological evidence. The examination of pharaohs' mummies and the context of their titles further complicate the identification of the Pharaoh of Mūsa's time.

For those interested in delving deeper into the subject, Dr. Morris Bukali's book and Professor Zāhi awwās's academic work provide valuable insights. The continuation of rigorous academic scrutiny and archaeological research will hopefully bring us closer to a clearer understanding of the Pharaoh and the Exodus narrative.