Some people say that Fir’awn died a Muslim as he believed just before he drowned. Is this view acceptable?
Answer
There are several verses of the Quran which prove that Fir’awn certainly died a disbeliever.
One such Verse, is the Verse wherein Allah Ta’ala says “It is the fire of Jahannam before which they [Fir’awn and his people] are presented morning and evening and on the Day of Qiyamah [it will be said] ‘Enter the people of Fir’awn into the severest of punishments’”
(Surah Mu’min, Verse: 46)
A small group of people were of the opinion that he died a Muslim. However, Verses of the Quran and authentic Hadiths clearly explain that Fir’awn died a disbeliever. Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) has also refuted this claim.
(Refer: Majmu’ul Fatawa, vol. 18 pg. 190 and Jami’ur Rasail of Ibn Taymiyyah, vol. 1 pg. 207-212)
Also see here.
Kindly refer to a Mufti/Darul Ifta for a Fiqh ruling on this issue.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar