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Encyclopedia of Religion entry for

Haman

. The prime minister of Pharaoh. Mentioned in the Qur’an in three different chapters.

Surah xxviii, 7 : "For sinners were Pharaoh and Haman."

Surah xxix. 38: "Korah (Qarun) and Pharaoh and Haman! With proofs of his mission did Moses come to them and they behaved proudly on the earth."

Surah xl. 38: "And Pharaoh said, ‘O Haman, build for me a tower that I may reach the avenues."
" ‘The avenues of the heavens, and may mount to the God of Moses, for I verily deem him a liar. ‘"

Some European critics think that Muhammad has here made Haman the favorite of Ahasuerus and the enemy of the Jews, the vizier of Pharaoh. The Rabbins make this vizier to have been Korah, Jethro, or Balaam. (Midr. Jalkut on Ex, ch. 1, Sect. 162-168.)

In the Mishkat (book iv. ch. i. pt.3), there is a tradition that Muhammad said he who neglects prayers will be in hell with Korah, Pharaoh, Haman, and Ubaiy ibn Khalf (an infidel whom Muhammad slew with his own hand at the battle of Uhud.)

citations: Dictionary of Islam, Hughes

article created 2006-04-12 , last updated 2006-04-12

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