Quran and Hadith Studies

Quran and Hadith Studies

A Critical Analysis of Exegetical Approaches to the Account of Moses’ Killing of the Egyptian

Document Type : Research Article

Author
Hamid Naderi Ghahfarokhi
Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
10.22067/jquran.2025.92518.1814
Abstract
According to the verses of Surah al-Qaṣaṣ, Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), while defending one of his followers, killed an Egyptian during a personal altercation. Although scholars generally affirm the legitimacy of Moses’ act of defense, they have proposed three interpretations of the killing: (1) committing an unintentional killing as an abandonment of the preferable act not as a sin; (2) committing an unintentional killing as a minor sin; and (3) committing a justified intentional killing. A review of the evidence reveals common shortcomings in these views, including excessive reliance on presuppositions and neglect of the subtle linguistic nuances of the Qurʾanic narrative. Reexamining scholarly views and focusing on the Qurʾan’s precise wording is therefore necessary. Critical analysis of the verses and interpretations indicates that: (1) the conflict between Moses’ follower and the Egyptian was intensely violent and potentially lethal; (2) Moses was not acting out of anger; (3) the blow he delivered was inherently capable of causing death; and (4) arguments for unintentional killing are open to serious scrutiny. Conversely, intentional killing in the context of legitimate self-defense is acceptable and involves sufficient cause without any impediment.
Keywords
Prophetic infallibility
intentional killing of the Egyptian
armed conflict
Moses’ infallibility
abandonment of the preferable
legitimate defense
Subjects
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Quran and Hadith Studies
Volume 57, Issue 2 - Serial Number 115
Autumn & Winter 2025-2026
February 2026
Pages 299-328

  • Receive Date 07 March 2025
  • Revise Date 09 October 2025
  • Accept Date 09 November 2025