The Exodus Event: A Textual Comparative Study of the Torah and the Holy Quran

Abstract

This study presents a comparative, textual, and theological analysis of the Exodus narrative in the Hebrew Bible (specifically the Book of Exodus) and the Holy Qur'an. Across Abrahamic traditions, the Exodus occupies a foundational role in shaping religious, historical, and existential paradigms. While the biblical account primarily emphasizes ethnic identity, covenantal nationhood, and geographic liberation toward the Promised Land, the Qur'anic discourse reframes the narrative around universal monotheism, cosmic justice, the dismantling of tyranny and the moral vindication of the oppressed. Furthermore, the paper critically examines the Orientalist "Borrowing Theory" (advanced by scholars such as Charles Cutler Torrey and others) through rigorous textual juxtaposition. Employing comparative textual matrices, the study maps key thematic convergences such as the Mosaic mission, Pharaonic pursuit, and the miraculous crossing alongside significant divergent nuances, notably the rejection of anthropomorphism, Pharaoh’s eleventh-hour confession of faith, and the unique historical preservation of his corpse as an enduring sign. Ultimately, the analysis substantiates the Qur'anic self-designation as Muṣaddiq (verifier) and Muhaymin (guardian/criterion) over preceding scriptural traditions.

Keywords:

Exodus, Torah, Holy Qur'an, Textual Comparison, Orientalism, Scriptural Reasoning, Biblical Typology, Preservation of Pharaoh's Body.