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Is it permissible to use the term "Pharaoh" to describe a harsh, coarse man?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

It is not permissible for a Muslim to describe his Muslim brother as "Pharaoh," even if he is harsh and crude, because this term is reprehensible and disliked. Ibn al-Qayyim considered the names of pharaohs and tyrants to be disliked names, and describing a Muslim in such a way is considered forbidden insult and abuse. Even if insult were permissible for a legitimate Shariah reason, it would not be with this reprehensible term. Some scholars have mentioned that whoever says to another, "You are Pharaoh," should be disciplined.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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