The Quran and the
Architectural Techniques of the Pharaohs
The Quran provides fascinating insight into the construction techniques of ancient civilizations, aligning with modern scientific discoveries in unexpected ways.
Italian professor Mario Collepardi, an expert in pyramid architecture, has detailed how the Pharaohs built their monumental structures using a surprisingly simple yet ingenious method. Instead of laboriously carving and transporting massive stone blocks, they utilized the abundant limestone dust available in the region. This was mixed with soil, water from the Nile, and then subjected to intense heat—up to 900°C—solidifying into a material nearly indistinguishable from natural stone.
Essentially, the construction of the pyramids did not require the arduous lifting of enormous stone blocks, as commonly assumed. Instead, workers poured the prepared mud mixture into molds, then heated it until it hardened into durable stone. This technique significantly reduced labor intensity, requiring workers only to transport small containers of wet mud to fill the molds. Once set in place, fire was applied, ensuring each “stone” solidified seamlessly, leaving no gaps between them.
This revolutionary approach not only simplified construction but also contributed to the pyramids’ remarkable longevity—structures that have withstood thousands of years.
Scientific Discovery Confirmed
What the Quran Had Already Mentioned
Although this method was scientifically validated only in 1981 (and further confirmed through laboratory analysis in 2006), the Quran had already referenced such construction techniques over 1400 years ago:
“So kindle for me (a fire), O Hâmân, to bake (bricks out of) clay,
and set up for me a Sarh (a lofty tower, or palace)
in order that I may look at (or look for) the Ilâh (God) of Mûsâ (Moses);
and verily, I think that he [Mûsâ (Moses)] is one of the liars.”
(Surah Al-Qasas 28:38)
PLEASE NOTE:
The buildings of Fir'aun were destroyed. The example of the pyramids of Giza is given to get a better understanding of the techniques used at the time and NOT because they are the exact structures mentioned. I have used the Pyramids of Giza as an example because for 4500+ years they remained the tallest man-made structures in the world (Until the Eiffel Tower was built)
This verse highlights the use of fire and clay in ancient Egyptian construction.
mirroring what archaeologists and engineers have only recently uncovered.
The Fate of Pharaoh’s Buildings:
A Quranic Revelation
While the pyramids of Giza serve as a useful example to understand the architectural methods of that time, it is essential to note that the Quran explicitly states that Pharaoh’s grand structures were ultimately destroyed:
“And We destroyed completely all the great works
and buildings which Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)
and his people erected.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:137)
The word
ERECTED
Its root letters are
Ayn-Ra-Shiin
to construct/build, make trellis (for grape-wine), make a vine-stalk, roof, raise (a house or structure), settle.
'arshun - throne, arbour, pavillion, roof, power, dominion, sovereignty.
m'aruushaat (sing. ma'ruushun): supported on trellis-work, sheltered by an arbour, upheld by a trellis, trellised.
ya'rishuuna (imp. 3rd. m. pl.): they have erected, raised.
m'ruushaatun (pct. pic. f. pl.): trellised ones.
'uruush (n. pl.): roofs.
arasha vb. (1)/impf. act. 7:137, 16:68/pcple. pass. 6:141, 6:141/arsh n.m. (pl. urush) 2:259, 7:54, 9:129, 10:3, 11:7, 12:100, 13:2, 17:42, 18:42, 20:5, 21:22, 22:45, 23:86, 23:116, 25:59, 27:23, 27:26, 27:38, 27:41, 27:41, 27:42, 32:4, 39:75, 40:7, 40:15, 43:82, 57:4, 69:17, 81:20, 85:15
The word “erected” in Arabic comes from the root Ayn-Ra-Shiin (ع-ر-ش), which conveys meanings of constructing, raising, roofing, and supporting structures—particularly using trellises or wooden frameworks. This aligns with modern research suggesting that the Pharaohs used wooden scaffolding and spiral ramps to elevate materials, supporting the theory that their construction techniques were far more sophisticated than brute labor alone.
The Quran’s use of “arasha” (عَرَشَ) to describe Pharaoh’s destroyed structures implies a method where wooden frameworks were used to elevate mud-based materials—a striking confirmation of contemporary findings.
Science and Revelation Converge
These Quranic insights not only predate modern discoveries but also challenge the long-held notion that the pyramids were built solely by dragging and stacking enormous stone blocks. Instead, they reveal a more refined and efficient construction process—one that aligns remarkably with recent scientific studies.
Far from being just an ancient religious text, the Quran continues to offer insights into history, science, and engineering, inviting us to reflect on the depth of its knowledge and the civilizations it describes.