Pharaoh was lured by the devil
1-1-2008 | IslamWeb
Question:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may his blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions. Dear Sheikh, my question is regarding the Pharaoh of Egypth. Was Pharaoh possesed by the Satan because he was arrogant, Mufsideen (those who commit great sins and crimes, oppressors, tyrants, etc.) which are also the qualities of the Devil and also becuase he rejected the oneness of Almighty Allah Subhana wa Ta Ala and message of our beloved prophet Musa & Harun A.S. Musa siad ''my Lord has granted me Hukman (religious knowledge, right judgments of the affairs and Prophethood), and appointed me as one of the Messengers. And this is the past favor with which you reproach me, and that you have enslaved the children of Israel." Pharaoh said: "And what is the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)?" Moses replied: "Lord of the heavens, and the earth, and all that is between them, if you seek to be convinced with certainty."Pharaoh said to those around: "Do you not hear what he says?" Moses said: "Your Lord and the Lord of your ancient fathers!" Pharaoh said: "Verily, your Messenger who has been sent to you is a madman!" Moses said: "Lord of the east, and the west, and all that is between them, if you did but understand!" Pharaoh said: "If you choose an ilah (a god) other than me, I will certainly put you among the prisoners." Moses said: "Even if I bring you something manifest (and convincing)." Pharaoh said: "Bring it forth then, if you are of the truthful!" (Ch 26:16-31 Quran) Pharaoh became ruder and more arrogant. He proclaimed to his people. "Pharaoh is the only god. Has he not the kingdom of Egypt and rivers flowing under it?" He declared that Moses was a liar, a magician, and a poor man who did not wear even one bracelet of gold. Almighty Allah declared: And indeed We did sent Moses with Our Ayat. Jazakaallahu Khaira
Answer:
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
If by jinn possession you mean that one loses his consciousness and becomes like a mad person who is not held accountable for his deeds, then Pharaoh was not like this. Rather, he was in sound mind and fully conscious about his acts; that is why Allaah punished him for his sins. Allaah destroyed him in this world and made Hellfire his abode in the Hereafter. Allaah Says (what means): {The Fire; they are exposed to it morning and evening. And the Day the Hour appears [it will be said], ‘Make the people of Pharaoh enter the severest punishment.’}[Quran 40:46]
However, if you mean that the devil lured Pharaoh, took control of him and misguided him, then this is true. Allaah Says (what means): {And whoever is blinded from remembrance of the Most Merciful — We appoint for him a devil, and he is to him a companion. And indeed, they [i.e. the devils] avert them from the way [of guidance] while they think that they are [rightly] guided.}[Quran 43:36-37]