What is Islam's view of the Tower of Babel? Is it in/compatible with the Quran? Is there a belief in Islam that takes the place of the Tower of Babel?
1 Answer
There are references to a similar attempt by Pharaoh of Egypt in Sura Qasas and Sura Ghafir of the Holy Quran.
In Sura Qisas:
Pharaoh said, “O nobles, I know of no god for you other than me. So fire-up the bricks for me O Hamaan, and build me a tower, that I may ascend to the God of Moses, though I think he is a liar.” (28:38)
In Sura Ghafir:
And Pharaoh said, “O Hamaan, build me a tower, that I may reach the pathways. (40:36) The pathways of the heavens, so that I may glance at the God of Moses; though I think he is lying.” Thus Pharaoh’s evil deeds were made to appear good to him, and he was averted from the path. Pharaoh's guile was only in defeat. (40:37)
Wikipedia article traces possible allusions to the story in other Islamic sources.