Prophet Yusuf (Joseph)
c. 18th–17th century BCE (Islamic and Biblical tradition).
Yusuf (Joseph) was the beloved son of Yaqub, given the gift of interpreting dreams. His brothers threw him into a well and sold him into Egypt; there he served in the house of the Aziz, resisted the advances of the Aziz's wife (Zulaikha), and was imprisoned. In prison he interpreted the dreams of two inmates; when the king had a dream, Yusuf was brought to interpret it and was made a minister. He stored grain for the years of famine; when his brothers came from Canaan, he revealed himself and forgave them, and the family was reunited in Egypt. The Quran calls his story the best of narratives—a lesson in patience, chastity, trust in Allah and forgiveness.
This is the most detailed and fascinating story in the Quran, involving both human weaknesses such as jealousy, hatred, pride, passion, deception, intrigue, cruelty, and terror as well as noble qualities such as patience, loyalty, bravery, nobility, and compassion. It is related that among the reasons for its revelation is that the Jews asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) to tell them about Joseph who was one of their old prophets. His story had been distorted in parts and marred in others with interpolation and exclusions. Therefore it was revealed in the Book of Allah (Quran), complete in its minute and careful details. Allah the Almighty declared: "We relate unto you (Muhammad) the best of stories through Our Revelations unto you, of this Quran." (Yusuf 12:3) The story of Joseph moves in a stream from beginning to end; its substance and form are equally coherent. It inspires you with a feeling for the depth of Allah's power and supremacy and the execution of His rulings despite the challenge of human intervention. "And Allah has full power and control over His Affairs, but most of men know not." (Yusuf 12:21)
In this story
- Introduction to Joseph’s story
- The dream and the well
- Zulaikha’s temptation and the women
- Prison and the king’s dream
- Minister and reunion with his family
Where the Quran tells it
- Yusuf 12
- Al-An'am 6:84
- Ghafir 40:34