Among all the stories in the Quran, the one that I enjoyed reading the most was about Prophet Yusuf aka Joseph (peace be upon him). The reason being that it is the most detailed and fascinating story in the Quran, involving human weakness such as jealousy, hatred, pride, passion, deception, intrigue, cruelty and terror as well as noble qualities of humans such as patience, loyalty, bravery, nobility and compassion.
It is related that among the reasons for its revelations were that the Jews asked Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to tell them about Joseph (pbuh) who was one of their old prophets. His story has been distorted in parts and marred in others with interpolation and exclusions. Therefore it is revealed in the book of Allah, complete in its minute and careful detail.
Allah the Almighty declared:
012:003 We do not relate unto thee the most beautiful of stories, in that We reveal to thee this (portion of the) Quran: before this, thou too was among those who knew not.
Allah the Almighty decreed:
020:099 Thus do we relate to thee some stories of what happened before: for We have sent thee a message from Our own presence.
020:100 If any do turn away thererfrom, verily they will bear a burden on the Day of Judgement;
020:101 They will abide in this (state): grievous will the burden be to them on that Day.-
The story of Joseph (pbuh) 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 among mankind know it not.” (Al-Quran 12:21, last sentence of this verse)
SUMMARY OF JOSEPH’S STORY
Let me start with the summary of his life before going on to my favourite part of the story. Joseph (pbuh) had lived all his life confronting schemes made by the people closest to him. His brothers plotted to kill him, but amended to exiling him. This happened to him when he was a boy. He was sold into the slave market in Egypt, where he was bought for a nominal sum. Then he fell victim to the attempted seduction by a great man’s wife who, when her wish was foiled, sent him to prison, where he remained for some time. In spite of all these, he at length approached close to the Egyptian throne and became the king’s Chief Minister. He then began his call to Allah from the position of the ruling authority.
JOSEPH’S CHILDHOOD
As the sun appeared across the horizon, bathing the Earth in its morning glory, Joseph (pbuh), son of Prophet Jacob (pbuh) awoke from his sleep, delighted by a pleasant dream he had had. Filled with excitement, he ran to his father and related it.
012:004 Behold! Joseph (pbuh) said to his father, “Oh my father! I did see eleven stars and the sun and the moon: I saw them prostrate themselves to me!”
Therefore it was narrated that Allah’s messenger prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was asked: “Who is the most honourable amongst the people?” He replied, “The most God-fearing.” The people said, “We do not want to ask you about this.” He said, “The most honourable person is Joseph, Allah’s prophet, the son of Allah’s prophet (Jacob pbuh), the son of the faithful friend of Allah (Abraham pbuh) –Sohih Bukhari
So now I have come to my favourite part of the story, which I shall tell in chapters.
to be continued...
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