Accompanying Ramadan 10: Joseph

Joseph – Yûsuf

Bible

 Joseph was born by Rachel, the beloved second wife of Jacob (Gen. 30:22-24). His story is told at length in Genesis from ch.37 to ch.50.

The special love of Jacob for Joseph; his dream; the envy of his brothers which brings them to sell him into slavery (ch.37); his early days in Egypt and the attempt to seduce him, resulting in his being put in prison (ch.39);his interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams and his ensuing promotion (ch.40-41); his meetings with his brothers (ch.42-47); his death (Gen. 50:26).  

Qur’an

Sura 12, which bears the name Yusuf, is almost completely dedicated to the story of Joseph.

Joseph said to his father, “Father, I dreamed of eleven stars and the sun and the moon: I saw them all bow down before me” (Q 12:4).

The brothers said [to each other] “Although we are many, Joseph and his brother are dearer to our father than we are – our father is clearly in the wrong. [One of them said], Kill Joseph or banish him to another land, and your father’s attention will be free to turn to you. After this you can be righteous.” [Another of them] said, “Do not kill Joseph, but, if you must, throw him into the hidden depths of a well where some caravan may pick him up” (Q 12:8-10).

Some travellers came by. They sent someone to draw water and he let down his bucket. “Good news!” he exclaimed. ”Here is a boy!” They id him like a piece of merchandise … and then sold him for a small price, for a few pieces of silver: so little did they value him. The Egyptian wo bought him said to his wife, “Look after him well! He may be useful to us, or we may adopt him as a son.” In this way We settled Joseph in that land an later taught him how to interpret dreams: God always prevails in His purpose, though most people do not realize it (Q 12:19-21).

The wife, traditionally called Zulaikha, tries to seduce Joseph. He resists, causing her anger, and so he is imprisoned. In prison he interprets the dreams of his fellow prisoners. So he is called to the presence of the king.

The king said, “Bring him to me,’ but when the messenger came to fetch Joseph he said, ”Go back to your master and ask him about what happened to those women who cut their hands – my Lord knows all about their treachery.” The king asked the women, “What happened when you tried to seduce Joseph?” They said, “Go forbid! We know nothing bad of him!” and the governor’s wife said, “Now the truth is out: it was I who tried to seduce him – he is an honest man.”…. The king said, “Bring him to me: I will have him serve me personally,” and the, once he had spoken with him, “From now on you will have our trust and favour.” Joseph said, “Put me in charge of the nation’s storehouses: I shall manage them prudently and carefully” (Q 12 50-55).

Joseph’s brothers came and presented themselves before him. He recognized them – though they did not recognize him – and once he had given them their provisions, he said, “Bring me the brother [you left with] your father!” (Q 12:58-59).

Towards the end of the sura Joseph makes this prayer:

My Lord! You have given me authority. You have taught me some-thing about the interpretation of dreams: Creator of the heavens and the earth, You are my protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Let me die in true devotion to you (muslim). Join me with the righteous” (Q 12: 101).