The story of Nabi Yusuf (Prophet Joseph) and Zulaikha

The story of Nabi Yusuf (Prophet Joseph) and Zulaikha is a well-known tale in Islamic tradition, and it is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Yusuf. This story is renowned for its lessons in patience, faith, and the consequences of wrongful actions.

Background

Nabi Yusuf was the son of Prophet Yaqub (Jacob) and was blessed with extraordinary beauty and wisdom. His story begins with his dreams, which he narrates to his father, foretelling his future greatness. His brothers, driven by jealousy, plot against him and eventually sell him into slavery. Yusuf ends up in Egypt, in the house of a high-ranking official named Potiphar, known in Islamic tradition as Al-Aziz.

Zulaikha's Infatuation

Zulaikha, the wife of Al-Aziz, becomes infatuated with the young and handsome Yusuf. Despite his status as a slave, Yusuf's piety and integrity are unwavering. Zulaikha's infatuation turns into an obsession, and she tries to seduce Yusuf. One day, she locks the doors and tries to force herself on him. Yusuf, a man of strong faith, resists her advances and tries to escape. In the ensuing struggle, Zulaikha tears Yusuf's shirt from the back.

When Al-Aziz returns and sees the torn shirt, Zulaikha accuses Yusuf of trying to seduce her. Yusuf defends himself, and a witness from Zulaikha's household suggests a test to determine the truth: if the shirt is torn from the front, Yusuf is guilty; if it's torn from the back, Zulaikha is lying. The torn shirt from the back proves Yusuf's innocence.

Imprisonment and Patience

Despite his innocence, the scandal forces Al-Aziz to imprison Yusuf to save face. In prison, Yusuf continues to demonstrate his piety and wisdom, interpreting dreams for his fellow inmates. His accurate interpretation of dreams eventually reaches the Pharaoh (King of Egypt), who summons him to interpret his troubling dreams about seven fat cows being eaten by seven lean cows and seven green ears of corn being devoured by seven dry ones. Yusuf's interpretation foretells seven years of abundance followed by seven years of severe drought and famine. He also advises on how to manage the surplus during the years of abundance to prepare for the famine.

Vindication and Elevation

Impressed by Yusuf's wisdom, the Pharaoh appoints him as a high-ranking advisor, effectively making him the overseer of Egypt's granaries. Yusuf's efficient management leads Egypt through the years of famine. During this time, Yusuf's brothers come to Egypt seeking food, not recognizing him. After testing their character and integrity, Yusuf finally reveals his identity and forgives them. They bring their father, Yaqub, and the entire family to Egypt, where they are reunited and settled.

Reconciliation with Zulaikha

In some Islamic traditions and poetic renditions, it's said that Zulaikha repents for her actions and eventually marries Yusuf after the death of Al-Aziz. This aspect is more prominent in Sufi literature and Persian poetry, particularly in the works of poets like Jami. Zulaikha's love transforms into a pure and spiritual love, and she is forgiven and granted a dignified status.

Lessons from the Story

1. Patience and Faith: Yusuf's unwavering faith and patience through trials exemplify the virtues of steadfastness and trust in God's plan.

2. Forgiveness and Compassion: Yusuf's forgiveness of his brothers and Zulaikha shows the power of forgiveness and compassion over revenge and bitterness.

3. Integrity and Virtue: Yusuf's resistance to Zulaikha's advances highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and moral conduct, regardless of circumstances.

4. Divine Wisdom and Justice: The story underscores the belief that God’s wisdom and justice prevail, even if the righteous suffer temporarily.

The story of Yusuf and Zulaikha is a profound narrative that provides moral and spiritual guidance, demonstrating the triumph of virtue over vice and the importance of forgiveness and patience.