Surah
Juz
Surah Yusuf was revealed during the Prophet's ﷺ final stage in Makkah when the Quraysh contemplated harming or imprisoning him. Disbelievers tested his prophethood claim by asking about the Israelites' journey to Egypt, unaware of the story of Prophet Joseph. God revealed the entire narrative, foiling their plan and urging reflection on their actions. The Surah parallels the lives of the Prophet ﷺ and Prophet Joseph, both facing rejection, abandonment, and eventual rise to power. It prophetically foretells the Prophet's ﷺ migration to Madinah and eventual authority, akin to Joseph's journey to power in Egypt. Enemies varied in degree of evil, echoing Joseph's brothers' actions and the spectrum of intentions during the Battle of Badr. Both prophets endured rejection and hardship, remaining steadfast in faith. In the end, like Joseph's brothers, the Quraysh humbly sought forgiveness after the conquest of Makkah, and the Prophet ﷺ, despite having the authority for vengeance, generously forgave them, echoing Joseph's forgiveness.
The story of Joseph in the Quran is not just a story; it serves as a tool for spreading the message of Islam. The Quran emphasises that the faith of prophets like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph aligns with Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ message. The characters in the story are presented in pairs, urging readers to contrast those moulded by Islam, who worship One God and believe in the Hereafter, with those moulded by disbelief and ignorance. The story also highlights a crucial truth: God's plan prevails, and human efforts cannot alter it. Even when people scheme against the divine plan, their actions may inadvertently contribute to its fulfilment. For instance, Joseph's brothers intended to degrade him but, in reality, their actions paved the way for his elevation. The story teaches that if God wills someone's success, no collective effort can bring them down, and conversely, if God wills their downfall, no amount of support can save them. Moreover, the story provides important lessons for those following God's path. It emphasises the need to adhere to divine laws, ensuring that even if one faces failure despite pure aims and lawful measures, they avoid humiliation. The story also teaches that those who strive for truth, entrusting their affairs to God, find solace and courage to face powerful adversaries. Finally, the story illustrates that a believer with true Islamic character and wisdom can triumph even in adverse circumstances. Joseph, a teenager and foreigner sold into slavery in Egypt, rose to the highest rank in the country through his unwavering moral qualities. While the Quran's account of Prophet Joseph differs from the Bible and Talmud, they generally agree on key events.
