Hazrat Yusuf, the righteous and moral prophet, is a significant figure in Islamic history and the Quranic narrative. His story, as recorded in Surah Yusuf, is one of the most detailed accounts of a prophet's life in the Quran. Hazrat Yusuf symbolizes beauty and is admired as a preacher of Islam who is strongly committed to Allah and tries to persuade people to follow the path of righteousness[1].
The Quran recounts Hazrat Yusuf's declaration of faith:
"And I follow the ways of my fathers, – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and never could we attribute any partners whatever to Allah: that (comes) of the grace of Allah to us and to mankind: yet most men are not grateful." – Quran, Surah 12 (Yusuf) Ayah 38.
Hazrat Yusuf is described as having the three characteristics of the ideal statesman: pastoral ability (developed when he was young and in charge of his father's flocks); household management (from his time in Potiphar's house) and self-control, as seen on a number of occasions. He was pious and Allah-fearing, full of temperance, ready to forgive, and displayed goodness to all people.
The story of Hazrat Yusuf has esoteric Arabic commentaries which fill gaps in the narrative, make connections and identify characters. These commentaries include explanations and discussions of lexicography and grammar to clarify the literal meaning of the Quranic story of Hazrat Yusuf. They focus on smaller details, not big-picture meaning.
In Islamic literature, Hazrat Yusuf's story is often used to illustrate the nature of Allah. Mustansir Mir writes that Hazrat Yusuf's story vindicates Allah's dominion and the fulfillment of his will. According to Mir's 1986 article in The Muslim World, this surah highlights the way dominion is established; Allah is al-Latif (Arabic: الـلَّـطـيـف, lit. 'the One subtle in accomplishing his will'), and is also al-'Alim (Arabic: الـعَـلـيـم, lit. 'the Knower or the All-Knowing One') and al-Hakim (Arabic: الـحَـكـيـم, lit. 'the Wise or the All-Wise One').
Hazrat Yusuf's legacy is revered in Islamic history. Descended from the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he also has the gift of prophecy. According to Kisai, one of the foremost biographers of the Quranic prophets, Hazrat Yusuf was given a staff of light with five branches. On the first branch was written "Abraham, friend of Allah," on the second, "Isaac, pure of Allah," on the third, "Ishmael, sacrifice of Allah", on the fourth, "Jacob, Israelite of Allah," and on the fifth, "Hazrat Yusuf, Righteous of Allah".
The Accuracy of the Quran:
King vs Pharaoh in the Time of Joseph
In the biblical narrative, the ruler of Egypt during the time of Joseph is referred to as "Pharaoh." However, historical evidence indicates that the term "Pharaoh" was not used to describe Egyptian rulers until the New Kingdom Period, which began centuries after Joseph's time. In contrast, the Quran accurately refers to the ruler of Egypt during Joseph's era as a "King," aligning with historical accuracy.
The Quran's precision in distinguishing between the titles of rulers in different time periods is a point of interest when comparing it to the Bible. While some critics claim that the Quran merely copied from the Bible, the discrepancy in the titles used for the ruler of Egypt during Joseph's time highlights a significant difference in accuracy between the two texts.
In Surah Yusuf of the Quran, the ruler of Egypt during Joseph's time is consistently referred to as a "King," maintaining historical accuracy and authenticity. The Quran's attention to detail in using the appropriate title for the ruler of Egypt during Joseph's era showcases its reliability and precision in historical narratives.
On the other hand, the Bible's use of the term "Pharaoh" for the ruler in Joseph's time reflects a historical inaccuracy. The term "Pharaoh" was not in use during Joseph's era, and the Quran's correction of this discrepancy emphasizes its accuracy in historical accounts.
The Quran's adherence to historical accuracy, as seen in the distinction between "King" and "Pharaoh" in the time of Joseph, supports its claim to be a divine revelation. The Quran's consistency and precision in historical details set it apart from other texts and affirm its status as a reliable source of knowledge and guidance.
The Quran's accurate portrayal of the ruler of Egypt during Joseph's time as a "King," in contrast to the Bible's use of "Pharaoh," highlights the Quran's meticulous attention to historical accuracy. This distinction underscores the Quran's unique status as a scripture that provides precise and authentic information, reinforcing its claim to divine origin.
The key difference is that "King" was the appropriate title for the ruler of Egypt during Joseph's time under the Hyksos dynasty, while "Pharaoh" was the title used for the native Egyptian rulers starting in the New Kingdom Period, including during the time of Moses. The Quran's precise use of these titles highlights its historical accuracy compared to the Bible's anachronistic terminology.
References:
- Surah Yusuf, Quran verse 54
- Surah Al-A'raf, Quran verse 104
- Bible, Genesis 41:46
