Prophet Joseph, known as Yusuf, has the most detailed and remarkable story told in the Qur'an, one filled with both the darker sides of human nature, jealousy, hatred, pride, deception, and cruelty, and its noblest qualities, patience, loyalty, bravery, and compassion.
Introduction to Joseph's Story
It is said that this story was revealed in part because the Jews asked the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, to tell them about Joseph, one of their ancient prophets, whose story had been distorted and altered over time through omissions and additions. In response, Allah revealed the complete and accurate account in the Qur'an, detailed and precise.
Allah says: "We relate unto you, Muhammad, the best of stories through Our revelations to you in this Qur'an, and before this you were among those who knew nothing about it." (Ch 12:3) Allah also says: "Thus We relate to you some information of what happened before, and indeed We have given you from Us a reminder, this Qur'an. Whoever turns away from it will bear a heavy burden of sin on the Day of Resurrection, abiding in that state, and evil indeed will be that burden for them on the Day of Resurrection." (Ch 20:99–101)
Joseph's story flows as a single continuous narrative from beginning to end, coherent in both its content and its telling. It reveals the depth of Allah's power and the way His will is carried out no matter how much human beings try to interfere. As the Qur'an states, "And Allah has full power and control over His affairs, but most people do not know." (Ch 12:21) The story of Joseph confirms this truth completely, ending in comfort and wonder.
Summary of Joseph's Story
Throughout his life, Joseph faced schemes plotted by those closest to him. As a boy, his own brothers planned to kill him, later settling instead on exiling him. He was sold into slavery in Egypt for a small sum, and later faced the attempted seduction of a powerful man's wife, which, when it failed, led to his imprisonment for a period of time. Despite all of this, he eventually rose to become close to the Egyptian throne, serving as the king's chief minister, from which position he began calling people to Allah. In the end, Allah's plan was fulfilled completely. This is the essence of the story, though the manner in which it unfolds is itself something remarkable.
The Story's Presentation
The story unfolds scene by scene, each transition rich with meaning and emotion, stirring the imagination while leaving certain details open for the reader to complete, achieving a depth no human storyteller could match.
Joseph's Childhood
The story begins with a dream and ends with its fulfillment. One morning, as the sun rose over the horizon, Joseph, the son of Prophet Jacob, awoke from a vivid and pleasant dream. Excited, he ran to his father to share it. "O my father, verily I saw in a dream eleven stars and the sun and the moon, I saw them prostrating themselves to me." (Ch 12:4)
Jacob's face lit up with joy, for he sensed that Joseph would be the one through whom the prophecy given to his grandfather Abraham would be fulfilled, carrying forward the light of Abraham's house and Allah's message to humanity. It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad was once asked who was the most honorable among people, and he replied that it was the most God fearing. When the people said this was not what they meant, he told them that the most honorable person was Joseph, a prophet of Allah, son of a prophet of Allah, son of the close friend of Allah, Abraham. (Sahih Al Bukhari)
Yet Jacob, well aware of the jealousy simmering among Joseph's other sons, warned him against sharing his dream with his brothers. "O my son, relate not your vision to your brothers, lest they arrange a plot against you, for Satan is an open enemy to man. Thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of dreams, and perfect His favor on you and on the family of Jacob, as He perfected it on your forefathers Abraham and Isaac before you. Verily, your Lord is All Knowing, All Wise." (Ch 12:5–6)
Joseph took his father's warning to heart and kept his dream to himself. It was widely known just how deeply his brothers resented him, making it unsafe for him to reveal what lay in his heart or his dreams.
Description of Joseph
At this point in the story, Joseph was eighteen years old, remarkably handsome and strong, yet gentle in nature, respectful, kind, and thoughtful. His younger brother Benjamin shared these same fine qualities, as the two were born of the same mother, Rachel. Because of their refined character, their father loved them more than his other sons, keeping them close and occupying them with work in the house and garden to protect them.
The Evil Plot of Joseph's Brothers
As the scene of Jacob and his sons closes, another opens on the brothers plotting against Joseph. They said among themselves, "Truly, Joseph and his brother are loved more by our father than we are, though we are a strong group. Truly our father is clearly mistaken. Kill Joseph or cast him out to some other land, so that our father's favor may belong to us alone, and after that we may become righteous people again." One of them suggested, "Do not kill Joseph, but if you must do something, throw him into the bottom of a well, and he will be picked up by some passing caravan." (Ch 12:8–10)
While the Old Testament claims Joseph told his brothers about his dream, the Qur'an makes no such claim, and had this been true, the brothers likely would have cited it themselves as their grievance. Instead, Joseph had faithfully kept his father's instruction and said nothing.
Even so, his brothers gathered to plot against him. One asked why their father loved Joseph more than the rest of them. Another suggested it was because of his beauty. A third remarked that both Joseph and his brother had captured their father's heart entirely, while the first complained that their father had lost all sense of fairness. Someone proposed killing Joseph outright, but others suggested banishing him to a distant land instead.
It was Judah, the eldest and most level headed among them, who offered what seemed the safest solution. There was no need to kill Joseph, he argued, when their true goal was simply to be rid of him. He suggested throwing Joseph into a well, where a passing caravan would surely find him and carry him off to a distant land, removing him from their father's sight and accomplishing their purpose. Afterward, they could repent and become righteous once more. This plan, seen as the cleverest and safest option, was agreed upon.
The Brothers Approach Jacob
The brothers then went to their father and said, "O our father, why do you not trust us with Joseph, when we truly wish him well? Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and play, and we will surely take care of him." Jacob replied, "Truly, it saddens me that you should take him away, for I fear a wolf may devour him while you are careless of him." They reassured him, "If a wolf were to devour him while we are here as a strong group to protect him, then surely we would be the losers." (Ch 12:11–14)
Jacob's mention of wolves raised a point his sons had not anticipated in their planning, whether he meant literal wolves of the desert or sensed something else entirely, only Allah truly knows. Still, under their persistent urging, Jacob eventually agreed to let Joseph go with them.
Joseph Thrown into the Well
Overjoyed that they would finally be rid of Joseph and stand a better chance of winning their father's full affection, the brothers set out, heading straight for a well under the pretense of stopping for water. One of them suddenly grabbed Joseph and held him tightly. Startled, Joseph struggled to break free, but more brothers rushed in to restrain him. They stripped off his shirt, lifted him up, and threw him into the depths of the well, ignoring his desperate pleas. At that moment, Allah revealed to Joseph that he would be safe, and that one day he would meet his brothers again and remind them of what they had done.
Fortunately, the well contained water, which kept Joseph afloat and unharmed. He sat alone in the water before finding a rocky ledge to climb onto. His brothers then left him there in that desolate place. Afterward, they killed a sheep and soaked Joseph's shirt in its blood, swearing an oath among themselves to keep their crime secret.
The Brothers Lie to Jacob
"And they came to their father in the early part of the night, weeping." (Ch 12:16) The scene shifts to a dark night, filled with the sound of ten grown men crying. As they entered their father's home, the darkness outside mirrored the darkness hidden in their hearts and the lie they were about to tell. Jacob, alarmed, asked what had happened, whether some misfortune had struck their flock. Weeping, they told him, "O our father, we went off racing one another and left Joseph with our belongings, and a wolf devoured him, but you will never believe us even though we are telling the truth." (Ch 12:17)
They insisted repeatedly that they had not seen what happened, that a wolf had eaten Joseph, and they presented his shirt, stained with false blood, as proof. (Ch 12:18) Yet deep in his heart, Jacob sensed that his beloved son was still alive and that his other sons were lying to him. Holding the bloodstained shirt in his hands, he remarked bitterly, "What a merciful wolf, to eat my beloved son without even tearing his shirt." Though pressed for more details, his sons continued to swear by Allah that they spoke the truth, and the heartbroken father could only respond, "Nay, but your own selves have made up a tale. So for me, patience is more fitting. It is Allah alone whose help can be sought against what you claim." (Ch 12:18) Jacob chose to respond with steady patience, placing his trust entirely in Allah against what his sons had done.
Joseph Finds Comfort in Allah
Down in the darkness of the well, Joseph clung to the stone ledge he had found, surrounded by silence and uncertainty. Fear crept into his mind as he wondered what would become of him, how he would find food, why his own brothers had turned against him, and whether his father would ever learn of his fate. Yet the memory of his father's love and warm smile came back to him, and he began to pray earnestly to Allah for salvation. Slowly, his fear gave way to calm, as he came to understand that his Creator was testing him through this hardship in order to build within him patience and courage. Joseph surrendered himself fully to the will of his Lord.
Joseph From the Well to Slavery
The scene shifts to the open desert, where a caravan of camels, horses, and travelers made its way toward Egypt. The merchants stopped at the well for water, and a man lowered his bucket down into it. Startled by its sudden descent, Joseph grabbed hold of the bucket before it touched the water. As the man pulled the rope up, he was surprised by its unusual weight, and peering into the well, he was shocked to see a person clinging to it. He called out to his companions, excitedly announcing that he had found real treasure in the well. His fellow travelers rushed over and helped pull Joseph out, revealing a healthy, strikingly handsome young man with a warm smile. Seeing in him only a valuable prize, they immediately shackled his feet in iron and took him along toward Egypt, far from his homeland of Canaan.
Word of the unusually handsome young slave spread quickly throughout the Egyptian city, drawing large crowds to the slave market, some merely curious, others wealthy bidders eager to acquire him. As the auction grew heated, each buyer trying to outbid the next, it was ultimately the Aziz, the chief minister of Egypt, who won the bidding and brought Joseph to his mansion.
The Qur'an describes this scene: "And there came a caravan of travelers, and they sent their water drawer, who let down his bucket into the well. He said, what good news, here is a boy. So they hid him as merchandise, and Allah was fully aware of what they did. They sold him for a low price, a few silver coins, considering him of little worth. The man from Egypt who bought him said to his wife, make his stay comfortable, perhaps he will benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son. Thus did We establish Joseph in the land, that We might teach him the interpretation of events. And Allah has full power and control over His affairs, but most people do not know." (Ch 12:19–21)
With this, the chains of slavery closed around Joseph. Cast into a well, torn from his father, pulled out only to be made a slave, sold at market, and now the property of the Aziz, Joseph faced one hardship after another, seemingly helpless against the tide of events unfolding around him.
Joseph's Master
What appears to us as hardship and slander was in truth the first step on Joseph's path toward greatness, for Allah's plan is always carried out, no matter what schemes others might devise against it. Allah had already promised Joseph prophethood, and love for him took root in the heart of the man who purchased him, a man of considerable standing among the ruling class of Egypt.
Joseph was pleasantly surprised when the chief minister ordered the heavy shackles removed from his swollen feet, and further surprised when the man told him he would be treated well as long as he remained loyal and did not betray his trust. Joseph smiled at his new master, thanked him, and promised his loyalty.
For the first time in a long while, Joseph felt a sense of safety, knowing he would be cared for. He thanked Allah repeatedly, marveling at the strange turns his life had taken. Not long before, he had been thrown into a deep, dark well with no hope of survival, then pulled out only to become a slave in iron shackles, and now he found himself living freely in a grand household with more than enough to eat. Yet his heart still ached with longing for his father and his brother Benjamin, and he wept for them daily.
Joseph became the personal attendant of the chief minister's wife, serving with obedience and a willingness to please. His pleasant manner and charm won the affection of everyone around him. Word of his remarkable handsomeness spread throughout the city, with people composing poetry in his honor and traveling from distant places simply to catch a glimpse of him. His outward beauty reflected an inner purity of heart and soul, and though the wealthiest women and loveliest maidens longed to be near him, he never once grew arrogant or prideful, remaining humble and courteous at all times.
Joseph's Qualities
As time passed, Joseph matured, and Allah says of him: "And when he attained his full manhood, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. Thus We reward the doers of good." (Ch 12:22)
He was given wisdom in worldly affairs and deep understanding of life, along with a gift for conversation that captivated everyone who listened to him, as well as a noble character and self restraint that made him truly irresistible in the eyes of those around him. His master soon came to recognize that Allah had blessed him greatly by bringing Joseph into his household, understanding that Joseph was among the most honest, sincere, and noble people he had ever encountered. In recognition of this, he placed Joseph in charge of his entire household, honoring him and treating him almost as his own son.
Zulaikha's Feelings for Joseph
The chief minister's wife, Zulaikha, watched Joseph closely as the days passed, sitting with him, speaking to him, listening to him, her fascination with him growing steadily over time. This marked the beginning of Joseph's second great trial. Zulaikha found herself unable to resist his beauty, and her growing obsession with him left her sleepless at night. She fell deeply in love with him, tormented by being so close to someone she could not have. She was not, by nature, an unrestrained woman, and given her position, she could likely have had any man she desired. She must have been both beautiful and intelligent, given that the chief minister, despite her inability to bear him children, remained devoted to her and never took another wife.
The Qur'an reveals this moment of intense temptation: "And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, come to me. He said, I seek refuge in Allah, truly he, your husband, is my master, he has made my stay comfortable, so I will never betray him, verily the wrongdoers will never succeed. Indeed she did desire him, and he would have inclined toward her had he not seen the proof of his Lord. Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and immorality, for surely he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves." (Ch 12:23–24)
Joseph's Feelings for Zulaikha
Scholars agree entirely on the nature of Zulaikha's intent, though they differ somewhat on how to understand Joseph's own inclination in this moment. Some suggest that a natural human temptation arose within him, even though he never acted upon it, while others describe it differently, and some point to an inner struggle Joseph experienced during his youth, from which Allah ultimately delivered him.
The safest understanding is that the verse describes both temptation and firm resistance, since Allah says clearly that Joseph would have inclined toward her had he not seen the proof of his Lord, meaning that only Allah's protection kept him from succumbing. This aligns with the infallibility granted to the prophets, confirmed by the verse that follows: "Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and immorality, for surely he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves." (Ch 12:24) This verse affirms both Joseph's righteousness and his protection from Satan's influence, echoing Allah's declaration to Iblis at the time of creation: "Certainly, you shall have no authority over My slaves, except those who follow you among those who go astray." (Ch 15:42)
Zulaikha's False Accusation
Joseph's refusal only intensified Zulaikha's desperation. As he rushed toward the door to escape, she chased after him and grabbed his shirt, tearing it as he pulled away. At that very moment, the door opened, revealing her husband standing there with a relative of hers. Allah describes this scene: "So they raced with one another to the door, and she tore his shirt from behind, and they both found her husband at the door." (Ch 12:25)
Startled, Zulaikha quickly shifted her tone to anger, holding up the torn piece of fabric and demanding of her husband what punishment awaited anyone who intended harm against his wife, other than imprisonment or severe punishment, accusing Joseph of assaulting her to protect her own reputation. Bewildered, Joseph defended himself, insisting, "It was she who sought to seduce me." (Ch 12:26)
As the shirt was examined, a witness from her own family noted that if it was torn from the front, her account was true and Joseph was lying, but if it was torn from the back, then she was the one lying and Joseph spoke the truth. When the shirt was found torn from the back, the truth became clear, and her husband, disappointed, remarked, "Surely, this is one of the schemes of you women, indeed your scheming is powerful." (Ch 12:28)
The wise and just Aziz apologized to Joseph for his wife's behavior and instructed her to seek Joseph's forgiveness for her false accusation. Allah recounts the full episode: "He said, it was she who sought to seduce me, and a witness from her household testified, if his shirt is torn from the front, then she speaks the truth and he is lying, but if it is torn from the back, then she has lied and he speaks the truth. So when her husband saw that his shirt was torn from the back, he said, surely this is one of the schemes of you women, indeed your scheming is powerful. O Joseph, turn away from this matter, and you, woman, ask forgiveness for your sin, for you have been sinful." (Ch 12:26–29)
Zulaikha is Ridiculed by the People
In a household full of servants, such an incident could not remain hidden for long, and word of it spread quickly. Women throughout the city began gossiping about her scandalous behavior, remarking, "The wife of the Aziz is trying to seduce her young slave, she loves him passionately, and we see her clearly astray." (Ch 12:30)
Zulaikha's Plan to Regain Her Reputation
This gossip deeply upset Zulaikha, who believed sincerely that no woman could truly resist a man as handsome as Joseph. To prove her point and defend herself, she devised a plan to expose these women to the same temptation she had faced. She invited them to an extravagant banquet, an invitation none of them wished to decline, both for the honor of dining with the chief minister's wife and their own secret curiosity to see the handsome Joseph in person. Some of her friends even joked that they would only attend if she introduced them to him.
The gathering, attended only by women, began with laughter and lively conversation, with unspoken etiquette dictating that Joseph's name not be mentioned. The guests were caught off guard, then, when Zulaikha herself brought up the topic, admitting openly that she had indeed fallen in love with the young Hebrew man, and had loved him for a long time, all while calmly instructing that the fruit be served.
The Women's Reaction to Joseph
Her open confession eased the tension in the room, and as the guests began cutting their fruit, she summoned Joseph to enter. He walked in gracefully, his eyes lowered respectfully, and when Zulaikha called his name, he lifted his gaze. The women were utterly stunned by his radiant, almost angelic beauty, which seemed to reflect a deep inner purity and peace.
So captivated were they by the sight of him that, without realizing it, many of the women cut their own hands with their knives while continuing to stare at him, feeling no pain in their astonishment. Some gasped in amazement, others whispered that he could not possibly be a mortal man, calling him instead a noble angel.
At that, Zulaikha rose and declared to her guests that this was the very man they had blamed her for loving, admitting openly that she had indeed tried to seduce him, though he had refused her, and warning that if he continued to refuse her, he would be sent to prison in disgrace.
The Women's Reaction, as Told in the Qur'an
Allah describes this scene: "So when she heard of their gossip, she sent for them and prepared a banquet, giving each of them a knife, and she said to Joseph, come out before them. Then, when they saw him, they exalted him greatly and cut their hands, exclaiming, how perfect is Allah, this is no man, this is none other than a noble angel.
She said, this is the one about whom you blamed me. I did seek to seduce him, but he refused, and if he continues to refuse my command, he will surely be imprisoned and humiliated. He said, my Lord, prison is more beloved to me than what they invite me to do. Unless You turn their scheme away from me, I may incline toward them and become one of the ignorant. So his Lord answered his prayer and turned their scheme away from him, for verily He is the All Hearer, the All Knower." (Ch 12:31–34)
That evening, Zulaikha convinced her husband that imprisoning Joseph was the only way to preserve her honor, insisting she could not otherwise control herself or protect his reputation. The chief minister, though fully aware of Joseph's innocence and deeply fond of him for his loyalty and honor, found himself with little choice. Reasoning that keeping Joseph away from his wife's presence would ultimately protect everyone's dignity, he reluctantly sent Joseph to prison that night.
Joseph's Time in Prison
Prison became Joseph's third great trial, yet even here Allah blessed him with a remarkable gift, the ability to interpret dreams. Around this time, two other men were also imprisoned, one the king's cupbearer, the other his royal cook. Both men sensed something different about Joseph, an aura of piety that set him apart from other prisoners. Each had experienced a vivid dream and hoped Joseph could explain its meaning. The cook dreamed he carried bread on his head while birds pecked at it, while the cupbearer dreamed he was pressing wine to serve the king.
Before interpreting their dreams, Joseph first called them to the worship of Allah. He then told the cook that he would be crucified, and told the cupbearer that he would be restored to his position serving the king. He asked the cupbearer to mention him to the king once freed, describing himself as a wrongfully imprisoned man. Everything Joseph foretold came to pass exactly as he described.
Once free, however, the cupbearer forgot to mention Joseph to the king, a lapse caused by Satan's influence, and as a result Joseph remained in prison for several more years, enduring this trial with patience and unwavering prayer to Allah.
Joseph's Time in Prison, as Told in the Qur'an
Allah narrates: "And there entered with him two young men into the prison. One of them said, verily I saw myself in a dream pressing wine. The other said, verily I saw myself carrying bread on my head, and birds were eating from it. Inform us of the interpretation of this, for we see that you are one who does good.
He said, no food will come to you as your provision, but I will inform you of its interpretation before it arrives, for this is part of what my Lord has taught me. Verily, I have abandoned the ways of a people who do not believe in Allah nor in the Hereafter, and I follow instead the religion of my forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, for it was never right for us to associate any partner with Allah. This is from the grace of Allah upon us and upon mankind, though most people do not appreciate it.
O my two companions in prison, are many different lords better, or Allah, the One, the Irresistible? You worship instead of Him only names which you and your forefathers have invented, for which Allah has sent down no authority. Judgment belongs to Allah alone, who has commanded that none be worshipped but Him, this is the true and straight religion, though most people do not know it.
O my two companions in prison, as for one of you, he will pour wine for his master to drink, and as for the other, he will be crucified, and birds will eat from his head. Thus the matter about which you both inquired has been decided.
And he said to the one he knew would be saved, mention me to your master. But Satan caused him to forget to mention Joseph to his master, so Joseph remained in prison for several more years." (Ch 12:36–42)
The King's Dream
The scene then shifts to the king's own bedchamber, where he fell asleep and dreamed vividly of standing along the banks of the Nile as its waters receded, leaving the fish stranded and flopping in the mud. In his dream, seven fat cows emerged from the river, followed by seven thin and starving cows, which proceeded to devour the fat ones. Then he saw seven green ears of grain growing along the riverbank, which withered away in the mud, replaced by seven dry, shriveled ears in their place.
The king awoke deeply shaken and troubled, unable to make sense of what he had seen. He summoned his sorcerers, priests, and ministers, describing the dream in detail. His sorcerers dismissed it as a confused nightmare, while his priests suggested it might simply have followed a heavy meal, and his chief minister jokingly wondered if the king had gone uncovered during a cold night. Even the court jester teased that old age was clouding the king's dreams. In the end, they collectively concluded it was nothing more than a meaningless nightmare.
Word of this eventually reached the cupbearer, who suddenly recalled his own dream from his time in prison and remembered Joseph's remarkable gift. He hurried to the king, admitting that he had once forgotten to mention a wrongly imprisoned man named Joseph, who alone could truly interpret such dreams. The king sent him at once to ask Joseph for the meaning of his dream.
Joseph's Interpretation of the Dream
Joseph explained that Egypt would experience seven years of great abundance, during which the land should be carefully cultivated to produce a surplus of grain beyond what the people needed, and that this surplus should be carefully stored. This period of plenty would then be followed by seven years of severe famine, during which the stored grain could sustain the people. He also advised setting aside enough grain to use as seed for future planting. Following the seven years of drought, he added, a year of great abundance in water would come, allowing grapevines and olive trees to flourish and yield plentiful harvests of grapes and olive oil.
The cupbearer rushed back to deliver this remarkable interpretation, and the king was deeply impressed by Joseph's wisdom and insight.
The Dream and Interpretation, as Told in the Qur'an
Allah narrates: "And the king of Egypt said, verily I saw in a dream seven fat cows, which seven lean cows were devouring, and seven green ears of corn and seven others dry. O notables, explain to me my dream if you are able to interpret dreams. They said, this is a confused mix of dreams, and we are not skilled in interpreting such dreams.
Then the man who had been released, one of the two who had been in prison, at last remembered Joseph and said, I will tell you its interpretation, so send me forth. He said, O Joseph, man of truth, explain to us the meaning of seven fat cows being devoured by seven lean ones, and seven green ears of corn and seven others dry, that I may return to the people so they may know.
Joseph said, for seven consecutive years you shall sow as usual, and whatever you harvest, leave it in its ears, except for a little which you may eat. Then after that will come seven hard years which will consume what you have stored for them, except for a little which you have set aside. Then after that will come a year in which people will have abundant rain, and in which they will press wine and oil." (Ch 12:43–49)
Joseph's Innocence Proved
The king was struck with amazement at the wisdom of this man and ordered that Joseph be freed from prison at once and brought before him. Yet when the king's envoy came to fetch him, Joseph refused to leave until his innocence was formally established, since he had been imprisoned on the basis of a false accusation regarding the women who had cut their hands. When the envoy returned empty handed and explained why, the king ordered that the wives of his ministers, including the chief minister's wife, be brought before him.
Sensing that Joseph had been wronged in some way he did not fully understand, the king questioned the women directly. One insisted that Joseph had done no wrong, another confirmed she knew of no evil in him, and a third described him as possessing the innocence of angels. All eyes then turned to the chief minister's wife, who had grown thin and worn with sorrow during Joseph's imprisonment. Without hesitation, she confessed openly that she had lied and that Joseph had told the truth all along, admitting that she had tried to seduce him and that he had refused her. She spoke not out of fear, but so that Joseph would know she had never betrayed him in his absence, for he remained the one person she cared for above all else.
Joseph's Innocence Proved, as Told in the Qur'an
Allah says: "And the king said, bring him to me. But when the messenger came to him, Joseph said, return to your master and ask him what happened to the women who cut their hands, for surely my Lord is fully aware of their scheme. The king asked the women, what was the matter when you sought to seduce Joseph? They said, Allah forbid, we know no evil of him. The wife of the chief minister said, now the truth has become clear, it was I who sought to seduce him, and he is surely among the truthful. Joseph said, I asked for this inquiry so that my master would know I did not betray him in secret, and that Allah does not guide the scheming of betrayers. And I do not free myself of blame, for the human soul inclines toward evil, except when my Lord grants mercy, for my Lord is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Ch 12:50–53)
Zulaikha's Life Afterwards
These verses suggest that Zulaikha eventually embraced the belief in the Oneness of Allah, with Joseph's imprisonment marking a turning point in her own spiritual life. After this moment, the Qur'an says nothing further about her fate. Various legends have arisen to fill this gap, some claiming that after her husband's death she married Joseph, discovering she remained untouched since her elderly husband had never been intimate with her, while other accounts describe her losing her sight from years of weeping for Joseph and wandering the streets after abandoning her palace. Regardless, her story fades from the Qur'anic account at the very peak of her struggle, perhaps allowing her to remain more memorable than a definite ending would have allowed.
Joseph's High Position
Once his innocence was confirmed, the king summoned Joseph to the palace, recognizing immediately his noble character. Speaking with him directly, the king was deeply impressed by Joseph's refinement, wisdom, and broad knowledge. Their conversation soon turned to the dream, and Joseph advised the king to begin preparing for the coming years of famine, explaining that the drought would affect not only Egypt but the surrounding lands as well.
The king offered Joseph a position of great authority, and Joseph asked specifically to be placed in charge of the nation's granaries, so that he could safeguard the harvest and protect the people through the difficult years ahead. His request was not born of ambition, but of a genuine desire to save entire nations from starvation during the coming famine.
Joseph's High Position, as Told in the Qur'an
Allah says: "And the king said, bring him to me, that I may attach him to my own service. Then, when he spoke with him, he said, verily, this day you are established with us in a position of honor and trust. Joseph said, set me over the storehouses of the land, for I will indeed guard them with knowledge. Thus did We grant Joseph authority in the land, to settle wherever he wished. We bestow Our mercy on whom We please, and We do not allow the reward of the righteous to be lost." (Ch 12:54–57)
Joseph Meets His Brothers
As time passed, Joseph oversaw the cultivation, harvest, and storage of grain throughout the seven years of abundance. When the seven years of drought followed as predicted, famine spread across the entire region, including Canaan, Joseph's homeland. On Joseph's advice, the king agreed to sell grain to neighboring nations at fair prices, and news of Egypt's reserves spread far and wide.
Jacob sent ten of his sons to Egypt to buy provisions, keeping only Benjamin at home with him. When the brothers arrived and were unable to communicate in the local language, they were brought before Joseph, who recognized them instantly, though they had no idea who he truly was, believing him lost forever since the day they had thrown him into the well so many years before.
Joseph welcomed them warmly and, after providing their provisions, asked about their family. They explained that they were eleven brothers, sons of a noble prophet, and that their youngest brother remained at home caring for their aging father. Hearing this, Joseph was overcome with longing for his family, though he managed to compose himself and asked if they were being truthful. Confused by the question, they insisted they had no reason to lie. Joseph then told them that if their account was true, they must bring their youngest brother as proof, promising them a full measure of grain in return, but warning that without him, they should not return at all. The brothers agreed to seek their father's permission, and Joseph secretly instructed his servants to return their payment by placing it back into their grain sacks.
Joseph Meets His Brothers, as Told in the Qur'an
Allah says: "And Joseph's brothers came and entered before him, and he recognized them, but they did not recognize him. And when he had provided them with their supplies, he said, bring me a brother of yours from your father. Do you not see that I give full measure and that I am the best of hosts? But if you do not bring him to me, there shall be no measure of grain for you with me, nor shall you come near me. They said, we shall try to obtain permission for him from his father, and we shall surely do it. And Joseph told his servants to place their money back into their bags, so they would recognize it upon their return home, in the hope that they would come back." (Ch 12:58–62)
The Brothers Return to Canaan
Back in Canaan, the brothers returned to their father and, before even unloading their camels, complained that they had been denied further supplies because Benjamin had not accompanied them, since the Egyptian official refused to provide grain to those who came without their youngest brother. Jacob refused outright, reminding them that he had once entrusted Joseph to their care, only to lose him.
When they later opened their sacks and discovered their money had been returned, they rushed to their father, insisting this generosity proved the official's good intentions and posed no threat to Benjamin's safety, yet still Jacob refused to relent. Only when their grain supplies ran completely out did Jacob agree to let Benjamin go, but not before extracting a solemn oath from his sons, in Allah's name, that they would bring him back safely unless overwhelmed by circumstances entirely beyond their control. He also advised them to enter the city through several different gates upon their arrival.
The Brothers Return to Canaan, as Told in the Qur'an
Allah says: "So when they returned to their father, they said, O our father, no more measure of grain shall be given to us unless we bring our brother, so send him with us and we will surely guard him. He said, can I trust you with him as I once trusted you with his brother before? But Allah is the best guardian, and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.
And when they opened their bags, they found their money had been returned to them. They said, O our father, what more could we desire? Here is our money, returned to us. We shall bring more food for our family, guard our brother, and gain an extra camel's load of grain, an easy addition for the king to grant.
He said, I will not send him with you until you swear a solemn oath before Allah that you will bring him back to me, unless you should be overcome by circumstances beyond your control. And when they had given their oath, he said, Allah is witness over what we have said. And he added, O my sons, do not enter through a single gate, but through different gates, though I cannot protect you at all against the will of Allah, for judgment belongs to Him alone. In Him I place my trust, and let all who trust, place their trust in Him." (Ch 12:63–67)
Jacob blessed his sons as they departed and prayed for their safety, and the brothers set out on the long journey to Egypt, watching carefully over Benjamin along the way.
Joseph and Benjamin Meet
Joseph greeted them warmly, struggling to contain the emotion rising within him at the sight of his beloved brother. He arranged a feast, seating the brothers in pairs, and made certain to seat Benjamin beside himself. As they sat together, Benjamin began to weep, and when Joseph asked why, he explained that had his brother Joseph been present, he would have wished to sit beside him instead.
Later that night, alone together, Joseph asked Benjamin whether he would accept him as a brother in Joseph's place. Benjamin replied respectfully that while he admired his host greatly, no one could ever truly replace his lost brother. Overcome with emotion, Joseph broke down in tears and revealed the truth, telling Benjamin that he himself was the very brother he had mourned for so long, and that Allah had finally brought them back together after years of separation, asking only that Benjamin keep this secret between them for the time being. Benjamin embraced him joyfully, and the two brothers wept together in happiness.
A Thief Among the Brothers
The next day, as the brothers' sacks were being filled with grain, Joseph quietly instructed his attendants to hide the king's golden measuring cup inside Benjamin's bag. As the brothers prepared to depart, the city gates were suddenly closed, and a royal crier announced that the travelers were thieves. Startled, the brothers asked what had gone missing, and were told that the king's golden cup was nowhere to be found, with a reward promised of a camel's load of grain to whoever located it. The brothers protested their innocence, insisting they had not come to cause corruption or steal.
When asked what punishment they believed fitting for a thief, the brothers, following their own tradition, answered that a thief should become the slave of the person from whom he had stolen. The Egyptian officials agreed to apply this law rather than their own, which called for imprisonment instead.
As the search began, Joseph, watching from his throne, had arranged for Benjamin's bag to be searched last. When nothing was found among the ten older brothers, they breathed a collective sigh of relief.
Benjamin is Accused
Only Benjamin's bag remained. Joseph interjected, suggesting there was no need to search someone who did not appear to be a thief, but his brothers insisted the search proceed regardless, proudly declaring themselves the sons of an honorable man rather than thieves.
When the guards reached into Benjamin's bag, they pulled out the missing golden cup. Immediately, the brothers exclaimed that if he had stolen, it was only because a brother of his had stolen before him, referring bitterly to Joseph, unaware of who truly stood before them. Joseph heard this remark and felt a pang of hurt, yet he restrained his emotions, silently reflecting that their situation was worse than they realized, and that Allah knew the truth behind their accusations.
A heavy silence fell over the group as the brothers, remembering their solemn oath to their father, began pleading desperately for mercy, offering to take one of their own in Benjamin's place, describing him as the son of a good man deserving of compassion. Joseph calmly refused, explaining that it would be unjust to punish anyone other than the one found with the stolen property. Despite their continued pleading, the guards insisted that the king's law must stand.
Judah, the eldest among them, deeply troubled, reminded his brothers of the solemn oath they had sworn to their father and declared that he would remain behind in Egypt unless given permission by his father to return, or until Allah Himself resolved the matter.
Joseph Meets Benjamin and the Accusation, as Told in the Qur'an
Allah says: "And when they entered as their father had advised, it availed them nothing against the will of Allah, except that it fulfilled a need within Jacob's heart, for he possessed knowledge which We had taught him, though most people do not know this. And when they came before Joseph, he drew his brother close to himself and said, verily I am your brother, so do not grieve over what they used to do.
So when he had provided them with their supplies, he placed the golden cup in his brother's bag. Then a crier called out, O travelers, surely you are thieves. They turned and asked, what is it you have lost? They said, we have lost the king's golden cup, and whoever returns it shall receive a camel's load as reward, and I guarantee this. They said, by Allah, you surely know that we did not come to cause corruption in the land, nor are we thieves.
The brothers said, the penalty for whoever is found with it in his bag should be that he himself becomes bound in punishment, for this is how we punish wrongdoers. So Joseph began searching their bags before his brother's bag, then brought the cup out from his brother's bag. Thus did We plan for Joseph, for he could not have taken his brother under the king's law unless Allah willed it so. We raise in degree whomever We please, but above every possessor of knowledge is the All Knowing.
They said, if he has stolen, then indeed a brother of his stole before him. But Joseph kept this within himself and did not reveal it to them, saying inwardly, you are in a far worse position, and Allah knows best the truth of what you claim.
They said, O ruler of the land, he has an elderly father who will grieve deeply for him, so take one of us in his place, for we see that you are indeed a man of great kindness. He said, Allah forbid that we should take anyone but the one with whom we found our property, for then we would surely be wrongdoers.
So when they lost all hope, they withdrew to confer privately. The eldest among them said, do you not know that your father took a solemn oath from you in Allah's name, and that before this you had already failed him regarding Joseph? Therefore, I will not leave this land until my father gives me permission, or until Allah decides the matter for me, for He is the best of judges." (Ch 12:68–80)
Joseph's Plan
The brothers left sufficient provisions for Judah, who remained behind at an inn awaiting word of Benjamin's fate. Meanwhile, Joseph kept Benjamin close as his personal guest, explaining privately how he had arranged for the golden cup to be planted in his bag specifically to keep him nearby and under his protection. He also felt quiet relief that Judah had chosen to remain behind, recognizing his good and loyal heart, and secretly arranged to look after his wellbeing during his stay. Joseph's true purpose in sending the remaining brothers home was to test their sincerity, to see whether they would indeed return for the two brothers they had left behind in Egypt.
The Brothers Confront Jacob
When the remaining brothers arrived home, they approached their father with heavy hearts, confessing that Benjamin had been accused of theft. Jacob was struck with disbelief and overwhelming sorrow, weeping bitterly, yet choosing patience, trusting that Allah, in His infinite knowledge and wisdom, would eventually restore his sons to him.
The Brothers Confront Jacob, as Told in the Qur'an
Allah reveals what unfolded: "Return to your father and say, O our father, verily your son has stolen, and we testify only to what we know, for we could not have known the unseen. And ask the people of the town where we stayed, and the caravan with which we traveled, for indeed we are telling the truth.
He said, nay, but your own selves have deceived you into something, so patience is most fitting for me. Perhaps Allah will bring them all back to me, for truly He alone is All Knowing, All Wise. And he turned away from them, saying, alas, my grief for Joseph. And his eyes turned white from the sorrow he kept within, though he suppressed his grief." (Ch 12:81–84)
Jacob's Request to Find Joseph
Jacob's grief ran so deep that only prayer could offer him any comfort, sustaining his faith and patience through years of mourning for Joseph, a sorrow now doubled by the loss of another beloved son. His remaining sons, troubled by his suffering, pleaded with him to consider his own wellbeing, reminding him of his status as a noble prophet through whom Allah's guidance had reached so many. Jacob responded that their words could not ease his pain, that only the safe return of his sons could bring him true comfort, and he urged them to go and search for Joseph and Benjamin, never abandoning hope in Allah's mercy.
Jacob's Request to Find Joseph, as Told in the Qur'an
Allah says: "They said, by Allah, you will never cease remembering Joseph until you waste away from old age, or until you die. He said, I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah, and I know from Allah what you do not know. O my sons, go and search for Joseph and his brother, and never lose hope in Allah's mercy, for none despairs of Allah's mercy except a people who disbelieve." (Ch 12:85–87)
Joseph Reveals Himself
The caravan set out once again for Egypt, the brothers weighed down by poverty and sorrow. Upon arriving, they gathered Judah and came before Joseph, pleading with him, "O ruler of the land, hardship has struck us and our family, and we bring only meager goods, so give us full measure and show us charity, for truly Allah rewards the charitable." (Ch 12:88)
In their desperation, they appealed to his compassion, reminding him that Allah rewards those who give generously. At that moment, Joseph spoke to them in their own language, asking, "Do you know what you did to Joseph and his brother in your ignorance?" Startled, they asked if he truly was Joseph. He confirmed it, telling them that he was indeed Joseph, and that Benjamin was his brother, adding that Allah had shown them great favor, and that those who remain patient and mindful of Him will never see their good deeds go unrewarded. Overwhelmed, his brothers admitted, "By Allah, indeed Allah has favored you above us, and we have certainly been sinners." (Ch 12:89–91)
Trembling with fear at what their past actions might bring upon them, the brothers were quickly reassured by Joseph, who told them, "No blame will be placed upon you today, may Allah forgive you, for He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy." (Ch 12:92)
Jacob Learns About Joseph
Joseph embraced his brothers, and together they wept tears of joy. Unable to leave his important position without first arranging matters properly, Joseph instructed them, "Take this shirt of mine and place it over my father's face, and he will regain his sight, then bring your entire family back to me." (Ch 12:93)
The caravan then set off back toward Palestine. Meanwhile, in his home, the elderly Jacob sat weeping quietly in his room. Suddenly, he rose, dressed, and went outside to his sons' wives, lifting his face toward the sky and breathing in deeply. One of the wives remarked in surprise that Jacob had finally come out of his room, noticing a faint smile on his face. When asked how he felt, he answered simply that he could smell Joseph in the air. The women exchanged worried glances, whispering among themselves that the old man's grief had perhaps finally overwhelmed his mind, wondering if his talk of smelling Joseph's shirt meant he was losing his senses.
That day, Jacob broke his fast with a cup of milk, and that night he changed into fresh clothes. As the caravan carrying Joseph's shirt, hidden among the grain, drew nearer to his home, Jacob grew restless, praying at length with his hands raised toward the heavens, weeping as the shirt approached.
As the caravan departed toward him, Jacob told those around him, "I truly sense the smell of Joseph, though you may think me weakened by old age." They responded doubtfully, insisting he remained caught in his old grief. Yet when the messenger finally arrived and placed the shirt over his face, his sight was instantly restored. Jacob said, "Did I not tell you that I know from Allah what you do not know?" His sons responded, "O our father, ask forgiveness from Allah for our sins, for we have indeed been sinners." (Ch 12:94–97)
Jacob and Joseph Meet
The story that began with a dream now finds its fulfillment in that very dream's interpretation. Allah narrates: "He said, I will ask my Lord to forgive you, for truly He alone is the Oft Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Then, when they entered before Joseph, he drew his parents close to himself and said, enter Egypt, if Allah wills, in safety and security. And he raised his parents up onto the throne beside him, and they fell down before him in prostration. He said, O my father, this is the fulfillment of my dream from long ago, my Lord has made it come true. He was truly good to me when He brought me out of prison, and brought all of you here from the desert life, after Satan had sown discord between me and my brothers. Certainly, my Lord is Most Gracious and Kind to whomever He wills, for truly He alone is the All Knowing, the All Wise." (Ch 12:98–100)
Epilogue
Reflecting on the fulfillment of his dream after so many years, Joseph turned to Allah in prayer: "My Lord, You have indeed granted me a share of sovereignty, and taught me the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and the earth, You are my Protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die in submission to Your will, and join me with the righteous." (Ch 12:101)
Joseph then arranged an audience with the king, requesting permission for his family to settle permanently in Egypt. Given all Joseph had done for the kingdom, the king was pleased to welcome his family, and Joseph fell in prostration, thanking Allah for His mercy.
The Deaths of Jacob and Joseph
Before his own death, Jacob gathered his sons and urged them to remain faithful to the religion shared by all of Allah's prophets. Allah recounts this moment: "Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob, when he said to his sons, what will you worship after me? They said, we shall worship your God, the God of your fathers Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac, the One God, and to Him we submit in Islam." (Ch 12:133)
Years later, as Joseph approached his own death, he asked his brothers that if they ever left Egypt, they should carry his remains with them and bury him beside his forefathers. When Joseph passed away, his body was preserved and placed in a coffin, kept safely until it could eventually be taken out of Egypt and buried according to his final wish. It is said that he lived to the age of one hundred and ten.