Background Information of Surah Yusuf
Unique Narrative: Surah Yusuf is distinct in the Qur’an for its detailed narrative of the life of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), referred to as “the most beautiful of stories.”
It was revealed during the Meccan period and consists of 111 verses.
Key Themes and Messages
Human Experiences and Trials:
Family Dynamics: Starts with Yusuf’s early life, highlighting the deep affection his father, Prophet Jacob (Yaqub), has for him and the resulting jealousy from his older brothers.
Betrayal and Hardship: Yusuf’s brothers plot against him, leading to his sale into slavery and his journey from a favored son to a slave and then to a prisoner.
Moral and Ethical Lessons:
Temptation and Integrity: Chronicles Yusuf’s trials in Egypt, including his resistance to the advances of his master’s wife, showcasing his purity and steadfastness in the face of temptation and false accusations.
Wisdom and Governance: Illustrates Yusuf’s rise to power in Egypt after interpreting the dreams of the King, leading to his role in managing the country’s resources during years of famine.
Divine Providence and Justice:
Innocence Vindicated: Yusuf’s eventual vindication and rise to a position of authority demonstrate the theme of divine justice—where patience and piety are ultimately rewarded.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: The climax of the story is the reunion of Yusuf with his brothers, who initially wronged him. It highlights the virtues of forgiveness and the sweetness of reconciliation.
Topical Analysis of Rukus
Ruku 1: Verses 1-6
Allah is speaking about the clarity and sanctity of the Qur’an.
Josef (pbuh) telling his father Jacob (pbuh) about the dream he had, and Jacob’s (pbuh) commentary about the dream.
Ruku 2: Verses 7-20
Josef’s brothers decided the evil they would do to him. The salvation of Josef from the well and the lie that his brothers told their father.
Ruku 3: Verses 21-29
Joseph’s settling in Egypt, and the desire of the woman who bought him as a slave to be with him when he entered the age of maturity, and the slander that she threw at him when she could not get what she wanted.
Ruku 4: Verses 30-35
The rumors caused by this incident among Egyptian women.
Josef was thrown into prison in order to silence these rumors.
Ruku 5: Verses 36-42
Josef’s conveying the message of believing in One God to his friends in prison and the interpretation of the dreams that he has done for two of his cellmates.
Ruku 6: Verses 43-49
The dream of the Egyptian king.
The person who was once in a cell with Josef and whose dream was interpreted by Josef, took this dream to Josef for interpretation.
King’s dream, which no one among the king’s companions could interpret, was interpreted by Josef with the knowledge given by God.
Ruku 7: Verses 50-57
Receiving the interpretation of his dream, the king wants Josef to be taken out of the cell, but Josef first wants the slanders against him to be revealed and cleaned.
After the truth is revealed, the King elevates Joseph to a high rank.
Ruku 8: Verses 58-68
Allah tells about the arrival of Joseph’s brothers in Egypt because of the famine and how Josef remembered them.
The condition Joseph set for his brothers for their next arrival, and the conversation Jacob had with his sons.
Ruku 9: Verses 69-79
The next time Joseph’s brothers came, he tricked them in order to keep his blood brother with him from among his other brothers.
Ruku 10: Verses 80-93
The other brothers told their father about the incident and Jacob’s reaction to that and the order he gave to his sons after some time.
The brothers go back to Egypt and Joseph explains to them that they are his brothers.
Ruku 11: Verses 94-104
After Josef’s brothers returned to their fathers and gave the good news, they all went to Egypt at Josef’s request.
The meeting of Jacob and Joseph and the conversations between them.
Allah informs His Prophet (pbuh) about people’s level of faith and the Qur’an.
Ruku 12: Verses 105-111
Allah speaks of the excess of evidence proving His existence and the reaction of the unbelievers to these evidences.
The Prophet’s way is not a blind faith but a way based on evidence, the duties of previous prophets, for whom the Hereafter is beneficial, Allah’s lack of haste in punishing, and the characteristics of the Qur’an.
