Story of Yusuf Aliahisalam Part II The Kings Dream The king is asleep. He sees himself on the banks of the Nile river. The water is receding before him, becoming mere mud. The fish begin to skip and jump in the mud. Seven fat cows come out of the river followed by seven lean cows. The seven lean ones devour the seven fat ones. The king is terrified. The seven ears of green grain grow on the riverbanks and disappear in the mud. One the same spot grow seven dry ears of grain. The king awoke frightened, shocked, and depressed, not knowing what all this meant. He sent for the sorcerers, priests and ministers, and told them his dream. The sorcerers said: This is a mixed up dream. How can any of that be? It is a nightmare. The priests said: Perhaps his majesty had a heavy supper. The chief minister said: Could it be that his majesty was exposed and did not draw the blanket up at night? The kings jester said, jokingly: His majesty is beginning to grow old, and so his dreams are confused. They reached an unanimous conclusion that it was only a nightmare. The news reached the cup-bearer. He recollected the dream he had in prison and compared it to the kings dream, and, therefore Joseph came to mind. He ran to the king to tell him about Joseph, who was the only one capable to interpreting the dream. The cup bearer said : He had asked me to remember him to you, but I forgot. The king sent the cup-bearer to ask Joseph about the dream. Josephs Interpretation of the Dream Joseph interpreted it to him: There will be seven years of abundance. If the land is properly cultivated, there will be an excess of good harvest, more than the people will need. This should be stored. Thereafter, seven years of famine will follow, during which time the excess grain could be used. He also advised that during the famine they should save some grain to be used for seed for the next harvest. Joseph then added; After seven years of drought, there will be a year during which water will be plentiful. If the water is properly used, grapevines and olive trees will grow in abundance, providing plenty of grapes and olive oil. The cup-bearer hurried back with the good news. The king was fascinated by Josephs interpretation. Josephs Innocence Proved The king was greatly astonished. Who could this person be? He commanded that Joseph be set free from prison and presented to him at once. The kings envoy went to fetch him immediately, but Joseph refused to leave the prison unless his innocence was proven. Perhaps they accused him of cutting the ladies hands, or trying to rape them. Perhaps any other false accusation was made. We do not know exactly what was said to the people to justify Josephs sentence to prison. The envoy returned to the king. The king asked him: Where is Joseph? Did I not command you to fetch him? The envoy replied: He refused to leave until his innocence is established regarding the ladies who cut their hands. The king ordered: Bring the wives of the ministers and the wife of the chief minister at once. The king felt that Joseph had been harmed unfairly but he did not know exactly how. The wife of the chief minister came with the other ministers wives. The king asked: What is the story of Joseph? What do you know about him? Is it true that…? One of the ladies interrupted the king exclaiming: Allah forbid! A second said: We know of no evil he has done.A third said: He enjoys the innocence of angels. The eyes of everyone turned to the wife of the chief minister. She now wore a wrinkled face and had lost weight. She had been overwhelmed by sorrow over Joseph while he was in prison. She boldly confessed that she had lied and he had told the truth. I tempted him; but he refused. She confirmed what she said, not out of fear of the king or the other ladies, but for Joseph to know that she had never betrayed him during his absence, for he was still in her mind and soul. Of all creation he was the only one she cared for, so she confirmed his innocence before all. Zulaikhas Life Afterwards Reflecting on these verses suggests that she had turned to Josephs religion, monotheism. His imprisonment was a great turning point in her life. After this, the Quranic style neglects the story of the chief ministers wife completely. We do not know what happened to her after she gave her clear evidence. Yet still, there are legends about her. It has been said that after her husband died she married Joseph, and, behold she was a virgin. She confessed that her husband had been old and had never touched women. Other legends said that she lost her sight, weeping for Joseph. She abandoned her palace and wandered in the streets of the city. Josephs High Position The king informed Joseph that his innocence was established and ordered him to come to the palace for an interview. The king recognized his noble qualities. When Joseph came, the king spoke to him in his tongue. Josephs replies astonished the king with his cultural refinement and wide knowledge. Then the conversation turned to the dream. Joseph advised the king to start planning for years of famine ahead. He informed him that the famine would affect not only Egypt but the neighboring countries as well. The king offered him a high position. Joseph asked to be made controller of the granaries, so that he could guard the nations harvest and thereby safeguard it during the anticipated drought. By this Joseph did not mean to seize an opportunity for personal gain; he merely wanted to rescue hungry nations for a personal gain; he merely wanted to rescue hungry nations for a period of seven years. It was a sheer nobleness on his part in that he wanted to ensure that many people would not die as a result. Joseph Meets His Brothers The wheels of time turned. During the seven good years, Joseph had full control over the cultivation, harvesting, and storage of crops. During the following seven years, drought followed and famine spread throughout the region, including Canaan, the homeland of Joseph. Joseph advised the king that as his kingdom was blessed with reserved grain, he should sell his grain to the needy nations at a fair price. The king agreed, and the good news spread all over the region. Jacob sent ten of his sons, all except Benjamin, to Egypt to purchase provisions. Joseph heard of the ten brothers who had come from afar and who could not speak the language of the Egyptians. When they called on him to purchase their needs, Joseph immediately recognized his brothers, but they did not know him. How could they? To them Joseph no longer existed; he had been thrown into the deep, dark well many years ago! Joseph received them warmly. After supplying them with provisions, he asked where they had come from. They explained: We are eleven brothers, the children of a noble prophet. The youngest is at home tending to the needs of our aging father. On hearing this, Josephs eyes filled with tears; his longing for home swelled up in his heart, as well as his longing for his beloved parents and his loving brother Benjamin. Are you truthful people? Joseph asked them. Perturbed they replied, What reason should we have to state an untruth? If what you say is true then bring your brother as proof and I will reward you with double rations. But if you do not bring him to me, it would be better if you do not return, Joseph warned them. They assured him that they would gladly fulfill his command but that they would have to get their fathers permission. As an inducement to return with their brother, Joseph ordered his servant to secretly place the purse, with the money they had paid, into one of their grain sacks. The Brothers Return to Canaan The brothers returned to their father. Before they could unload the camels, they greeted him, then reproved him: We were denied some supplies because you did not let your son go with us. They would not give us food for absentees. Why would you not entrust him with us? Please, send him with us, and we shall take care of him. Jacob became sad and told them: I will not permit Benjamin to travel with you. I will not part with him, for I entrusted Joseph to you and you failed me. Later, when they opened their grain sacks, they were surprised to find the money purse returned intact. They rushed to their father; Look, father! The noble official has returned our money; this is surely proof that he would not harm our brother and it can only benefit us. But Jacob refused to send Benjamin with them. After some time, when they had no more grain, Jacob asked them to travel to Egypt for more. They reminded him of the warning the Egyptian official had given them. They could not return without Benjamin. Jacob agreed, but not before he extracted a pledge from them. I will not send him with you unless you give me a pledge in Allahs name that you shall bring him back to me as safely as you take him. They gave their solemn pledge. He reminded them: Allah is witness to your pledge. He then advised them to enter the city through several different gates. Jacob blessed them on their departure and prayed to Allah for their protection. The brothers undertook the long journey to Egypt, taking good care of Benjamin. Joseph and Benjamin Meet Joseph welcomed them heartily, although, with difficulty, he suppressed the desire to embrace Benjamin that arose within him. He prepared a feast for them and seated them in pairs. Joseph arranged to sit next to his beloved brother Benjamin, who began to weep. Joseph asked him why he was crying. He replied: If my brother Joseph had been here, I would have sat next to him. That night, when Joseph and Benjamin were alone in a room, Joseph asked whether he would have him for a brother. Benjamin respectfully answered that he regarded his host as a wonderful person, but he could never take the place of his brother. Joseph broke down, and amidst flowing tears said; My loving brother, I am the brother who was lost and whose name you are constantly repeating. Fate has brought us together after many years of separation. This is Allahs favor. But let it be a secret between us for the time being. Benjamin flung his arms around Joseph and both brothers shed tears of joy. A Thief Among the Brothers The next day, while their bags were being filled with grains to load onto the camels, Joseph ordered one of his attendants to place the kings gold cup which was used for measuring the grain into Benjamins saddlebag. When the brothers were ready to set out, the gates were locked, and the court crier shouted: O you travelers, you are thieves! The accusation was most unusual, and the people gathered around Josephs brothers. What have you lost? his brothers inquired. A soldier said: The kings golden cup. Whoever can trace it we will give a beast load of grain. Josephs brothers said with all innocence: We have not come here to corrupt the land and steal. Josephs officers said (as he had instructed them): What punishment should you choose for the thief? The brothers answered: According to our law, whoever steals becomes a slave to the owner of the property. Benjamin is Accused There remained only the bag of their youngest brother. Joseph said, intervening for the first time, that there was no need to search his saddle as he did not look like a thief. His brothers affirmed: We will not move an inch unless his saddle is searched as well. We are the sons of a noble man, not thieves. The soldiers reached in their hands and pulled out the kings cup. The brothers exclaimed: If he steals now, a brother of his has stolen before. They strayed from the present issue in order to blame a particular group of the children of Jacob. Joseph heard their resentment with his own ears and was filled with regret. Yet, he swallowed his own resentment, keeping it within. He said to himself, you went further and fared worse; it shall go bad with you and worse hereafter, and Allah knows your intention. Silence fell upon them after these remarks by the brothers. Then they forgot their secret satisfaction and thought of Jacob; they had taken an oath with him that they would not betray his son. They began to beg Joseph for mercy. Joseph, O minister! Take one of us instead. He is the son of a good man, and we can see you are a good man. Joseph answered calmly: How can you want to set free the man who has stolen the kings cup? It would be sinful. The brothers went on pleading for mercy. However, the guards said that the king had spoke and his word was law. Judah, the eldest, was much worried and told the others: We promised our father in the name of Allah not to fail him. I will, therefore, stay behind and will only return if my father permits me to do so. Josephs Plan The brothers left enough provisions behind for Judah, who stayed at a tavern awaiting the fate of Benjamin. In the meantime, Joseph kept Benjamin in his house as his personal guest and told him how he had devised the plot to put the kings cup in his bag, in order to keep him behind, so as to protect him. He was also glad that Judah had stayed behind, as he was a good hearted brother. Joseph secretly arranged to watch over Judahs well being. Josephs plan in sending the others back was to test their sincerity, to see if they would come back for the two brothers they had left behind. The Brothers Confront Jacob When they arrived home, they entered upon their father calling: O our father! Your son has stolen! He was puzzled, scarcely believing the news. He was overwhelmed with sorrow and his eyes wept tears. Patience be with me; perhaps Allah will return all of them to me. He is Most Knowing, Most Wise. A pal of lonesomeness closed over him, yet he found consolation in patience and trusted in Allah. Jacobs Request to Find Joseph The father was deeply hurt. Only prayer could comfort him and strengthen his faith and patience. Weeping all those years for his beloved son Joseph - and now one more of his best sons had been snatched from him - Jacob almost lost his sight. The other sons pleaded with him: O father, you are a noble prophet and a great messenger of Allah. Unto you descended revelation and people received guidance and faith from you. Why are you destroying yourself in this way? Jacob replied: Rebuking me will not lessen my grief. Only the return of my sons will comfort me. My sons, go in search of Joseph and his brother; do not despair of Allahs mercy. Joseph Reveals Himself The caravan set out for Egypt. The brothers - on their way to see the chief minister (Joseph) - were poor and depressed. On reaching Egypt they collected Judah and called on Joseph, to whom they pleaded: O ruler of the land! A hard time has hit us and our family, and we have brought but poor capital, so pay us full measure and be charitable to us. Truly, Allah does reward the charitable. (Ch 12:88). At the end, they begged Joseph. They asked alms of him, appealing to his heart, reminding him that Allah rewards alms givers. At this moment, in the midst of their plight, Joseph spoke to themin their native tongue saying: Do you know what you did with Joseph and his brother when you were ignorant? They said: Are you indeed Joseph? He said: I am Joseph, and his is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been Gracious to us. Verily, he who fears Allah with obedience to Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, and by performing righteous good deeds), and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the good doers to be lost. They said: By Allah! Indeed Allah has preferred you above us, and we certainly have been sinners. (Ch 12:89-91) The brothers began to tremble with fear, but Joseph comforted them: No reproach on you this day, may Allah forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy! (Ch 12:92) Jacob Learns About Joseph Joseph embraced them, and together they wept with joy. It was not possible for Joseph to leave his responsible office without proper replacement, so he advised his brothers: Go with this shirt of mine, and cast it over the face of my father, he will become clear-sighted, and bring to me all your family. (ch 12:93) And so the caravan headed back for Palestine. Jacob is sitting in his room; tears have been flowing down his cheeks. He stands up all of a sudden, dresses and goes out to his sons wives. Then he lifts up his face to Heaven and sniffs the air. The wife of the eldest son remarked: Jacob has come out of his room today. The women inquired about what was amiss. There was a hint of a smile on his face. The others asked him: How do you feel today? He answered: I can smell Joseph in the air. The wives left him alone, saying to one another that there was no hope for the old man. he will die of weeping over Joseph. Did he talk about Josephs shirt? I do not know. He said he could smell him; perhaps he has gone mad. That day the old man wanted a cup of milk to break his fast, for he had been fasting. At night he changed his clothes. The caravan was traveling in the desert with Josephs shirt hidden among the grain. It neared the old mans estate. He gesticulated in his room, and then he prayed a long time, lifting his hands to heaven and sniffing the air. He was weeping as the shirt was nearing him. Then, when the bearer of the glad tidings arrived, he cast the shirt over his face, and he became clear sighted. He said: Did I not say to you, I know from Allah that which you know not. They said: O our father! Ask Forgiveness from Allah for our sins, indeed we have been sinners. (Ch 12:94-97) Joseph arranged an audience with the king for himself and his family, to ask the kings permission for them to settle in Egypt. Joseph was an asset to the kingdom, and the king was happy to have him remain with his household. Joseph prostrated to Allah in gratitude. The Death of Jacob and Joseph (PBUT) Before he died, Jacob (pbuh) advised his children to adhere to the teachings of Islam, the religion Of all of Allahs prophets. Allah the Almighty revealed: Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob? When he said unto his sons: What will you worship after me? they said: We shall worship your Ilah (God-Allah) the Ilah (God) of your father. Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, One Ilah (God), and to Him we submit in Islam. (Ch 12:133 Quran). Joseph (pbuh), at the moment of his death, asked his brothers to bury him beside his forefathers if they were to leave Egypt. So when Joseph (pbuh) passed away, he was mummified and placed in a coffin until such a time as he could be taken out of Egypt and buried beside his forefathers, as he had requested. It was said that he died at the age of one hundred ten
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 16:06:30 +0000