The importance of the story of Joseph, peace be upon him, its characteristics and purposes; P.1
Selections from the Book The Prophet Minister Joseph al-Siddiq…
Written by Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi...
Episode (7)
Dr. Nasser Al-Omar mentioned the most important reasons that prompted him to choose the story of Joseph, peace be upon him, in teaching and writing. He mentioned among those reasons:
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, says: “I have left two matters with you. As long as you hold to them, you will not go the wrong way. They are the Book of Allah and the Sunna of His Prophet, and they shall not split until they meet at the Hawd”. If this is the case, it is necessary to stand with its verses. So I chose to start with a surah that I lived with for a number of years, and I think that I had some of its experiences, and perhaps that had the effect of making the connotations of the surah clearer to me and closer to understanding.
2. The period between the Year of Sorrow and the First Pledge at Al-Aqabah was one of the most challenging times for the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and his noble Companions. Surah Yusuf came as a source of comfort, providing guidance on the path that would enable them to overcome those difficult circumstances.
Our nation today is going through a critical period in its history. After enduring decades of occupation, during which the people studied the principles of Islamic law that were not hidden from many, the effects of occupation began to recede with the rise of the blessed Islamic awakening in the East and West. However, when the enemies saw the decline of the occupation's impact due to the emergence of the Islamic awakening, they found no choice but to resort to various tactics to hinder the progress of the nation and its revival. In these challenging times, Muslims find solace and guidance in the book of our Lord and in the finest of His stories, providing comfort and guidance on the path of righteousness.
3. The close connection between previous and subsequent nations. Despite the differences in eras, there remains harmony in human nature and human circumstances. Therefore, Allah Almighty told His Prophet this story, even though it happened centuries before he was sent, so that he could benefit from the lessons and insights it contains, and that his nation would benefit from it until the Day of Judgment. The Holy Qur’an makes it clear that reading the biographies of the ancients to consider them raises the nation’s competence. Allah Almighty said: {So have they not travelled through the earth and have hearts by which to reason and ears by which to hear? For indeed, it is not eyes that are blinded, but blinded are the hearts which are within the breasts} [Al-Hajj: 46]. Allah Almighty says: {Have they not travelled through the land and observed how was the end of those before them? They were more numerous than themselves and greater in strength and in impression on the land, but they were not availed by what they used to earn} [Ghafir: 82]. Allah Almighty calls for walking on earth and looking at the reality of those nations, whether on a real walk or on an intellectual walk. Meaning reading the biographies of predecessors and tracing their history.
4. Some scholars mentioned, in interpreting Allah Almighty’s saying: {Certainly were there in Joseph and his brothers signs for those who ask} [Yusuf: 7], that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked about the story of Joseph, and this Surah was revealed, and this does not contradict what was previously explained, for Allah facilitates the questioner’s question. He valued it for great wisdom, including what related to the reality of Muslims at that time, and if you contemplate the words of Allah Almighty: {Certainly were there in Joseph and his brothers signs for those who ask}; it will seem to you that the wording is more general and comprehensive than merely answering a specific question. Rather, the wording gives the impression that they contain an answer to every question. Perhaps this is a nice introduction to the words of Allah Almighty: {Alif, Lam, Ra. These are the verses of the clear Book} [Yusuf: 1]. The book was described as an explanation of everything that requires guidance, and this is what I saw in this great surah. It included Sharia rulings related to various branches, and it also touched on great principles related to beliefs, rulings, policies, economics, education, and society. Indeed, there are signs in it for those who ask!
5. Allah Almighty says at the end of the surah: {There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding} [Yusuf: 111]; The lesson: consideration, admonition, and remembering, and if you contemplate the seventh verse: {Certainly were there in Joseph and his brothers signs for those who ask} [Yusuf: 7], and the last verse: {There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding} [Yusuf: 111], and what came between them, and what came before them Verses that confirm each other, you will find in between them the elixir that can have a great impact on the life of the nation, if they take it as Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, took it, and if they are affected by it as the predecessors were affected by it.[1]
- Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi, The Prophet Minister Joseph al-Siddiq, pp. 43-46.
- Signs for those who ask, previous reference, p. 8-11.
For further information and review of the sources for the article, see:
The Book of The Prophet Minister Joseph al-Siddiq on the official website of Sheikh Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi:
[1] Previous source, p. 11.
