The similarity between the story of the Prophet Joseph, peace be upon him, and the story of our Messenger Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace

Selections from the Book The Prophet Minister Joseph al-Siddiq…

Written by Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi...

Episode  (4)

       The story of Prophet Joseph, peace be upon him, and his brothers bears resemblance to the story of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and Quraysh. Just as Joseph faced the conspiracy of his brothers who plotted to kill him, cast him away, and exile him, saying: {Kill Joseph or cast him out to [another] land} [Yusuf: 9], this event served as a confirmation to the Prophet's heart when the Quraysh conspired against him in Dar al-Nadwah (the meeting place) and decided to imprison, kill, or exile him from Mecca. Allah says: {And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners} [Al-Anfal: 30]. Thus, the circumstances of betrayal and conspiracy that Joseph faced were also experienced by our noble Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

      The absence in the well in the ordeal of Prophet Joseph before his departure to Egypt serves as a source of comfort for the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, while he was in the Thawr Cave before the migration to Medina. The imprisonment of Joseph in Egypt, marked by injustice and aggression, mirrors the memories of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and his companions when they were besieged by Quraysh, facing oppression and aggression, while they were In the vicinity of Abi Talib's house, after being boycotted by Quraysh. All of this is expressed in Allah's statement; {And each [story] We relate to you from the news of the messengers is that by which We make firm your heart. And there has come to you, in this, the truth and an instruction and a reminder for the believers} [Hud: 120].

       The imprisonment of Prophet Joseph by the tyrant and his unjust treatment, despite the clear signs indicating his innocence and truthfulness, is mentioned in the Quran: {Then it appeared to them after they had seen the signs that al- ‘Azeez should surely imprison him for a time} [Yusuf: 35]. This serves as a reminder of the persistence of the polytheists in their wrongdoing towards the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, even after witnessing clear signs of his truthfulness. Allah says: {And when they are reminded, they remember not. (13) And when they see a sign, they ridicule} [Al-Saffat: 13, 14].

      Among the similarities between the story of Prophet Joseph and the story of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is that Allah granted the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, authority in the land of Medina, just as He granted Yusuf authority in the land of Egypt. These are some of the common elements between the two stories. Each story carries lessons in patience, wisdom, facing challenges, and delivering the message of Allah in the land, regardless of the circumstances and conditions.

Episode references:

- Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi, The Prophet Minister Joseph al-Siddiq, pp. 27-29.

- The Story of Joseph is a Moral School, Muhammad Mahmoud Hammad, Modern Library, first edition, 1437 AH - 2016 AD, p. 7.

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: