Nuh

Something miraculous about the Qur’an is that it sometimes describes things explicitly, and other times quite implicitly. It is simple but complex at the same time, and the reader’s mind, regardless of age or intelligence, is always exploring new things with every repetition; a characteristic which can only be true for a book from Allah (SWT) to all humans without exception. There is always something between the lines, challenging the thoughts of the reader. Some might criticize the complexity, but I am sure they will criticize its simplicity even more if it was so. If it were just a list of instructions, it would not be so interesting to read and remember now would it? If Allah (SWT) created us humans and blessed us with our brains, He can only challenge them in such a magical way, and no other book can reach the hearts of so many people, giving them the happiness and contentedness they need.

The Qur’an stimulates our thinking and allows us to make our own conclusions. In some occasions the details are not mentioned, but why? Some of them are simply unimportant when you look at the big picture, and are there so you can fill in the voids with your own imagination. They are not missing, and that is very clear because the point is always reached at the end. It just keeps your brain thinking and running; not an idle receiver.

Let us go back to the ayahs (verses) and Yusuf (AS) (Joseph). Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “They hid him” (TMQ, 12: 19)[1]. This sentence has three different interpretations, and Allah (SWT) knows better. One interpretation suggests that his brothers told the people of the caravan to hide him, so that no one could see him and tell their father. Another interpretation is that the man who pulled him out hid him from the rest of the caravan, so that he would have the money for himself. Other scholars of Qur’anic exegesis think that the whole caravan agreed on hiding him so they could smuggle him into Egypt. The fact remains that he was taken away and that is what matters at the end.

“They hid him as a merchandise (a slave)” (TMQ, 12: 19). A merchandise? Yusuf (AS) the noble man, the son of Yaqub (AS) (Jacob); who is also the son of a noble man, became a merchandise? A slave? This is only a temporary stage, and he will be honoured later on in his life. What do we learn from this? If Yusuf (AS), the beloved, had some harsh times through his life, isn’t it alright if we have some harsh times too? Therefore, be patient if you find yourselves in a difficult situation; everything is a test after all. The test can be in wealth or poverty, strength or weakness, and you have to be wise to act in the appropriate way. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “They sold him for a low price - for a few Dirhams (i.e. for a few silver coins).” (TMQ, 12: 20). He was a free man and became a traded slave, but how can a Messenger of Allah (AS) be degraded in such a way? “A few Dirhams;” why is this? “And they were of those who regarded him insignificant.” (TMQ, 12: 20). Yusuf (AS), the dearest creature to Allah (SWT), was regarded insignificant.

You should not worry if people who are stronger or richer think that you are insignificant, because what is important is how Allah (SWT) considers you, and He has a different way of weighing people.

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And he (the man) from Egypt who bought him, said to his wife, ‘Make his stay comfortable, maybe he will profit us or we shall adopt him as a son.’” (TMQ, 12: 21). Note the place: Egypt. We said earlier that Yusuf (AS) was in Palestine, so this 12-year old young man is now far away in another country, without even having the slightest idea of how to return home. The man who bought him was the lord of the store houses in Egypt, i.e. the minister of finance. If you know this story, Yusuf (AS) will become the minister later on instead of al-Aziz, so everything is predestined to work together with time! It is Allah (SWT) who manages this universe, and everything fits together at the end. You might not understand everything that happens in your life, simply because you cannot see the future consequences, but know always that you are in good hands.

We can see that al-Aziz really liked Yusuf (AS) and wanted to treat him like the son he never had, so Yusuf (AS) was in good hands, another part of destiny is taking its role. You see: one of the indications of Allah’s love is the love you get from the people around you, as Allah (SWT) endues their hearts with your love, and the opposite is true. Take for instance, when Musa (AS) (Moses) was a baby, the wife of the Pharaoh liked him as soon as she saw him; Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “(she said,) A comfort of the eye for me and for you. Kill him not.” (TMQ, 28: 9). Allah (SWT) says to Musa (AS), “And I endued you with love from Me.” (TMQ, 20: 39).

Allah (SWT) then says what can be translated as, “Thus did We establish Yusuf in the land…”(TMQ, 12:21). This means that Allah (SWT) established him in the home of al-Aziz so that he could learn economics and finance, to become the minister of finance himself later on. The verb ‘establish’ is in the present tense at the time of this scene, which means that everything in the next forty years was predestined and prepared by Allah (SWT). Also, everything that has happened and will happen to us was predestined a long time ago by Allah (SWT). You need to believe this! You don’t have to worry about your future because your destiny is written! Of course, this does not mean that you should sit back and do nothing! You should always work hard and do your best in your life, and then along with this belief you will find comfort, happiness and the power to face anything. It is relaxing to feel that you are being watched over, and there is always Allah (SWT) who understands your intentions and knows your value.

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Thus did We establish Yusuf in the land, that We might teach him the interpretation of events.” (TMQ, 12: 21). Interpreting dreams is also a gift from Allah (SWT) to Yusuf (AS); a gift which he will later on use to interpret the king’s dream and save the country. It is a destiny that is accurately drawn out for Yusuf (AS), who did not know it then. We might not understand why some things happen, but we do occasionally understand them in the future. Yusuf (AS) did not just sit back and depend on Allah (SWT); he lived his life and educated himself, and the skill of dream interpretation was a valuable asset he used.

Our assets nowadays can be science, technology or education and we should use them to succeed in life and do some good for Islam. If Muslims don’t excel in these things, they will never reach prosperity or economic and political stability. You cannot fight for justice and truth if you do not have the strength to do so. This is a very important point. On a smaller scale, how can you have any influence on your friends or family if you are a loser? Will people listen to you or take you seriously? They will not only refuse to listen to you, but also think that your religiousness is the reason for your failure. What if you were an educated, successful young man or woman? Then you would show them that Islam means the contrary of failure, and they will listen to what you have to say. I am only asking you to do what Islam wants you to do! It is your duty to take care of yourself and be educated and successful, because Islam teaches how to worship and be successful at the same time, and Yusuf (AS) is one of the many examples we have. A good Muslim should always be clean, well-dressed and good-mannered. You need that to talk to people and lead a healthy social life. We are not only responsible for ourselves but for our religion as well, and Islam is not just about the person but the whole society.

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And Allah has full power and control over His Affairs.” (TMQ, 12: 21). Doesn’t this ayah just sum it all up? If we look at the events that happened in Yusuf’s life and the way they progressed, we realise the true meaning of this ayah. Thanks to Allah’s power and control, the caravan lost its way and wandered into the Palestinian desert to find Yusuf (AS). Thanks to Allah (SWT), al-Aziz loved Yusuf (AS) and took him into his house. Thanks to Allah (SWT), the king had a dream and Yusuf (AS) was the only one able to interpret it, and he got out of jail. That interpretation also saved a whole country from a seven years famine! Everything is set to complete the whole picture, and life goes on. Some people still think it is pure coincidence. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “The decision of the matter, before and after (these events) is only with Allah.” (TMQ, 30: 4).

“And when he (Yusuf) attained his full manhood.” (TMQ, 12: 22). Some scholars of Qur’anic exegesis suggest the age of 33 or 35, and others say 40 years is the age when men reach full manhood. Those who said 40, were referring to what Allah (SWT) says and can be translated as, “…till when he attains full strength and reaches forty years…” (TMQ, 46: 15); seeing that Prophet Muhammad (SAWS[2]) was 40 years old when he started his Da’wa (missionary activity). If we take this last opinion, Yusuf (AS) spent 28 years with al-Aziz so far; 28 years away from home.

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And when he (Yusuf) attained his full manhood, We gave him wisdom and knowledge (the Prophethood)…” (TMQ, 12: 22). In this ayah, ‘wisdom’ means his Prophethood (religion), where ‘knowledge’ here refers to science and matters in life. This is yet another reminder for Muslims to be successful and religious, so that they should not concentrate on one and forget the other.

Another important characteristic of Yusuf (AS) is his beauty. Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) said, “Allah gave Yusuf half of the beauty of all creatures (Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 309).” Just imagine all the beauty you have seen in your life, and that it all does not match a fraction of this man’s beauty! This explains why that lady tried so hard to seduce him, but there is an even stronger point to notice. When someone is beautiful, they usually tend to be stuck-up and anything but shy, parading themselves around and trying to seduce people, so can you imagine the modesty of Yusuf (AS)? He had the looks that most people dream about, but he never used them in a bad way, and we will see this later on in the story.

If the earth and its creatures are so beautiful, have you ever wondered about the Creator of this beauty? How would it feel like to look at the face of Allah (SWT)? Can you imagine the delight and happiness? You, who do not lower your gaze when seeing illicit things, I am afraid you will be deprived from looking at His face with those eyes. When Allah (SWT) talked about punishment on the Day of Judgment, he did not start by talking about hell. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Nay! Surely they (evil-doers) will be veiled from seeing their Lord that Day. Then, verily, they will indeed enter (and taste) the burning flame of Hell.” (TMQ, 83: 15-16.). That means that the deprivation from looking at Allah's face is worse than hell itself. Allah (SWT) says, “Some faces that Day shall be Nadirah (shining and radiant), looking at their Lord (Allah).” (TMQ, 75: 22-23). Some faces will be shining and happy while looking at Allah (SWT), and others will be scared and lost, seeing nothing but hell, so, how would you like your face to be then?

Where did Yusuf (AS) get all this beauty from? Were the Prophets that beautiful? Why do some people have a distorted image in their minds when they think about religious people? Beauty comes with faith, and the inner beauty is much more important. Some young men out there are obsessed by the beauty of models and unveiled women and try their best to get to them and marry them, but do they have happy lives at the end? How can they prefer them to the respectable, veiled and pious women? Of course it is Satan who urges them to do so. Prophets are the most handsome men, and their wives and the true Muslim women are the most beautiful of women.

Now we get to the most important part of the story; how Yusuf (AS) resisted the seduction of al-Aziz’s wife. There are so many lessons to learn here, and so many details to pay attention to. Yusuf (AS) had the best opportunity and circumstances to commit adultery, but he rejected and kept his honour and dignity. Let us analyse the situation and live through this amazing, dynamic scenario.

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him (to do an evil act), and she closed the doors and said, ‘Come on, O you.’ He said, ‘I seek refuge in Allah (or Allah forbid)! Truly, he (your husband) is my master! He made my living in a great comfort! (So I will never betray him). Verily, the Zalimun (wrong and evil-doers) will never be successful.’”(TMQ, 12:23).

You have no excuse young men! Don't deceive yourselves! Don't say you did what you did by force of circumstances! What circumstances? Listen to these circumstances and tell me what you think:

1. She was beautiful. Why? She was al-Aziz’s wife; he would have never married an ugly woman.

2. She was a powerful woman, in a position of influence, and she led a luxurious life. She was the type of woman you would nowadays see driving her car and you sigh, “Oh! How lucky he is that guy sitting beside her!” This really happens to some young men. I am serious. Look my brothers and sisters, we need to be frank about this. Wallahi (by Allah (SWT)) I have come here today to say this truthfully and out of love to you all; may Allah (SWT) grant chastity to all the youth! I pray to Allah (SWT) to grant them chastity!

3. She was also a woman who had no shame or fear; she was absolutely brazen! Sometimes shame would prevent us from committing sins, but she was shameless.

4. Then listen to this word rawadthu (sought to seduce him). Do you know what this word means? It is derived from rowaidan (little by little). This incident did not happen all of a sudden; he had been staying at her house for 28 years my brothers and sisters! It had been going on bit by bit all through these years! Can you see how incredible Yusuf (AS) was and how weak you are? How come you have committed such a sin the minute you found it possible to do so? How come you were the one who actually looked for it and wanted it? Where was your self restrain? She had been trying to seduce him little by little, starting with amiability and affection and moving step by step to accomplish her intention. She was shrewd, capable, intelligent, and she knew how to get a man when she wanted to, yet Yusuf (AS) resisted the temptation. She was not a naïve, ordinary woman. She was a woman of the world!

5. They were in her house! Some people do not commit this sin simply because they can not find the place to do it! Listen to this ayah, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him (to do an evil act) …" (TMQ, 12:23). Why does Allah (SWT) tell us this? He wants you to know that Yusuf (AS) could have easily committed this sin at any time. Are you still weak? Would you commit this sin if you had the opportunity to do so? Are you still thinking deep down, “Oh yes, I would if only I was given the chance.” Is it the other way around? Are you saying, “I will never do it?” Are you saying, “Oh Allah help me please so as not to sin?”

Allah (SWT) then says what can be translated as, "She closed the doors.” It was not just one door my brothers and sisters. It is as if the ayah implies that they were totally safe and completely isolated from everybody’s eyes. Notice that the Arabic verb ghallaqat (closed firmly) is an exaggeration form of the verb aghallaqat (closed); she closed the doors firmly. He was safe from scandal; no one will ever know. Fear of scandal is one of the things that hold many youth back from committing this sin. Yusuf (AS) was faced with all the possible circumstances that could ever lead to it; he had them all at one go. Not only that; later on she even threatens him. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "(she said,) if he refuses to obey my order, he shall certainly be cast into prison." (TMQ, 12:32). This is a wonderful excuse of course; you can easily say, “What could I have done. She was going to send me to prison. I had to do it!”

She then said what can be translated as, "come on, O you." The words used in Arabic “Hayta Laka,” express a complete and total offering of oneself; she is all ready and waiting for him, probably wearing the most seductive of clothes. Can you see that? Can you see the type of person you are when you do that? Then what happens? He says, “I seek refuge in Allah (or Allah forbid)!” (TMQ, 12:23). We have been with this woman as she sank deeper and deeper into the depth of her own vileness, sin and fornication. We have been filled with anger and disgust, but suddenly we are elevated high up in the sky. Can you feel it? Can you feel, “I seek refuge in Allah?” Allah (SWT) forbid that I should ever commit such a sin. How marvelous is this religion!

Some writers claim that including indecent scenes of intimacy in stories or in movies is inevitable. “We are depicting the society as it is,” they say, “would you rather retreat to your shells and not know the truth about your society? These scenes are there to tell you the truth about your society!” To those people we say, the Qur’an portrays society as well. However, when it relates this scene between Yusuf (AS) and al-Aziz's wife, does it stir up lust or does it rather invoke a strong feeling of renunciation of such base, worldly pleasures? If you have to show us the reality of our society, do it the same way the Qur’an does it. Do it in such a way that would not pull the youth into sin, but rather help them out of it. Can you see how marvelous the Qur’an is? It narrates a true story and describes a very critical situation so wonderfully, yet so purely, without stirring up lust even for a minute. On the contrary, as you hear, “I seek refuge in Allah," you feel that your soul is loftier and nobler than ever.

Let me tell you this, my brothers and sisters; the thing that provokes Allah's anger most is adultery and anything that might lead to it. Narrated by Samura Ibn-Jundub, the Prophet (SAWS) says, “Last night two Angels came to me (in a dream) and said, ‘Come with us.’ I set out with them and we came across something like a Tannur (a kind of huge baking oven, a pit usually clay-lined for baking bread). I think the Prophet (SAWS) said, ‘In that oven there was much noise and voices.’ The Prophet (SAWS) added, ‘We looked into it and found naked men and women, and beheld, a flame of fire was reaching to them from underneath, and when it reached them, they cried loudly. I asked them, ‘Who are these people?’ They said, ‘They are the adulterers and the adulteresses.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 87, Number 171). Note that this is not the Day of Judgment's punishment. Would you ever commit such an outrageous sin after what you have heard? Would you even dare to come near it?

Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "And come not near to unlawful sex. Verily, it is a Fahishah (i.e. a great sin), and an evil way to follow." (TMQ, 17:32). Do you know what the end of this "evil way” is? You will either die disgraced or poor. This is what adulterers and adulteresses are destined for! Moreover, if someone dies in the act of committing adultery, he or she will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment doing just that. Do you have any guarantees that you will not die while committing this sin? Do you? Just imagine the humiliation and the embarrassment. Stand fast my brothers and sisters. Resist fahishah and all that might lead to it. Don't say, “I am not committing adultery; we just kiss or touch.” If you are doing that, adultery is very close by. Young men and women who are involved in Orfi marriages (customary and unregistered marriage), boys and girls in high school who are committing such and such sins, what will you say to your Lord? Wake up!

The Prophet (SAWS) said, “There are three types of people that Allah (SWT) would neither speak to, nor would He forgive them on the Day of Judgment and there is grievous torment for them: the aged adulterer, the liar king and the proud destitute.” (Narrated by Abu-Huraira, Sahih Muslim, Book 001, Number 0195). The first one on the list is the aged adulterer. Why is that? Well, he would never be sleeping around at that age unless he had made a habit of it when he was still young. Take care my brothers and sisters; once you start, it is very hard to stop. You will get married, have your own kids, and still you will not be able to restrain yourself until you eventually die as an adulterer whom Allah (SWT) would neither speak to, nor forgive. Don't think you will be able to stop once you get married. You won't unless you resolve to repent starting today.

Young ladies, listen to this Hadith. 'Ata Ibn-Abu-Rabah narrated, Ibn-'Abbas said to me, “Shall I show you a woman of the people of paradise?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “This lady came to the Prophet (SAWS) and said, ‘I get attacks of epilepsy and my body becomes uncovered; please invoke Allah for me.’ The Prophet (SAWS) said (to her), ‘You can be patient and enter al-Jannah (paradise) and if you wish I will invoke Allah to cure you.’ She said, ‘I will remain patient,’ and added, ‘but I become uncovered, so please invoke Allah for me that I may not become uncovered.’ He invoked Allah (SWT) for her.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 70, Number 555). Do you know what she meant by ‘uncovered?’ She meant that her robe would slightly lift up and expose her legs! She was that shy! How could we ever have Orfi marriage?

In another Hadith, the Prophet (SAWS) says, “For every betrayer (unfaithful person), a flag will be raised on the Day of Judgment, and it will be announced (publicly), ‘This is the betrayal (perfidy) of so-and-so, the son of so-and-so’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 196). The young girl who betrayed her father and mother, who disobeyed Allah (SWT) and got into a relationship with a man and unofficially married him without her parents’ knowledge, will have a flag raised for her and will be exposed in front of all creation, “This is the betrayer of so-and-so.” Would you really do that to your father and mother?

Lady Maryam (AS) (Mary) was not called the purest of womankind for no reason. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Allah sets forth an example for those who believe … Maryam, the daughter of ‘Imran, who guarded her chastity." (TMQ, 66: 10, 12). It was because she guarded her chastity. In another ayah, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “(Maryam said,) “would that I had died before this.”" (TMQ, 19:23). She wished she had died before anyone would even call her a sinner. Compare her to those who actually commit sins without thinking twice about it. Well, I am saying this to young men and women and I am hoping it would affect them, remind them of the right thing to do and bring them back to the straight path.

Let us go back to our main story now. What are the reasons that made al-Aziz’s wife do what she did? The main reason was her idle life. She had nothing to do. Yusuf (AS) was there, in front of her all the time. He was a slave who could not do anything about it, and her husband was too busy to notice anything at all. She loved him. As the years passed by, her love grew bigger and seeing how strong and youthful he was, it eventually turned into a lustful desire.

I have been thinking about the reason why people have extra-marital relationships. If we did a questionnaire and asked the youth in Egypt or other countries why they have such relationships, we would normally get one of the following three answers:

The most important reason of these is having a great deal of time and not knowing how to use it. What are the problems associated with such relationships? I was on the net a couple of days ago. It was a women's site about marital infidelity. I found out that in all the stories on the site, the starting point of infidelity was having free time and convenient opportunities for seeing one's partner. Don't tell me, “Oh no, no, no. I am not doing anything wrong. I am just talking with her about religion. We are talking about nothing but religion.” If I asked how much time you spend talking together, you would probably say, “Well, from 12 o'clock at night until 7 o'clock in the morning.” What could you possibly be talking about? I can not believe it! The time you have now is your investment! You should never let it go to waste! Can you imagine a person who would throw 100,000 pounds into the sea? He would be crazy, wouldn't he? You spent the whole night talking to a girl and you are saying you haven't done anything wrong! What could be more wrong than wasting your time? Do something useful instead! Besides, don't say it will never go beyond that because it will! It definitely will! Visit this site and you will find out that it will. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women." (TMQ, 3:14). You are a man, aren't you? It is instinctive, so things will definitely progress no matter what you think.

To you, young ladies, Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, "not committing illegal sex, nor taking boyfriends." (TMQ, 4:25). He knows what He has created. Don't say that you are just talking and chatting and that is the end of the story, because it isn't. Even if that is all you are doing, still it is a complete waste of your time. If you still do not believe me, try this little test with your boyfriend: while riding the car with him, tell him that his sister is with a stranger in the car in front of you, and you will see one of two reactions:

a) He will be furious and run out to the other car. If this happens, you will know then how he thinks of you.

b) He will act normally and say, “It is alright.” Then you will know what kind of person he is.

You can also play this trick while talking to him on the phone at 2 a.m. in the morning. Try telling him that his sister is on the other phone with your brother or something like this. He will either tell you, “I will hang up now and call back in two minutes!” After which you will hear the loud screams of his sister whom he will be beating; or he will simply say, “No problem.” I am asking you young ladies, are there any other possibilities? If he reacts in any other way, go on with your relationship. If it does not matter to you how he looks upon you, then I have nothing to tell you. This was my advice for you, young ladies. As for you, young men, Islam needs you! It really does! There are far more valuable things you can do with your time than this.

Finally, my brothers and sisters, why didn't Yusuf (AS) try to guide this woman? I am asking you that question because many young men, after attending lectures on religion, start feeling guilty of having relationships with girls and so they say, “We are only talking about religion. I am trying to guide her. You can not imagine how great she has become!” If that is alright, why didn't Yusuf (AS) do it? He did not even try? He chose to be in prison rather than to be anywhere near her. Do you know why he did not try to guide her? It would not have worked. The relationship she had with him was based on desire. Well, let us not say desire; it was based on love and physical attraction. If you are involved in one of these relationships, it will be hard for you to bring religion into it. Let someone else play that role, and find yourself another excuse.

[1] TMQ=Translation of the Meaning of the Qur'an. This translation is for the realized meaning, so far, of the stated (Surah: Ayah) of the Qur'an. Note: reading the translated meaning of the Qur'an can never replace reading it in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed.

[2] Sala-llahu Alahi Wa Salam = All Prayers and Peace of Allah be upon him.

AmrKhaled.net © جميع حقوق النشر محفوظة
This Article may be published and duplicated freely for private purposes, as long as the original source is mentioned. For all other purposes you need to obtain the prior written approval of the website administration. For info: dar_altarjama@amrkhaled.net