Surah Yusuf (Joseph) 12 : 21

Overview (Verses 21 - 22)

This passage relates the second episode of Joseph’s story, after he had reached

Egypt where he was sold as a slave. However, the man who bought him felt that the boy was a good person. Such feelings may be sensed from a person’s looks, particularly if they are coupled with good manners. Hence the man recommends his wife to take good care of the boy. Here begins the first thread in how his dream comes true.

But another trial of a totally different type was awaiting Joseph when he reached his prime. Prior to this, he would have been given wisdom and knowledge which would help him confront the forthcoming trial, one which only those on whom God bestows His grace can stand up to and resist. It was a trial of seduction in palaces where the aristocratic environment is often characterized by loose morality. Joseph emerged unscathed from it in his moral and religious values.

Settling in Egypt

The man from Egypt who bought him said to his wife: Be kind to him. He may well be of use to us, or we may adopt him as our son. Thus We established Joseph in the land, and We imparted to him some understanding of the real meaning of statements. God always prevails in whatever be His purpose; though most people may not know it. (Verse 21)

The sūrah does not as yet reveal the identity of the person who bought him. After a long time we learn that he is a person in a very high position, perhaps Egypt’s chief minister. But for now we only know that Joseph has reached a safe place, and that his first trial is over, and that bright prospects await him.

“Be kind to him.” (Verse 21) This is how most translators of the Qur’ān render the first statement said by the man who bought Joseph. Literally the man says: “Be generous in his place of abode.” Although this is meant to be an instruction to treat him kindly, the expression signifies greater kindness to be contrasted with his stay in the well and all the fears that were associated with that experience.

But the man goes further and tells his wife of what he hopes for the boy’s future: “He may well be of use to us, or we may adopt him as our son.” (Verse 21) Perhaps they did not have any children, as some reports suggest. Hence, the man started thinking that should the boy prove himself to be up to his master’s expectations, with regard to intelligence, character and good looks, he might adopt him as his own.

At this point in the narrative, the sūrah pauses a little to state that all this was God’s arrangement. It was through His design that Joseph was established in the land. This began with him occupying a firm position in the man’s heart and in his home. The sūrah then says that Joseph would continue along the same road, and that God would give him the faculty to interpret statements properly and accurately. It comments on the early steps in consolidating Joseph’s position by saying that God’s will shall always be done. Nothing can impede or stop it. He is in full control of everything in the universe. “Thus We established Joseph in the land, and We imparted to him some understanding of the real meaning of statements. God always prevails in whatever be His purpose.” (Verse 21)

Here we see Joseph caught between what his brothers wanted to do to him and what God wanted for him. Since God prevails in whatever His purpose may be, His will was done. Joseph’s brothers could not achieve their purpose: “God always prevails in whatever be His purpose, though most people may not know it.” (Verse 21) Most people do not know that God’s law always operates, and that His will is always done.

The sūrah goes on to state that what God willed for Joseph came to pass. This is a reference to what the sūrah stated: “We imparted to him some understanding of the real meaning of statements.” (Verse 21) Furthermore, when Joseph attained adulthood, more was given to him: “And when he attained his full manhood, We bestowed on him wisdom and knowledge. Thus do We reward those who do good.” (Verse 22) He was given a good sense to judge matters well, and also knowledge of the meaning of statements or the interpretation of dreams, or what is more general, such as knowledge of life and its different circumstances. The statement here is very general, admitting broad interpretation. That was Joseph’s reward for having done well in both belief and behaviour: “Thus do We reward those who do good.” (Verse 22)