Yusuf & Qasas
Qasas means stories
Sura Yusuf starts with the word Qasas (12:3) & the entire Sura is a story
Musa & Yusuf are generations apart
Yusuf (AS)'s story begins outside Egypt and it ends inside Egypt
Musa (AS)'s story begins inside Egypt and ends outside Egypt
Between the two, we learn how Banu Israel came to Egypt & how they got out of Egypt
Yusuf (AS) started as a shepherd outside Egypt & ended up becoming royalty inside Egypt
Musa (AS) started as a Royalty inside Egypt & left to Madyan, became a shepherd outside Egypt
One of them teaches you how Banu Israel became a settled nation in Egypt (because they were honored by Yusuf (AS)
The other one teaches you how they escaped dishonor by getting away from each other
Their Parents
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In Yusuf's story, it starts with a father - concerned for his son (tells his son don't tell the dream to your brothers)
Musa's story starts with a mother concerned for her son
Yusuf - deliberate absence of the mention of his mother
Musa - deliberate absence of the mention of his father
This could be Quran's way of telling us to focus on one parent's particular role at a time & to extract wisdom from it
Yusuf's father & Musa's mother are both concerned for the safety of their child
Yusuf's father is showing love to his son by being an attentive listener & advisor
Musa's mom shows her love through physical affection (ie. Holding him)
Between the two, you get a complete picture of what a parent's love is like.
Yusuf's father reluctantly let his son go (with his brothers)
Musa's mother reluctantly let her son go (by Allah's command)
In contrast: One was persuaded by the other sons while the other was inspired by Allah to do so
Yusuf's father cries out for his son
Musa's mother's heart was given strength
Contrast between when a parent can hold it & when a parent can't hold it
Father lost his eyesight out of grief
Mother is reunited with her baby & eyes become cool
When the brothers came to take him he was sad & afraid
Musa's mother was given strength from Allah to not be afraid & sad
(same two emotions in reverse order)
Yusuf's father was completely out of options on what to do (sons came back with shirt & there is no way he can find out - sabrun jameel)
Musa's mother had a helpful daughter, so she took whatever means she could (even if you have the smallest chance you take it)
Father keeps hope alive even without revelation of Yusuf
Mother keeps hope alive because of the revelation that came (she was told that Musa would be returned immediately through revelation)
Official order from Egyptian government to reunite the family of Yusuf (Yusuf's order when he became king)
Official order from the Egyptian queen to reunite Musa w/ mother
Yusuf - minister wants the reunion (separated from his family - emotionally missing them)
Musa - prince needs the reunion (physical need - wont drink the milk of any other woman)
Sons persuaded Yaqub (AS) by giving him logical reasons as to why he should go - no harm will come to him
Musa's mother at face value was given something completely illogical by Allah - put a baby in a box and push it into a river
Yusuf - keep dream secret
Musa - Sister, keeps Musa's identity secret
Brothers leave a house to harm sibling
Sister leaves house to help sibling
Brothers abandon Yusuf rationalizing some caravan will get him
Sister doesn’t rationalize, she follows him as long as she can until she realizes hes okay
Cause of separation was brothers
Cause of reunion was sister
Brothers violate father's trust
Sister upholds mother's trust
Brothers talk back and give him a long explanation
Sister obeys her mother without question
Brothers returned with a creative story to justify the absence
Sister returned with the wet nurse and a story to justify the reunion
Yusuf in the well was told by Allah the family would reunite (child was told)
Musa's story, mother was told
Yusuf reunited years later
Musa reunited hours later
Yusuf ends up in stagnant water - well
Musa ends up in flowing water - river
People come to the well to get Yusuf
Musa goes to the people (basket gets delivered via flowing water)
Both were at the risk of drowning and got rescued
The crooks sold Yusuf for a small price and [they had no idea who they were dealing with] (wa hum la yash-uroon)
Phirawn, Haaman and their armies let Musa live and [they had no idea who they were dealing with]
Yusuf ends up in the possession of an influential man in Egypt - the minister
Musa ends up in the possession of an influential woman - Phirawn's wife - Aasiyah
Both end up in elite Egyptian housing
The minister presents Yusuf to his wife
Phirawn's wife took Musa to her husband
The wife has misguided love for Yusuf
Phirawn has divinely inspired love for Musa - Phirawn was misguided in everything. But once place he got guidance from Allah is the love for Musa
When presenting Yusuf to his wife - the husband said: maybe he could be of service to us or we could adopt him
When the wife of Phirawn - Aasiyah said the exact same words: maybe he could be of service to us or we could adopt him
These conversations happened centuries apart, a child is involved & yet the same exact words are being said - in Quran the ayat are identical
Yusuf became the servant (12:21)
Musa became the son (28:9)
When Yusuf reached an age of youth we gave him wisdom & knowledge - thus we reward those who excel (a young man needs wisdom more than he needs knowledge)
If you have wisdom then knowledge will benefit you.
Allah says the exact same thing about Musa - with one difference - Allah did not highlight the strength of Yusuf (his beauty)
He became firm like the bark of a tree - Musa (physical strength) - this plays a role later in his story, throws a punch & then helps the women later on
Yusuf was excessively handsome
Musa was excessively strong
Perhaps a contrast displaying the two more desired qualities amongst youth
Wa ka zalika najzil muhseeneen (this is how we reward those who excel) in both stories
Both blessings are tests
Good looks without wisdom will lead to trouble
Strength without wisdom will lead to trouble
Yusuf is subsequently tried because of his appearance (this is actually in the very next ayah, as soon as his gift is mentioned, he is tried through the woman)
Musa is subsequently tried because of his strength (same thing here, as soon as his gift is mentioned, the scene happens when he punched the guy)
Yusuf's employer calls him and says "hurry up" (haitalak) which is typical speech from an employer to a servant, but he can decipher it using his special gift that she means something dubious by saying it
Allah says about Yusuf: Yu Aleemukamin ta3weelil ahadeeth (Allah will teach you interpretation of speech - mufassiroon say that means he can interpret dreams, but it is much more than that. All kinds of speech)
(eg. All day long the minister's wife is telling Yusuf to hurry up & do this/do that but this time around he was able to discern his speech (ie. Social/emotional intelligence)
Let's contrast this with Musa - He approaches the scene of the two men fighting. He hears the cry of his fellow Isrealite brother calling for help and ironically hurries up (hurry up used in the other story)
Yusuf, read the situation for what it was and got himself out of trouble (runs away)
Musa, misreading the situation and putting himself in difficulty (punches the guy)
While Yusuf tries to do good by serving the master of the house (master served)
Musa tries to do good by serving the enslaved Isrealites (slaves served)
Master contrasted with slave
The trial of Yusuf happened indoors
The trial of Musa happened outdoors
Both find only one eyewitness
In both cases the eyewitness has an evil intent
Yusuf - The only eyewitness is the minister's wife, but she's also the criminal
Musa - The only witness was the guy calling Musa for help - the next day he thinks Musa is coming for him & he testifies against him
They both called out their respective prophet in public
Yusuf runs from his aggressor
Musa attacks his aggressor
(defense & offense)
Yusuf's trial concerned zina
Musa's was murder
In this place Allah mentions these two sins in this order (zina and qatl)
In another place in the Quran Allah flips this order over (qatl and zina)
Yusuf says the words of reminder before any evil is committed
Eg. When the minister's wife says "haitalak!" and she wants to have her way with him he says maazAllah innahu rabbi ahsana mathwaya
He basically said, and zalimoon do not prosper, I seek Allah's protection, Allah's refuge, meaning there is a zikr of Allah that should happen before you are thrown into sin
But maybe you're not always perfect, sin happens. Now what do you do?
You do what Musa (AS) did - Musa also did zikr, but did he do it before the mistake or after the mistake? After the mistake he says, master I made a mistake, I have wronged myself, forgive me
Between the two, you have the entire guidance of sin
If you can catch yourself before sin, you make the dua
If you make the sin, you make the dua
No sin is too big - Musa took a life & Allah forgave him - immediately (before Musa's prophethood) Because he asked for sincere forgiveness, Allah forgave him immediately, we shouldn't doubt
Yusuf, no other witnesses besides her, so forensic evidence was used - the shirt
Musa, witness incriminates him
2 types of evidence - physical and testimony
Yusuf's innocence was called out in a private gathering
Musa's guilt was called out in a public gathering
Yusuf's actions are driven out of loyalty to the minister
Just as Musa's actions are driven out of animosity towards Pharaoh & his family (that’s why he punched the man)
Yusuf had to be held back to not reveal the incident (ie. He had to be told to keep it secret and not tell anyone)
Musa chose to conceal the incident on his own accord
Yusuf – The testimony of another questioning the shirt being ripped from behind proves his innocence
Musa – The testimony of another incriminates him
The one who is proven innocent goes to jail – The one who is guilty gets away
This shows that Allah’s justice & people’s justice doesn’t work the same way.
The minister’s wife testifies falsely on one hand as she character assassinates Yusuf.
The con artist, though truthful about the accusation, engages in character assassination of Musa.
Both accusers were clearly trying to cover up what they had done.
After Yusuf’s second encounter, his only advocate, the minister, does not help him avoid prison.
Musa’s only advocate, his police chief friend that told him he needs to get out of Egypt, helps him escape.
In Yusuf’s story, we learn about an elite group of women who are responsible for getting him jailed.
In Musa’s story, we learn about an elite group of men (the mala) who plot a scheme to get him killed.
The women’s misguided love & admiration got Yusuf in trouble
It was the misguided hate from the police chiefs that got Musa in trouble
Musa was from Bani Israel, the chiefs were Egyptian & they thought they were the masterclass & the Isrealites were the slave class – Musa is treated like a prince and that made them upset, so they tried to kill him without the knowledge of the Pharoah.
The scheming of the women was foreshadowed in the words of Yusuf’s advocate, the minister.
By contrast, the scheming of the men was revealed by Musa’s advocate, the police chief.
After being imprisoned, Yusuf meets two men who he helps
After escaping, Musa meets two women who he helps
Yusuf’s gifts: Beauty & the interpretation of speech
Musa’s gift: Strength
Their gifts got both of them into trouble. But once they were out of their respective trial, they used their gift to help people.
The two men approach Yusuf
The two women are approached by Musa
Sometimes people ask you for help. Other times you have to go help them.
Yusuf sees the opportunity to preach Islam when he is approached by the two men. He speaks to them at length about the religion of Ibrahim etc.
Musa keeps the conversation to an absolute minimum – goes up to the ladies and says: what is your deal? They told him their problem and he went ahead and helped them instead of explaining what he is going to do.
In this event it is implicit that we should be keeping conversation with the opposite gender at a minimum. There is no need to give extensive “dawah”.
One of the men came back years later to retrieve Yusuf
One of the women came back hours later to retrieve Musa
Everything in the story of Yusuf is slow. Reunited with the father after years, imprisoned for years, the man doesn’t come back to see him for years after he asked him to mention him to the king, etc.
Everything in the story of Musa is quick. Reunited with mother quick, the woman comes back quick.
Yusuf is hoping one of the two men mention him to the king once they get released and ends up disappointed.
Musa has no hopes of help from either of the two women, so he is pleasantly surprised when their father sends them back.
Allah specifically mentions that the two men in prison were young men.
The context makes it clear that the women in Musa’s story were not old ladies, but Allah did not say “young” women specifically. Allah is protecting the discourse of women & referred to them as two women. If you say “young” woman or young girl it can be interpreted suggestively.
Yusuf said he will be done helping them before the next meal arrives
Musa helps the women after a drink
Yusuf was retrieved on his own insistence – get me out of here
Musa was retrieved on the insistence of the women’s father
The man who came to retrieve Yusuf shamelessly acted as his friend. When he spoke to the king, he didn’t mention Yusuf. He attributed the interpretation of the dream to himself. Yusuf saw through this. The point is, he came back shameless.
The woman who came to retrieve Musa came full of shyness
Yusuf described himself to the two men as blessed – I am blessed to be in the family of Ibrahim, Isaac & Yaqub. This is my legacy.
Musa turns to Allah and describes how desperate he is – My back is broken ya Rabb, just give me whatever, I’ll take it.
One is in prison, the other is in the desert. Both are okay. We are not angels, we can be grateful & complain. Balance the two.
Yusuf asked a human for help & didn’t get it
Musa asked Allah for help & got it
The man came back to take advantage of Yusuf
The woman came back to compensate Musa
The inmate was supposed to help Yusuf, didn’t tell the king he was going to go to Yusuf, only that he will get the answer. He wanted credit for himself.
The women went back to their father and told him how honest and accountable Musa was & thus the father summoned him.
Yusuf met two men but the story only continues with one of them.
Musa met two women & the story only continues with one of them.
Yusuf proposes that he take the job of treasurer
Musa is proposed to that he get married & work for the family
Yusuf comes back to the king’s court to prove his innocence
Musa comes back to the Pharoah to admit his guilt
Yusuf refused to come out until his matter was resolved
Musa agreed to go back with her and get paid right away
Yusuf was given his job based on his knowledge and wisdom
Musa was given his job based on his capability of strength and honesty
This covers the entire spectrum of why someone should be hired. – Knowledge, wisdom, ability & honesty.
Yusuf helped with words
Musa helped with actions
Yusuf’s story highlights how a man and a woman should not come together
Musa’s story highlights how a man and a woman should come together
Yusuf’s brothers described their dad as a sheikh Kabeer
The women described their dad as a sheikh Kabeer
These are the only instances of sheikh Kabeer in the entire Quran
Yusuf came back to the Egyptian palace at the request of the king
Musa came back to the Egyptian palace at the request of the king of all kings – Allah
Musa is reunited with his brother Haroon after years of separation
Yusuf is reunited with Binyamin after years of separation
Musa needs Haroon to be his strength
Yusuf keeps Binyamin to be Binyamin’s strength
Yusuf brings the kingdom divine knowledge that will save Egypt from disaster
Musa brings divine signs that bring disaster upon Egypt for their rebellion
One came to save Egypt, the other came to destroy Egypt if they don’t change their ways
Yusuf becomes a part of the government
Musa becomes a resistance movement against the government
Yusuf’s counsel is needed by the king – Yusuf gives advice & the king listens
Musa’s counsel is disregarded by the king (Pharoah)
Yusuf’s counsel is meant to save the people in this world – the drought
Musa’s counsel is meant to save people in the next world
A prophet’s job is to help people in this world & the next
Yusuf’s brother is helpful by staying silent
Musa’s brother is given the job because he is a better speaker – ironically, he stayed silent anyway. Musa did all the talking
Yusuf’s king asks for him, because he wants him as a personal aid
Pharoah says: I will personally kill Musa
It is through Yusuf that the sons of Israel were settled in the land of Egypt
It is through Musa that the sons of Israel left the land of Egypt
The blessings of settlement turned into a curse of slavery - Yusuf
The curse of exile turned into the blessing of freedom - Musa
Yaqoob aka Israel & his sons have to come to Egypt for food
The sons of Israel wander around outside of Egypt looking for food in the story of Musa (AS)
Yusuf was caused pain by his own brothers first (Bani Israel) & was later wronged by members of the Egyptian elite
Musa was first wronged by the Egyptian elite & then later wronged by his own brethren (Bani Israel) after they crossed the water, because they refused to comply with his instructions
Yusuf says to his brothers at the end that there is no harm to come on them & he is united with them
Musa in the end tells Allah that he wants nothing to do with them
One story ends with them united, the other, separated
Side note:
If you look at some of the things Yusuf said in his story, you can almost pretend Musa said it
Yusuf: I have left the religion of people who don’t believe in Allah & deny the hereafter
Musa: My own people (ya qawmi), why are you causing me pain
- Ya Allah, rescue me from wrongdoing people
There is a long list of things that each one of them said that could apply to the other
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