The Story of Prophet Yusuf (AS)

Prophet Yusuf (Joseph, peace be upon him) is one of the most beautiful human beings ever created. His beauty was so radiant that it became a central element in his life story, influencing the events and trials he faced. His story, narrated in Surah Yusuf (Chapter 12 of the Quran), is described as the "best of stories" (Quran, 12:3) because of the profound lessons it imparts about patience, trust in Allah, and forgiveness.

A Child Blessed with Beauty and Visions

Yusuf (AS) was the son of Prophet Ya'qub (Jacob, AS) and hailed from a lineage of noble prophets. Even as a child, Yusuf’s beauty was striking, with features that captured the admiration of all who saw him. Islamic tradition holds that he was granted a significant portion of the beauty of creation. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) once remarked: "(The gate) was opened for us and I saw Yusuf (peace of Allah be upon him) who had been given half of (world) beauty." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 162) Yusuf’s extraordinary beauty was complemented by his purity of heart and wisdom beyond his years. He was deeply loved by his father, Ya'qub, which invoked jealousy among his older brothers. This jealousy only grew when Yusuf shared a remarkable dream with his father: "When Yusuf said to his father, 'O my father, indeed I have seen [in a dream] eleven stars and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me.'" (Quran, 12:4) Recognizing the divine nature of this vision, Ya'qub (AS) advised Yusuf to keep it secret to protect him from the envy of his brothers: "He said, 'O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers, or they will contrive against you a plan. Indeed, Satan is to man a manifest enemy.'" (Quran, 12:5)

The Brothers' Betrayal

Yusuf’s brothers, unable to bear their father’s favoritism and Yusuf’s natural charisma and beauty, plotted to rid themselves of him. They convinced their father to let Yusuf accompany them on an outing, pretending they wished to bond with him. Despite Ya'qub’s reluctance, he entrusted his beloved son to them, praying for his safety. When they reached a secluded spot, the brothers betrayed Yusuf by throwing him into a deep well. As Yusuf clung to life, his faith in Allah remained unshaken. "And We revealed to him, 'You will surely inform them [someday] about this affair of theirs while they do not perceive [your identity].'" (Quran, 12:15)

Yusuf’s Beauty Captures the World

Yusuf was rescued from the well by a passing caravan, whose members were struck by his radiant appearance. Despite recognizing his extraordinary beauty, they sold him in Egypt for a meager price, unaware of his true worth. "And they sold him for a reduced price—a few dirhams—and they were, concerning him, of those content with little." (Quran, 12:20) In Egypt, Yusuf was purchased by Al-Aziz, a high-ranking minister, who saw potential in this beautiful young man. He instructed his wife, Zulaikha, to treat Yusuf well: "And the one from Egypt who bought him said to his wife, 'Make his residence comfortable. Perhaps he will benefit us, or we will adopt him as a son.'" (Quran, 12:21)

The Trial of Zulaikha

As Yusuf grew into adulthood, his beauty became even more striking. Zulaikha, the minister’s wife, was enamored with him. She became consumed by her desire and attempted to seduce him. The Quran vividly describes Yusuf’s resistance to her advances: "And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, 'Come, you!' He said, 'I seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is my master, who has made good my residence. Indeed, wrongdoers will not succeed.'" (Quran, 12:23) Despite Yusuf’s refusal, Zulaikha persisted. In a desperate attempt to escape her, Yusuf fled, but she grabbed his shirt, tearing it as he ran. This incident led to a public confrontation when Zulaikha falsely accused Yusuf of attempting to harm her. When the matter was brought before witnesses, the truth was revealed through a miraculous sign. The Quran mentions: "And a witness from her family testified, 'If his shirt is torn from the front, then she has told the truth, and he is of the liars. But if his shirt is torn from the back, then she has lied, and he is of the truthful.'" (Quran, 12:26-27) Yusuf’s shirt was torn from the back, proving his innocence. However, rather than exonerate him fully, the incident led to whispers in the city about Zulaikha’s infatuation with her servant.

The Women’s Reaction to Yusuf’s Beauty

When the women of the city mocked Zulaikha for her obsession, she decided to prove Yusuf’s unparalleled beauty. She invited them to a banquet and handed each guest a knife. Then, she called Yusuf into the room. Upon seeing him, the women were so overwhelmed by his radiance that they cut their hands without realizing it. "So when they saw him, they greatly admired him and cut their hands and said, 'Perfect is Allah! This is not a man; this is none but a noble angel.'" (Quran, 12:31) Zulaikha, undeterred by the scandal, declared her intent to continue pursuing Yusuf unless he succumbed to her. Facing this relentless pressure, Yusuf turned to Allah in supplication: "He said, 'My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me.'" (Quran, 12:33)

Yusuf in Prison and His Rise to Power

Yusuf’s prayer was answered, and he was imprisoned, but even there, his beauty, wisdom, and piety stood out. He interpreted the dreams of two inmates, which eventually led to his introduction to the king. When the king had a perplexing dream, Yusuf’s accurate interpretation not only saved Egypt from famine but also elevated him to a position of power: "And thus We established Joseph in the land to settle therein wherever he willed." (Quran, 12:56)

Reunion with His Family

During the famine, Yusuf’s brothers came to Egypt seeking food. They did not recognize him, but he knew them. Through a series of events, Yusuf orchestrated a reunion with his family. When he finally revealed his identity, his brothers were overcome with remorse. Despite their past betrayal, Yusuf forgave them: "He said, 'No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful.'" (Quran, 12:92) The family was reunited in Egypt, where Yusuf’s dream from childhood was fulfilled as his parents and brothers were reuinted: "And he raised his parents upon the throne, and they bowed to him in prostration. And he said, 'O my father, this is the explanation of my vision of before. My Lord has made it reality.'" (Quran, 12:100)

Lessons from Yusuf’s Beauty and Life

Yusuf’s beauty was both a blessing and a trial. It drew people to him but also tested his character. Despite being surrounded by temptation and betrayal, Yusuf demonstrated that true beauty lies in piety and steadfastness in the face of hardship. His story teaches us that external beauty is fleeting, but the beauty of faith and character endures. The life of Prophet Yusuf (AS) remains a timeless lesson in patience, forgiveness, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. His beauty was a reflection not just of physical perfection but also of the spiritual light that radiated from his unwavering faith in Allah.