Volume 10 Surah 12 - 15 - Enjoy Islam

Yūsuf (Joseph) | FROM PRISON TO PALACE
before I have informed you of the real meaning of [your dreams]. That is part of the
knowledge which my Lord has imparted to me. I have left the faith of people who do
not believe in God, and who deny the truth of the life to come. I follow the faith of my
forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It is not for us to associate any partners with
God. This is part of God’s grace which He has bestowed on us and on all mankind, but
most people do not give thanks.’ (Verses 37-38)
The approach Joseph employs is particularly appealing. He is pleasant to listen to,
moving from one aspect to the next in a relaxed, easy way. This is characteristic of
Joseph throughout the story.
The first part of his statement is emphatic, inspiring confidence that he has divine
knowledge whereby he is informed of what is coming and he tells it as he sees it.
This indicates that what he knows is a gift given to him by God for his sincere
devotion. Moreover, it is fitting with what was fashionable at the time, since
prophesying was a common practice. However, his assertion that it is all taught to
him by his Lord is made at the most appropriate moment so as to make them more
receptive to his call on them to believe in God.
“I have left the faith of people who do not believe in God, and who deny the truth of the life
to come.” (Verse 37) This refers to the people who raised him in Egypt, in the Chief
Minister’s home, and to the courtiers and aristocracy who hold sway in society.
Needless to say, the two young men whom he was addressing followed the same
religion as the rest of their people. Joseph does not, however, confront them with this
fact, but rather speaks about people in general so that they are not embarrassed. This
demonstrates Joseph’s delicacy in approaching the subject and his choice of proper
method to introduce his faith.
Joseph’s mention of the hereafter at this point confirms, as stated earlier, that
belief in the Day of Judgement has always been a fundamental concept of faith,
preached by all God’s messengers and prophets right from the beginning of human
life. It is false to assume, as teachers of comparative religion do, that it is a recent
concept in human faith in general. It may have been introduced at a late stage into
pagan religions, but it has always been an essential concept of divine messages.
Joseph continues to outline the distinctive characteristics of false beliefs in order to
highlight those of the true faith which he and his forefathers have followed. “I follow
the faith of my forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It is not for us to associate any partners
with God.” (Verse 38) It is a faith based on the concept of God’s oneness. Indeed it is
part of God’s grace to mankind that they are guided to believe in His oneness. To
enjoy this aspect of God’s grace is easy. Mankind have only to decide to accept it and
it is theirs, because this belief is ingrained in their nature and in the universe around
them. It is also explained in all divine messages. It is only human beings who choose
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