Yusuf - Joseph
Arabic Name: يُوْسُف
Urdu Name: یوسف
Type: Makki
Serial Number: 12
Revelation Order: 53
Total Verses: 111
Parah: 12,13
Rukus: 12
Sajda: None
Related Hadith
"The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Four spoke in the cradle: ...the witness of Yusuf...'"
This hadith directly supports the interpretation that the witness was an infant who spoke miraculously, one of the two major views on the matter.
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Quick Facts about this Verse
Surah
Yusuf
Revealed
Makki
Position
Juz 12,13
Explore this Verse
Verse Meaning
According to the classical scholar Al-Tabari, Quran 12:27 articulates the decisive piece of circumstantial evidence that vindicated Prophet Yusuf. A witness from the wife's own household proposed a logical test: a shirt torn from the front would imply aggression, while a shirt torn from the back would prove flight. The synthesis of scholarly opinion, from Ibn Kathir's analysis of the witness's identity to Al-Qurtubi's focus on its legal precedent, reveals this verse as a foundational text for the use of reason and forensic-like deduction in Islamic jurisprudence. What emerges is not just a point in a story, but a divine lesson in justice, demonstrating that truth can be unveiled through careful observation of physical evidence. This principle of using 'qarinah' (circumstantial evidence) is a cornerstone of Islamic law, establishing that justice is not solely reliant on confession or eyewitnesses but can be reached through divinely-guided intellect. This verse, therefore, champions a justice system that is both fair and intelligent, protecting the innocent from false accusations.
Questions for Reflection
Textual Contemplation
The verse uses the word 'qudda' (قُدَّ), which implies a straight, clean tear. Reflect on how this specific choice of word, as analyzed by linguists, perfectly captures the image of someone being grabbed from behind while fleeing, making the physical evidence undeniable and precise.
Personal Transformation
The witness was from 'her household,' yet spoke the truth. As Dr. Israr Ahmad pointed out, this is a profound lesson in integrity. Reflect on your own life: where do your loyalties lie? Are you prepared to stand for the truth even if it means disagreeing with your family, friends, or community?
Relational Wisdom
This verse resolved a 'he said, she said' situation with objective, physical evidence. Contemplate how you handle conflicts where you only have competing narratives. How can you, like the wise witness, introduce objective, verifiable criteria to mediate justly and avoid taking sides based on emotion?
Practical Applications
Implement the 'Investigate Before Judging' Protocol in daily life.
Apply this in family disputes, workplace conflicts, and when evaluating information online before sharing.
Uphold Truth Even When It's Against Your 'Own Side'.
Practice this by speaking up for what is right in community or family matters, even if it is unpopular.
Appreciate the Role of Reason and Logic in Faith.
Use this principle to approach complex matters in life, combining faith with rational analysis to make informed decisions.
Hidden Gem
A synthesis of the tafsirs reveals a profound spiritual insight: the shirt itself is a symbol. For Yusuf, it was previously stained with false blood by his brothers to deceive his father. Here, it is torn with false accusation by his master's wife. Contemplate how this garment, a symbol of his worldly identity, becomes the very instrument through which Allah repeatedly proves his inner purity (sidq).
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Common Questions
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