Adam & Joseph
Exploring the narrative about Adam in Surah al-A`raf (Q7:10-36) in the light of Surah Yusuf
وَلَقَدْ مَكَّنَّاكُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَجَعَلْنَا لَكُمْ فِيهَا مَعَايِشَ قَلِيلًا مَّا تَشْكُرُون
...
DRAFT
The Refusal to Prostrate
وَلَقَدْ مَكَّنَّاكُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَجَعَلْنَا لَكُمْ فِيهَا مَعَايِشَ قَلِيلًا مَّا تَشْكُرُون
وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَاكُمْ ثُمَّ صَوَّرْنَاكُمْ ثُمَّ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ لَمْ يَكُن مِّنَ السَّاجِدِين
And certainly We established you in the earth and We made for you in it livelihood. Little (is) what you (are) grateful.
And certainly We created you then We fashioned you. Then We said to the Angels, "Prostrate to Adam," So they prostrated, except Iblees. Not he was of those who prostrated.
[Al-Quran 7:10-11]
إِذْ قَالَ يُوسُفُ لِأَبِيهِ يَا أَبَتِ إِنِّي رَأَيْتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوْكَبًا وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ رَأَيْتُهُمْ لِي سَاجِدِين
قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تَقْصُصْ رُؤْيَاكَ عَلَىٰ إِخْوَتِكَ فَيَكِيدُوا لَكَ كَيْدًا إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لِلْإِنسَانِ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِين
وَكَذَٰلِكَ يَجْتَبِيكَ رَبُّكَ وَيُعَلِّمُكَ مِن تَأْوِيلِ الْأَحَادِيثِ وَيُتِمُّ نِعْمَتَهُ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ يَعْقُوبَ كَمَا أَتَمَّهَا عَلَىٰ أَبَوَيْكَ مِن قَبْلُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْحَاقَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيم
لَّقَدْ كَانَ فِي يُوسُفَ وَإِخْوَتِهِ آيَاتٌ لِّلسَّائِلِين
When said Yusuf to his father, "O my father! Indeed, I I saw one ten (i.e eleven) star(s) planets and the sun and the moon; I saw them to me prostrating."
He said, "O my son! (Do) not relate your vision to your brothers lest they plan against you a plot. Indeed, the Shaitaan (is) to man an enemy open.
And thus will choose you your Lord and will teach you of (the) interpretation (of) the narratives and complete His Favor on you and on (the) family (of) Yaqub as He completed it on your two forefathers from before - Ibrahim and Ishaq. Indeed, your Lord (is) All-Knower, All-Wise."
Certainly were in Yusuf and his brothers signs for those who ask.
[Al-Quran 12:4-7; edited for clarity in italics]
Iblis was ungrateful and many humans are ungrateful. Established in the land, with so many comforts, with a source of livelihood, how little is the feeling of gratitude and its expression. Gratitude should manifest as humble submission to the one we are grateful to. Allah commands us to be grateful to/for Him and to/for our parents.
Iblis was established with the angels, yet he was disobedient when the command to prostrate came.
Joseph's elder brothers also revolted when, according to The Bible, they learnt about Joseph's dream.
A Better Creation
قَالَ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَلَّا تَسْجُدَ إِذْ أَمَرْتُكَ قَالَ أَنَا خَيْرٌ مِّنْهُ خَلَقْتَنِي مِن نَّارٍ وَخَلَقْتَهُ مِن طِين
(Allah) said, "What prevented you that not you prostrate when I commanded you?" (Shaitaan) said, "I am better than him. You created me from fire and You created him from clay."
[Al-Quran 7:12]
إِذْ قَالُوا لَيُوسُفُ وَأَخُوهُ أَحَبُّ إِلَىٰ أَبِينَا مِنَّا وَنَحْنُ عُصْبَةٌ إِنَّ أَبَانَا لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِين
اقْتُلُوا يُوسُفَ أَوِ اطْرَحُوهُ أَرْضًا يَخْلُ لَكُمْ وَجْهُ أَبِيكُمْ وَتَكُونُوا مِن بَعْدِهِ قَوْمًا صَالِحِين
When they said, "Surely Yusuf and his brother (are) more beloved to our father than we, while we (are) a group. Indeed, our father (is) surely in an error clear.
Kill Yusuf or cast him (to) a land so will be free for you (the) face (of) your father, and you will be from after that a people righteous."
[Al-Quran 12:8-9]
In the narrative in Surah al-Baqarah, we read about the angels questioning Allah why he is going to appoint a bashr as a khalifa, while they all are serving him. Yet, when the command to prostrate came, they all obeyed except Iblis. In this narrative in Surah al-A`raf, we read the reason why he refuses to obey Allah. He considers himself a better creation than Adam. He is created of a different material than what Adam is created from. As explored in another post, if my understanding is correct, Iblis is an ectotherm while Adam is an endotherm.
In the narrative about the brothers of Joseph, the elder brothers consider themselves, as a group, superior to Joseph and his younger brother, who are the sons of a different mother than them. However, this group is also made up of children of three different mothers.
Placing The Blame
قَالَ فَبِمَا أَغْوَيْتَنِي لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَاطَكَ الْمُسْتَقِيم
(Shaitaan) said, "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit for them (on) your path straight.
[Al-Quran 7:16]
إِذْ قَالُوا لَيُوسُفُ وَأَخُوهُ أَحَبُّ إِلَىٰ أَبِينَا مِنَّا وَنَحْنُ عُصْبَةٌ إِنَّ أَبَانَا لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِين
When they said, "Surely Yusuf and his brother (are) more beloved to our father than we, while we (are) a group. Indeed, our father (is) surely in an error clear.
[Al-Quran 12:8]
Iblis blames Allah, and Joseph's brothers think their father is in clear error.
Their Hands
ثُمَّ لَآتِيَنَّهُم مِّن بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَانِهِمْ وَعَن شَمَائِلِهِمْ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَاكِرِين
Then surely, I will come to them from between (their) hands and from behind them and from their right and from their left, and not you will find most of them grateful."
[Al-Quran 7:17]
فَلَمَّا سَمِعَتْ بِمَكْرِهِنَّ أَرْسَلَتْ إِلَيْهِنَّ وَأَعْتَدَتْ لَهُنَّ مُتَّكَأً وَآتَتْ كُلَّ وَاحِدَةٍ مِّنْهُنَّ سِكِّينًا وَقَالَتِ اخْرُجْ عَلَيْهِنَّ فَلَمَّا رَأَيْنَهُ أَكْبَرْنَهُ وَقَطَّعْنَ أَيْدِيَهُنَّ وَقُلْنَ حَاشَ لِلَّهِ مَا هَٰذَا بَشَرًا إِنْ هَٰذَا إِلَّا مَلَكٌ كَرِيم
So when she heard of their scheming, she sent for them and she prepared for them a banquet and she gave each one of them a knife and she said, "Come out before them." Then when they saw him they greatly admired him, and cut their hands, they said, "Forbid Allah, not (is) this a man bashran not (is) this but an angel noble."
[Al-Quran 12:31; edited to retain word bashran in italics]
Humans do deeds, and humans admire and idolise, and humans build idols ...
The Recompense
قَالَ فَاهْبِطْ مِنْهَا فَمَا يَكُونُ لَكَ أَن تَتَكَبَّرَ فِيهَا فَاخْرُجْ إِنَّكَ مِنَ الصَّاغِرِين
قَالَ أَنظِرْنِي إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُون
قَالَ إِنَّكَ مِنَ الْمُنظَرِين
قَالَ فَبِمَا أَغْوَيْتَنِي لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَاطَكَ الْمُسْتَقِيم
ثُمَّ لَآتِيَنَّهُم مِّن بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَانِهِمْ وَعَن شَمَائِلِهِمْ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَاكِرِين
قَالَ اخْرُجْ مِنْهَا مَذْءُومًا مَّدْحُورًا لَّمَن تَبِعَكَ مِنْهُمْ لَأَمْلَأَنَّ جَهَنَّمَ مِنكُمْ أَجْمَعِين
(Allah) said, "Then go down from it, for not it is for you that you be arrogant in it. So get out; indeed, you (are) of the disgraced ones."
(Shaitaan) said, "Give me respite till (the) Day they are raised up."
(Allah) said, "Indeed, you (are) of the ones given respite."
(Shaitaan) said, "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit for them (on) your path straight.
Then surely, I will come to them from between (their) hands and from behind them and from their right and from their left, and not you will find most of them grateful."
(Allah) said, "Get out of it disgraced and expelled. Certainly, whoever follows you among them, surely, I will fill Hell with you all.
[Al-Quran 7:13-18]
قَالَ لَا يَأْتِيكُمَا طَعَامٌ تُرْزَقَانِهِ إِلَّا نَبَّأْتُكُمَا بِتَأْوِيلِهِ قَبْلَ أَن يَأْتِيَكُمَا ذَٰلِكُمَا مِمَّا عَلَّمَنِي رَبِّي إِنِّي تَرَكْتُ مِلَّةَ قَوْمٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَهُم بِالْآخِرَةِ هُمْ كَافِرُون
وَاتَّبَعْتُ مِلَّةَ آبَائِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ مَا كَانَ لَنَا أَن نُّشْرِكَ بِاللَّهِ مِن شَيْءٍ ذَٰلِكَ مِن فَضْلِ اللَّهِ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى النَّاسِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَشْكُرُون
يَا صَاحِبَيِ السِّجْنِ أَأَرْبَابٌ مُّتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيْرٌ أَمِ اللَّهُ الْوَاحِدُ الْقَهَّار
مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِهِ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنتُمْ وَآبَاؤُكُم مَّا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِن سُلْطَانٍ إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُون
He said, "Not (will) come to both of you food you are provided with but I will inform both of you of its interpretation, before [that] [it] comes to both of you. That (is) of what has taught me my Lord. Indeed, I [I] abandon (the) religion (of) a people, not they believe in Allah, and they in the Hereafter [they] (are) disbelievers.
And I follow (the) religion (of) my forefathers, Ibrahim, and Ishaq and Yaqub. Not was for us that we associate with Allah any thing. That (is) from (the) Grace (of) Allah upon us, and upon the mankind but most (of) the men people (are) not grateful.
O my two companions (of) the prison! Are lords separate better or Allah, the One the Irresistible?
Not you worship from besides Him but names which you have named, you and your forefathers, not (has) sent down Allah for it any authority. Not (is) the command but for Allah. He has commanded that not you worship but Him Alone. That (is) the religion the right, but most [the] men people (do) not know.
[Al-Quran 12:37-40; edited for clarity in italics]
Gratitude is contrasted with arrogance, and consequent rejection ... and causing trouble to others ... and ingratitude! Iblis plans and plots to confound those on Allah's Straight Path (صِرَاطَكَ الْمُسْتَقِيم).
Humans and jinns of various religious persuasions live in this world. While everyone is free to choose their religion, nobody is free of the consequence of their choice. On the Day of Judgement, people will be sorted and separated.
The Right Religion, or The Standing Law (الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ) is clearly defined. Worship is for Allah alone. Allah will recompense everyone in the Hereafter. Every person's record is completely and safely preserved. That is the right religion.
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The All-Encompassing Plans of Allah
وَيَا آدَمُ اسْكُنْ أَنتَ وَزَوْجُكَ الْجَنَّةَ فَكُلَا مِنْ حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَٰذِهِ الشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ الظَّالِمِين
And O Adam! Dwell, you and your wife, (in) the Garden, and you both eat from wherever you both wish, but (do) not approach [both of you] this [the] tree lest you both be among the wrongdoers."
[Al-Quran 7:19]
وَقَالَ الَّذِي اشْتَرَاهُ مِن مِّصْرَ لِامْرَأَتِهِ أَكْرِمِي مَثْوَاهُ عَسَىٰ أَن يَنفَعَنَا أَوْ نَتَّخِذَهُ وَلَدًا وَكَذَٰلِكَ مَكَّنَّا لِيُوسُفَ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلِنُعَلِّمَهُ مِن تَأْوِيلِ الْأَحَادِيثِ وَاللَّهُ غَالِبٌ عَلَىٰ أَمْرِهِ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُون
And said the one who bought him of Egypt to his wife, "Make comfortable his stay. Perhaps that (he) will benefit us or we will take him (as) a son." And thus We established Yusuf in the land that We might teach him from (the) interpretation of the events. And Allah (is) Predominant over His affairs, but most (of) the people (do) not know.
[Al-Quran 12:21]
Adam and wife dwelled in the comfortable Garden, and Joseph dwelled in the comfortable home of The Man of Egypt and his wife.
According to the Bible, Joseph was born in Haran. At age six, he with his family moved to Canaan.
Adam erred and was sent to the Earth, and made comfortable here as well. Joseph had erred earlier by telling his dream to his brothers, and was removed from his home, and eventually reached Egypt.
Allah created Adam to be a Khalifa of the Earth. Allah fulfilled Joseph's dream after establishing him over Egypt's storehouses.
Iblis could neither change Allah's plans for Adam, nor could he change Joseph's fate. Allah is always predominant over His Affairs.
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Bashr / Malak
فَوَسْوَسَ لَهُمَا الشَّيْطَانُ لِيُبْدِيَ لَهُمَا مَا وُورِيَ عَنْهُمَا مِن سَوْآتِهِمَا وَقَالَ مَا نَهَاكُمَا رَبُّكُمَا عَنْ هَٰذِهِ الشَّجَرَةِ إِلَّا أَن تَكُونَا مَلَكَيْنِ أَوْ تَكُونَا مِنَ الْخَالِدِين
Then whispered to both of them the Shaitaan to make apparent to both of them what was concealed from both of them of their shame. And he said, "(Did) not forbid you both your Lord from this [the] tree except that you two become Angels or you two become of the immortals."
[Al-Quran 7:20]
فَلَمَّا سَمِعَتْ بِمَكْرِهِنَّ أَرْسَلَتْ إِلَيْهِنَّ وَأَعْتَدَتْ لَهُنَّ مُتَّكَأً وَآتَتْ كُلَّ وَاحِدَةٍ مِّنْهُنَّ سِكِّينًا وَقَالَتِ اخْرُجْ عَلَيْهِنَّ فَلَمَّا رَأَيْنَهُ أَكْبَرْنَهُ وَقَطَّعْنَ أَيْدِيَهُنَّ وَقُلْنَ حَاشَ لِلَّهِ مَا هَٰذَا بَشَرًا إِنْ هَٰذَا إِلَّا مَلَكٌ كَرِيم
So when she heard of their scheming, she sent for them and she prepared for them a banquet and she gave each one of them a knife and she said, "Come out before them." Then when they saw him they greatly admired him, and cut their hands, they said, "Forbid Allah, not (is) this a man bashran not (is) this but an angel noble."
[Al-Quran 12:31; edited to retain word bashran in italics]
Adam was a bashr (بَشَرًا).
Iblis, the Satan (الشَّيْطَانُ) was a malak (مَلَكٌ).
One of the temptations that Iblis used to convince Adam to disobey His Lord was that there was a possibility of them becoming angels [ مَلَكَيْنِ (dual form of مَلَكٌ)].
The other temptation was the promise of immortality. Q21:34 is quite clear that no bashr has been granted immortality, not even the prophets (Q21:8)!
A common mytheme across religions is a sacred tree. The tree of life is a popular motif cropping up in ancient Egyptian drawings as well. It seems that Satan has been using the same temptations to tempt humans to err.
Also, from the exclamation of the Egyptian ladies at the banquet: وَقُلْنَ حَاشَ لِلَّهِ مَا هَٰذَا بَشَرًا إِنْ هَٰذَا إِلَّا مَلَكٌ كَرِيم, it seems that they had an idea what a malak is, and how its different from a bashr!
Yours Sincerely?
وَقَاسَمَهُمَا إِنِّي لَكُمَا لَمِنَ النَّاصِحِين
And he swore (to) both of them "Indeed, I am to both of you among the sincere advisors."
[Al-Quran 7:21]
قَالُوا يَا أَبَانَا مَا لَكَ لَا تَأْمَنَّا عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَنَاصِحُون
They said, "O our father! Why (do) you not trust us with Yusuf, while indeed, we (are) for him surely well-wishers?
[Al-Quran 12:11]
Iblis posed as a sincere advisor and swore (made a solemn promise) to deceive Adam.
Joseph's brothers posed as his well-wishers to get their father to trust Joseph with them.
Both Adam and Jacob made the mistake of trusting them.
Satan's Enmity
فَدَلَّاهُمَا بِغُرُورٍ ۚ فَلَمَّا ذَاقَا الشَّجَرَةَ بَدَتْ لَهُمَا سَوْآتُهُمَا وَطَفِقَا يَخْصِفَانِ عَلَيْهِمَا مِن وَرَقِ الْجَنَّةِ ۖ وَنَادَاهُمَا رَبُّهُمَا أَلَمْ أَنْهَكُمَا عَن تِلْكُمَا الشَّجَرَةِ وَأَقُل لَّكُمَا إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لَكُمَا عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ
So he made both of them fall by deception. Then when they both tasted the tree, became apparent to both of them their shame, and they began (to) fasten over themselves from (the) leaves (of) the Garden. And called them both their Lord, "Did not I forbid you both from this [the] tree and [I] say to both of you, that [the] Shaitaan (is) to both of you an enemy open?"
[Al-Quran 7:22]
وَجَاءُوا عَلَىٰ قَمِيصِهِ بِدَمٍ كَذِبٍ ۚ قَالَ بَلْ سَوَّلَتْ لَكُمْ أَنفُسُكُمْ أَمْرًا ۖ فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ ۖ وَاللَّهُ الْمُسْتَعَانُ عَلَىٰ مَا تَصِفُونَ
And they brought upon his shirt with blood false. He said, "Nay, has enticed you your souls (to) a matter, so patience (is) beautiful. And Allah (is) the One sought for help against what you describe."
[Al-Quran 12:18]
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فَلَمَّا دَخَلُوا عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ آوَىٰ إِلَيْهِ أَبَوَيْهِ وَقَالَ ادْخُلُوا مِصْرَ إِن شَاءَ اللَّهُ آمِنِينَ
وَرَفَعَ أَبَوَيْهِ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ وَخَرُّوا لَهُ سُجَّدًا ۖ وَقَالَ يَا أَبَتِ هَـٰذَا تَأْوِيلُ رُؤْيَايَ مِن قَبْلُ قَدْ جَعَلَهَا رَبِّي حَقًّا ۖ وَقَدْ أَحْسَنَ بِي إِذْ أَخْرَجَنِي مِنَ السِّجْنِ وَجَاءَ بِكُم مِّنَ الْبَدْوِ مِن بَعْدِ أَن نَّزَغَ الشَّيْطَانُ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ إِخْوَتِي ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّي لَطِيفٌ لِّمَا يَشَاءُ ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْعَلِيمُ الْحَكِيمُ
۞ رَبِّ قَدْ آتَيْتَنِي مِنَ الْمُلْكِ وَعَلَّمْتَنِي مِن تَأْوِيلِ الْأَحَادِيثِ ۚ فَاطِرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ أَنتَ وَلِيِّي فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ۖ تَوَفَّنِي مُسْلِمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَ
ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ أَنبَاءِ الْغَيْبِ نُوحِيهِ إِلَيْكَ ۖ وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ أَجْمَعُوا أَمْرَهُمْ وَهُمْ يَمْكُرُونَ
Then when they entered upon Yusuf, he took to himself his parents and said, "Enter Egypt if wills Allah, safe."
And he raised his parents upon the throne and they fell down to him prostrate. And he said, "O my father! This (is the) interpretation (of) my dream, from before. Verily, has made it my Lord true. And indeed, He was good to me when He took me out of the prison, and brought you from the bedouin life from after [that]
had caused discord the Shaitaan between me and between my brothers. Indeed, my Lord (is) Most Subtle to what He wills. Indeed, He, He (is) the All-Knower, the All-Wise.
My Lord, indeed, you have given of the sovereignty and taught me of the interpretation of the events. Creator (of) the heavens and the earth, You (are) my Protector, in the world and the Hereafter. Cause me to die (as) a Muslim, and join me with the righteous."
That (is) from the news (of) the unseen which We reveal to you. And not you were with them when they put together their plan while they (were) plotting.
[Al-Quran
12:99-102]
Satan is the open enemy of Adam and his progeny.
Loss of clothing features prominently in the story of Adam and the story of Joseph.
He deceived Adam and his wife. In pursuit of becoming angels or immortals, they consumed what was harmful to them. And so, they lost their natural cover. Subsequently, they tried to cover themselves with leaves of the garden.
In Joseph's story, firstly, Satan caused Joseph's elder brothers to plot against him. They even took away his coat that their father had given Joseph. Several years later, the lady who tried to seduce Joseph, tore his shirt.
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The Nafs in Darkness
قَالَا رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
Both of them said, "Our Lord we have wronged ourselves, and if not You forgive [for] us and have mercy (on) us, surely, we will be among the losers."
[Al-Quran 7:23]
فَلَمَّا ذَهَبُوا بِهِ وَأَجْمَعُوا أَن يَجْعَلُوهُ فِي غَيَابَتِ الْجُبِّ وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْهِ لَتُنَبِّئَنَّهُم بِأَمْرِهِمْ هَٰذَا وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُون
So when they took him and agreed that they put him in (the) bottom (of) the well. But We inspired to him, "Surely, you will inform them about affair this. while they (do) not perceive."
[Al-Quran 12:15]
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وَجَاءُوا عَلَىٰ قَمِيصِهِ بِدَمٍ كَذِبٍ ۚ قَالَ بَلْ سَوَّلَتْ لَكُمْ أَنفُسُكُمْ أَمْرًا ۖ فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ ۖ وَاللَّهُ الْمُسْتَعَانُ عَلَىٰ مَا تَصِفُونَ
And they brought upon his shirt with blood false. He said, "Nay, has enticed you your souls (to) a matter, so patience (is) beautiful. And Allah (is) the One sought for help against what you describe."
[Al-Quran 12:18]
When Adam and his wife disobeyed, and consequently lost their clothing, they did zulm on their Nafs (رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنفُسَنَا). The word zulm is generally translated as wrong or injustice, but it primarily means darkness, as opposed to Nur.
According to The Bible, when Joseph disobeyed his father, and told his dream, the elder brothers tore off the clothing his father had given him, and threw him in the darkness of the well.
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Prayer: Seeking Mercy of Allah
قَالَا رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
Both of them said, "Our Lord we have wronged ourselves, and if not You forgive [for] us and have mercy (on) us, surely, we will be among the losers."
[Al-Quran 7:23]
قَالَ بَلْ سَوَّلَتْ لَكُمْ أَنفُسُكُمْ أَمْرًا ۖ فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ ۖ عَسَى اللَّهُ أَن يَأْتِيَنِي بِهِمْ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْعَلِيمُ الْحَكِيمُ
وَتَوَلَّىٰ عَنْهُمْ وَقَالَ يَا أَسَفَىٰ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ وَابْيَضَّتْ عَيْنَاهُ مِنَ الْحُزْنِ فَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ
قَالُوا تَاللَّهِ تَفْتَأُ تَذْكُرُ يُوسُفَ حَتَّىٰ تَكُونَ حَرَضًا أَوْ تَكُونَ مِنَ الْهَالِكِينَ
قَالَ إِنَّمَا أَشْكُو بَثِّي وَحُزْنِي إِلَى اللَّهِ وَأَعْلَمُ مِنَ اللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
يَا بَنِيَّ اذْهَبُوا فَتَحَسَّسُوا مِن يُوسُفَ وَأَخِيهِ وَلَا تَيْأَسُوا مِن رَّوْحِ اللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ لَا يَيْأَسُ مِن رَّوْحِ اللَّهِ إِلَّا الْقَوْمُ الْكَافِرُونَ
He said, "Nay, have enticed you your souls something, so patience (is) beautiful. Perhaps Allah, that will bring them to me all. Indeed, He He (is) the All-Knower, All-Wise."
And he turned away from them and said, "Alas, my grief over Yusuf!" And became white his eyes from the grief, and he (was) a suppressor.
They said, "By Allah, you will not cease remembering Yusuf until you become fatally ill or become of those who perish."
He said, "Only I complain (of) my suffering and my grief to Allah, and I know from Allah what not you know.
O my sons! Go and inquire about Yusuf and his brother, and not despair of (the) Mercy (of) Allah. Indeed, none despairs of (the) Mercy (of) Allah except the people the disbelievers."
[Al-Quran 12:83-87]
Adam and his wife suffered due to Satan's deception. They acknowledged their fault and sought relief from the loss: they prayed that they had wronged their nafs, or put it in darkness (ظَلَمْنَا أَنفُسَنَا); they sought forgiveness, to be covered by Allah (تَغْفِرْ لَنَا), and for His Mercy (تَرْحَمْنَا).
Jacob also brings in focus his sons' souls (سَوَّلَتْ لَكُمْ أَنفُسُكُمْ أَمْرًا) as the root cause of what has happened.
Both Adam and Jacob turn to Allah to seek relief from their suffering. Both are suffering, yet both have not lost hope in the Mercy of Allah.
Enmity Established
قَالَ اهْبِطُوا بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ ۖ وَلَكُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ مُسْتَقَرٌّ وَمَتَاعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ
(Allah) said, "Get down some of you to some others (as) enemy. And for you in the earth (is) a dwelling place and livelihood for a time."
[Al-Quran 7:24]
إِذْ قَالَ يُوسُفُ لِأَبِيهِ يَا أَبَتِ إِنِّي رَأَيْتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ كَوْكَبًا وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ رَأَيْتُهُمْ لِي سَاجِدِين
قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تَقْصُصْ رُؤْيَاكَ عَلَىٰ إِخْوَتِكَ فَيَكِيدُوا لَكَ كَيْدًا إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لِلْإِنسَانِ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِين
وَكَذَٰلِكَ يَجْتَبِيكَ رَبُّكَ وَيُعَلِّمُكَ مِن تَأْوِيلِ الْأَحَادِيثِ وَيُتِمُّ نِعْمَتَهُ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَىٰ آلِ يَعْقُوبَ كَمَا أَتَمَّهَا عَلَىٰ أَبَوَيْكَ مِن قَبْلُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْحَاقَ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيم
لَّقَدْ كَانَ فِي يُوسُفَ وَإِخْوَتِهِ آيَاتٌ لِّلسَّائِلِين
When said Yusuf to his father, "O my father! Indeed, I I saw one ten (i.e eleven) star(s) planets and the sun and the moon; I saw them to me prostrating."
He said, "O my son! (Do) not relate your vision to your brothers lest they plan against you a plot. Indeed, the Shaitaan (is) to man an enemy open.
And thus will choose you your Lord and will teach you of (the) interpretation (of) the narratives and complete His Favor on you and on (the) family (of) Yaqub as He completed it on your two forefathers from before - Ibrahim and Ishaq. Indeed, your Lord (is) All-Knower, All-Wise."
Certainly were in Yusuf and his brothers signs for those who ask.
[Al-Quran 12:4-7; edited for clarity in italics]
The enmity of Satan, and the consequences of heeding to him, has been well-established. As we live our temporary lives on this Earth, we are generating the evidence for or against our Nafs.
Temporary Abode
قَالَ فِيهَا تَحْيَوْنَ وَفِيهَا تَمُوتُونَ وَمِنْهَا تُخْرَجُونَ
7:25 He said, "In it you will live and in it you will die and from it you will be brought forth."
[Al-Quran 7:25]
۞ رَبِّ قَدْ آتَيْتَنِي مِنَ الْمُلْكِ وَعَلَّمْتَنِي مِن تَأْوِيلِ الْأَحَادِيثِ ۚ فَاطِرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ أَنتَ وَلِيِّي فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ۖ تَوَفَّنِي مُسْلِمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَ
My Lord, indeed, you have given of the sovereignty and taught me of the interpretation of the events. Creator (of) the heavens and the earth, You (are) my Protector, in the world and the Hereafter. Cause me to die (as) a Muslim, and join me with the righteous."
[Al-Quran 12:101]
لَقَدْ كَانَ فِي قَصَصِهِمْ عِبْرَةٌ لِّأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ مَا كَانَ حَدِيثًا يُفْتَرَىٰ وَلَٰكِن تَصْدِيقَ الَّذِي بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَتَفْصِيلَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً لِّقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُون
Verily, (there) is in their stories a lesson for men (of) understanding. Not (it) is a narration invented, but a confirmation (of that) which (from) between his hands and a detailed explanation (of) all things, and a guidance and mercy for a people who believe.
[Al-Quran 12:111]
Joseph lived and died in in Egypt. The Bible informs us that before his death he asked the Bani Israel to take his bones with them when Allah liberates them. During the Exodus, they did carry Joseph’s remains with them.
Joseph’s parents and brothers also settled in Egypt. When his father Jacob died, Joseph took the body to Canaan, and buried him there.
Adam was sent to this Earth as a Khalifa.
All of us hope and pray that we are taken in death as Muslims, and joined with the righteous / reformed in the Gardens of Eternity.
Prevention is Better than Cure
يَا بَنِي آدَمَ قَدْ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَارِي سَوْآتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا ۖ وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ
O Children (of) Adam! Verily We have sent down to you clothing, it covers your shame and (as) an adornment. But the clothing (of) [the] righteousness taqwa - that (is) best. That (is) from (the) Signs (of) Allah so that they may remember.
[Al-Quran 7:26; translation edited to retain in italics word taqwa]
قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تَقْصُصْ رُؤْيَاكَ عَلَىٰ إِخْوَتِكَ فَيَكِيدُوا لَكَ كَيْدًا إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لِلْإِنسَانِ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِين
He said, "O my son! (Do) not relate your vision to your brothers lest they plan against you a plot. Indeed, the Shaitaan (is) to man an enemy open.
[Al-Quran 12:5]
The word at-Taqwa (التَّقْوَىٰ) basically conveys the meanings of shelter, and implies taking precautionary measures against something harmful.
After Adam and his wife lost their natural cover, which I believe was the literal libas ut-taqwa (لِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىٰ), The Bible Genesis 3 21 informs us that God made garments of skin for them, and clothed them. The Quran is informing us that clothes have been sent down for the progeny of Adam (i) to cover their shame (ii) as an adornment; however it emphasises that the لِبَاسُ التَّقْوَىٰ that is the best!
- Literally, what they were dressed in The Garden, their natural clothing, was the best, in terms of all that they needed protection from.
- Taking precautions in this world, and complying with the guidance regarding dressing and display or concealing of beauty, in front of the appropriate persons, as guided in the scriptures, matters!
Jacob cautioned Joseph to not to relate his vision; Joseph did not listen to his father, and literally lost his clothing!
Satan tries to expose us to harm us, while Allah directs us to cover and adorn ourselves.
Heed the Warnings
يَا بَنِي آدَمَ لَا يَفْتِنَنَّكُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ كَمَا أَخْرَجَ أَبَوَيْكُم مِّنَ الْجَنَّةِ يَنزِعُ عَنْهُمَا لِبَاسَهُمَا لِيُرِيَهُمَا سَوْآتِهِمَا ۗ إِنَّهُ يَرَاكُمْ هُوَ وَقَبِيلُهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا تَرَوْنَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا الشَّيَاطِينَ أَوْلِيَاءَ لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ
O Children (of) Adam! (Let) not tempt you [the] Shaitaan as he drove out your parents from Paradise, stripping from both of them their clothing to show both of them their shame. Indeed, he sees you - he and his tribe from where not you see them. Indeed, We have made the devils friends of those who (do) not believe.
[Al-Quran 7:27]
قَالَ رَبِّ السِّجْنُ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا يَدْعُونَنِي إِلَيْهِ ۖ وَإِلَّا تَصْرِفْ عَنِّي كَيْدَهُنَّ أَصْبُ إِلَيْهِنَّ وَأَكُن مِّنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ
فَاسْتَجَابَ لَهُ رَبُّهُ فَصَرَفَ عَنْهُ كَيْدَهُنَّ ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
He said, "My Lord, the prison (is) dearer to me than what they invite me to it. And unless You turn away from me their plot I might incline towards them and [I] be of the ignorant."
So responded to him his Lord, and turned away from him their plot. Indeed, [He] He (is) All-Hearer, All-Knower.
[Al-Quran 12:33-34]
Although Adam had been warned well in advance, and clearly forbidden from the tree that would cause him harm, yet he fell for the deception of Satan and suffered the loss of natural clothing.
Joseph had made the mistake of not heeding to his father's warning to not to tell his brothers (Q12:5), and subsequently suffered loss of clothing, loss of family, and enslavement. However, Allah had been kind to him and granted him knowledge and wisdom (Q12:22).
We have also been granted guidance. Our nafs has been inspired with its fujoor and its taqwa (Q91:7-8). The Quran explains in detail, granting us guidance along with the knowledge and the wisdom. We need to be grateful for the guidance.
Surah al-Araf’s passage on Adam is preceded by the ayat which reminds us of the comforts we have been given, and little is our gratitude. Gratitude to/for Allah is the wisdom granted to Luqman (Q31:12).
Clothing & Morality
وَإِذَا فَعَلُوا فَاحِشَةً قَالُوا وَجَدْنَا عَلَيْهَا آبَاءَنَا وَاللَّهُ أَمَرَنَا بِهَا ۗ قُلْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَأْمُرُ بِالْفَحْشَاءِ ۖ أَتَقُولُونَ عَلَى اللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
And when they do immorality they say, "We found on it our forefathers and Allah (has) ordered us of it." Say, "Indeed, Allah (does) not order immorality. Do you say about Allah what not (do) you know?"
[Al-Quran 7:28]
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[Al-Quran 12:00]
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Clothing & The Deen
قُلْ أَمَرَ رَبِّي بِالْقِسْطِ ۖ وَأَقِيمُوا وُجُوهَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَادْعُوهُ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ ۚ كَمَا بَدَأَكُمْ تَعُودُونَ
Say, "Has ordered my Lord justice and set your faces at every masjid and invoke Him (being) sincere to Him (in) the religion. As He originated you (so) will you return."
[Al-Quran 7:29]
اذْهَبُوا بِقَمِيصِي هَـٰذَا فَأَلْقُوهُ عَلَىٰ وَجْهِ أَبِي يَأْتِ بَصِيرًا وَأْتُونِي بِأَهْلِكُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ
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فَلَمَّا أَن جَاءَ الْبَشِيرُ أَلْقَاهُ عَلَىٰ وَجْهِهِ فَارْتَدَّ بَصِيرًا ۖ قَالَ أَلَمْ أَقُل لَّكُمْ إِنِّي أَعْلَمُ مِنَ اللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ.
Go with shirt of mine this and cast it over (the) face (of) my father, he will regain (his) sight. And bring to me your family all together."
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Then when [that] arrived the bearer of glad tidings, he cast it over his face, then returned (his) sight. He said, "Did not I say to you, indeed, I [I] know from Allah what not you know?"
[Al-Quran 12:93,…,96]
We need Allah.
We need to be sincere in the Deen. Worship is for Allah alone, and there should be no change in the creation of Allah. Attempting to change made Adam lose his clothing. Natural clothing more than just covers. It protects and comforts.
When Joseph had taqwa and held on to The Deen, and patiently endured whatever befell him, in the pursuit of being morally upright, Allah granted him position and authority.
When he was abandoned by his brothers, his torn clothes had been a source of grief for his father. Now that Joseph was in a position of authority, his clothes removed his father’s grief, and restored his father’s vision.
Allah promises to grant the sincere believers beautiful clothing, unite them with the righteous believers in their family, and grant them their inheritance of the Gardens in The Hereafter.
Inspired by The Devils
فَرِيقًا هَدَىٰ وَفَرِيقًا حَقَّ عَلَيْهِمُ الضَّلَالَةُ ۗ إِنَّهُمُ اتَّخَذُوا الشَّيَاطِينَ أَوْلِيَاءَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ وَيَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُم مُّهْتَدُونَ
7:30 A group He guided and a group deserved - [on] they the astraying. Indeed, they take the devils (as) allies from besides Allah while they think that they (are the) guided-ones.
[Al-Quran 7:30]
قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ لَا تَقْصُصْ رُؤْيَاكَ عَلَىٰ إِخْوَتِكَ فَيَكِيدُوا لَكَ كَيْدًا إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لِلْإِنسَانِ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِين
He said, "O my son! (Do) not relate your vision to your brothers lest they plan against you a plot. Indeed, the Shaitaan (is) to man an enemy open.
[Al-Quran 12:5]
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Adornment, Food & Drink
۞ يَا بَنِي آدَمَ خُذُوا زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ
O Children (of) Adam! Take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink but (do) not be extravagant. Indeed, He (does) not love the extravagant ones.
[Al-Quran 7:31]
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<the King’s dream>
<Joseph’s appointment over the wealth of Egypt >
[Al-Quran 12:00]
The believers are ordered to adorn themselves, with what Allah has provided them with, for prayer.
They are also warned against extravagance.
Our world is full of beautiful clothing, and delicious food and drink. They come with all price tags, and in all quantities.
Those who believe spend and consume wisely, living within their means, and investing in their eternal future.
The King’s dream, and Joseph’s sensible administration, presents an example on how to live a good life, and save enough for a future.
Good Things for The Believers
قُلْ مَنْ حَرَّمَ زِينَةَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي أَخْرَجَ لِعِبَادِهِ وَالطَّيِّبَاتِ مِنَ الرِّزْقِ ۚ قُلْ هِيَ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا خَالِصَةً يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ الْآيَاتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ
Say, "Who has forbidden (the) adornment (from) Allah which He has brought forth for His slaves, and the pure things of sustenance?" Say, "They (are) for those who believe during the life (of) the world, exclusively (for them) (on the) Day (of) Resurrection. Thus We explain the Signs for (the) people who know."
[Al-Quran 7:32]
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[Al-Quran 12:00]
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The Lord Forbids:
قُلْ إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ رَبِّيَ الْفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ وَالْإِثْمَ وَالْبَغْيَ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ وَأَن تُشْرِكُوا بِاللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِ سُلْطَانًا وَأَن تَقُولُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
Say, "Only (had) forbidden my Lord the shameful deeds what (is) apparent of it and what is concealed, and the sin, and the oppression without [the] right, and that you associate (others) with Allah what not He (has) sent down of it any authority, and that you say about Allah what not (do) you know?"
[Al-Quran 7:33]
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[Al-Quran 12:00]
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The Fixed Time
وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَجَلٌ ۖ فَإِذَا جَاءَ أَجَلُهُمْ لَا يَسْتَأْخِرُونَ سَاعَةً ۖ وَلَا يَسْتَقْدِمُونَ
And for every nation (is a fixed) term. So when comes their term, (they can) not seek to delay an hour, and not seek to advance (it).
[Al-Quran 7:34]
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[Al-Quran 12:00]
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The Sorting
يَا بَنِي آدَمَ إِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُمْ رُسُلٌ مِّنكُمْ يَقُصُّونَ عَلَيْكُمْ آيَاتِي ۙ فَمَنِ اتَّقَىٰ وَأَصْلَحَ فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ
وَالَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا وَاسْتَكْبَرُوا عَنْهَا أُولَـٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ ۖ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ
O Children (of) Adam! If come to you Messengers from you relating to you My Verses, then whoever fears Allah, and reforms, then no fear on them and not they will grieve.
But those who deny Our Verses and (are) arrogant towards them those (are the) companions (of) the Fire, they in it will abide forever.
[Al-Quran 7:35-36]
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ إِلَّا رِجَالًا نُّوحِي إِلَيْهِم مِّنْ أَهْلِ الْقُرَىٰ ۗ أَفَلَمْ يَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَيَنظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ ۗ وَلَدَارُ الْآخِرَةِ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا ۗ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ
حَتَّىٰ إِذَا اسْتَيْأَسَ الرُّسُلُ وَظَنُّوا أَنَّهُمْ قَدْ كُذِبُوا جَاءَهُمْ نَصْرُنَا فَنُجِّيَ مَن نَّشَاءُ ۖ وَلَا يُرَدُّ بَأْسُنَا عَنِ الْقَوْمِ الْمُجْرِمِينَ
And not We sent from before you, but men We revealed to them from (among) (the) people (of) the townships. So have not they traveled in the earth and seen how was (the) end (of) those who (were) from before them? And surely the home (of) the Hereafter (is) best for those who fear Allah. Then will not you use reason?
Until when gave up hope the Messengers, and thought that they certainly were denied, then came to them Our help, and was saved whom We willed. And not (can) be repelled Our punishment from the people (who are) criminals.
[Al-Quran 12:109-110]
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Last updated on: April 27, 2022
