JOSEPH

 

JOSEPH (Yusof). The story of Joseph is described in the Qurʾān (12.3) as the most beautiful of stories (aḥsan al-qeṣaṣ). As a graphic romance of love and adversity, of an innocent boy of incomparable beauty sold into slavery by his own brothers, his rise as a young righteous young man from unjust imprisonment to the highest office in Egypt, his wisdom in running the state affairs, and his generous reconciliation with his brothers, it has always been a source of attractive subject matters for the exegetists of the Qurʾān, poets, miniaturists, and popular tales. This entry is divided into three sub-entries:

i. In Persian literature

ii. In Qurʾānic exegesis

iii. In Persian art

(Multiple Authors)

Originally Published: June 15, 2009

Last Updated: April 17, 2012

This article is available in print.
Vol. XV, Fasc. 1, pp. 30-44