Maria's ( Reni Mathew) Gallery of Passions and Creations
Posted: May 18, 2012 (08:19:59 PM)
INTERESTING BRAIN ANALYSIS !!!!!
Women - Multiple process
Women's brain is designed to concentrate on multiple tasks at a time.Women can Watch a TV and Talk over phone and cook a new recipe.
Men - Single Process
Men's brain designed to concentrate only one work at a time.. Men cannot watch a TV and talk on phone same time. He stops the TV while Talking.He can either watch TV or talk over phone or cook.
LANGUAGE.
Women can easily learn many languages the way her brain's set up. But cannot find the solutions to problems Men cannot easily learn languages; he can easily solve the problems.
3 year old girl has three times higher vocabulary than 3 year old boy.
ANALYTICAL SKILL
Men's brain has lot of space for handling the analytical process. So easily he can analyze and find the solution for a process. He can design (blue print) a map of a building easily. If a complex map is viewed by women, she cannot understand it. She cannot understand the details of the map easily.For her it is dump lines in a paper.
CAR DRIVING.
While driving a car, men's analytical spaces are used in his brain. He can drive a car fast. If he see an object at long distance, immediately his brain classifies the object (bus or van or car) direction and speed of the object and drive accordingly. Where as women take a long time to recognize the object direction/ speed. His single process mind stops the audio in the car (if any), then concentrate only on the driving. You can often watch, while men driving the car fast, women sit next to him will shout, "GO SLOW" , "CAREFULL", "AAHHH", "OHH GOD.." .etc..
LIE
Many times, when men lie to women face to face, they get caught easily. Her super natural brain observes the facial expression 70%, and the body language 20% and the words from mouth 10%. So he is easily caught while lying. Men's brain does not have this. Women easily lie to men face to face. So guys, while lying to , use phone, or letter or close all the lights or cover your/her face with blanket. Don't lie face to face.
PROBLEM.
End of day, if men have lot of problems, his brain clearly classifies the problems and put into individual rooms of brain, the problems in individual room of brain and finding the solution one by one. You can see many guys looking on the sky's for a long times. If you disturb him, he gets irritated.
End of Day, if women have lot of problems, her brain cannot classify the problems. she wants someone to hear that. After telling everything to a person she goes happily to bed. She does not worry about the problem solved or not.
WANTS
Men want status, success, solutions, big process... etc Women want relationship, friends, family...etc. ..
UNHAPPY
If women unhappy with their relations, she cannot concentrate on work. If men unhappy with their work, he cannot concentrate on the relations.
MAP
Men can easily locate the place in a complex map. His analytical brain does this. While watching a cricket match in a stadium with full of crowd, men can leave his seat to T shop and keeps everything in his mind and comes back to his seat without problems. He uses his analytical skills space of brain. Women can't do this. They often lose their way to their seat.
SPEECH
Women use indirect languages in speech. Priya asked Vijay, "vijay do you like to have a cup of coffee?" This means, Priya really wants a cup of coffee. In the morning."Darling, do you think, will it be good to have an Omlette for breakfast.Men use direct language. "Priya, I want to have a cup of coffee, Pls stop the car when you see a coffee shop". In the morning.." Darling, Can you please prepare an omlette for breakfast".
HANDLING EMOTION
Women talk a lot without thinking, if they are in emotion. Men act a lot without thinking. That's why many of prisoners are men all over the world .
~Pic Credit - http://gajitz.com/
~ Reference - For further reference and in depth studies and information about this subject you can refer to http://www.cerebromente.org.br/n11/mente/eisntein/cerebro-homens.html
- Maria's ( Reni Mathew) Gallery of Passions and Creations
*ISLAM¤ENGLISH¤PAGE*
Posted: May 18, 2012 (06:05:43 PM)
☷☷ 11. Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) [PBUH] ☷☷
☷ Introduction
This is the most detailed and fascinating story in the Qur'an, involving both human weaknesses such as jealousy, hatred, pride, passion, deception, intrigue, cruelty, terror as well as noble qualities such as patience, loyalty, bravery, nobility, and compassion.
It is related that among the reasons for its revelation is that the Jews asked the Prophet Muhammad to tell them about Joseph , who was one of their old prophets. His story had been distorted in parts and marred in others with interpolations and exclusions. Therefore it was revealed in the Book of Allah (Qur'an), complete in its minute and careful details.
Allah the Almighty declared: We relate unto you (Muhammad) the best of stories through Our Revelations unto you, of this Qur'an. And before this (i.e. before the coming of Divine Inspiration to you), you were among those who knew nothing about it (the Qur'an). Surah 12: 3
Almighty Allah also decreed: Thus We relate to you (0 Muhammad) some information of what happened before. And indeed We have given you from Us a Reminder (this Qur'an). Whoever turns away from it (this Qur'an - i.e. does not believe in it, nor acts on its orders), verily, they will bear a heavy burden (of sins) on the Day of Resurrection. They will abide in that (state in the Fire of Hell), and evil indeed will it be that load for them on the Day of Resurrection. Surah 20:99-101
The story of Joseph moves in a stream from beginning to end; its substance and form are equally coherent. It inspires you with a feeling for the depth of Allah's power and supremacy and the execution of His rulings despite the challenge of human intervention. And Allah has full power and control over His Affairs, but most of men know not. Surah 12: 21
This is what the story of Joseph confirms categorically, for it ends with comfort and marvels.
☷ Summary of Josoph's Story
Joseph lived all his life confronting schemes made by the people closest to him. His brothers plotted to kill him, but they amended it to exiling him. This happened to him while he was a boy. He was sold into the slave market in Egypt, where he was bought for a nominal sum. Then he fell victim to the attempted seduction by a great man's wife who, when her wish was foiled, sent him to prison, where he remained for some time. In spite of all this, he at length approached close to the Egyptian throne and became the king's chief minister. He then began his call to Allah from the position of the ruling authority.
Allah's plans were carried out, and the matter ended. This is the substance (theme) of the story. As for the form (style) in which it is presented, it is a landmark of wonder.
☷ The Story's Presentation
The story is presented in a sequence of episodes. It gives you scene after scene and the transition is inspiring, informative, and stirring to the imagination. There are also artistic loopholes which leave it to the imagination of the reader to complete the sense, as well as the depth of the picture, the like of which no human artist can bring forth.
☷ Joseph's Childhood
The story begins with a dream and ends with its interpretation. As the sun appeared over the horizon, bathing the earth in its morning glory, Joseph , son of the Prophet Jacob , awoke from his sleep, delighted by a pleasant dream he had had. Filled with excitement, he ran to his father and related it. "0 my father! Verily, I saw (in a dream) eleven stars and the sun and the moon, I saw them prostrating themselves to me." Surah 12: 4
His father's face lit up. He foresaw that Joseph would be the one through whom the prophecy of his grandfather, Prophet Abraham , would be fulfilled, in that his offspring would keep the light of Abraham's house alive and spread Allah's message to mankind.
Therefore, it was narrated that Allah's Messenger Muhammad was asked: "Who is the most honorable amongst the people?" He replied: 'The most God-fearing." The people said: "We do not want to ask you about this." He said: "The most honorable person is Joseph Allah's prophet, the son of Allah's prophet, the son of the faithful friend of Allah (Abraham)."1
However, the father was well aware of the jealousy of Joseph's brothers, so he warned him against telling his dream to his brothers: "0 my son! Relate not your vision to your brothers, lest they arrange a plot against you. Verily! Satan is to man an open enemy! Thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of dreams (and other things) and perfect His Favor on you and on the offspring of Jacob, as He perfected it on your fathers, Abraham and Isaac aforetime! Verily, your Lord is All-Knowing, All-Wise. " Surah 12: 5-6
Joseph heeded is father's warning. He did not tell his brothers what he had seen. It is well known that they hated him so much that it was difficult for him to feel secure telling them what was in his heart and in his dreams.
☷ Description of Jopesh
Joseph was eighteen years old, very handsome and robust, with a gentle temperament. He was respectful, kind, and considerate. His brother Benjamin was equally pleasant. Both were from one mother, Rachel. Because of their refined qualities, the father loved the two more than his other children, and would not let them out of his sight. To protect them, he kept them busy with work in the house garden.
☷ The Evil Plot of Joseph's Brothers
The scene of Jacob and his son closes. Another opens on Joseph's brothers plotting against him. "Truly, Joseph and his brother (Benjamin) are loved more by our father than we, but we are 'Usbah (a storng group). Really, our father is in a plain error. Kill Joseph or cast him out to some (other) land, so that the favor of your father may be given to you alone, and after that you will be righteous folk (by intending repentance before committing the sin)."
One from among them said: "Kill not Joseph, but if you must do something, throw him down to the bottom of a well, he will be picked up by some caravan of travelers." Surah 12: 8-10
The pages of the Old Testament say that Joseph told them his dream, whereas the Qur'an does not say that that happened. Had it been so, the brothers would have said so themselves. The Old Testament claims they had lost their own rights by him, and so they would kill him. Indeed Joseph kept his father's order and did not tell his brothers about his vision.
In spite of this, his brothers sat down to conspire against him. One of them asked: "Why does our father love Joseph more than us?"
Another answered: "Perhaps because of his beauty."
A third said: "Joseph and his brother occupied our father's heart."
The first complained: "Our father has gone all astray."
One of them suggested a solution to the matter: kill Joseph. "Where should we kill him?"
"We should banish him away from these grounds."
"We will send him to a distant land."
"Why should we not kill him and have rest so that the favor of your father may be given to you alone?"
However, Judah (Yahudh), the eldest and most intelligent among them, said: "There is no need to kill him when all you want is to get rid of him. Look here, let us throw him into a well and he will be picked up by a passing caravan. They will take him with them to a distant land. He will disappear from your father's sight and our purpose will be served with his exile. Then after that we shall repent for our crime and become good people once again."
The discussion continued on the idea of dropping Joseph into a well, as it was seen as the safest solution. The plan to kill him was defeated; kidnap into a distant land was approved. It was the cleverest of ideas.
☷ The Brothers Approach Jacob
Their next movement opened the scene between them and their father Jacob : They said. "0 our father! Why do you not trust us with Joseph, when we are indeed his well-wishers? Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and play, and verily, we will take care of him."
He (Jacob) said: "Truly, it saddens me that you should take him away. I fear lest a wolf should devour him, while you are careless of him."
They said: "If a wolf devours him, while we are Usbah (a strong group) (to guard him), then surely, we are the losers. " Surah 12: 11-14
Jacob suggested a point which had not occurred to them in their discussion: he feared that desert wolves would eat him! Did he imply the wolves within them, or did he mean the wild wolves? No one but Allah knows. They coaxed their father to send Joseph with them; he agreed under their pressure.
☷ Joseph Thrown into the Well
They were excited that they could now get rid of Joseph for after this they could stand a better chance of receiving their father's affection. On leaving home, they went directly to the well, as they had planned, on the pretext of drinking water. One of them put his arms around Joseph and held him tightly. Startled by this unusual behavior, Joseph struggled to free himself. More brothers rushed to hold him. One of them removed his shirt. Some more joined in to lift Joseph up and cast him into the deep well. Joseph's piteous pleas made no difference to their cruel hearts.
Then Allah revealed to Joseph that he was safe and should not fear, for he would meet them again some day to remind them of what they had done.
There was water in the well which buoyed Joseph's body, so he was not harmed. He sat lonely in the water, then clung to a rock ledge overhead and climbed on top of it. His brothers left him in this desolate place. Then they killed a sheep and soaked Joseph's shirt in its blood. One brother said that they should swear to keep their deed a close secret. All of them took the oath.
☷ The Brothers Lie to Jacob
And they came to their father in the early part of the night weeping. Surah 12: 16
The scene here is dark night, broken by the crying of ten men. The father is sitting in his house when the sons enter, the darkness of night covering the darkness of their hearts and the darkness of their lies struggling to come out. Jacob wondered aloud: "Why this weeping? Has anything happened to the flock?" They answered crying: "0 our father! We went racing with one another, and left Joseph by our belongings and a wolf devoured him; but you will never believe us even when we speak the truth. Surah 12: 17
"We were surprised after returning from the race that Joseph was in the belly of the wolf."
"We did not see him!"
'You will not believe us even though we are truthful, but we are telling you what happened!"
"The wolf has eaten Joseph!"
"This is Joseph's shirt. We found it soiled with blood, and did not find Joseph!"
And they brought his shirt stained with false blood. Surah 12: 18
Deep down in his heart Jacob knew that his beloved son was still alive and that his other sons were lying. He held the blood-stained shirt in his hands, spread it out and remarked: "What a merciful wolf! He ate up my beloved son without tearing his shirt!" Their faces turned red when he demanded more information, but each one swore by Allah that he was telling the truth. The broken hearted father burst into tears: "Nay, but your ownselves have made up a tale. So (for me) patience is most fitting. And it is Allah (Alone) whose Help can be sought against that which you assert. " Surah 12: 18
The father acted wisely by praying for mighty patience which is free of doubt and by trusting in Allah for help against what they had plotted against him and his son. This scene dims, and the scene opens in the well with which Joseph had been thrown.
☷ Joseph Finds Comfort in Allah
In the dark well Joseph managed to find a stone ledge to hold onto. Around him was total darkness and an eerie silence. Fearful thoughts entered his mind: what would happen to him? where would he find food? why had his own brothers turned against him? would his father know of his plight? His father's smile flashed before him, recalling the love and affection he had always shown him. Joseph began to pray earnestly, pleading to Allah for salvation. Gradually his fear began to subside. His Creator was testing the young man with a great misfortune in order to infuse in him a spirit of patience and courage. Joseph surrendered himself to the will of his Lord.
☷ Joseph From the Well to Slavery
The next scene shows the wide desert. At the horizon is a long line of camels, horses, and men: a caravan on its way to Egypt. The caravan of merchants halted at this famous well for water. A man lowered in his bucket. Joseph was startled by the bucket hurtling down and grabbed hold of it before it could land in the water. As the man began to haul he felt the load unusually heavy, so he peeped into the well. What he saw shocked him: a man was clinging to the rope! He held the rope tightly and shouted to his friends: "Better give me a hand fellows! Looks like I found real treasure in the well!"
His companions rushed to the well and helped him to pull out the stranger holding onto the rope. Standing before them was a healthy, handsome youth, beaming with an angelic smile. They saw in him a handsome prize, for money was all that mattered to them. Immediately, they clapped iron shackles on his feet and took him along to Egypt, far away from his beloved homeland of Canaan.
All over the Egyptian city the news spread that an unusually handsome, robust young slave was on sale. People gathered by the hundreds at the slave market. Some were spectators, others were bidders the elite and the rich, each one craning his neck to view the handsome specimen. The auctioneer had a field day as the bidding went wild, each buyer trying to outbid the other. Eventually, the Aziz, the chief minister of Egypt, outbid all the others and took Joseph to his mansion.
The Qur'an describes this scene as follows: And there came a caravan of travelers; they sent their water-drawer, and he let down his bucket (into the well). He said: "What a good news! Here is a boy." So they hid him as merchandise (a slave). And Allah was the All-Knower of what they did.
And they sold him for a low price, - for a few Dirhams (i.e. for a few silver coins). And they were of those who regarded him insignificant.
And he (the man) from Egypt who bought him, said to his wife: 'Make his stay comfortable, may be he will profit us or we shall adopt him as a son." Thus did We establish Joseph in the land, that We might teach him the interpretation of events. Surah 12: 19-21
See how Allah the Almighty reveals the substance of this long story from its beginning: And Allah has full power and control over His Affairs, but most of men know not. Surah 12: 21
The chains of slavery have closed on Joseph. He was cast into the well, deprived of his father, picked from the well, made a slave, sold at the market, and made the property of this man, the Aziz, the chief minister. The hazards followed in quick succession, leaving Joseph helpless.
☷ Joseph's Master
What we see as hazards and slander is the first step of the ladder on Joseph's way to greatness. Allah is decisive in His action. His plan is carried out despite the plans of others and while theirs are still being made. So He spoils their plan, and Allah's promise is realized. Allah had promised Joseph prophethood. Love for Joseph was thrust into the heart of the man who bought him, and he was a man of no mean position. He was an important personage, one of the ruling class of Egypt.
Therefore, Joseph was pleasantly surprised when the chief minister of Egypt ordered his men to remove the heavy shackles from his swollen feet. He was also surprised when he told Joseph not to betray his trust; he would not be ill-treated if he behaved himself. Joseph smiled at his benefactor, thanked him, and promised to be loyal.
Joseph felt at ease, for at last he was sheltered and would be well cared for. He thanked Allah over and over and wondered at the mysteries of life. Not so long ago he had been cast into a deep, dark well with no hope of ever coming out alive. Next he was rescued, then enslaved in iron shackles, and now he was moving freely in a luxurious mansion, with enough food to enjoy. However, his heart ached with longing for his parents and brother Benjamin, and he shed tears daily.
Joseph was made the personal attendant of the chief minister's wife. He was obedient and ever-obliging. With his pleasant manners and charming behavior, he won everybody's heart.
☷ The People's Feelings toward Joseph
Joseph's handsomeness became the talk of the town. People referred to him as the most attractive man they had ever seen and wrote poetry about him. His face carried immaculate beauty. The purity of his inner soul and his heart showed in his face, increasing his beauty. People from afar came to the city to have a glimpse of him. The prettiest of maidens and the richest of ladies nursed the desire to possess him, but not once did he show haughtiness or conceit. He was always humble and polite.
☷ Joseph's Qualities
The days passed and Joseph grew. Almighty Allah said: And when he (Joseph) attained his full manhood. We gave him wisdom and knowledge (the Prophethood), thus We reward the doers of good. Surah 12: 22
He was given wisdom in affairs and knowledge of life and its conditions. He was given the art of conversation, captivating those who heard him. He was given nobility and self-restraint, which made him an irresistible personality. His master soon knew that Allah had graced him with Joseph. He understood that Joseph was the most honest, straightforward and noble person he had met in his life. Therefore, he put Joseph in charge of his household, honored him, and treated him as a son.
☷ Zulaikha's Feelings for Joseph
The wife of the chief minister, Zulaikha, watched Joseph from day to day. She sat with him, talked with him, listened to him, and her wonder increased over the passage of time.
Joseph was soon confronted (with his second trial). The chief minister's wife, Zulaikha, could not resist the handsome Joseph, and her obsession with him caused her sleepless nights. She fell in love with him, and it was painful for her to be so close to a man, yet be unable to hold him. Yet, she was not a wayward woman, for in her position she could get any man she desired. By all accounts she must have been a very pretty and intelligent lady, or why would the chief minister have chosen her of all the pretty women in the kingdom? Although she bore him no child, he would not take another wife, as he loved her passionately.
The Qur'an raises the curtain on the scene of this fierce and devouring love on the part of the lady. Allah the Almighty told us: And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him (to do an evil act), she closed the doors and said: "Come on, 0 you." He said: "I seek refuge in Allah (or Allah forbid)! Truly, he (your husband) is my master! He made my stay agreeable! (So I will never betray him). Verily, the Zalimun (wrong - and evil-doers) will never be successful." And indeed she did desire him and he would have inclined to her desire, had he not seen the evidence of his Lord. Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and illegal sexual intercourse. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. Surah 12: 23-24
☷ Joseph's Feelings for Zulaikha
Commentators are unanimous about her (Zulaikha) intention of disobedience but disagree about his own intention. There are those who say that she tempted him and he tempted her to sin, although he did not follow through with his intent. Others say that she merely wanted him to kiss her, and he attempted to strike her. Yet others say that this anxiety had been there before this incident. There was a psychological disturbance in Joseph when he reached adolescence, which Almighty Allah rid him of.
The safest commentary for us is that there is temptation and resistance in the verse, for He Most High stated: And indeed she did desire him and he would have inclined to her desire..." Surah 12: 24
Abu Ubaidah said that this is a temptation and resistance meaning that she had tried to seduce him; had he not seen the proof of Allah, he would have been seduced. This is in keeping with the infallibility of prophets, as it suits the words which immediately follow: Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and illegal sexual intercourse. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. Surah 12: 24
This verse proves that Joseph was an upright worshiper of Allah; it also testifies to his rescue from the authority of Satan. The Almighty said to the devil (Iblis) on the Day of Creation, "Certainly, you shall have no authority over My slaves, except those who follow you of the Ghawin (Mushrikeen and those who go astray, criminals, polyt heists, and evil-doers, etc.)" Surah 15: 42
☷ Zulaikha's False Accusation
Joseph's refusal only heightened her passion. As he moved to the door to escape, she ran after him and caught hold of his shirt, like a drowning person clinging to the boat. In her tugging she tore his shirt and held the torn piece in her hand. They reached the door together. It opened suddenly; there stood her husband and a relative of hers. Almighty Allah said: So they raced with one another to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back. They both found her lord (i.e. her husband) at the door. Surah 12: 25
As he opened the door, he saw her husband standing in front of him. The sly woman immediately changed her tone to anger and, showing the torn piece of the shirt in her hand, asked her husband: "What is the recompense (punishment) for him who intended an evil design against your wife, except that he be put in prison or a painful torment?" Surah 12: 25
She was now accusing Joseph of molesting her, to give the impression that she was innocent and a victim of Joseph's sexual desire. Though bewildered Joseph denied it: "It was she that sought to seduce me.
After the husband had questioned his wife and Joseph, he consulted Zulaikha's cousin. He was an honest, wise man who listened to both accounts and gave his opinion. He said the proof was in the shirt. If it was torn at the front it meant that he had tried to seduce her, as the torn shirt would then be a proof of self-defense. The husband asked: "And if the shirt is torn at the back?" The relative said: "Then it would mean that she was the one who tempted him." Surah 12: 26
The shirt was passed from hand to hand, while she watched. The witness (her cousin) looked at it and found that it was torn at the back. The evidence clearly showed that she was guilty. The disappointed husband remarked to his wife: "Surely, it is a plot of you women! Certainly mighty is you plot!" Surah 12: 28
The wise and just Aziz apologized to Joseph for his wife's indecency. He also instructed her to beg Joseph's forgiveness for accusing him falsely. Allah the Almighty narrated this incident thus: He (Joseph) said: "It was she that sought to seduce me," - and a witness of her household bore witness (saying): "If it be that his shirt is torn from the front, then her tale is true and he is a liar! But if it be that his shirt is torn from the back, then she has told a lie and he is speaking the truth!"
So when he (her husband) saw his (Joseph's) shirt torn at the back; (her husband) said: "Surely, it is a plot of you women! Certainly mighty is your plot! 0 Joseph! Turn away from this! (0 woman!) Ask forgiveness for your sin. Verily, you were of the sinful." Surah 12: 26-29
☷ Zulaikha is Ridiculed by the People
An incident like this cannot remain a secret in a house filled with servants, and the story spread. Women began to see her behavior as scandalous. They remarked: "The wife of Al-Aziz is seeking to seduce her (slave) young man, indeed she loves him violently; verily, we see her in plain error." Surah 12: 30
☷ Zulaikha's Plan to Regain Her Reputation
Naturally their gossip distressed Zulaikha. She honestly believed that it was not easy for any woman to resist a man as handsome as Joseph. To prove her helplessness, she planned to subject the women to the same temptation she faced. She invited them to a lavish banquet. No one so invited would want to miss the honor of dining with the chief minister's wife; besides, they secretly harbored the desire to meet the handsome Joseph face to face. Some of her close friends jokingly said they would come only if she introduced them to Joseph.
The invitation was restricted to ladies. The banquet began, laughter and mirth abounded. Etiquette dictated that the ladies not mention the topic of Joseph. They were shocked, therefore, when Zulaikha opened the topic. "I have heard of those who say I have fallen in love with the young Hebrew man, Joseph." Silence fell upon the banquet. At once all the guests' hands stopped, and all eyes fell on the chief minister's wife. She said, while giving orders for the fruit to be served: "I admit that he is a charming fellow. I do not deny that I love him. I have loved him for a long time."
☷ The Women's Reaction to Joseph
The confession of the chief minister's wife removed the tension among the ladies. After finishing their dinner, the guests began cutting their fruit. At that very moment she summoned Joseph to make his appearance. He entered the hall gracefully, his gaze lowered. Zulaikha called him by his name and he raised his head. The guests were astonished and dumbfounded. His face was shining and full of manliness and angelic beauty. It reflected complete innocence, so much so that one could feel the peace of mind in the depth of his soul.
They exclaimed in astonishment while continuing to cut the fruit. All their eyes were on Joseph. So it was that the women began to cut their palms absent-mindedly without feeling that they had cut them.
The presence of Joseph at the scene of drama was so effective that blood flowed without their feeling pain. One of the ladies gasped: "Good gracious!" Another whispered: 'This is not a mortal being!" Another stammered, patting her hair: "This is but a noble angel."
Then the chief minister's wife stood up and announced: "This is the one for whom I have been blamed. I do not deny that I tempted him. You have been enchanted by Joseph, and see what has happened to your hands. I have tempted him, and if he does not do what I want of him he shall be imprisoned."
☷ The Women's Reaction - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah related the scene of the banquet in His words: So when she heard of their accusation, she sent for them and prepared a banquet for them; she gave each one of them a knife (to cut the foodstuff with), and she said (to Joseph): "Come out before them." Then, when they saw him, they exalted him (at his beauty) and (in their astonishment) cut their hands. They said: "How perfect is Allah (or Allah forbid)! No man is this! This is none other than a noble angel!"
She said: "This is he (the young man) about whom you did blame me (for his love), and I did seek to seduce him, but he refused. And now if he refuses to obey my order, he shall certainly be cast into prison, and will be one of those who are disgraced." Surah 31-32
☷ Joseph's Decision to Go to Jail
He said: "0 my Lord! Prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. Unless You turn away their plot from me, I will feel inclined towards them and be one (of those who commit sin and deserve blame or those who do deeds) of the ignorants."
So his Lord answered his invocation and turned away from him their plot. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the AllKnower. Surah 12: 33-34
That evening, Zulaikha convinced her husband that the only way to save her honor was to put Joseph in prison; otherwise she would not be able to control herself or to safeguard his prestige. The chief minister knew Joseph was absolutely innocent, that he was a young man of honor, a loyal servant, and he loved him for these reasons. It was not an easy decision for him to put an innocent man behind bars. However, he was left with no choice. He reasoned that Joseph's honor would also be safeguarded if he was kept out of Zulaikha's sight. That night, with a heavy heart, the chief minister sent Joseph to prison.
☷ Joseph's Time in Prison
Prison was Joseph's third test. During this period Allah blessed him with an extraordinary gift: the ability to interpret dreams. At about the same time two other men landed in the prison. One was the cupbearer of the king; the other was the king's cook. The two men sensed that Joseph was not a common criminal, for an aura of piety glowed on his face. Both men had vivid dreams, and they were anxious to have them explained. The king's cook dreamed that he stood in a place with bread on his head, and two birds were eating the bread. The cupbearer dreamed that he was serving the king wine. The two went to Joseph and told him their dreams, asking him to give them their meaning.
First, Joseph called them to Allah. Then he said that the cook would be crucified until he died and that the cupbearer would return to the service of the king. Joseph told the cupbearer to remember him to the king and to say that there was a wronged soul called Joseph in the prison. What Joseph predicted did happen; the cook was crucified and the cupbearer returned to the palace.
After the cupbearer returned to service, Satan made him forget to mention Joseph's name to the king. Therefore, Joseph remained in prison for a few years, but he made patience his own, praying to Allah.
☷ Joseph's Time in Prison - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah narrated: And there entered with him two young men in the prison. One of them said: "Verily, I saw myself (in a dream) pressing wine." The other said: "Verily, I saw myself (in a dream) carrying bread on my head and birds were eating thereof" (They said): "Inform us of the interpretation of this. Verily, we think you are one of the Muhsineen (doers of good)."
He said: "No food will come to you (in wakefulness or in dream) as your provision, but I will inform (in wakefulness) its interpretation before it (the food) comes. This is of that which my Lord has taught me. Verily, I have abandoned the religion of a people that believe not in Allah and are disbelievers in the Hereafter. And I have followed the religion of my fathers, - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and never could we attribute any partners whatsoever to Allah. This is from the Grace of Allah to us and to mankind, but most men thank not (i.e. they neither believe in Allah, nor worship Him).
"0 two companions of the prison! Are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible? You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. The command (or the judgment) is for none but Allah. He has commanded (i.e. His Monotheism), that is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not.
"0 two companions of the prison! As for one of you, he (as a servant) will pour out wine for his lord (King or master) to drink; and as for the other, he will be crucified and birds will eat from his head. Thus is the case judged concerning which you both did inquire."
And he said to the one whom he knew to be saved: 'Mention me to your lord (i.e. your King, so as to get me out of the prison)." But Satan made him forget to mention it to his lord or Satan made (Joseph) to forget the remembrance of his Lord (Allah) as to ask for His Help, instead of others. So (Joseph) stayed in prison a few (more) years. Surah 12: 36-42
☷ The King's Dream
The scene in the prison closes; a new scene opens in the bed chamber of the king. The king is asleep. He sees himself on the banks of the Nile river. The water is receding before him, becoming mere mud. The fish begin to skip and jump in the mud. Seven fat cows come out of the river followed by seven lean cows. The seven lean ones devour the seven fat ones. The king is terrified. Then seven ears of green grain grow on the river banks and disappear in the mud. On the same spot grow seven dry ears of grain.
The king awoke frightened, shocked, and depressed, not knowing what all this meant. He sent for the sorcerers, priests and ministers, and told them his dream.
The sorcerers said: "This is a mixed up dream. How can any of that be? It is a nightmare."
The priests said: "Perhaps his majesty had a heavy supper."
The chief minister said: "Could it be that his majesty was exposed and did not draw the blanket up at night?"
The king's jester said, jokingly: "His majesty is beginning to grow old, and so his dreams are confused."
They reached a unanimous conclusion that it was only a nightmare.
The news reached the cupbearer. He recollected the dream he had had in prison and compared it to the king's dream, and, therefore Joseph came to mind. He ran to the king to tell him about Joseph, who was the only one capable of interpreting the dream. The cupbearer said: "He had asked me to remember him to you, but I forgot." The king sent the cupbearer to ask Joseph about the dream.
☷ Joseph's Interpretation of the Dream
Joseph interpreted it to him: "There will be seven years of abundance. If the land is properly cultivated, there will be an excess of good harvest, more than the people will need. This should be stored. Thereafter, seven years of famine will follow, during which time the excess grain could be used."
He also advised that during the famine they should save some grain to be used for seed for the next harvest. Joseph then added: "After seven years of drought, there will be a year during which water will be plentiful. If the water is properly used, grapevines and olive trees will grow in abundance, providing plenty of grapes and olive oil."
The cupbearer hurried back with the good news. The king was fascinated by Joseph's interpretation.
☷ The Dream and Interpretation - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah narrated this incident thus: And the king (of Egypt) said: "Verily, I saw (in a dream) seven fat cows, whom seven lean cows were devouring - and (seven) green ears of corn, and seven others dry. 0 notables! Explain to me my dream, if it be that you can interpret dreams."
They said: 'Mixed up false dreams and we are not skilled in the interpretation of dreams."
Then the man who was released (one of the two who were in prison), now at length remembered and said: "I will tell you its interpretation, so send me forth."
(He said): "0 Joseph, the man of truth! Explain to us (the dream) of seven fat cows whom seven lean ones were devouring, and of seven green ears of corn, and (seven) others dry, that I may return to the people, and that they may know." (Joseph) said: "For seven consecutive years, you shall sow as usual and that (the harvest) which you reap you shall leave in ears, (all) - except a little of it which you may eat. Then will come after that seven hard (years), which will devour what you have laid by in advance for them, (all) except a little of that which you have guarded (stored). Then thereafter will come a year in which people will have abundant rain and in which they will press (wine and oil)." Surah 12: 43-49
☷ Joseph's Innocence Proved
The king was greatly astonished. Who could this person be? He commanded that Joseph to be set free from prison and presented to him at once. The king's envoy went to fetch him immediately, but Joseph refused to leave the prison unless his innocence was proven. Perhaps they accused him of cutting the ladies' hands, or of trying to rape them. Perhaps any other false accusation was made.
We do not know exactly what was said to the people to justify Joseph's sentence to prison. The envoy returned to the king. The kings asked him: "Where is Joseph? Did I not command you to fetch him?"
The envoy replied: "He refused to leave until his innocence is established regarding the ladies who cut their hands."
The king ordered: "Bring the wives of the ministers and the wife of the chief minister at once." The king felt that Joseph had been harmed unfairly but he did not know exactly how.
The wife of the chief minister came with the other ministers' wives. The king asked: "What is the story of Joseph? What do you know about him? Is it true that...?" .
One of the ladies interrupted the king exclaiming: "Allah forbid!"
A second said: "We know of no evil he has done."
A third said: "He enjoys the innocence of angels."
The eyes of everyone turned to the wife of the chief minister. She now wore a wrinkled face and had lost weight. She had been overwhelmed by sorrow over Joseph while he was in prison. She boldly confessed that she had lied and he had told the truth. "I tempted him; but he refused." She confirmed what she said, not out of fear of the king or the other ladies, but for Joseph to know that she had never betrayed him during his absence, for he was still in her mind and soul. Of all creation he was the only one she cared for, so she confirmed his innocence before all.
☷ Joseph's Innocence Proved - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah said: And the king said: "Bring him to me. But when the messenger came to him (Joseph) said: "Return to your lord and ask him, 'What happened to the women who cut their hands? Surely, my Lord (Allah) is WellAware of their plot.
(The king) said (to the women): 'What was your affair when you did seek to seduce Joseph?" The women said: 'Allah forbid! No evil know we against him!" The wife of Al- 'Aziz said: "Now the truth is manifest (to all), it was I who sought to seduce him, and he is surely of the truthful."
(Then Joseph said. "I asked for this enquiry) in order that he (Al- 'Aziz) may know that I betrayed him not in secret. And, verily! Allah guides not the plot of the betrayers. And I free not myself (from the blame). Verily, the (human) self is inclined to evil, except when my Lord bestows His Mercy (upon whom He wills). Verily, my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." Surah 12: 50-53
☷ Zulaikha's Life Afterwards
Reflecting on these verses suggests that she had turned to Joseph's religion, monotheism. His imprisonment was a great turning point in her life.
After this, the Qur'anic style neglects the story of the chief minister's wife completely. We do not know what happened to her after she gave her clear evidence. Yet still, there are legends about her. It has been said that after her husband died she married Joseph, and, behold, she was a virgin. She confessed that her husband had been old and had never touched women. Other legends said that she lost her sight, weeping for Joseph. She abandoned her palace and wandered in the streets of the city.
However, the lady disappeared from the Qur'anic narrative at a suitable stage, at the climax of her trouble. Perhaps she lingers in memory longer than if we had known the ending.
☷ Joseph's High Position
The king informed Joseph that his innocence was established and ordered him to come to the palace for an interview. The king recognized his noble qualities. When Joseph came, the king spoke to him in his tongue. Joseph's replies astonished the king with his cultural refinement and wide knowledge.
Then the conversation turned to the dream. Joseph advised the king to start planning for years of famine ahead. He informed him that the famine would affect not only Egypt but the neighboring countries as well. The king offered him a high position. Joseph asked to be made controller of the granaries, so that he could guard the nation's harvest and thereby safeguard it during the anticipated drought. By this Joseph did not mean to seize an opportunity or personal gain; he merely wanted to rescue hungry nations for a period of seven years. It was a sheer self-sacrifice on his part.
☷ Joseph's High Position - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah said: And the king said. "Bring him to me that I may attach him to my person." Then, when he spoke to him, he said: "Verily, this day, you are with us high in rank and fully trusted."
(Joseph) said: "Set me over the store-houses of the land; I will indeed guard them with full knowledge" (as a minister of finance in Egypt. in place of Al- Aziz who was dead at that time).
Thus did We give full authority to Joseph in the land, to take possession therein, as when or where he likes. We bestow of Our Mercy on whom We please, and We make not to be lost the reward of Al-Muhsineen (the good-doers). Surah 12: 54-57
☷ Joseph Meets His Brothers
The wheels of time turned. During the seven good years, Joseph had full control over the cultivation, harvesting, and storage of crops. During the following seven years, drought followed and famine spread throughout the region, including Canaan, the homeland of Joseph. Joseph advised the king that as his kingdom was blessed with reserved grain, he should sell grain to the needy nations at a fair price. The king agreed, and the good news spread all over the region.
Jacob sent ten of his sons, all except Benjamin, to Egypt to purchase provisions. Joseph heard of the ten brothers who had come from afar and who could not speak the language of the Egyptians. When they called on him to purchase their needs, Joseph immediately recognized his brothers, but they did not know him. How could they? To them Joseph no longer existed; he had been thrown into the deep, dark well many years ago!
Joseph received them warmly. After supplying them with provisions, he asked where they had come from. They explained: "We are eleven brothers, the children of a noble prophet. The youngest is at home tending to the needs of our aging father."
On hearing this, Joseph's eyes filled with tears; his longing for home swelled up in his heart, as well as his longing for his beloved parents and his loving brother Benjamin. "Are you truthful people?" Joseph asked them.
Perturbed, they replied: "What reason should we have to state an untruth?"
"If what you say is true then bring your brother as proof and I will reward you with double rations. But if you do not bring him to me, it would be better if you did not return," Joseph warned them.
They assured him that they would gladly fulfill his command but that they would have to get their father's permission. As an inducement to return with their brother, Joseph ordered his servant to secretly place the purse, with the money they had paid, into one of their grain sacks.
☷ Joseph Meets His Brothers - Qur'anic
Allah the Almighty said: And Joseph's brethren came and they entered unto him, and he recognized them, but they recognized him not. And when he had furnished them forth with provisions (according to their need), he said: "Bring me a brother of yours from your father; (he meant Benjamin). See you not that I give full measure, and that I am the best of the hosts? But if you bring him not to me, there shall be no measure (of corn) for you with me, nor shall you come near me."
They said: "We shall try to get permission (for him) from his father, and verily, we shall do it."
And (Joseph) told his servants to put their money (with which they had bought the corn) into their bags, so that they might know it when they go back to their people, in order that they might come back. Surah 12: 58-62
☷ The Brothers Return to Canaan
The scene dims in Egypt and lights in Canaan. The brothers returned to their father. Before they could unload the camels, they greeted him, then reproved him: "We were denied some supplies because you did not let your son go with us. They would not give us food for absentees. Why would you not entrust him with us? Please, send him with us, and we shall take care of him."
Jacob became sad and told them: "I will not permit Benjamin to travel with you. I will not part with him, for I entrusted Joseph to you and you failed me."
Later, when they opened their grain sacks, they were surprised to find the money purse returned intact. They rushed to their father: "Look, father! The noble official has returned our money; this is surely proof that he would not harm our brother and it can only benefit us." But Jacob refused to send Benjamin with them.
After some time, when they had no more grain, Jacob asked them to travel to Egypt for more. They reminded him of the warning the Egyptian official had given them. They could not return without Benjamin. Jacob agreed, but not before he extracted a pledge from them. "I will not send him with you unless you give me a pledge in Allah's name that you shall bring him back to me as safely as you take him." They gave their solemn pledge. He reminded them: "Allah is witness to your pledge." He then advised them to enter the city through several different gates.
☷ The Brothers Return to Canaan - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah narrated: So, when they returned to their father, they said: "0 our father! No more measure of grain shall we get (unless we take our brother). So send our brother with us, and we shall get our measure and truly we will guard him." He said: "Can I entrust him to you except as I entrusted his brother (Joseph) to you aforetime? But Allah is the best to guard, and He is the Most Merciful of those Who show mercy.
And when they opened their bags, they found their money had been returned to them. They said: "0 our father! What (more) can we desire? This, our money has been returned to us, so we shall get (more) food for our family, and we shall guard our brother and add one more measure of a camel's load. This quantity is easy (for the king to give)."
He (Jacob) said: "I will not send him with you until you swear a solemn oath to me in Allah's Name, that you will bring him back to me unless you are yourselves surrounded (by enemies, etc.)." And when they had sworn their solemn oath, he said: 'Allah is the Witness over what we have said."
And he said: "0 my sons! Do not enter by one gate, but by different gates, and I cannot avail you against Allah at all. Verily! The decision rests only with Allah. In Him, Iput my trust and let all those that trust, put their trust in Him." Surah 12: 63-67
Jacob blessed them on their departure and prayed to Allah for their protection. The brothers undertook the long journey to Egypt, taking good care of Benjamin.
☷ Joseph and Benjamin Meet
Joseph welcomed them heartily, although, with difficulty, he suppressed the desire to embrace Benjamin that arose within him. He prepared a feast for them and seated them in pairs. Joseph arranged to sit next to his beloved brother Benjamin, who began to weep. Joseph asked him why he was crying. He replied: "If my brother Joseph had been here, I would have sat next to him."
That night, when Joseph and Benjamin were alone in a room, Joseph asked whether he would have him for a brother. Benjamin respectfully answered that he regarded his host as a wonderful person, but he could never take the place of his brother. Joseph broke down, and amidst flowing tears, said: "My loving brother, I am the brother who was lost and whose name you are constantly repeating. Fate has brought us together after many years of separation. This is Allah's favor. But let it be a secret between us for the time being." Benjamin flung his arms around Joseph and both brothers shed tears of joy.
☷ A Thief Among the Brothers
The next day, while their bags were being filled with grain to load onto the camels, Joseph ordered one of his attendants to place the king's gold cup which was used for measuring the grain into Benjamin's saddlebag. When the brothers were ready to set out, the gates were locked, and the court crier shouted: "0 you travelers, you are thieves!" The accusation was most unusual, and the people gathered around Joseph's brothers.
"What have you lost?" his brothers inquired.
A soldier said: 'The king's golden cup. Whoever can trace it we will give a beast-load of grain."
Joseph's brothers said with all innocence: "We have not come here to corrupt the land and steal."
Joseph's officers said (as he had instructed them): "What punishment should you choose for the thief?" The brothers answered: "According to our law, whoever steals becomes a slave to the owner of the property."
The officers agreed: "We shall apply your law instead of the Egyptian law, which provides for imprisonment."
The chief officer ordered his soldiers to start searching the caravan. Joseph was watching the incident from high upon his throne. He had given instructions for Benjamin's bag to be the last to be searched. When they did not find the cup in the bags of the ten older brothers, the brothers sighed in relief.
☷ Benjamin is Accused
There remained only the bag of their youngest brother.
Joseph said, intervening for the first time, that there was no need to search his saddle, as he did not look like a thief.
His brothers affirmed: "We will not move an inch unless his saddle is searched as well. We are the sons of a noble man, not thieves."
The soldiers reached in their hands and pulled out the king's cup. The brothers exclaimed: "If he steals now, a brother of his has stolen before." They strayed from the present issue in order to blame a particular group of the children of Jacob.
Joseph heard their resentment with his own ears and was filled with regret. Yet, he swallowed his own resentment, keeping it within. He said to himself: 'You went further and fared worse; it shall go bad with you and worse hereafter, and Allah knows your intention."
Silence fell upon them after these remarks by the brothers. Then they forgot their secret satisfaction and thought of Jacob; they had taken an oath with him that they would not betray his son.
They began to beg Joseph for mercy. "Joseph, 0 minister! Take one of us in his stead. He is the son of a good man, and we can see you are a good man."
Joseph answered calmly: "How can you want to set free the man who has stolen the king's cup? It would be sinful."
The brothers went on pleading for mercy. However, the guards said that the king had spoken and his word was law.
Judah, the eldest, was much worried and told the others: "We promised our father in the name of Allah not to fail him. I will, therefore, stay behind and will only return if my father permits me to do so."
☷ Joseph Meets Benjamin and the Accusation - Qur'anic
Regarding this scene, Almighty Allah said: And when they entered according to their father's advice, it did not avail them in the least against (the Will of) Allah, it was but a need of Jacob's inner-self which he discharged. And verily, he was endowed with knowledge because We had taught him, but most men know not. And when they went in before Joseph, he betook his brother (Benjamin) to himself and said: "Verily! I am your brother, so grieve not for what they used to do."
So when he had furnished them forth with their provisions, he put the (golden) bowl into his brother's bag. Then a crier cried: "0 you (in) the caravan! Surely, you are thieves!" They, turning towards them, said: "What is it that you have missed?"
They said: "We have missed the (golden) bowl of the king and for him who produces it is (the reward of) a camel load; I will be bound by it."
They said: "By Allah! Indeed you know that we came not to make mischief in the land, and we are no thieves!"
They (Joseph's brothers) said: "The penalty should be that he, in whose bag it is found, should be held for the punishment (of the crime). Thus we punish the Zalimeen (wrong-doers, etc.)!"
So he (Joseph) began (the search) in their bags before the bag of his brother. Then he brought it out of his brother's bag. Thus did We plan for Joseph. He could not take his brother by the law of the king (as a slave), except that Allah willed it. (So Allah made the brothers to bind themselves with their way of "punishment, i.e. enslaving of a thief") We raise to degrees whom We please, but over all those endowed with knowledge is the All-Knowing (Allah).
They (Joseph's brothers) said: "If he steals, there was a brother of his (Joseph) who did steal before (him)." But these things did Joseph keep in himself, revealing not the secrets to them. He said (within himself): "You are in worst case, and Allah knows best the truth of what you assert!"
They said: "0 ruler of the land! Verily, he has an old father (who will grieve for him); so take one of us in his place. Indeed we think that you are one of the good-doers."
He said: "Allah forbid, that we should take anyone but him with whom we found our property. Indeed (if we did so), we shall be Zalimun (wrong-doers)."
So, when they despaired of him, they held a conference in private. The eldest among them said: "Know you not that you father did take an oath from you in Allah's name, and before this you did fail in your duty with Joseph? Therefore I will not leave this land until my father permits me, or Allah decides my case (by releasing Benjamin) and He is the Best of the judges." Surah 12: 68-80
☷ Joseph's Plan
The brothers left enough provisions behind for Judah, who stayed at a tavern awaiting the fate of Benjamin. In the meantime, Joseph kept Benjamin in his house as his personal guest and told him how he had devised the plot to put the king's cup in his bag, in order to keep him behind, so as to protect him. He was also glad that Judah had stayed behind, as he was a good-hearted brother. Joseph secretly arranged to watch over Judah's well-being.
Joseph's plan in sending the others back was to test their sincerity, to see if they would come back for the two brothers they had left behind.
The Brothers Confront Jacob
When they arrived home, they entered upon their father, calling: "0 our father! Your son has stolen!"
He was puzzled, scarcely believing the news. He was overwhelmed with sorrow and his eyes wept tears. "Patience be with me; perhaps Allah will return all of them to me. He is Most Knowing, Most Wise." A pall of lonesomeness closed over him, yet he found consolation in patience and trusted in Allah.
☷ The Brothers Confront Jacob - Qur'anic
Allah revealed to us what happened at their meeting with their father: Judah said: "Return to your father and say: '0 our father! Verily, your son (Benjamin) has stolen, and we testify not except according to what we know, and we could not know the unseen! And ask (the people of) the town where we have been, and the caravan in which we returned and indeed we are telling the truth.
He (Jacob) said: "Nay, but your ownselves have beguiled you into something. So patience is most fitting (for me). May be Allah will bring them (back) all to me. Truly He! Only He is All-Knowing, All-Wise."
And he turned away from them and said: "Alas, my grief for Joseph!" And he lost his sight because of the sorrow that he was suppressing. Surah 12: 81-84
☷ Jacob's Request to Find Joseph
The father was deeply hurt. Only prayer could comfort him and strengthen his faith and patience. Weeping all those years for his beloved son Joseph - and now one more of his best sons had been snatched from him - Jacob almost lost his sight.
The other sons pleaded with him: "0 father, you are a noble prophet and a great messenger of Allah. Unto you descended revelation and people received guidance and faith from you. Why are you destroying yourself in this way?"
Jacob replied: "Rebuking me will not lessen my grief. Only the return of my sons will comfort me. My sons, go in search of Joseph and his brother; do not despair of Allah's mercy."
☷ Jacob's Request to Find Joseph - Qur'anic
Allah, the Almighty told us: They said: "By Allah! You will never cease remembering Joseph until you become weak with old age, or until you be of the dead."
He said. "I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you know not. 0 my sons! Go you and enquire about Joseph and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah's Mercy. Certainly no one despairs of Allah's Mercy, except the people who disbelieve." Surah 12: 85-87
☷ Joseph Reveals Himself
The caravan set out for Egypt. The brothers - on their way to see the chief minister (Joseph) - were poor and depressed.
On reaching Egypt they collected Judah and called on Joseph, to whom they pleaded: "0 ruler of the land! A hard time has hit us and our family, and we have brought but poor capital, so pay us full measure and be charitable to us. Truly, Allah does reward the charitable." Surah 12: 88
At the end, they begged Joseph. They asked alms of him, appealing to his heart, reminding him that Allah rewards alms givers. At this moment, in the midst of their plight, Joseph spoke to them in their native tongue saying: "Do you know what you did with Joseph and his brother, when you were ignorant?"
They said: "Are you indeed Joseph?"
He said: "I am Joseph, and this is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been Gracious to us. Verily, he who fears Allah with obedience to Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, and by performing righteous good deeds), and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the good doers to be lost."
They said: "By Allah! Indeed Allah has preferred you above us, and we certainly have been sinners. " Surah 12: 89-91
The brothers began to tremble with fear, but Joseph comforted them: "No reproach on you this day, may Allah forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!" Surah 12: 92
☷ Jacob Learns About Joseph
Joseph embraced them, and together they wept with joy. It was not possible for Joseph to leave his responsible office without proper replacement, so he advised his brothers: "Go with this shirt of mine, and cast it over the face of my father, he will become clear-sighted, and bring to me all your family. " Surah 12: 93
And so the caravan headed back for Palestine. We leave the scene in Egypt and return to Palestine and the house of Jacob. The old man is sitting in his room; tears have been flowing down his cheeks. He stands up all of a sudden, dresses and goes out to his sons' wives. Then he lifts up his face to Heaven and sniffs the air.
The wife of the eldest son remarked: "Jacob has come out of his room today." The women inquired about what was amiss. There was a hint of a smile on his face. The others asked him: "How do you feel today?"
He answered: "I can smell Joseph in the air."
The wives left him alone, saying to one another that there was no hope for the old man. "He will die of weeping over Joseph."
"Did he talk about Joseph's shirt?"
"I do not know. He said he could smell him; perhaps he has gone mad."
That day the old man wanted a cup of milk to break his fast, for he had been fasting. At night he changed his clothes. The caravan was traveling in the desert with Joseph's shirt hidden among the grain. It neared the old man's estate. He gesticulated in his room, and then he prayed a long time, lifting his hands to heaven and sniffing the air. He was weeping as the shirt was nearing him.
And when the caravan departed, their father said: "I do indeed feel the smell of Joseph, if only you think me not a dotard (a person who has weakness of mind because of old age)."
They said: "By Allah! Certainly, you are in your old error."
Then, when the bearer of the glad tidings arrived, he cast it (the shirt) over his face, and he became clear-sighted. He said: "Did I not say to you, 'I know from Allah that which you know not.
They said. "0 our father! Ask Forgiveness (from Allah) for our sins, indeed we have been sinners." Surah 12: 94-97
☷ Jacob and Joseph (PBUT) Meet
The story began with a dream and it ends with the interpretation of the dream. Almighty Allah narrated: He said: "I will ask my Lord for forgiveness for you, verily He! Only He is the Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful."
Then, when they entered unto Joseph, he betook his parents to himself and said: "Enter Egypt, if Allah will, in security."
And he raised his parents to the throne and they fell down before him prostrate. And he said: "0 my father! This is the interpretation of my dream of old! My Lord has made it come true! He was indeed good to me, when He took me out of the prison, and brought you (all here) out of the bedouin-life, after Satan had sown enmity between me and my brothers. Certainly, my Lord is the Most Courteous and Kind unto whom He will. Truly He! Only He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. " Surah 12: 98-100
☷ Epilogue
Consider his feelings now that his dream has come true. He prays to Allah: 'My Lord! You have indeed bestowed on me of the sovereignty, and taught me the interpretation of dreams; The (only) Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Wali (Protector, Helper, Supporter, Guardian, etc.) in this world and in the Hereafter, cause me to die as a Muslim (the one submitting to Your Will), and join me with the righteous." Surah 12: 101
Joseph arranged an audience with the king for himself and his family, to ask the king's permission for them to settle in Egypt. Joseph was an asset to the kingdom, and the king was happy to have him remain with his household. Joseph prostrated to Allah in gratitude.
☷ The Death of Jacob and Joseph (PBUT)
Before he died, Jacob advised his children to adhere to the teachings of Islam, the religion of all of Allah's prophets. Allah the Almighty revealed: Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob? When he said unto his sons: "What will you worship after me?" They said: "We shall worship your Ilah (God - Allah) the Ilah (God) of your fathers. Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, One Ilah (God), and to Him we submit (in Islam)." Surah 2: 133
Joseph , at the moment of his death, asked his brothers to bury him beside his forefathers if they were to leave Egypt. So when Joseph passed away, he was mummified and placed in a coffin until such a time as he could be taken out of Egypt and buried beside his forefathers, as he had requested. It was said that he died at the age of one hundred ten.
*ISLAM¤ENGLISH¤PAGE*
Posted: May 18, 2012 (02:39:47 PM)
☷☷ 11. Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) [PBUH] ☷☷
☷ Introduction
This is the most detailed and fascinating story in the Qur'an, involving both human weaknesses such as jealousy, hatred, pride, passion, deception, intrigue, cruelty, terror as well as noble qualities such as patience, loyalty, bravery, nobility, and compassion.
It is related that among the reasons for its revelation is that the Jews asked the Prophet Muhammad to tell them about Joseph , who was one of their old prophets. His story had been distorted in parts and marred in others with interpolations and exclusions. Therefore it was revealed in the Book of Allah (Qur'an), complete in its minute and careful details.
Allah the Almighty declared: We relate unto you (Muhammad) the best of stories through Our Revelations unto you, of this Qur'an. And before this (i.e. before the coming of Divine Inspiration to you), you were among those who knew nothing about it (the Qur'an). Surah 12: 3
Almighty Allah also decreed: Thus We relate to you (0 Muhammad) some information of what happened before. And indeed We have given you from Us a Reminder (this Qur'an). Whoever turns away from it (this Qur'an - i.e. does not believe in it, nor acts on its orders), verily, they will bear a heavy burden (of sins) on the Day of Resurrection. They will abide in that (state in the Fire of Hell), and evil indeed will it be that load for them on the Day of Resurrection. Surah 20:99-101
The story of Joseph moves in a stream from beginning to end; its substance and form are equally coherent. It inspires you with a feeling for the depth of Allah's power and supremacy and the execution of His rulings despite the challenge of human intervention. And Allah has full power and control over His Affairs, but most of men know not. Surah 12: 21
This is what the story of Joseph confirms categorically, for it ends with comfort and marvels.
☷ Summary of Josoph's Story
Joseph lived all his life confronting schemes made by the people closest to him. His brothers plotted to kill him, but they amended it to exiling him. This happened to him while he was a boy. He was sold into the slave market in Egypt, where he was bought for a nominal sum. Then he fell victim to the attempted seduction by a great man's wife who, when her wish was foiled, sent him to prison, where he remained for some time. In spite of all this, he at length approached close to the Egyptian throne and became the king's chief minister. He then began his call to Allah from the position of the ruling authority.
Allah's plans were carried out, and the matter ended. This is the substance (theme) of the story. As for the form (style) in which it is presented, it is a landmark of wonder.
☷ The Story's Presentation
The story is presented in a sequence of episodes. It gives you scene after scene and the transition is inspiring, informative, and stirring to the imagination. There are also artistic loopholes which leave it to the imagination of the reader to complete the sense, as well as the depth of the picture, the like of which no human artist can bring forth.
☷ Joseph's Childhood
The story begins with a dream and ends with its interpretation. As the sun appeared over the horizon, bathing the earth in its morning glory, Joseph , son of the Prophet Jacob , awoke from his sleep, delighted by a pleasant dream he had had. Filled with excitement, he ran to his father and related it. "0 my father! Verily, I saw (in a dream) eleven stars and the sun and the moon, I saw them prostrating themselves to me." Surah 12: 4
His father's face lit up. He foresaw that Joseph would be the one through whom the prophecy of his grandfather, Prophet Abraham , would be fulfilled, in that his offspring would keep the light of Abraham's house alive and spread Allah's message to mankind.
Therefore, it was narrated that Allah's Messenger Muhammad was asked: "Who is the most honorable amongst the people?" He replied: 'The most God-fearing." The people said: "We do not want to ask you about this." He said: "The most honorable person is Joseph Allah's prophet, the son of Allah's prophet, the son of the faithful friend of Allah (Abraham)."1
However, the father was well aware of the jealousy of Joseph's brothers, so he warned him against telling his dream to his brothers: "0 my son! Relate not your vision to your brothers, lest they arrange a plot against you. Verily! Satan is to man an open enemy! Thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of dreams (and other things) and perfect His Favor on you and on the offspring of Jacob, as He perfected it on your fathers, Abraham and Isaac aforetime! Verily, your Lord is All-Knowing, All-Wise. " Surah 12: 5-6
Joseph heeded is father's warning. He did not tell his brothers what he had seen. It is well known that they hated him so much that it was difficult for him to feel secure telling them what was in his heart and in his dreams.
☷ Description of Jopesh
Joseph was eighteen years old, very handsome and robust, with a gentle temperament. He was respectful, kind, and considerate. His brother Benjamin was equally pleasant. Both were from one mother, Rachel. Because of their refined qualities, the father loved the two more than his other children, and would not let them out of his sight. To protect them, he kept them busy with work in the house garden.
☷ The Evil Plot of Joseph's Brothers
The scene of Jacob and his son closes. Another opens on Joseph's brothers plotting against him. "Truly, Joseph and his brother (Benjamin) are loved more by our father than we, but we are 'Usbah (a storng group). Really, our father is in a plain error. Kill Joseph or cast him out to some (other) land, so that the favor of your father may be given to you alone, and after that you will be righteous folk (by intending repentance before committing the sin)."
One from among them said: "Kill not Joseph, but if you must do something, throw him down to the bottom of a well, he will be picked up by some caravan of travelers." Surah 12: 8-10
The pages of the Old Testament say that Joseph told them his dream, whereas the Qur'an does not say that that happened. Had it been so, the brothers would have said so themselves. The Old Testament claims they had lost their own rights by him, and so they would kill him. Indeed Joseph kept his father's order and did not tell his brothers about his vision.
In spite of this, his brothers sat down to conspire against him. One of them asked: "Why does our father love Joseph more than us?"
Another answered: "Perhaps because of his beauty."
A third said: "Joseph and his brother occupied our father's heart."
The first complained: "Our father has gone all astray."
One of them suggested a solution to the matter: kill Joseph. "Where should we kill him?"
"We should banish him away from these grounds."
"We will send him to a distant land."
"Why should we not kill him and have rest so that the favor of your father may be given to you alone?"
However, Judah (Yahudh), the eldest and most intelligent among them, said: "There is no need to kill him when all you want is to get rid of him. Look here, let us throw him into a well and he will be picked up by a passing caravan. They will take him with them to a distant land. He will disappear from your father's sight and our purpose will be served with his exile. Then after that we shall repent for our crime and become good people once again."
The discussion continued on the idea of dropping Joseph into a well, as it was seen as the safest solution. The plan to kill him was defeated; kidnap into a distant land was approved. It was the cleverest of ideas.
☷ The Brothers Approach Jacob
Their next movement opened the scene between them and their father Jacob : They said. "0 our father! Why do you not trust us with Joseph, when we are indeed his well-wishers? Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and play, and verily, we will take care of him."
He (Jacob) said: "Truly, it saddens me that you should take him away. I fear lest a wolf should devour him, while you are careless of him."
They said: "If a wolf devours him, while we are Usbah (a strong group) (to guard him), then surely, we are the losers. " Surah 12: 11-14
Jacob suggested a point which had not occurred to them in their discussion: he feared that desert wolves would eat him! Did he imply the wolves within them, or did he mean the wild wolves? No one but Allah knows. They coaxed their father to send Joseph with them; he agreed under their pressure.
☷ Joseph Thrown into the Well
They were excited that they could now get rid of Joseph for after this they could stand a better chance of receiving their father's affection. On leaving home, they went directly to the well, as they had planned, on the pretext of drinking water. One of them put his arms around Joseph and held him tightly. Startled by this unusual behavior, Joseph struggled to free himself. More brothers rushed to hold him. One of them removed his shirt. Some more joined in to lift Joseph up and cast him into the deep well. Joseph's piteous pleas made no difference to their cruel hearts.
Then Allah revealed to Joseph that he was safe and should not fear, for he would meet them again some day to remind them of what they had done.
There was water in the well which buoyed Joseph's body, so he was not harmed. He sat lonely in the water, then clung to a rock ledge overhead and climbed on top of it. His brothers left him in this desolate place. Then they killed a sheep and soaked Joseph's shirt in its blood. One brother said that they should swear to keep their deed a close secret. All of them took the oath.
☷ The Brothers Lie to Jacob
And they came to their father in the early part of the night weeping. Surah 12: 16
The scene here is dark night, broken by the crying of ten men. The father is sitting in his house when the sons enter, the darkness of night covering the darkness of their hearts and the darkness of their lies struggling to come out. Jacob wondered aloud: "Why this weeping? Has anything happened to the flock?" They answered crying: "0 our father! We went racing with one another, and left Joseph by our belongings and a wolf devoured him; but you will never believe us even when we speak the truth. Surah 12: 17
"We were surprised after returning from the race that Joseph was in the belly of the wolf."
"We did not see him!"
'You will not believe us even though we are truthful, but we are telling you what happened!"
"The wolf has eaten Joseph!"
"This is Joseph's shirt. We found it soiled with blood, and did not find Joseph!"
And they brought his shirt stained with false blood. Surah 12: 18
Deep down in his heart Jacob knew that his beloved son was still alive and that his other sons were lying. He held the blood-stained shirt in his hands, spread it out and remarked: "What a merciful wolf! He ate up my beloved son without tearing his shirt!" Their faces turned red when he demanded more information, but each one swore by Allah that he was telling the truth. The broken hearted father burst into tears: "Nay, but your ownselves have made up a tale. So (for me) patience is most fitting. And it is Allah (Alone) whose Help can be sought against that which you assert. " Surah 12: 18
The father acted wisely by praying for mighty patience which is free of doubt and by trusting in Allah for help against what they had plotted against him and his son. This scene dims, and the scene opens in the well with which Joseph had been thrown.
☷ Joseph Finds Comfort in Allah
In the dark well Joseph managed to find a stone ledge to hold onto. Around him was total darkness and an eerie silence. Fearful thoughts entered his mind: what would happen to him? where would he find food? why had his own brothers turned against him? would his father know of his plight? His father's smile flashed before him, recalling the love and affection he had always shown him. Joseph began to pray earnestly, pleading to Allah for salvation. Gradually his fear began to subside. His Creator was testing the young man with a great misfortune in order to infuse in him a spirit of patience and courage. Joseph surrendered himself to the will of his Lord.
☷ Joseph From the Well to Slavery
The next scene shows the wide desert. At the horizon is a long line of camels, horses, and men: a caravan on its way to Egypt. The caravan of merchants halted at this famous well for water. A man lowered in his bucket. Joseph was startled by the bucket hurtling down and grabbed hold of it before it could land in the water. As the man began to haul he felt the load unusually heavy, so he peeped into the well. What he saw shocked him: a man was clinging to the rope! He held the rope tightly and shouted to his friends: "Better give me a hand fellows! Looks like I found real treasure in the well!"
His companions rushed to the well and helped him to pull out the stranger holding onto the rope. Standing before them was a healthy, handsome youth, beaming with an angelic smile. They saw in him a handsome prize, for money was all that mattered to them. Immediately, they clapped iron shackles on his feet and took him along to Egypt, far away from his beloved homeland of Canaan.
All over the Egyptian city the news spread that an unusually handsome, robust young slave was on sale. People gathered by the hundreds at the slave market. Some were spectators, others were bidders the elite and the rich, each one craning his neck to view the handsome specimen. The auctioneer had a field day as the bidding went wild, each buyer trying to outbid the other. Eventually, the Aziz, the chief minister of Egypt, outbid all the others and took Joseph to his mansion.
The Qur'an describes this scene as follows: And there came a caravan of travelers; they sent their water-drawer, and he let down his bucket (into the well). He said: "What a good news! Here is a boy." So they hid him as merchandise (a slave). And Allah was the All-Knower of what they did.
And they sold him for a low price, - for a few Dirhams (i.e. for a few silver coins). And they were of those who regarded him insignificant.
And he (the man) from Egypt who bought him, said to his wife: 'Make his stay comfortable, may be he will profit us or we shall adopt him as a son." Thus did We establish Joseph in the land, that We might teach him the interpretation of events. Surah 12: 19-21
See how Allah the Almighty reveals the substance of this long story from its beginning: And Allah has full power and control over His Affairs, but most of men know not. Surah 12: 21
The chains of slavery have closed on Joseph. He was cast into the well, deprived of his father, picked from the well, made a slave, sold at the market, and made the property of this man, the Aziz, the chief minister. The hazards followed in quick succession, leaving Joseph helpless.
☷ Joseph's Master
What we see as hazards and slander is the first step of the ladder on Joseph's way to greatness. Allah is decisive in His action. His plan is carried out despite the plans of others and while theirs are still being made. So He spoils their plan, and Allah's promise is realized. Allah had promised Joseph prophethood. Love for Joseph was thrust into the heart of the man who bought him, and he was a man of no mean position. He was an important personage, one of the ruling class of Egypt.
Therefore, Joseph was pleasantly surprised when the chief minister of Egypt ordered his men to remove the heavy shackles from his swollen feet. He was also surprised when he told Joseph not to betray his trust; he would not be ill-treated if he behaved himself. Joseph smiled at his benefactor, thanked him, and promised to be loyal.
Joseph felt at ease, for at last he was sheltered and would be well cared for. He thanked Allah over and over and wondered at the mysteries of life. Not so long ago he had been cast into a deep, dark well with no hope of ever coming out alive. Next he was rescued, then enslaved in iron shackles, and now he was moving freely in a luxurious mansion, with enough food to enjoy. However, his heart ached with longing for his parents and brother Benjamin, and he shed tears daily.
Joseph was made the personal attendant of the chief minister's wife. He was obedient and ever-obliging. With his pleasant manners and charming behavior, he won everybody's heart.
☷ The People's Feelings toward Joseph
Joseph's handsomeness became the talk of the town. People referred to him as the most attractive man they had ever seen and wrote poetry about him. His face carried immaculate beauty. The purity of his inner soul and his heart showed in his face, increasing his beauty. People from afar came to the city to have a glimpse of him. The prettiest of maidens and the richest of ladies nursed the desire to possess him, but not once did he show haughtiness or conceit. He was always humble and polite.
☷ Joseph's Qualities
The days passed and Joseph grew. Almighty Allah said: And when he (Joseph) attained his full manhood. We gave him wisdom and knowledge (the Prophethood), thus We reward the doers of good. Surah 12: 22
He was given wisdom in affairs and knowledge of life and its conditions. He was given the art of conversation, captivating those who heard him. He was given nobility and self-restraint, which made him an irresistible personality. His master soon knew that Allah had graced him with Joseph. He understood that Joseph was the most honest, straightforward and noble person he had met in his life. Therefore, he put Joseph in charge of his household, honored him, and treated him as a son.
☷ Zulaikha's Feelings for Joseph
The wife of the chief minister, Zulaikha, watched Joseph from day to day. She sat with him, talked with him, listened to him, and her wonder increased over the passage of time.
Joseph was soon confronted (with his second trial). The chief minister's wife, Zulaikha, could not resist the handsome Joseph, and her obsession with him caused her sleepless nights. She fell in love with him, and it was painful for her to be so close to a man, yet be unable to hold him. Yet, she was not a wayward woman, for in her position she could get any man she desired. By all accounts she must have been a very pretty and intelligent lady, or why would the chief minister have chosen her of all the pretty women in the kingdom? Although she bore him no child, he would not take another wife, as he loved her passionately.
The Qur'an raises the curtain on the scene of this fierce and devouring love on the part of the lady. Allah the Almighty told us: And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him (to do an evil act), she closed the doors and said: "Come on, 0 you." He said: "I seek refuge in Allah (or Allah forbid)! Truly, he (your husband) is my master! He made my stay agreeable! (So I will never betray him). Verily, the Zalimun (wrong - and evil-doers) will never be successful." And indeed she did desire him and he would have inclined to her desire, had he not seen the evidence of his Lord. Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and illegal sexual intercourse. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. Surah 12: 23-24
☷ Joseph's Feelings for Zulaikha
Commentators are unanimous about her (Zulaikha) intention of disobedience but disagree about his own intention. There are those who say that she tempted him and he tempted her to sin, although he did not follow through with his intent. Others say that she merely wanted him to kiss her, and he attempted to strike her. Yet others say that this anxiety had been there before this incident. There was a psychological disturbance in Joseph when he reached adolescence, which Almighty Allah rid him of.
The safest commentary for us is that there is temptation and resistance in the verse, for He Most High stated: And indeed she did desire him and he would have inclined to her desire..." Surah 12: 24
Abu Ubaidah said that this is a temptation and resistance meaning that she had tried to seduce him; had he not seen the proof of Allah, he would have been seduced. This is in keeping with the infallibility of prophets, as it suits the words which immediately follow: Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and illegal sexual intercourse. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. Surah 12: 24
This verse proves that Joseph was an upright worshiper of Allah; it also testifies to his rescue from the authority of Satan. The Almighty said to the devil (Iblis) on the Day of Creation, "Certainly, you shall have no authority over My slaves, except those who follow you of the Ghawin (Mushrikeen and those who go astray, criminals, polyt heists, and evil-doers, etc.)" Surah 15: 42
☷ Zulaikha's False Accusation
Joseph's refusal only heightened her passion. As he moved to the door to escape, she ran after him and caught hold of his shirt, like a drowning person clinging to the boat. In her tugging she tore his shirt and held the torn piece in her hand. They reached the door together. It opened suddenly; there stood her husband and a relative of hers. Almighty Allah said: So they raced with one another to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back. They both found her lord (i.e. her husband) at the door. Surah 12: 25
As he opened the door, he saw her husband standing in front of him. The sly woman immediately changed her tone to anger and, showing the torn piece of the shirt in her hand, asked her husband: "What is the recompense (punishment) for him who intended an evil design against your wife, except that he be put in prison or a painful torment?" Surah 12: 25
She was now accusing Joseph of molesting her, to give the impression that she was innocent and a victim of Joseph's sexual desire. Though bewildered Joseph denied it: "It was she that sought to seduce me.
After the husband had questioned his wife and Joseph, he consulted Zulaikha's cousin. He was an honest, wise man who listened to both accounts and gave his opinion. He said the proof was in the shirt. If it was torn at the front it meant that he had tried to seduce her, as the torn shirt would then be a proof of self-defense. The husband asked: "And if the shirt is torn at the back?" The relative said: "Then it would mean that she was the one who tempted him." Surah 12: 26
The shirt was passed from hand to hand, while she watched. The witness (her cousin) looked at it and found that it was torn at the back. The evidence clearly showed that she was guilty. The disappointed husband remarked to his wife: "Surely, it is a plot of you women! Certainly mighty is you plot!" Surah 12: 28
The wise and just Aziz apologized to Joseph for his wife's indecency. He also instructed her to beg Joseph's forgiveness for accusing him falsely. Allah the Almighty narrated this incident thus: He (Joseph) said: "It was she that sought to seduce me," - and a witness of her household bore witness (saying): "If it be that his shirt is torn from the front, then her tale is true and he is a liar! But if it be that his shirt is torn from the back, then she has told a lie and he is speaking the truth!"
So when he (her husband) saw his (Joseph's) shirt torn at the back; (her husband) said: "Surely, it is a plot of you women! Certainly mighty is your plot! 0 Joseph! Turn away from this! (0 woman!) Ask forgiveness for your sin. Verily, you were of the sinful." Surah 12: 26-29
☷ Zulaikha is Ridiculed by the People
An incident like this cannot remain a secret in a house filled with servants, and the story spread. Women began to see her behavior as scandalous. They remarked: "The wife of Al-Aziz is seeking to seduce her (slave) young man, indeed she loves him violently; verily, we see her in plain error." Surah 12: 30
☷ Zulaikha's Plan to Regain Her Reputation
Naturally their gossip distressed Zulaikha. She honestly believed that it was not easy for any woman to resist a man as handsome as Joseph. To prove her helplessness, she planned to subject the women to the same temptation she faced. She invited them to a lavish banquet. No one so invited would want to miss the honor of dining with the chief minister's wife; besides, they secretly harbored the desire to meet the handsome Joseph face to face. Some of her close friends jokingly said they would come only if she introduced them to Joseph.
The invitation was restricted to ladies. The banquet began, laughter and mirth abounded. Etiquette dictated that the ladies not mention the topic of Joseph. They were shocked, therefore, when Zulaikha opened the topic. "I have heard of those who say I have fallen in love with the young Hebrew man, Joseph." Silence fell upon the banquet. At once all the guests' hands stopped, and all eyes fell on the chief minister's wife. She said, while giving orders for the fruit to be served: "I admit that he is a charming fellow. I do not deny that I love him. I have loved him for a long time."
☷ The Women's Reaction to Joseph
The confession of the chief minister's wife removed the tension among the ladies. After finishing their dinner, the guests began cutting their fruit. At that very moment she summoned Joseph to make his appearance. He entered the hall gracefully, his gaze lowered. Zulaikha called him by his name and he raised his head. The guests were astonished and dumbfounded. His face was shining and full of manliness and angelic beauty. It reflected complete innocence, so much so that one could feel the peace of mind in the depth of his soul.
They exclaimed in astonishment while continuing to cut the fruit. All their eyes were on Joseph. So it was that the women began to cut their palms absent-mindedly without feeling that they had cut them.
The presence of Joseph at the scene of drama was so effective that blood flowed without their feeling pain. One of the ladies gasped: "Good gracious!" Another whispered: 'This is not a mortal being!" Another stammered, patting her hair: "This is but a noble angel."
Then the chief minister's wife stood up and announced: "This is the one for whom I have been blamed. I do not deny that I tempted him. You have been enchanted by Joseph, and see what has happened to your hands. I have tempted him, and if he does not do what I want of him he shall be imprisoned."
☷ The Women's Reaction - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah related the scene of the banquet in His words: So when she heard of their accusation, she sent for them and prepared a banquet for them; she gave each one of them a knife (to cut the foodstuff with), and she said (to Joseph): "Come out before them." Then, when they saw him, they exalted him (at his beauty) and (in their astonishment) cut their hands. They said: "How perfect is Allah (or Allah forbid)! No man is this! This is none other than a noble angel!"
She said: "This is he (the young man) about whom you did blame me (for his love), and I did seek to seduce him, but he refused. And now if he refuses to obey my order, he shall certainly be cast into prison, and will be one of those who are disgraced." Surah 31-32
☷ Joseph's Decision to Go to Jail
He said: "0 my Lord! Prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. Unless You turn away their plot from me, I will feel inclined towards them and be one (of those who commit sin and deserve blame or those who do deeds) of the ignorants."
So his Lord answered his invocation and turned away from him their plot. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the AllKnower. Surah 12: 33-34
That evening, Zulaikha convinced her husband that the only way to save her honor was to put Joseph in prison; otherwise she would not be able to control herself or to safeguard his prestige. The chief minister knew Joseph was absolutely innocent, that he was a young man of honor, a loyal servant, and he loved him for these reasons. It was not an easy decision for him to put an innocent man behind bars. However, he was left with no choice. He reasoned that Joseph's honor would also be safeguarded if he was kept out of Zulaikha's sight. That night, with a heavy heart, the chief minister sent Joseph to prison.
☷ Joseph's Time in Prison
Prison was Joseph's third test. During this period Allah blessed him with an extraordinary gift: the ability to interpret dreams. At about the same time two other men landed in the prison. One was the cupbearer of the king; the other was the king's cook. The two men sensed that Joseph was not a common criminal, for an aura of piety glowed on his face. Both men had vivid dreams, and they were anxious to have them explained. The king's cook dreamed that he stood in a place with bread on his head, and two birds were eating the bread. The cupbearer dreamed that he was serving the king wine. The two went to Joseph and told him their dreams, asking him to give them their meaning.
First, Joseph called them to Allah. Then he said that the cook would be crucified until he died and that the cupbearer would return to the service of the king. Joseph told the cupbearer to remember him to the king and to say that there was a wronged soul called Joseph in the prison. What Joseph predicted did happen; the cook was crucified and the cupbearer returned to the palace.
After the cupbearer returned to service, Satan made him forget to mention Joseph's name to the king. Therefore, Joseph remained in prison for a few years, but he made patience his own, praying to Allah.
☷ Joseph's Time in Prison - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah narrated: And there entered with him two young men in the prison. One of them said: "Verily, I saw myself (in a dream) pressing wine." The other said: "Verily, I saw myself (in a dream) carrying bread on my head and birds were eating thereof" (They said): "Inform us of the interpretation of this. Verily, we think you are one of the Muhsineen (doers of good)."
He said: "No food will come to you (in wakefulness or in dream) as your provision, but I will inform (in wakefulness) its interpretation before it (the food) comes. This is of that which my Lord has taught me. Verily, I have abandoned the religion of a people that believe not in Allah and are disbelievers in the Hereafter. And I have followed the religion of my fathers, - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and never could we attribute any partners whatsoever to Allah. This is from the Grace of Allah to us and to mankind, but most men thank not (i.e. they neither believe in Allah, nor worship Him).
"0 two companions of the prison! Are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible? You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. The command (or the judgment) is for none but Allah. He has commanded (i.e. His Monotheism), that is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not.
"0 two companions of the prison! As for one of you, he (as a servant) will pour out wine for his lord (King or master) to drink; and as for the other, he will be crucified and birds will eat from his head. Thus is the case judged concerning which you both did inquire."
And he said to the one whom he knew to be saved: 'Mention me to your lord (i.e. your King, so as to get me out of the prison)." But Satan made him forget to mention it to his lord or Satan made (Joseph) to forget the remembrance of his Lord (Allah) as to ask for His Help, instead of others. So (Joseph) stayed in prison a few (more) years. Surah 12: 36-42
☷ The King's Dream
The scene in the prison closes; a new scene opens in the bed chamber of the king. The king is asleep. He sees himself on the banks of the Nile river. The water is receding before him, becoming mere mud. The fish begin to skip and jump in the mud. Seven fat cows come out of the river followed by seven lean cows. The seven lean ones devour the seven fat ones. The king is terrified. Then seven ears of green grain grow on the river banks and disappear in the mud. On the same spot grow seven dry ears of grain.
The king awoke frightened, shocked, and depressed, not knowing what all this meant. He sent for the sorcerers, priests and ministers, and told them his dream.
The sorcerers said: "This is a mixed up dream. How can any of that be? It is a nightmare."
The priests said: "Perhaps his majesty had a heavy supper."
The chief minister said: "Could it be that his majesty was exposed and did not draw the blanket up at night?"
The king's jester said, jokingly: "His majesty is beginning to grow old, and so his dreams are confused."
They reached a unanimous conclusion that it was only a nightmare.
The news reached the cupbearer. He recollected the dream he had had in prison and compared it to the king's dream, and, therefore Joseph came to mind. He ran to the king to tell him about Joseph, who was the only one capable of interpreting the dream. The cupbearer said: "He had asked me to remember him to you, but I forgot." The king sent the cupbearer to ask Joseph about the dream.
☷ Joseph's Interpretation of the Dream
Joseph interpreted it to him: "There will be seven years of abundance. If the land is properly cultivated, there will be an excess of good harvest, more than the people will need. This should be stored. Thereafter, seven years of famine will follow, during which time the excess grain could be used."
He also advised that during the famine they should save some grain to be used for seed for the next harvest. Joseph then added: "After seven years of drought, there will be a year during which water will be plentiful. If the water is properly used, grapevines and olive trees will grow in abundance, providing plenty of grapes and olive oil."
The cupbearer hurried back with the good news. The king was fascinated by Joseph's interpretation.
☷ The Dream and Interpretation - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah narrated this incident thus: And the king (of Egypt) said: "Verily, I saw (in a dream) seven fat cows, whom seven lean cows were devouring - and (seven) green ears of corn, and seven others dry. 0 notables! Explain to me my dream, if it be that you can interpret dreams."
They said: 'Mixed up false dreams and we are not skilled in the interpretation of dreams."
Then the man who was released (one of the two who were in prison), now at length remembered and said: "I will tell you its interpretation, so send me forth."
(He said): "0 Joseph, the man of truth! Explain to us (the dream) of seven fat cows whom seven lean ones were devouring, and of seven green ears of corn, and (seven) others dry, that I may return to the people, and that they may know." (Joseph) said: "For seven consecutive years, you shall sow as usual and that (the harvest) which you reap you shall leave in ears, (all) - except a little of it which you may eat. Then will come after that seven hard (years), which will devour what you have laid by in advance for them, (all) except a little of that which you have guarded (stored). Then thereafter will come a year in which people will have abundant rain and in which they will press (wine and oil)." Surah 12: 43-49
☷ Joseph's Innocence Proved
The king was greatly astonished. Who could this person be? He commanded that Joseph to be set free from prison and presented to him at once. The king's envoy went to fetch him immediately, but Joseph refused to leave the prison unless his innocence was proven. Perhaps they accused him of cutting the ladies' hands, or of trying to rape them. Perhaps any other false accusation was made.
We do not know exactly what was said to the people to justify Joseph's sentence to prison. The envoy returned to the king. The kings asked him: "Where is Joseph? Did I not command you to fetch him?"
The envoy replied: "He refused to leave until his innocence is established regarding the ladies who cut their hands."
The king ordered: "Bring the wives of the ministers and the wife of the chief minister at once." The king felt that Joseph had been harmed unfairly but he did not know exactly how.
The wife of the chief minister came with the other ministers' wives. The king asked: "What is the story of Joseph? What do you know about him? Is it true that...?" .
One of the ladies interrupted the king exclaiming: "Allah forbid!"
A second said: "We know of no evil he has done."
A third said: "He enjoys the innocence of angels."
The eyes of everyone turned to the wife of the chief minister. She now wore a wrinkled face and had lost weight. She had been overwhelmed by sorrow over Joseph while he was in prison. She boldly confessed that she had lied and he had told the truth. "I tempted him; but he refused." She confirmed what she said, not out of fear of the king or the other ladies, but for Joseph to know that she had never betrayed him during his absence, for he was still in her mind and soul. Of all creation he was the only one she cared for, so she confirmed his innocence before all.
☷ Joseph's Innocence Proved - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah said: And the king said: "Bring him to me. But when the messenger came to him (Joseph) said: "Return to your lord and ask him, 'What happened to the women who cut their hands? Surely, my Lord (Allah) is WellAware of their plot.
(The king) said (to the women): 'What was your affair when you did seek to seduce Joseph?" The women said: 'Allah forbid! No evil know we against him!" The wife of Al- 'Aziz said: "Now the truth is manifest (to all), it was I who sought to seduce him, and he is surely of the truthful."
(Then Joseph said. "I asked for this enquiry) in order that he (Al- 'Aziz) may know that I betrayed him not in secret. And, verily! Allah guides not the plot of the betrayers. And I free not myself (from the blame). Verily, the (human) self is inclined to evil, except when my Lord bestows His Mercy (upon whom He wills). Verily, my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." Surah 12: 50-53
☷ Zulaikha's Life Afterwards
Reflecting on these verses suggests that she had turned to Joseph's religion, monotheism. His imprisonment was a great turning point in her life.
After this, the Qur'anic style neglects the story of the chief minister's wife completely. We do not know what happened to her after she gave her clear evidence. Yet still, there are legends about her. It has been said that after her husband died she married Joseph, and, behold, she was a virgin. She confessed that her husband had been old and had never touched women. Other legends said that she lost her sight, weeping for Joseph. She abandoned her palace and wandered in the streets of the city.
However, the lady disappeared from the Qur'anic narrative at a suitable stage, at the climax of her trouble. Perhaps she lingers in memory longer than if we had known the ending.
☷ Joseph's High Position
The king informed Joseph that his innocence was established and ordered him to come to the palace for an interview. The king recognized his noble qualities. When Joseph came, the king spoke to him in his tongue. Joseph's replies astonished the king with his cultural refinement and wide knowledge.
Then the conversation turned to the dream. Joseph advised the king to start planning for years of famine ahead. He informed him that the famine would affect not only Egypt but the neighboring countries as well. The king offered him a high position. Joseph asked to be made controller of the granaries, so that he could guard the nation's harvest and thereby safeguard it during the anticipated drought. By this Joseph did not mean to seize an opportunity or personal gain; he merely wanted to rescue hungry nations for a period of seven years. It was a sheer self-sacrifice on his part.
☷ Joseph's High Position - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah said: And the king said. "Bring him to me that I may attach him to my person." Then, when he spoke to him, he said: "Verily, this day, you are with us high in rank and fully trusted."
(Joseph) said: "Set me over the store-houses of the land; I will indeed guard them with full knowledge" (as a minister of finance in Egypt. in place of Al- Aziz who was dead at that time).
Thus did We give full authority to Joseph in the land, to take possession therein, as when or where he likes. We bestow of Our Mercy on whom We please, and We make not to be lost the reward of Al-Muhsineen (the good-doers). Surah 12: 54-57
☷ Joseph Meets His Brothers
The wheels of time turned. During the seven good years, Joseph had full control over the cultivation, harvesting, and storage of crops. During the following seven years, drought followed and famine spread throughout the region, including Canaan, the homeland of Joseph. Joseph advised the king that as his kingdom was blessed with reserved grain, he should sell grain to the needy nations at a fair price. The king agreed, and the good news spread all over the region.
Jacob sent ten of his sons, all except Benjamin, to Egypt to purchase provisions. Joseph heard of the ten brothers who had come from afar and who could not speak the language of the Egyptians. When they called on him to purchase their needs, Joseph immediately recognized his brothers, but they did not know him. How could they? To them Joseph no longer existed; he had been thrown into the deep, dark well many years ago!
Joseph received them warmly. After supplying them with provisions, he asked where they had come from. They explained: "We are eleven brothers, the children of a noble prophet. The youngest is at home tending to the needs of our aging father."
On hearing this, Joseph's eyes filled with tears; his longing for home swelled up in his heart, as well as his longing for his beloved parents and his loving brother Benjamin. "Are you truthful people?" Joseph asked them.
Perturbed, they replied: "What reason should we have to state an untruth?"
"If what you say is true then bring your brother as proof and I will reward you with double rations. But if you do not bring him to me, it would be better if you did not return," Joseph warned them.
They assured him that they would gladly fulfill his command but that they would have to get their father's permission. As an inducement to return with their brother, Joseph ordered his servant to secretly place the purse, with the money they had paid, into one of their grain sacks.
☷ Joseph Meets His Brothers - Qur'anic
Allah the Almighty said: And Joseph's brethren came and they entered unto him, and he recognized them, but they recognized him not. And when he had furnished them forth with provisions (according to their need), he said: "Bring me a brother of yours from your father; (he meant Benjamin). See you not that I give full measure, and that I am the best of the hosts? But if you bring him not to me, there shall be no measure (of corn) for you with me, nor shall you come near me."
They said: "We shall try to get permission (for him) from his father, and verily, we shall do it."
And (Joseph) told his servants to put their money (with which they had bought the corn) into their bags, so that they might know it when they go back to their people, in order that they might come back. Surah 12: 58-62
☷ The Brothers Return to Canaan
The scene dims in Egypt and lights in Canaan. The brothers returned to their father. Before they could unload the camels, they greeted him, then reproved him: "We were denied some supplies because you did not let your son go with us. They would not give us food for absentees. Why would you not entrust him with us? Please, send him with us, and we shall take care of him."
Jacob became sad and told them: "I will not permit Benjamin to travel with you. I will not part with him, for I entrusted Joseph to you and you failed me."
Later, when they opened their grain sacks, they were surprised to find the money purse returned intact. They rushed to their father: "Look, father! The noble official has returned our money; this is surely proof that he would not harm our brother and it can only benefit us." But Jacob refused to send Benjamin with them.
After some time, when they had no more grain, Jacob asked them to travel to Egypt for more. They reminded him of the warning the Egyptian official had given them. They could not return without Benjamin. Jacob agreed, but not before he extracted a pledge from them. "I will not send him with you unless you give me a pledge in Allah's name that you shall bring him back to me as safely as you take him." They gave their solemn pledge. He reminded them: "Allah is witness to your pledge." He then advised them to enter the city through several different gates.
☷ The Brothers Return to Canaan - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah narrated: So, when they returned to their father, they said: "0 our father! No more measure of grain shall we get (unless we take our brother). So send our brother with us, and we shall get our measure and truly we will guard him." He said: "Can I entrust him to you except as I entrusted his brother (Joseph) to you aforetime? But Allah is the best to guard, and He is the Most Merciful of those Who show mercy.
And when they opened their bags, they found their money had been returned to them. They said: "0 our father! What (more) can we desire? This, our money has been returned to us, so we shall get (more) food for our family, and we shall guard our brother and add one more measure of a camel's load. This quantity is easy (for the king to give)."
He (Jacob) said: "I will not send him with you until you swear a solemn oath to me in Allah's Name, that you will bring him back to me unless you are yourselves surrounded (by enemies, etc.)." And when they had sworn their solemn oath, he said: 'Allah is the Witness over what we have said."
And he said: "0 my sons! Do not enter by one gate, but by different gates, and I cannot avail you against Allah at all. Verily! The decision rests only with Allah. In Him, Iput my trust and let all those that trust, put their trust in Him." Surah 12: 63-67
Jacob blessed them on their departure and prayed to Allah for their protection. The brothers undertook the long journey to Egypt, taking good care of Benjamin.
☷ Joseph and Benjamin Meet
Joseph welcomed them heartily, although, with difficulty, he suppressed the desire to embrace Benjamin that arose within him. He prepared a feast for them and seated them in pairs. Joseph arranged to sit next to his beloved brother Benjamin, who began to weep. Joseph asked him why he was crying. He replied: "If my brother Joseph had been here, I would have sat next to him."
That night, when Joseph and Benjamin were alone in a room, Joseph asked whether he would have him for a brother. Benjamin respectfully answered that he regarded his host as a wonderful person, but he could never take the place of his brother. Joseph broke down, and amidst flowing tears, said: "My loving brother, I am the brother who was lost and whose name you are constantly repeating. Fate has brought us together after many years of separation. This is Allah's favor. But let it be a secret between us for the time being." Benjamin flung his arms around Joseph and both brothers shed tears of joy.
☷ A Thief Among the Brothers
The next day, while their bags were being filled with grain to load onto the camels, Joseph ordered one of his attendants to place the king's gold cup which was used for measuring the grain into Benjamin's saddlebag. When the brothers were ready to set out, the gates were locked, and the court crier shouted: "0 you travelers, you are thieves!" The accusation was most unusual, and the people gathered around Joseph's brothers.
"What have you lost?" his brothers inquired.
A soldier said: 'The king's golden cup. Whoever can trace it we will give a beast-load of grain."
Joseph's brothers said with all innocence: "We have not come here to corrupt the land and steal."
Joseph's officers said (as he had instructed them): "What punishment should you choose for the thief?" The brothers answered: "According to our law, whoever steals becomes a slave to the owner of the property."
The officers agreed: "We shall apply your law instead of the Egyptian law, which provides for imprisonment."
The chief officer ordered his soldiers to start searching the caravan. Joseph was watching the incident from high upon his throne. He had given instructions for Benjamin's bag to be the last to be searched. When they did not find the cup in the bags of the ten older brothers, the brothers sighed in relief.
☷ Benjamin is Accused
There remained only the bag of their youngest brother.
Joseph said, intervening for the first time, that there was no need to search his saddle, as he did not look like a thief.
His brothers affirmed: "We will not move an inch unless his saddle is searched as well. We are the sons of a noble man, not thieves."
The soldiers reached in their hands and pulled out the king's cup. The brothers exclaimed: "If he steals now, a brother of his has stolen before." They strayed from the present issue in order to blame a particular group of the children of Jacob.
Joseph heard their resentment with his own ears and was filled with regret. Yet, he swallowed his own resentment, keeping it within. He said to himself: 'You went further and fared worse; it shall go bad with you and worse hereafter, and Allah knows your intention."
Silence fell upon them after these remarks by the brothers. Then they forgot their secret satisfaction and thought of Jacob; they had taken an oath with him that they would not betray his son.
They began to beg Joseph for mercy. "Joseph, 0 minister! Take one of us in his stead. He is the son of a good man, and we can see you are a good man."
Joseph answered calmly: "How can you want to set free the man who has stolen the king's cup? It would be sinful."
The brothers went on pleading for mercy. However, the guards said that the king had spoken and his word was law.
Judah, the eldest, was much worried and told the others: "We promised our father in the name of Allah not to fail him. I will, therefore, stay behind and will only return if my father permits me to do so."
☷ Joseph Meets Benjamin and the Accusation - Qur'anic
Regarding this scene, Almighty Allah said: And when they entered according to their father's advice, it did not avail them in the least against (the Will of) Allah, it was but a need of Jacob's inner-self which he discharged. And verily, he was endowed with knowledge because We had taught him, but most men know not. And when they went in before Joseph, he betook his brother (Benjamin) to himself and said: "Verily! I am your brother, so grieve not for what they used to do."
So when he had furnished them forth with their provisions, he put the (golden) bowl into his brother's bag. Then a crier cried: "0 you (in) the caravan! Surely, you are thieves!" They, turning towards them, said: "What is it that you have missed?"
They said: "We have missed the (golden) bowl of the king and for him who produces it is (the reward of) a camel load; I will be bound by it."
They said: "By Allah! Indeed you know that we came not to make mischief in the land, and we are no thieves!"
They (Joseph's brothers) said: "The penalty should be that he, in whose bag it is found, should be held for the punishment (of the crime). Thus we punish the Zalimeen (wrong-doers, etc.)!"
So he (Joseph) began (the search) in their bags before the bag of his brother. Then he brought it out of his brother's bag. Thus did We plan for Joseph. He could not take his brother by the law of the king (as a slave), except that Allah willed it. (So Allah made the brothers to bind themselves with their way of "punishment, i.e. enslaving of a thief") We raise to degrees whom We please, but over all those endowed with knowledge is the All-Knowing (Allah).
They (Joseph's brothers) said: "If he steals, there was a brother of his (Joseph) who did steal before (him)." But these things did Joseph keep in himself, revealing not the secrets to them. He said (within himself): "You are in worst case, and Allah knows best the truth of what you assert!"
They said: "0 ruler of the land! Verily, he has an old father (who will grieve for him); so take one of us in his place. Indeed we think that you are one of the good-doers."
He said: "Allah forbid, that we should take anyone but him with whom we found our property. Indeed (if we did so), we shall be Zalimun (wrong-doers)."
So, when they despaired of him, they held a conference in private. The eldest among them said: "Know you not that you father did take an oath from you in Allah's name, and before this you did fail in your duty with Joseph? Therefore I will not leave this land until my father permits me, or Allah decides my case (by releasing Benjamin) and He is the Best of the judges." Surah 12: 68-80
☷ Joseph's Plan
The brothers left enough provisions behind for Judah, who stayed at a tavern awaiting the fate of Benjamin. In the meantime, Joseph kept Benjamin in his house as his personal guest and told him how he had devised the plot to put the king's cup in his bag, in order to keep him behind, so as to protect him. He was also glad that Judah had stayed behind, as he was a good-hearted brother. Joseph secretly arranged to watch over Judah's well-being.
Joseph's plan in sending the others back was to test their sincerity, to see if they would come back for the two brothers they had left behind.
The Brothers Confront Jacob
When they arrived home, they entered upon their father, calling: "0 our father! Your son has stolen!"
He was puzzled, scarcely believing the news. He was overwhelmed with sorrow and his eyes wept tears. "Patience be with me; perhaps Allah will return all of them to me. He is Most Knowing, Most Wise." A pall of lonesomeness closed over him, yet he found consolation in patience and trusted in Allah.
☷ The Brothers Confront Jacob - Qur'anic
Allah revealed to us what happened at their meeting with their father: Judah said: "Return to your father and say: '0 our father! Verily, your son (Benjamin) has stolen, and we testify not except according to what we know, and we could not know the unseen! And ask (the people of) the town where we have been, and the caravan in which we returned and indeed we are telling the truth.
He (Jacob) said: "Nay, but your ownselves have beguiled you into something. So patience is most fitting (for me). May be Allah will bring them (back) all to me. Truly He! Only He is All-Knowing, All-Wise."
And he turned away from them and said: "Alas, my grief for Joseph!" And he lost his sight because of the sorrow that he was suppressing. Surah 12: 81-84
☷ Jacob's Request to Find Joseph
The father was deeply hurt. Only prayer could comfort him and strengthen his faith and patience. Weeping all those years for his beloved son Joseph - and now one more of his best sons had been snatched from him - Jacob almost lost his sight.
The other sons pleaded with him: "0 father, you are a noble prophet and a great messenger of Allah. Unto you descended revelation and people received guidance and faith from you. Why are you destroying yourself in this way?"
Jacob replied: "Rebuking me will not lessen my grief. Only the return of my sons will comfort me. My sons, go in search of Joseph and his brother; do not despair of Allah's mercy."
☷ Jacob's Request to Find Joseph - Qur'anic
Allah, the Almighty told us: They said: "By Allah! You will never cease remembering Joseph until you become weak with old age, or until you be of the dead."
He said. "I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you know not. 0 my sons! Go you and enquire about Joseph and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah's Mercy. Certainly no one despairs of Allah's Mercy, except the people who disbelieve." Surah 12: 85-87
☷ Joseph Reveals Himself
The caravan set out for Egypt. The brothers - on their way to see the chief minister (Joseph) - were poor and depressed.
On reaching Egypt they collected Judah and called on Joseph, to whom they pleaded: "0 ruler of the land! A hard time has hit us and our family, and we have brought but poor capital, so pay us full measure and be charitable to us. Truly, Allah does reward the charitable." Surah 12: 88
At the end, they begged Joseph. They asked alms of him, appealing to his heart, reminding him that Allah rewards alms givers. At this moment, in the midst of their plight, Joseph spoke to them in their native tongue saying: "Do you know what you did with Joseph and his brother, when you were ignorant?"
They said: "Are you indeed Joseph?"
He said: "I am Joseph, and this is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been Gracious to us. Verily, he who fears Allah with obedience to Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, and by performing righteous good deeds), and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the good doers to be lost."
They said: "By Allah! Indeed Allah has preferred you above us, and we certainly have been sinners. " Surah 12: 89-91
The brothers began to tremble with fear, but Joseph comforted them: "No reproach on you this day, may Allah forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!" Surah 12: 92
☷ Jacob Learns About Joseph
Joseph embraced them, and together they wept with joy. It was not possible for Joseph to leave his responsible office without proper replacement, so he advised his brothers: "Go with this shirt of mine, and cast it over the face of my father, he will become clear-sighted, and bring to me all your family. " Surah 12: 93
And so the caravan headed back for Palestine. We leave the scene in Egypt and return to Palestine and the house of Jacob. The old man is sitting in his room; tears have been flowing down his cheeks. He stands up all of a sudden, dresses and goes out to his sons' wives. Then he lifts up his face to Heaven and sniffs the air.
The wife of the eldest son remarked: "Jacob has come out of his room today." The women inquired about what was amiss. There was a hint of a smile on his face. The others asked him: "How do you feel today?"
He answered: "I can smell Joseph in the air."
The wives left him alone, saying to one another that there was no hope for the old man. "He will die of weeping over Joseph."
"Did he talk about Joseph's shirt?"
"I do not know. He said he could smell him; perhaps he has gone mad."
That day the old man wanted a cup of milk to break his fast, for he had been fasting. At night he changed his clothes. The caravan was traveling in the desert with Joseph's shirt hidden among the grain. It neared the old man's estate. He gesticulated in his room, and then he prayed a long time, lifting his hands to heaven and sniffing the air. He was weeping as the shirt was nearing him.
And when the caravan departed, their father said: "I do indeed feel the smell of Joseph, if only you think me not a dotard (a person who has weakness of mind because of old age)."
They said: "By Allah! Certainly, you are in your old error."
Then, when the bearer of the glad tidings arrived, he cast it (the shirt) over his face, and he became clear-sighted. He said: "Did I not say to you, 'I know from Allah that which you know not.
They said. "0 our father! Ask Forgiveness (from Allah) for our sins, indeed we have been sinners." Surah 12: 94-97
☷ Jacob and Joseph (PBUT) Meet
The story began with a dream and it ends with the interpretation of the dream. Almighty Allah narrated: He said: "I will ask my Lord for forgiveness for you, verily He! Only He is the Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful."
Then, when they entered unto Joseph, he betook his parents to himself and said: "Enter Egypt, if Allah will, in security."
And he raised his parents to the throne and they fell down before him prostrate. And he said: "0 my father! This is the interpretation of my dream of old! My Lord has made it come true! He was indeed good to me, when He took me out of the prison, and brought you (all here) out of the bedouin-life, after Satan had sown enmity between me and my brothers. Certainly, my Lord is the Most Courteous and Kind unto whom He will. Truly He! Only He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. " Surah 12: 98-100
☷ Epilogue
Consider his feelings now that his dream has come true. He prays to Allah: 'My Lord! You have indeed bestowed on me of the sovereignty, and taught me the interpretation of dreams; The (only) Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Wali (Protector, Helper, Supporter, Guardian, etc.) in this world and in the Hereafter, cause me to die as a Muslim (the one submitting to Your Will), and join me with the righteous." Surah 12: 101
Joseph arranged an audience with the king for himself and his family, to ask the king's permission for them to settle in Egypt. Joseph was an asset to the kingdom, and the king was happy to have him remain with his household. Joseph prostrated to Allah in gratitude.
☷ The Death of Jacob and Joseph (PBUT)
Before he died, Jacob advised his children to adhere to the teachings of Islam, the religion of all of Allah's prophets. Allah the Almighty revealed: Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob? When he said unto his sons: "What will you worship after me?" They said: "We shall worship your Ilah (God - Allah) the Ilah (God) of your fathers. Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, One Ilah (God), and to Him we submit (in Islam)." Surah 2: 133
Joseph , at the moment of his death, asked his brothers to bury him beside his forefathers if they were to leave Egypt. So when Joseph passed away, he was mummified and placed in a coffin until such a time as he could be taken out of Egypt and buried beside his forefathers, as he had requested. It was said that he died at the age of one hundred ten.
*ISLAM¤ENGLISH¤PAGE*
Posted: May 18, 2012 (10:49:34 AM)
☷☷ 11. Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) [PBUH] ☷☷
☷ Introduction
This is the most detailed and fascinating story in the Qur'an, involving both human weaknesses such as jealousy, hatred, pride, passion, deception, intrigue, cruelty, terror as well as noble qualities such as patience, loyalty, bravery, nobility, and compassion.
It is related that among the reasons for its revelation is that the Jews asked the Prophet Muhammad to tell them about Joseph , who was one of their old prophets. His story had been distorted in parts and marred in others with interpolations and exclusions. Therefore it was revealed in the Book of Allah (Qur'an), complete in its minute and careful details.
Allah the Almighty declared: We relate unto you (Muhammad) the best of stories through Our Revelations unto you, of this Qur'an. And before this (i.e. before the coming of Divine Inspiration to you), you were among those who knew nothing about it (the Qur'an). Surah 12: 3
Almighty Allah also decreed: Thus We relate to you (0 Muhammad) some information of what happened before. And indeed We have given you from Us a Reminder (this Qur'an). Whoever turns away from it (this Qur'an - i.e. does not believe in it, nor acts on its orders), verily, they will bear a heavy burden (of sins) on the Day of Resurrection. They will abide in that (state in the Fire of Hell), and evil indeed will it be that load for them on the Day of Resurrection. Surah 20:99-101
The story of Joseph moves in a stream from beginning to end; its substance and form are equally coherent. It inspires you with a feeling for the depth of Allah's power and supremacy and the execution of His rulings despite the challenge of human intervention. And Allah has full power and control over His Affairs, but most of men know not. Surah 12: 21
This is what the story of Joseph confirms categorically, for it ends with comfort and marvels.
☷ Summary of Josoph's Story
Joseph lived all his life confronting schemes made by the people closest to him. His brothers plotted to kill him, but they amended it to exiling him. This happened to him while he was a boy. He was sold into the slave market in Egypt, where he was bought for a nominal sum. Then he fell victim to the attempted seduction by a great man's wife who, when her wish was foiled, sent him to prison, where he remained for some time. In spite of all this, he at length approached close to the Egyptian throne and became the king's chief minister. He then began his call to Allah from the position of the ruling authority.
Allah's plans were carried out, and the matter ended. This is the substance (theme) of the story. As for the form (style) in which it is presented, it is a landmark of wonder.
☷ The Story's Presentation
The story is presented in a sequence of episodes. It gives you scene after scene and the transition is inspiring, informative, and stirring to the imagination. There are also artistic loopholes which leave it to the imagination of the reader to complete the sense, as well as the depth of the picture, the like of which no human artist can bring forth.
☷ Joseph's Childhood
The story begins with a dream and ends with its interpretation. As the sun appeared over the horizon, bathing the earth in its morning glory, Joseph , son of the Prophet Jacob , awoke from his sleep, delighted by a pleasant dream he had had. Filled with excitement, he ran to his father and related it. "0 my father! Verily, I saw (in a dream) eleven stars and the sun and the moon, I saw them prostrating themselves to me." Surah 12: 4
His father's face lit up. He foresaw that Joseph would be the one through whom the prophecy of his grandfather, Prophet Abraham , would be fulfilled, in that his offspring would keep the light of Abraham's house alive and spread Allah's message to mankind.
Therefore, it was narrated that Allah's Messenger Muhammad was asked: "Who is the most honorable amongst the people?" He replied: 'The most God-fearing." The people said: "We do not want to ask you about this." He said: "The most honorable person is Joseph Allah's prophet, the son of Allah's prophet, the son of the faithful friend of Allah (Abraham)."1
However, the father was well aware of the jealousy of Joseph's brothers, so he warned him against telling his dream to his brothers: "0 my son! Relate not your vision to your brothers, lest they arrange a plot against you. Verily! Satan is to man an open enemy! Thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of dreams (and other things) and perfect His Favor on you and on the offspring of Jacob, as He perfected it on your fathers, Abraham and Isaac aforetime! Verily, your Lord is All-Knowing, All-Wise. " Surah 12: 5-6
Joseph heeded is father's warning. He did not tell his brothers what he had seen. It is well known that they hated him so much that it was difficult for him to feel secure telling them what was in his heart and in his dreams.
☷ Description of Jopesh
Joseph was eighteen years old, very handsome and robust, with a gentle temperament. He was respectful, kind, and considerate. His brother Benjamin was equally pleasant. Both were from one mother, Rachel. Because of their refined qualities, the father loved the two more than his other children, and would not let them out of his sight. To protect them, he kept them busy with work in the house garden.
☷ The Evil Plot of Joseph's Brothers
The scene of Jacob and his son closes. Another opens on Joseph's brothers plotting against him. "Truly, Joseph and his brother (Benjamin) are loved more by our father than we, but we are 'Usbah (a storng group). Really, our father is in a plain error. Kill Joseph or cast him out to some (other) land, so that the favor of your father may be given to you alone, and after that you will be righteous folk (by intending repentance before committing the sin)."
One from among them said: "Kill not Joseph, but if you must do something, throw him down to the bottom of a well, he will be picked up by some caravan of travelers." Surah 12: 8-10
The pages of the Old Testament say that Joseph told them his dream, whereas the Qur'an does not say that that happened. Had it been so, the brothers would have said so themselves. The Old Testament claims they had lost their own rights by him, and so they would kill him. Indeed Joseph kept his father's order and did not tell his brothers about his vision.
In spite of this, his brothers sat down to conspire against him. One of them asked: "Why does our father love Joseph more than us?"
Another answered: "Perhaps because of his beauty."
A third said: "Joseph and his brother occupied our father's heart."
The first complained: "Our father has gone all astray."
One of them suggested a solution to the matter: kill Joseph. "Where should we kill him?"
"We should banish him away from these grounds."
"We will send him to a distant land."
"Why should we not kill him and have rest so that the favor of your father may be given to you alone?"
However, Judah (Yahudh), the eldest and most intelligent among them, said: "There is no need to kill him when all you want is to get rid of him. Look here, let us throw him into a well and he will be picked up by a passing caravan. They will take him with them to a distant land. He will disappear from your father's sight and our purpose will be served with his exile. Then after that we shall repent for our crime and become good people once again."
The discussion continued on the idea of dropping Joseph into a well, as it was seen as the safest solution. The plan to kill him was defeated; kidnap into a distant land was approved. It was the cleverest of ideas.
☷ The Brothers Approach Jacob
Their next movement opened the scene between them and their father Jacob : They said. "0 our father! Why do you not trust us with Joseph, when we are indeed his well-wishers? Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and play, and verily, we will take care of him."
He (Jacob) said: "Truly, it saddens me that you should take him away. I fear lest a wolf should devour him, while you are careless of him."
They said: "If a wolf devours him, while we are Usbah (a strong group) (to guard him), then surely, we are the losers. " Surah 12: 11-14
Jacob suggested a point which had not occurred to them in their discussion: he feared that desert wolves would eat him! Did he imply the wolves within them, or did he mean the wild wolves? No one but Allah knows. They coaxed their father to send Joseph with them; he agreed under their pressure.
☷ Joseph Thrown into the Well
They were excited that they could now get rid of Joseph for after this they could stand a better chance of receiving their father's affection. On leaving home, they went directly to the well, as they had planned, on the pretext of drinking water. One of them put his arms around Joseph and held him tightly. Startled by this unusual behavior, Joseph struggled to free himself. More brothers rushed to hold him. One of them removed his shirt. Some more joined in to lift Joseph up and cast him into the deep well. Joseph's piteous pleas made no difference to their cruel hearts.
Then Allah revealed to Joseph that he was safe and should not fear, for he would meet them again some day to remind them of what they had done.
There was water in the well which buoyed Joseph's body, so he was not harmed. He sat lonely in the water, then clung to a rock ledge overhead and climbed on top of it. His brothers left him in this desolate place. Then they killed a sheep and soaked Joseph's shirt in its blood. One brother said that they should swear to keep their deed a close secret. All of them took the oath.
☷ The Brothers Lie to Jacob
And they came to their father in the early part of the night weeping. Surah 12: 16
The scene here is dark night, broken by the crying of ten men. The father is sitting in his house when the sons enter, the darkness of night covering the darkness of their hearts and the darkness of their lies struggling to come out. Jacob wondered aloud: "Why this weeping? Has anything happened to the flock?" They answered crying: "0 our father! We went racing with one another, and left Joseph by our belongings and a wolf devoured him; but you will never believe us even when we speak the truth. Surah 12: 17
"We were surprised after returning from the race that Joseph was in the belly of the wolf."
"We did not see him!"
'You will not believe us even though we are truthful, but we are telling you what happened!"
"The wolf has eaten Joseph!"
"This is Joseph's shirt. We found it soiled with blood, and did not find Joseph!"
And they brought his shirt stained with false blood. Surah 12: 18
Deep down in his heart Jacob knew that his beloved son was still alive and that his other sons were lying. He held the blood-stained shirt in his hands, spread it out and remarked: "What a merciful wolf! He ate up my beloved son without tearing his shirt!" Their faces turned red when he demanded more information, but each one swore by Allah that he was telling the truth. The broken hearted father burst into tears: "Nay, but your ownselves have made up a tale. So (for me) patience is most fitting. And it is Allah (Alone) whose Help can be sought against that which you assert. " Surah 12: 18
The father acted wisely by praying for mighty patience which is free of doubt and by trusting in Allah for help against what they had plotted against him and his son. This scene dims, and the scene opens in the well with which Joseph had been thrown.
☷ Joseph Finds Comfort in Allah
In the dark well Joseph managed to find a stone ledge to hold onto. Around him was total darkness and an eerie silence. Fearful thoughts entered his mind: what would happen to him? where would he find food? why had his own brothers turned against him? would his father know of his plight? His father's smile flashed before him, recalling the love and affection he had always shown him. Joseph began to pray earnestly, pleading to Allah for salvation. Gradually his fear began to subside. His Creator was testing the young man with a great misfortune in order to infuse in him a spirit of patience and courage. Joseph surrendered himself to the will of his Lord.
☷ Joseph From the Well to Slavery
The next scene shows the wide desert. At the horizon is a long line of camels, horses, and men: a caravan on its way to Egypt. The caravan of merchants halted at this famous well for water. A man lowered in his bucket. Joseph was startled by the bucket hurtling down and grabbed hold of it before it could land in the water. As the man began to haul he felt the load unusually heavy, so he peeped into the well. What he saw shocked him: a man was clinging to the rope! He held the rope tightly and shouted to his friends: "Better give me a hand fellows! Looks like I found real treasure in the well!"
His companions rushed to the well and helped him to pull out the stranger holding onto the rope. Standing before them was a healthy, handsome youth, beaming with an angelic smile. They saw in him a handsome prize, for money was all that mattered to them. Immediately, they clapped iron shackles on his feet and took him along to Egypt, far away from his beloved homeland of Canaan.
All over the Egyptian city the news spread that an unusually handsome, robust young slave was on sale. People gathered by the hundreds at the slave market. Some were spectators, others were bidders the elite and the rich, each one craning his neck to view the handsome specimen. The auctioneer had a field day as the bidding went wild, each buyer trying to outbid the other. Eventually, the Aziz, the chief minister of Egypt, outbid all the others and took Joseph to his mansion.
The Qur'an describes this scene as follows: And there came a caravan of travelers; they sent their water-drawer, and he let down his bucket (into the well). He said: "What a good news! Here is a boy." So they hid him as merchandise (a slave). And Allah was the All-Knower of what they did.
And they sold him for a low price, - for a few Dirhams (i.e. for a few silver coins). And they were of those who regarded him insignificant.
And he (the man) from Egypt who bought him, said to his wife: 'Make his stay comfortable, may be he will profit us or we shall adopt him as a son." Thus did We establish Joseph in the land, that We might teach him the interpretation of events. Surah 12: 19-21
See how Allah the Almighty reveals the substance of this long story from its beginning: And Allah has full power and control over His Affairs, but most of men know not. Surah 12: 21
The chains of slavery have closed on Joseph. He was cast into the well, deprived of his father, picked from the well, made a slave, sold at the market, and made the property of this man, the Aziz, the chief minister. The hazards followed in quick succession, leaving Joseph helpless.
☷ Joseph's Master
What we see as hazards and slander is the first step of the ladder on Joseph's way to greatness. Allah is decisive in His action. His plan is carried out despite the plans of others and while theirs are still being made. So He spoils their plan, and Allah's promise is realized. Allah had promised Joseph prophethood. Love for Joseph was thrust into the heart of the man who bought him, and he was a man of no mean position. He was an important personage, one of the ruling class of Egypt.
Therefore, Joseph was pleasantly surprised when the chief minister of Egypt ordered his men to remove the heavy shackles from his swollen feet. He was also surprised when he told Joseph not to betray his trust; he would not be ill-treated if he behaved himself. Joseph smiled at his benefactor, thanked him, and promised to be loyal.
Joseph felt at ease, for at last he was sheltered and would be well cared for. He thanked Allah over and over and wondered at the mysteries of life. Not so long ago he had been cast into a deep, dark well with no hope of ever coming out alive. Next he was rescued, then enslaved in iron shackles, and now he was moving freely in a luxurious mansion, with enough food to enjoy. However, his heart ached with longing for his parents and brother Benjamin, and he shed tears daily.
Joseph was made the personal attendant of the chief minister's wife. He was obedient and ever-obliging. With his pleasant manners and charming behavior, he won everybody's heart.
☷ The People's Feelings toward Joseph
Joseph's handsomeness became the talk of the town. People referred to him as the most attractive man they had ever seen and wrote poetry about him. His face carried immaculate beauty. The purity of his inner soul and his heart showed in his face, increasing his beauty. People from afar came to the city to have a glimpse of him. The prettiest of maidens and the richest of ladies nursed the desire to possess him, but not once did he show haughtiness or conceit. He was always humble and polite.
☷ Joseph's Qualities
The days passed and Joseph grew. Almighty Allah said: And when he (Joseph) attained his full manhood. We gave him wisdom and knowledge (the Prophethood), thus We reward the doers of good. Surah 12: 22
He was given wisdom in affairs and knowledge of life and its conditions. He was given the art of conversation, captivating those who heard him. He was given nobility and self-restraint, which made him an irresistible personality. His master soon knew that Allah had graced him with Joseph. He understood that Joseph was the most honest, straightforward and noble person he had met in his life. Therefore, he put Joseph in charge of his household, honored him, and treated him as a son.
☷ Zulaikha's Feelings for Joseph
The wife of the chief minister, Zulaikha, watched Joseph from day to day. She sat with him, talked with him, listened to him, and her wonder increased over the passage of time.
Joseph was soon confronted (with his second trial). The chief minister's wife, Zulaikha, could not resist the handsome Joseph, and her obsession with him caused her sleepless nights. She fell in love with him, and it was painful for her to be so close to a man, yet be unable to hold him. Yet, she was not a wayward woman, for in her position she could get any man she desired. By all accounts she must have been a very pretty and intelligent lady, or why would the chief minister have chosen her of all the pretty women in the kingdom? Although she bore him no child, he would not take another wife, as he loved her passionately.
The Qur'an raises the curtain on the scene of this fierce and devouring love on the part of the lady. Allah the Almighty told us: And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him (to do an evil act), she closed the doors and said: "Come on, 0 you." He said: "I seek refuge in Allah (or Allah forbid)! Truly, he (your husband) is my master! He made my stay agreeable! (So I will never betray him). Verily, the Zalimun (wrong - and evil-doers) will never be successful." And indeed she did desire him and he would have inclined to her desire, had he not seen the evidence of his Lord. Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and illegal sexual intercourse. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. Surah 12: 23-24
☷ Joseph's Feelings for Zulaikha
Commentators are unanimous about her (Zulaikha) intention of disobedience but disagree about his own intention. There are those who say that she tempted him and he tempted her to sin, although he did not follow through with his intent. Others say that she merely wanted him to kiss her, and he attempted to strike her. Yet others say that this anxiety had been there before this incident. There was a psychological disturbance in Joseph when he reached adolescence, which Almighty Allah rid him of.
The safest commentary for us is that there is temptation and resistance in the verse, for He Most High stated: And indeed she did desire him and he would have inclined to her desire..." Surah 12: 24
Abu Ubaidah said that this is a temptation and resistance meaning that she had tried to seduce him; had he not seen the proof of Allah, he would have been seduced. This is in keeping with the infallibility of prophets, as it suits the words which immediately follow: Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and illegal sexual intercourse. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. Surah 12: 24
This verse proves that Joseph was an upright worshiper of Allah; it also testifies to his rescue from the authority of Satan. The Almighty said to the devil (Iblis) on the Day of Creation, "Certainly, you shall have no authority over My slaves, except those who follow you of the Ghawin (Mushrikeen and those who go astray, criminals, polyt heists, and evil-doers, etc.)" Surah 15: 42
☷ Zulaikha's False Accusation
Joseph's refusal only heightened her passion. As he moved to the door to escape, she ran after him and caught hold of his shirt, like a drowning person clinging to the boat. In her tugging she tore his shirt and held the torn piece in her hand. They reached the door together. It opened suddenly; there stood her husband and a relative of hers. Almighty Allah said: So they raced with one another to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back. They both found her lord (i.e. her husband) at the door. Surah 12: 25
As he opened the door, he saw her husband standing in front of him. The sly woman immediately changed her tone to anger and, showing the torn piece of the shirt in her hand, asked her husband: "What is the recompense (punishment) for him who intended an evil design against your wife, except that he be put in prison or a painful torment?" Surah 12: 25
She was now accusing Joseph of molesting her, to give the impression that she was innocent and a victim of Joseph's sexual desire. Though bewildered Joseph denied it: "It was she that sought to seduce me.
After the husband had questioned his wife and Joseph, he consulted Zulaikha's cousin. He was an honest, wise man who listened to both accounts and gave his opinion. He said the proof was in the shirt. If it was torn at the front it meant that he had tried to seduce her, as the torn shirt would then be a proof of self-defense. The husband asked: "And if the shirt is torn at the back?" The relative said: "Then it would mean that she was the one who tempted him." Surah 12: 26
The shirt was passed from hand to hand, while she watched. The witness (her cousin) looked at it and found that it was torn at the back. The evidence clearly showed that she was guilty. The disappointed husband remarked to his wife: "Surely, it is a plot of you women! Certainly mighty is you plot!" Surah 12: 28
The wise and just Aziz apologized to Joseph for his wife's indecency. He also instructed her to beg Joseph's forgiveness for accusing him falsely. Allah the Almighty narrated this incident thus: He (Joseph) said: "It was she that sought to seduce me," - and a witness of her household bore witness (saying): "If it be that his shirt is torn from the front, then her tale is true and he is a liar! But if it be that his shirt is torn from the back, then she has told a lie and he is speaking the truth!"
So when he (her husband) saw his (Joseph's) shirt torn at the back; (her husband) said: "Surely, it is a plot of you women! Certainly mighty is your plot! 0 Joseph! Turn away from this! (0 woman!) Ask forgiveness for your sin. Verily, you were of the sinful." Surah 12: 26-29
☷ Zulaikha is Ridiculed by the People
An incident like this cannot remain a secret in a house filled with servants, and the story spread. Women began to see her behavior as scandalous. They remarked: "The wife of Al-Aziz is seeking to seduce her (slave) young man, indeed she loves him violently; verily, we see her in plain error." Surah 12: 30
☷ Zulaikha's Plan to Regain Her Reputation
Naturally their gossip distressed Zulaikha. She honestly believed that it was not easy for any woman to resist a man as handsome as Joseph. To prove her helplessness, she planned to subject the women to the same temptation she faced. She invited them to a lavish banquet. No one so invited would want to miss the honor of dining with the chief minister's wife; besides, they secretly harbored the desire to meet the handsome Joseph face to face. Some of her close friends jokingly said they would come only if she introduced them to Joseph.
The invitation was restricted to ladies. The banquet began, laughter and mirth abounded. Etiquette dictated that the ladies not mention the topic of Joseph. They were shocked, therefore, when Zulaikha opened the topic. "I have heard of those who say I have fallen in love with the young Hebrew man, Joseph." Silence fell upon the banquet. At once all the guests' hands stopped, and all eyes fell on the chief minister's wife. She said, while giving orders for the fruit to be served: "I admit that he is a charming fellow. I do not deny that I love him. I have loved him for a long time."
☷ The Women's Reaction to Joseph
The confession of the chief minister's wife removed the tension among the ladies. After finishing their dinner, the guests began cutting their fruit. At that very moment she summoned Joseph to make his appearance. He entered the hall gracefully, his gaze lowered. Zulaikha called him by his name and he raised his head. The guests were astonished and dumbfounded. His face was shining and full of manliness and angelic beauty. It reflected complete innocence, so much so that one could feel the peace of mind in the depth of his soul.
They exclaimed in astonishment while continuing to cut the fruit. All their eyes were on Joseph. So it was that the women began to cut their palms absent-mindedly without feeling that they had cut them.
The presence of Joseph at the scene of drama was so effective that blood flowed without their feeling pain. One of the ladies gasped: "Good gracious!" Another whispered: 'This is not a mortal being!" Another stammered, patting her hair: "This is but a noble angel."
Then the chief minister's wife stood up and announced: "This is the one for whom I have been blamed. I do not deny that I tempted him. You have been enchanted by Joseph, and see what has happened to your hands. I have tempted him, and if he does not do what I want of him he shall be imprisoned."
☷ The Women's Reaction - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah related the scene of the banquet in His words: So when she heard of their accusation, she sent for them and prepared a banquet for them; she gave each one of them a knife (to cut the foodstuff with), and she said (to Joseph): "Come out before them." Then, when they saw him, they exalted him (at his beauty) and (in their astonishment) cut their hands. They said: "How perfect is Allah (or Allah forbid)! No man is this! This is none other than a noble angel!"
She said: "This is he (the young man) about whom you did blame me (for his love), and I did seek to seduce him, but he refused. And now if he refuses to obey my order, he shall certainly be cast into prison, and will be one of those who are disgraced." Surah 31-32
☷ Joseph's Decision to Go to Jail
He said: "0 my Lord! Prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. Unless You turn away their plot from me, I will feel inclined towards them and be one (of those who commit sin and deserve blame or those who do deeds) of the ignorants."
So his Lord answered his invocation and turned away from him their plot. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the AllKnower. Surah 12: 33-34
That evening, Zulaikha convinced her husband that the only way to save her honor was to put Joseph in prison; otherwise she would not be able to control herself or to safeguard his prestige. The chief minister knew Joseph was absolutely innocent, that he was a young man of honor, a loyal servant, and he loved him for these reasons. It was not an easy decision for him to put an innocent man behind bars. However, he was left with no choice. He reasoned that Joseph's honor would also be safeguarded if he was kept out of Zulaikha's sight. That night, with a heavy heart, the chief minister sent Joseph to prison.
☷ Joseph's Time in Prison
Prison was Joseph's third test. During this period Allah blessed him with an extraordinary gift: the ability to interpret dreams. At about the same time two other men landed in the prison. One was the cupbearer of the king; the other was the king's cook. The two men sensed that Joseph was not a common criminal, for an aura of piety glowed on his face. Both men had vivid dreams, and they were anxious to have them explained. The king's cook dreamed that he stood in a place with bread on his head, and two birds were eating the bread. The cupbearer dreamed that he was serving the king wine. The two went to Joseph and told him their dreams, asking him to give them their meaning.
First, Joseph called them to Allah. Then he said that the cook would be crucified until he died and that the cupbearer would return to the service of the king. Joseph told the cupbearer to remember him to the king and to say that there was a wronged soul called Joseph in the prison. What Joseph predicted did happen; the cook was crucified and the cupbearer returned to the palace.
After the cupbearer returned to service, Satan made him forget to mention Joseph's name to the king. Therefore, Joseph remained in prison for a few years, but he made patience his own, praying to Allah.
☷ Joseph's Time in Prison - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah narrated: And there entered with him two young men in the prison. One of them said: "Verily, I saw myself (in a dream) pressing wine." The other said: "Verily, I saw myself (in a dream) carrying bread on my head and birds were eating thereof" (They said): "Inform us of the interpretation of this. Verily, we think you are one of the Muhsineen (doers of good)."
He said: "No food will come to you (in wakefulness or in dream) as your provision, but I will inform (in wakefulness) its interpretation before it (the food) comes. This is of that which my Lord has taught me. Verily, I have abandoned the religion of a people that believe not in Allah and are disbelievers in the Hereafter. And I have followed the religion of my fathers, - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and never could we attribute any partners whatsoever to Allah. This is from the Grace of Allah to us and to mankind, but most men thank not (i.e. they neither believe in Allah, nor worship Him).
"0 two companions of the prison! Are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible? You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. The command (or the judgment) is for none but Allah. He has commanded (i.e. His Monotheism), that is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not.
"0 two companions of the prison! As for one of you, he (as a servant) will pour out wine for his lord (King or master) to drink; and as for the other, he will be crucified and birds will eat from his head. Thus is the case judged concerning which you both did inquire."
And he said to the one whom he knew to be saved: 'Mention me to your lord (i.e. your King, so as to get me out of the prison)." But Satan made him forget to mention it to his lord or Satan made (Joseph) to forget the remembrance of his Lord (Allah) as to ask for His Help, instead of others. So (Joseph) stayed in prison a few (more) years. Surah 12: 36-42
☷ The King's Dream
The scene in the prison closes; a new scene opens in the bed chamber of the king. The king is asleep. He sees himself on the banks of the Nile river. The water is receding before him, becoming mere mud. The fish begin to skip and jump in the mud. Seven fat cows come out of the river followed by seven lean cows. The seven lean ones devour the seven fat ones. The king is terrified. Then seven ears of green grain grow on the river banks and disappear in the mud. On the same spot grow seven dry ears of grain.
The king awoke frightened, shocked, and depressed, not knowing what all this meant. He sent for the sorcerers, priests and ministers, and told them his dream.
The sorcerers said: "This is a mixed up dream. How can any of that be? It is a nightmare."
The priests said: "Perhaps his majesty had a heavy supper."
The chief minister said: "Could it be that his majesty was exposed and did not draw the blanket up at night?"
The king's jester said, jokingly: "His majesty is beginning to grow old, and so his dreams are confused."
They reached a unanimous conclusion that it was only a nightmare.
The news reached the cupbearer. He recollected the dream he had had in prison and compared it to the king's dream, and, therefore Joseph came to mind. He ran to the king to tell him about Joseph, who was the only one capable of interpreting the dream. The cupbearer said: "He had asked me to remember him to you, but I forgot." The king sent the cupbearer to ask Joseph about the dream.
☷ Joseph's Interpretation of the Dream
Joseph interpreted it to him: "There will be seven years of abundance. If the land is properly cultivated, there will be an excess of good harvest, more than the people will need. This should be stored. Thereafter, seven years of famine will follow, during which time the excess grain could be used."
He also advised that during the famine they should save some grain to be used for seed for the next harvest. Joseph then added: "After seven years of drought, there will be a year during which water will be plentiful. If the water is properly used, grapevines and olive trees will grow in abundance, providing plenty of grapes and olive oil."
The cupbearer hurried back with the good news. The king was fascinated by Joseph's interpretation.
☷ The Dream and Interpretation - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah narrated this incident thus: And the king (of Egypt) said: "Verily, I saw (in a dream) seven fat cows, whom seven lean cows were devouring - and (seven) green ears of corn, and seven others dry. 0 notables! Explain to me my dream, if it be that you can interpret dreams."
They said: 'Mixed up false dreams and we are not skilled in the interpretation of dreams."
Then the man who was released (one of the two who were in prison), now at length remembered and said: "I will tell you its interpretation, so send me forth."
(He said): "0 Joseph, the man of truth! Explain to us (the dream) of seven fat cows whom seven lean ones were devouring, and of seven green ears of corn, and (seven) others dry, that I may return to the people, and that they may know." (Joseph) said: "For seven consecutive years, you shall sow as usual and that (the harvest) which you reap you shall leave in ears, (all) - except a little of it which you may eat. Then will come after that seven hard (years), which will devour what you have laid by in advance for them, (all) except a little of that which you have guarded (stored). Then thereafter will come a year in which people will have abundant rain and in which they will press (wine and oil)." Surah 12: 43-49
☷ Joseph's Innocence Proved
The king was greatly astonished. Who could this person be? He commanded that Joseph to be set free from prison and presented to him at once. The king's envoy went to fetch him immediately, but Joseph refused to leave the prison unless his innocence was proven. Perhaps they accused him of cutting the ladies' hands, or of trying to rape them. Perhaps any other false accusation was made.
We do not know exactly what was said to the people to justify Joseph's sentence to prison. The envoy returned to the king. The kings asked him: "Where is Joseph? Did I not command you to fetch him?"
The envoy replied: "He refused to leave until his innocence is established regarding the ladies who cut their hands."
The king ordered: "Bring the wives of the ministers and the wife of the chief minister at once." The king felt that Joseph had been harmed unfairly but he did not know exactly how.
The wife of the chief minister came with the other ministers' wives. The king asked: "What is the story of Joseph? What do you know about him? Is it true that...?" .
One of the ladies interrupted the king exclaiming: "Allah forbid!"
A second said: "We know of no evil he has done."
A third said: "He enjoys the innocence of angels."
The eyes of everyone turned to the wife of the chief minister. She now wore a wrinkled face and had lost weight. She had been overwhelmed by sorrow over Joseph while he was in prison. She boldly confessed that she had lied and he had told the truth. "I tempted him; but he refused." She confirmed what she said, not out of fear of the king or the other ladies, but for Joseph to know that she had never betrayed him during his absence, for he was still in her mind and soul. Of all creation he was the only one she cared for, so she confirmed his innocence before all.
☷ Joseph's Innocence Proved - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah said: And the king said: "Bring him to me. But when the messenger came to him (Joseph) said: "Return to your lord and ask him, 'What happened to the women who cut their hands? Surely, my Lord (Allah) is WellAware of their plot.
(The king) said (to the women): 'What was your affair when you did seek to seduce Joseph?" The women said: 'Allah forbid! No evil know we against him!" The wife of Al- 'Aziz said: "Now the truth is manifest (to all), it was I who sought to seduce him, and he is surely of the truthful."
(Then Joseph said. "I asked for this enquiry) in order that he (Al- 'Aziz) may know that I betrayed him not in secret. And, verily! Allah guides not the plot of the betrayers. And I free not myself (from the blame). Verily, the (human) self is inclined to evil, except when my Lord bestows His Mercy (upon whom He wills). Verily, my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." Surah 12: 50-53
☷ Zulaikha's Life Afterwards
Reflecting on these verses suggests that she had turned to Joseph's religion, monotheism. His imprisonment was a great turning point in her life.
After this, the Qur'anic style neglects the story of the chief minister's wife completely. We do not know what happened to her after she gave her clear evidence. Yet still, there are legends about her. It has been said that after her husband died she married Joseph, and, behold, she was a virgin. She confessed that her husband had been old and had never touched women. Other legends said that she lost her sight, weeping for Joseph. She abandoned her palace and wandered in the streets of the city.
However, the lady disappeared from the Qur'anic narrative at a suitable stage, at the climax of her trouble. Perhaps she lingers in memory longer than if we had known the ending.
☷ Joseph's High Position
The king informed Joseph that his innocence was established and ordered him to come to the palace for an interview. The king recognized his noble qualities. When Joseph came, the king spoke to him in his tongue. Joseph's replies astonished the king with his cultural refinement and wide knowledge.
Then the conversation turned to the dream. Joseph advised the king to start planning for years of famine ahead. He informed him that the famine would affect not only Egypt but the neighboring countries as well. The king offered him a high position. Joseph asked to be made controller of the granaries, so that he could guard the nation's harvest and thereby safeguard it during the anticipated drought. By this Joseph did not mean to seize an opportunity or personal gain; he merely wanted to rescue hungry nations for a period of seven years. It was a sheer self-sacrifice on his part.
☷ Joseph's High Position - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah said: And the king said. "Bring him to me that I may attach him to my person." Then, when he spoke to him, he said: "Verily, this day, you are with us high in rank and fully trusted."
(Joseph) said: "Set me over the store-houses of the land; I will indeed guard them with full knowledge" (as a minister of finance in Egypt. in place of Al- Aziz who was dead at that time).
Thus did We give full authority to Joseph in the land, to take possession therein, as when or where he likes. We bestow of Our Mercy on whom We please, and We make not to be lost the reward of Al-Muhsineen (the good-doers). Surah 12: 54-57
☷ Joseph Meets His Brothers
The wheels of time turned. During the seven good years, Joseph had full control over the cultivation, harvesting, and storage of crops. During the following seven years, drought followed and famine spread throughout the region, including Canaan, the homeland of Joseph. Joseph advised the king that as his kingdom was blessed with reserved grain, he should sell grain to the needy nations at a fair price. The king agreed, and the good news spread all over the region.
Jacob sent ten of his sons, all except Benjamin, to Egypt to purchase provisions. Joseph heard of the ten brothers who had come from afar and who could not speak the language of the Egyptians. When they called on him to purchase their needs, Joseph immediately recognized his brothers, but they did not know him. How could they? To them Joseph no longer existed; he had been thrown into the deep, dark well many years ago!
Joseph received them warmly. After supplying them with provisions, he asked where they had come from. They explained: "We are eleven brothers, the children of a noble prophet. The youngest is at home tending to the needs of our aging father."
On hearing this, Joseph's eyes filled with tears; his longing for home swelled up in his heart, as well as his longing for his beloved parents and his loving brother Benjamin. "Are you truthful people?" Joseph asked them.
Perturbed, they replied: "What reason should we have to state an untruth?"
"If what you say is true then bring your brother as proof and I will reward you with double rations. But if you do not bring him to me, it would be better if you did not return," Joseph warned them.
They assured him that they would gladly fulfill his command but that they would have to get their father's permission. As an inducement to return with their brother, Joseph ordered his servant to secretly place the purse, with the money they had paid, into one of their grain sacks.
☷ Joseph Meets His Brothers - Qur'anic
Allah the Almighty said: And Joseph's brethren came and they entered unto him, and he recognized them, but they recognized him not. And when he had furnished them forth with provisions (according to their need), he said: "Bring me a brother of yours from your father; (he meant Benjamin). See you not that I give full measure, and that I am the best of the hosts? But if you bring him not to me, there shall be no measure (of corn) for you with me, nor shall you come near me."
They said: "We shall try to get permission (for him) from his father, and verily, we shall do it."
And (Joseph) told his servants to put their money (with which they had bought the corn) into their bags, so that they might know it when they go back to their people, in order that they might come back. Surah 12: 58-62
☷ The Brothers Return to Canaan
The scene dims in Egypt and lights in Canaan. The brothers returned to their father. Before they could unload the camels, they greeted him, then reproved him: "We were denied some supplies because you did not let your son go with us. They would not give us food for absentees. Why would you not entrust him with us? Please, send him with us, and we shall take care of him."
Jacob became sad and told them: "I will not permit Benjamin to travel with you. I will not part with him, for I entrusted Joseph to you and you failed me."
Later, when they opened their grain sacks, they were surprised to find the money purse returned intact. They rushed to their father: "Look, father! The noble official has returned our money; this is surely proof that he would not harm our brother and it can only benefit us." But Jacob refused to send Benjamin with them.
After some time, when they had no more grain, Jacob asked them to travel to Egypt for more. They reminded him of the warning the Egyptian official had given them. They could not return without Benjamin. Jacob agreed, but not before he extracted a pledge from them. "I will not send him with you unless you give me a pledge in Allah's name that you shall bring him back to me as safely as you take him." They gave their solemn pledge. He reminded them: "Allah is witness to your pledge." He then advised them to enter the city through several different gates.
☷ The Brothers Return to Canaan - Qur'anic
Almighty Allah narrated: So, when they returned to their father, they said: "0 our father! No more measure of grain shall we get (unless we take our brother). So send our brother with us, and we shall get our measure and truly we will guard him." He said: "Can I entrust him to you except as I entrusted his brother (Joseph) to you aforetime? But Allah is the best to guard, and He is the Most Merciful of those Who show mercy.
And when they opened their bags, they found their money had been returned to them. They said: "0 our father! What (more) can we desire? This, our money has been returned to us, so we shall get (more) food for our family, and we shall guard our brother and add one more measure of a camel's load. This quantity is easy (for the king to give)."
He (Jacob) said: "I will not send him with you until you swear a solemn oath to me in Allah's Name, that you will bring him back to me unless you are yourselves surrounded (by enemies, etc.)." And when they had sworn their solemn oath, he said: 'Allah is the Witness over what we have said."
And he said: "0 my sons! Do not enter by one gate, but by different gates, and I cannot avail you against Allah at all. Verily! The decision rests only with Allah. In Him, Iput my trust and let all those that trust, put their trust in Him." Surah 12: 63-67
Jacob blessed them on their departure and prayed to Allah for their protection. The brothers undertook the long journey to Egypt, taking good care of Benjamin.
☷ Joseph and Benjamin Meet
Joseph welcomed them heartily, although, with difficulty, he suppressed the desire to embrace Benjamin that arose within him. He prepared a feast for them and seated them in pairs. Joseph arranged to sit next to his beloved brother Benjamin, who began to weep. Joseph asked him why he was crying. He replied: "If my brother Joseph had been here, I would have sat next to him."
That night, when Joseph and Benjamin were alone in a room, Joseph asked whether he would have him for a brother. Benjamin respectfully answered that he regarded his host as a wonderful person, but he could never take the place of his brother. Joseph broke down, and amidst flowing tears, said: "My loving brother, I am the brother who was lost and whose name you are constantly repeating. Fate has brought us together after many years of separation. This is Allah's favor. But let it be a secret between us for the time being." Benjamin flung his arms around Joseph and both brothers shed tears of joy.
☷ A Thief Among the Brothers
The next day, while their bags were being filled with grain to load onto the camels, Joseph ordered one of his attendants to place the king's gold cup which was used for measuring the grain into Benjamin's saddlebag. When the brothers were ready to set out, the gates were locked, and the court crier shouted: "0 you travelers, you are thieves!" The accusation was most unusual, and the people gathered around Joseph's brothers.
"What have you lost?" his brothers inquired.
A soldier said: 'The king's golden cup. Whoever can trace it we will give a beast-load of grain."
Joseph's brothers said with all innocence: "We have not come here to corrupt the land and steal."
Joseph's officers said (as he had instructed them): "What punishment should you choose for the thief?" The brothers answered: "According to our law, whoever steals becomes a slave to the owner of the property."
The officers agreed: "We shall apply your law instead of the Egyptian law, which provides for imprisonment."
The chief officer ordered his soldiers to start searching the caravan. Joseph was watching the incident from high upon his throne. He had given instructions for Benjamin's bag to be the last to be searched. When they did not find the cup in the bags of the ten older brothers, the brothers sighed in relief.
☷ Benjamin is Accused
There remained only the bag of their youngest brother.
Joseph said, intervening for the first time, that there was no need to search his saddle, as he did not look like a thief.
His brothers affirmed: "We will not move an inch unless his saddle is searched as well. We are the sons of a noble man, not thieves."
The soldiers reached in their hands and pulled out the king's cup. The brothers exclaimed: "If he steals now, a brother of his has stolen before." They strayed from the present issue in order to blame a particular group of the children of Jacob.
Joseph heard their resentment with his own ears and was filled with regret. Yet, he swallowed his own resentment, keeping it within. He said to himself: 'You went further and fared worse; it shall go bad with you and worse hereafter, and Allah knows your intention."
Silence fell upon them after these remarks by the brothers. Then they forgot their secret satisfaction and thought of Jacob; they had taken an oath with him that they would not betray his son.
They began to beg Joseph for mercy. "Joseph, 0 minister! Take one of us in his stead. He is the son of a good man, and we can see you are a good man."
Joseph answered calmly: "How can you want to set free the man who has stolen the king's cup? It would be sinful."
The brothers went on pleading for mercy. However, the guards said that the king had spoken and his word was law.
Judah, the eldest, was much worried and told the others: "We promised our father in the name of Allah not to fail him. I will, therefore, stay behind and will only return if my father permits me to do so."
☷ Joseph Meets Benjamin and the Accusation - Qur'anic
Regarding this scene, Almighty Allah said: And when they entered according to their father's advice, it did not avail them in the least against (the Will of) Allah, it was but a need of Jacob's inner-self which he discharged. And verily, he was endowed with knowledge because We had taught him, but most men know not. And when they went in before Joseph, he betook his brother (Benjamin) to himself and said: "Verily! I am your brother, so grieve not for what they used to do."
So when he had furnished them forth with their provisions, he put the (golden) bowl into his brother's bag. Then a crier cried: "0 you (in) the caravan! Surely, you are thieves!" They, turning towards them, said: "What is it that you have missed?"
They said: "We have missed the (golden) bowl of the king and for him who produces it is (the reward of) a camel load; I will be bound by it."
They said: "By Allah! Indeed you know that we came not to make mischief in the land, and we are no thieves!"
They (Joseph's brothers) said: "The penalty should be that he, in whose bag it is found, should be held for the punishment (of the crime). Thus we punish the Zalimeen (wrong-doers, etc.)!"
So he (Joseph) began (the search) in their bags before the bag of his brother. Then he brought it out of his brother's bag. Thus did We plan for Joseph. He could not take his brother by the law of the king (as a slave), except that Allah willed it. (So Allah made the brothers to bind themselves with their way of "punishment, i.e. enslaving of a thief") We raise to degrees whom We please, but over all those endowed with knowledge is the All-Knowing (Allah).
They (Joseph's brothers) said: "If he steals, there was a brother of his (Joseph) who did steal before (him)." But these things did Joseph keep in himself, revealing not the secrets to them. He said (within himself): "You are in worst case, and Allah knows best the truth of what you assert!"
They said: "0 ruler of the land! Verily, he has an old father (who will grieve for him); so take one of us in his place. Indeed we think that you are one of the good-doers."
He said: "Allah forbid, that we should take anyone but him with whom we found our property. Indeed (if we did so), we shall be Zalimun (wrong-doers)."
So, when they despaired of him, they held a conference in private. The eldest among them said: "Know you not that you father did take an oath from you in Allah's name, and before this you did fail in your duty with Joseph? Therefore I will not leave this land until my father permits me, or Allah decides my case (by releasing Benjamin) and He is the Best of the judges." Surah 12: 68-80
☷ Joseph's Plan
The brothers left enough provisions behind for Judah, who stayed at a tavern awaiting the fate of Benjamin. In the meantime, Joseph kept Benjamin in his house as his personal guest and told him how he had devised the plot to put the king's cup in his bag, in order to keep him behind, so as to protect him. He was also glad that Judah had stayed behind, as he was a good-hearted brother. Joseph secretly arranged to watch over Judah's well-being.
Joseph's plan in sending the others back was to test their sincerity, to see if they would come back for the two brothers they had left behind.
The Brothers Confront Jacob
When they arrived home, they entered upon their father, calling: "0 our father! Your son has stolen!"
He was puzzled, scarcely believing the news. He was overwhelmed with sorrow and his eyes wept tears. "Patience be with me; perhaps Allah will return all of them to me. He is Most Knowing, Most Wise." A pall of lonesomeness closed over him, yet he found consolation in patience and trusted in Allah.
☷ The Brothers Confront Jacob - Qur'anic
Allah revealed to us what happened at their meeting with their father: Judah said: "Return to your father and say: '0 our father! Verily, your son (Benjamin) has stolen, and we testify not except according to what we know, and we could not know the unseen! And ask (the people of) the town where we have been, and the caravan in which we returned and indeed we are telling the truth.
He (Jacob) said: "Nay, but your ownselves have beguiled you into something. So patience is most fitting (for me). May be Allah will bring them (back) all to me. Truly He! Only He is All-Knowing, All-Wise."
And he turned away from them and said: "Alas, my grief for Joseph!" And he lost his sight because of the sorrow that he was suppressing. Surah 12: 81-84
☷ Jacob's Request to Find Joseph
The father was deeply hurt. Only prayer could comfort him and strengthen his faith and patience. Weeping all those years for his beloved son Joseph - and now one more of his best sons had been snatched from him - Jacob almost lost his sight.
The other sons pleaded with him: "0 father, you are a noble prophet and a great messenger of Allah. Unto you descended revelation and people received guidance and faith from you. Why are you destroying yourself in this way?"
Jacob replied: "Rebuking me will not lessen my grief. Only the return of my sons will comfort me. My sons, go in search of Joseph and his brother; do not despair of Allah's mercy."
☷ Jacob's Request to Find Joseph - Qur'anic
Allah, the Almighty told us: They said: "By Allah! You will never cease remembering Joseph until you become weak with old age, or until you be of the dead."
He said. "I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you know not. 0 my sons! Go you and enquire about Joseph and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah's Mercy. Certainly no one despairs of Allah's Mercy, except the people who disbelieve." Surah 12: 85-87
☷ Joseph Reveals Himself
The caravan set out for Egypt. The brothers - on their way to see the chief minister (Joseph) - were poor and depressed.
On reaching Egypt they collected Judah and called on Joseph, to whom they pleaded: "0 ruler of the land! A hard time has hit us and our family, and we have brought but poor capital, so pay us full measure and be charitable to us. Truly, Allah does reward the charitable." Surah 12: 88
At the end, they begged Joseph. They asked alms of him, appealing to his heart, reminding him that Allah rewards alms givers. At this moment, in the midst of their plight, Joseph spoke to them in their native tongue saying: "Do you know what you did with Joseph and his brother, when you were ignorant?"
They said: "Are you indeed Joseph?"
He said: "I am Joseph, and this is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been Gracious to us. Verily, he who fears Allah with obedience to Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, and by performing righteous good deeds), and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the good doers to be lost."
They said: "By Allah! Indeed Allah has preferred you above us, and we certainly have been sinners. " Surah 12: 89-91
The brothers began to tremble with fear, but Joseph comforted them: "No reproach on you this day, may Allah forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!" Surah 12: 92
☷ Jacob Learns About Joseph
Joseph embraced them, and together they wept with joy. It was not possible for Joseph to leave his responsible office without proper replacement, so he advised his brothers: "Go with this shirt of mine, and cast it over the face of my father, he will become clear-sighted, and bring to me all your family. " Surah 12: 93
And so the caravan headed back for Palestine. We leave the scene in Egypt and return to Palestine and the house of Jacob. The old man is sitting in his room; tears have been flowing down his cheeks. He stands up all of a sudden, dresses and goes out to his sons' wives. Then he lifts up his face to Heaven and sniffs the air.
The wife of the eldest son remarked: "Jacob has come out of his room today." The women inquired about what was amiss. There was a hint of a smile on his face. The others asked him: "How do you feel today?"
He answered: "I can smell Joseph in the air."
The wives left him alone, saying to one another that there was no hope for the old man. "He will die of weeping over Joseph."
"Did he talk about Joseph's shirt?"
"I do not know. He said he could smell him; perhaps he has gone mad."
That day the old man wanted a cup of milk to break his fast, for he had been fasting. At night he changed his clothes. The caravan was traveling in the desert with Joseph's shirt hidden among the grain. It neared the old man's estate. He gesticulated in his room, and then he prayed a long time, lifting his hands to heaven and sniffing the air. He was weeping as the shirt was nearing him.
And when the caravan departed, their father said: "I do indeed feel the smell of Joseph, if only you think me not a dotard (a person who has weakness of mind because of old age)."
They said: "By Allah! Certainly, you are in your old error."
Then, when the bearer of the glad tidings arrived, he cast it (the shirt) over his face, and he became clear-sighted. He said: "Did I not say to you, 'I know from Allah that which you know not.
They said. "0 our father! Ask Forgiveness (from Allah) for our sins, indeed we have been sinners." Surah 12: 94-97
☷ Jacob and Joseph (PBUT) Meet
The story began with a dream and it ends with the interpretation of the dream. Almighty Allah narrated: He said: "I will ask my Lord for forgiveness for you, verily He! Only He is the Oft-forgiving, the Most Merciful."
Then, when they entered unto Joseph, he betook his parents to himself and said: "Enter Egypt, if Allah will, in security."
And he raised his parents to the throne and they fell down before him prostrate. And he said: "0 my father! This is the interpretation of my dream of old! My Lord has made it come true! He was indeed good to me, when He took me out of the prison, and brought you (all here) out of the bedouin-life, after Satan had sown enmity between me and my brothers. Certainly, my Lord is the Most Courteous and Kind unto whom He will. Truly He! Only He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. " Surah 12: 98-100
☷ Epilogue
Consider his feelings now that his dream has come true. He prays to Allah: 'My Lord! You have indeed bestowed on me of the sovereignty, and taught me the interpretation of dreams; The (only) Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Wali (Protector, Helper, Supporter, Guardian, etc.) in this world and in the Hereafter, cause me to die as a Muslim (the one submitting to Your Will), and join me with the righteous." Surah 12: 101
Joseph arranged an audience with the king for himself and his family, to ask the king's permission for them to settle in Egypt. Joseph was an asset to the kingdom, and the king was happy to have him remain with his household. Joseph prostrated to Allah in gratitude.
☷ The Death of Jacob and Joseph (PBUT)
Before he died, Jacob advised his children to adhere to the teachings of Islam, the religion of all of Allah's prophets. Allah the Almighty revealed: Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob? When he said unto his sons: "What will you worship after me?" They said: "We shall worship your Ilah (God - Allah) the Ilah (God) of your fathers. Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, One Ilah (God), and to Him we submit (in Islam)." Surah 2: 133
Joseph , at the moment of his death, asked his brothers to bury him beside his forefathers if they were to leave Egypt. So when Joseph passed away, he was mummified and placed in a coffin until such a time as he could be taken out of Egypt and buried beside his forefathers, as he had requested. It was said that he died at the age of one hundred ten.
Pure Spa International
Posted: May 18, 2012 (07:15:38 AM)
Beauty Secrets from Around the World...
When it comes to beauty routines, the grass is always greener. Japanese women have it made with their long, glossy hair and Greek women's olive-toned complexions are always luminous. But how do they do it? Put down your passport-you won't need to go anywhere to find out. We got insider beauty information from experts on how women across the globe stay gorgeous. Read on to find out their secrets, and learn how you can recreate them at home.
Australia
Australian makeup artist Napoleon Perdis says yarrow extract is used by Australian Aboriginal women to prevent stretch marks, thanks to its moisturizing and hydrating properties. "Yarrow root is also an anti-inflammatory, which soothes the skin."
Chile
Chilean women credit the antioxidant powers of red grapes for their luminous skin. They create a paste by mashing up a handful of the fruit and adding 2 tablespoons of white flour. They then apply the mask to their face and leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off. "It wakes up the appearance of tired and fatigued skin to give you an amazing glow,"
Dominican Republic
"If you ever meet a Dominican woman, look at her nails--chances are they're super-strong," says Vadhera. What's their secret? Women in the Dominican Republic swear by garlic to keep their nails tough as…well, nails. They chop up fresh garlic, add it to a bottle of clear nail polish and let it stew for 7 to 10 days. "There will be an initial smell, so if you want to ward off vampires this is a great way to do it," jokes Vadhera. "But the scent goes away. Garlic has so many strengthening properties and is naturally antibacterial as well."
Egypt
According to Vadhera, Cleopatra's beauty secret was taking milk baths to soften her skin and remove dead cells. To try the treatment at home, Vadhera recommends adding 2 cups of powdered milk to your bath. "It will make your skin look absolutely gorgeous and feel so smooth, silky and soft."
France
"The French woman sticks to a scrupulous and preventive skin and body care routine," says Shannon Gallogly, lead aesthetician for French beauty brands Decleor and Carita. "This means she has weekly facials, regular massages and religiously takes her makeup off each night." Gallogly's recipe for an at-home facial without the price tag of a spa version: Mash up cherries and pomegranate seeds and apply as a mask to the skin for about 6 minutes. "This mask will help brighten skin with natural enzymes while firming at the same time." Remove the mixture with a warm towel to help boost circulation.
Greece
"Greek women are blessed with Mediterranean skin, which is light in color but has enough melanin to shield and absorb harmful UV rays," says New York City dermatologist Macrene Alexiades, MD, PhD, who is half Greek. But even if you aren't genetically blessed, you can still take a cue from the women of Greece. "There are other factors that contribute to their glowing complexion: They eat a Mediterranean diet high in fish, which provides skin-rejuvenating omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as fruits and vegetables, which provide antioxidants and vitamins. They also believe their intake of olive oil contributes to their great skin." So, start reaching for the olive oil instead of butter for better skin.
Israel
Cygalle Dias, owner of New York City's Cygalle Healing Spa, was born in Israel and believes in the healing powers of sea salt. "When you swim in the Dead Sea, all of the salt helps your body rid itself of toxins, and it has also been known to help cure skin diseases." To get the detoxifying benefits of sea salt at home, Dias shares her spa's Lavender Sea Salt Scrub recipe: Mix together ¼ cup sea salt, 1 pinch seaweed powder, ½ cup massage oil and 10 to 15 drops lavender oil. Apply to skin to gently exfoliat.
Italy
How do Italian women maintain their glossy locks? According to Fabio Scalia, Italian hairstylist and owner of Fabio Scalia salon in Brooklyn, New York, the answer is right in your kitchen. Italian women keep their hair shiny by combining yogurt and olive oil and using the mixture as a conditioner. "The protein in the yogurt gently nourishes and conditions." To whip up the rich treatment at home, Scalia recommends mixing 1 cup of plain whole-milk yogurt with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Then apply the mixture to washed hair, let it sit for 5 minutes and rinse with cool water.
Japan
Titi Branch, the half-Japanese cofounder of Miss Jessie's hair care line, credits seaweed for Japanese women's long, silky hair. Nori is a rich source of the trace mineral iodine, which is essential for healthy hair growth. (According to Branch, the iodine added to table salt isn't the right kind to nourish your hair because your body doesn't easily absorb it.) Seaweed is also a rich source of other mane-strengthening minerals-including iron, zinc, selenium and copper. "Japanese women either eat nori seaweed or boil it and apply it to dry hair as a nourishing paste." Head to your local Asian grocer or health food store to pick up sheets of nori. "It's traditionally used to wrap sushi, but you can use it like a tortilla to wrap up veggies with a dash of soy sauce, or crumble the sheets and sprinkle them on a salad, rice or stir-fry," advises Branch.
Spain
Spanish women bring out natural, subtle highlights in their hair by rinsing it with cranberry juice, says Vadhera. Try mixing ¼ cup pure juice (not cocktail blends) with ¼ cup water and doing a final rinse with it in the shower. "If you're going to be in the sun, the cranberry juice brings out the rich hues in your hair," she says. "It works amazingly on brunettes, but if you're blonde you'll want to use lemon juice instead to avoid ending up with pink hair."
Sweden
Swedish women attribute their glowing, healthy skin to their diet of antioxidant-packed fresh berries and grilled fish, says Petra Strand, Swedish makeup artist and creator of makeup line Pixi, now available at Target. Give yourself a hit of antioxidants by trying Strand's at-home treatment: Boil mineral water with a green tea or white tea bag, let the tea infuse the water and then freeze it into ice cubes to use instead of a toner. "Saunas are also a big part of Swedish culture," says Strand. "The dry, clean heat rids your body of toxins." To get the effect of a sauna at home, Strand says to take a handful of rock salt and add a dash of olive oil and about 10 drops of pure eucalyptus oil. Rub it all over your body and rinse with a blast of cold water.
So there you have the 8 beauty tips from around the world ...I might add that we at Pure Spa International have never try any of the above so we cannot agree or disagree ....but please if anyone try any do post what you though ..look forward to hearing from Y All Cheers
I Paid A Bribe naija
Posted: May 18, 2012 (02:44:24 AM)
U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier: Falconets off to Congo DR :
The Falconets yesterday set off to Kinshasha, Congo DR ahead of this weekend's FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup qualifying match between both nations.
Read Full Story : http://t.co/9IYy1J4G
I Paid A Bribe naija
Posted: May 18, 2012 (02:40:30 AM)
U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier: Falconets off to Congo DR :
The Falconets yesterday set off to Kinshasha, Congo DR ahead of this weekend's FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup qualifying match between both nations.
Read Full Story : http://t.co/9IYy1J4G
Zaheer Khan
Posted: May 17, 2012 (10:37:14 PM)
Zaheer recommended for Arjuna Award
Zaheer Khan has been recommended for the Arjuna Award by the BCCI, the board's chief administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty has said. If awarded, Zaheer will become the 44th Indian cricketer to be given the honour, which was instituted in 1961 by the Indian government to recognise outstanding achievement in national sport.
Zaheer has been India's go-to man in recent years, playing a big role in the side's overseas Test wins that have helped them climb to the top of the rankings. Since re-establishing himself in the Test side in 2007, he has been Man of the Series on three occasions, and has also mentored the younger fast bowlers in the side. In ODIs since the beginning of 2010, he has picked up 41 wickets from 24 games, averaging 25.07. Twenty-one of those wickets came in India's victorious World Cup campaign, making him the tournament's joint-leading wicket-taker alongside Shahid Afridi.
Several of his team-mates including Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir have previously received the award. The last cricketer to win the Arjuna Award was India women's captain Jhulan Goswami in 2010.
Famous Birthdays ( 19th May) :
1469 - Giovanni della Robbia,...
Posted: May 18, 2012 (05:30:08 PM)
Famous Birthdays ( 19th May) :
1469 - Giovanni della Robbia, Ital's sculptor
1611 - Innocent XI, [Benedetto Odescalchi], Italy, 240th Pope (1676-89)
1616 - Johann Jakob Froberger, German singer/organist/composer
1700 - José de Escandón, Spanish colonial governor (d. 1770)
1724 - Augustus Hervey, 3rd Earl of Bristol, British admiral and politician (d. 1779)
1744 - Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (d. 1818)
1746 - Johann Friedrich Peter, composer
1755 - Gabriele Prota, composer
1762 - Johann G Fichte German philosopher (Wissenschaftslehre)
1770 - Antoine-Charles Glachant, composer
1773 - Arthur Aikin, English mineralogist (d. 1854)
1795 - Johns Hopkins, philanthropist, founded Johns Hopkins University
1797 - Maria Isabel of Portugal, queen of Spain (d. 1818)
1808 - Samuel Jameson Gholson, Brigadier General (Confederate Army), died in 1883
1812 - Felix Kirk Zollicoffer, Brigadier General (Confederate Army), died in 1862
1815 - John Gross Barnard, Bvt Major General (Union Army), died in 1882
1827 - Paul-Armand Challemel-Lacour, French statesman (d. 1896)
1828 - Adin Ballou Underwood, Bvt Major General (Union volunteers)
1839 - Alice Mary Smith, composer
1858 - Roland Napoleon Bonaparte, French officer/traveller (Surinam)
1859 - Nellie Melba, [Heal Mitchell], Australian soprano (Peach Melba)
1860 - Victor E Orlando, Italy's premier (1917-19)
1861 - Dame Nellie Melba, Australian opera singer (d. 1931)
1862 - Mikhail Nesterov, Russian painter (d. 1942)
1864 - Carl Ethan Akeley, US, naturalist, devoleped animal mount process
1869 - Jules Poncelet, Belgian minister of State
1870 - Albert Fish, American serial killer (d. 1936)
1873 - Federico Gerdes, composer
1874 - Gilbert Laird Jessop, cricketer (The Croucher)
1878 - Adam von Ahn Carse, composer
1879 - Nancy Witcher Langhorne Astor, US/Eng's feminist/ex of Waldorf Astor
1880 - Allard R Hulshoff, architect of Amsterdam (1924)
1881 - Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, 1st President of Turkey (d. 1938)
1882 - Mohammed Mosaddeq, Prime Minister of Iran (d. 1967)
1883 - Henricus WJM Keuls, Dutch lawyer/poet (Dancing Lamp)
1884 - Arthur Meulemans, Belgian composer (Adriaan Brouwer) (or 5/10)
1890 - Ho Chi Minh, trail blazer/leader of Vietnam (1946, 1969)
1891 - Oswald Boelcke, German World War I pilot (d. 1916)
1892 - Konstatin G Paustovski, Russian author (Povestj Zjizni) [OS]
1895 - Albert Hay Malotte, composer
1895 - Cecil Gray, composer
1896 - Michael Balcon, Birmingham England, producer/father of Jill Balcon
1897 - Frank Luke, American World War I pilot (d. 1918)
1898 - Julius Evola, Italian philosopher (d. 1974)
1899 - Leonid Maksimovich Leonov, novelist/playwright
1901 - Ivo Cruz, composer
1904 - Anthony Bushell, Kent England, actor (Journey's End)
1904 - Sven Thofelt, Sweden, pentathlete (Olympic-gold-1928)
1906 - Bruce Bennett, American athlete and actor (d. 2007)
1908 - Percy Williams, Canadian athlete (d. 1982)
1909 - Bruce Bennett, Tacoma Wash, actor (Before I Hang, Sahara)
1909 - Schlomo Joffe, composer
1909 - Nicholas Winton, British Humanitarian
1910 - Alan Melville, cricketer (graceful South African batsman 1938-49)
1913 - Albert Hardy, photographer
1913 - Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, president of India
1914 - Max Perutz, Austrian-born molecular biologist, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (d. 2002)
1914 - Go Seigen, Japanese Go player
1914 - Alex Shibicky, Canadian ice hockey player (d. 2005)
1918 - Florence Chadwick, swimmer (1st to swim English Channel both ways)
1918 - Abraham Pais, Dutch-born American physicist (d. 2000)
1919 - Betty Jameson, Norman OK, LPGA golfer (1947 US Women's Open)
1920 - Tina Strobos, Netherlands, physician and resistor to Nazi occupation, (d. 2012)
1921 - Charles van de Reve, slavic (Belief of Kameraden)
1921 - Daniel Gelin, Angers France, Maria Schneider's dad, actor (Obsession)
1921 - Karel van het Reve, Dutch Slavist (Comrade's Religion)
1922 - David McLean, Akron Oh, actor (Tate-Tate)
1924 - Sandy Galbraith Wilson, composer
1925 - Malcolm X, [Little], [Detroit Red], Omaha NB, founder (Black Muslims)
1925 - Guy Provost, French Canadian actor (d. 2004)
1926 - Paul Cooper, composer
1926 - Swami Kriyananda, Indian teacher and author
1928 - Anthony C B Chapman, England, sports car builder/autoracer (Formula 1)
1928 - Pol Pot, Cambodian dictator (d. 1998)
1928 - Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus Cars (d. 1982)
1929 - Harvey Cox, US theologist (Secular City)
1929 - Michael Adamis, composer
1929 - John Stroger Chicago politician
1930 - Hans Kox, composer
1930 - Lorraine Hansberry, playwright (Raisin in the Sun)
1931 - Eric Davidson, comedy scriptwriter
1931 - Ruben Radica, composer
1931 - Eric Tappy, Swiss tenor
1931 - Bob Anderson, British racing driver (d. 1967)
1932 - Alma Cogan, English singer (d. 1966)
1932 - Paul Erdman, American economist and author (d. 2007)
1932 - Claude Blanchard, Quebec comedian and actor (d. 2006)
1934 - David Sinclair, actor (Love & Hate)
1934 - James Charles Lehrer, Wichita Ks, news anchor (McNeil-Lehrer Report)
1934 - Jan Wijn, Dutch pianist
1934 - Ruskin Bond, Indian author
1935 - David Hartman, Pawtucket RI, TV personality (Good Morning America)
1935 - F R Fries, writer
1936 - Elisabeth Schwartz, Austria, pairs figure skater (Olympic-gold-1956)
1937 - Sanne Sannes, Dutch photographer
1937 - Pat Roach, English actor and wrestler (d. 2004)
1938 - James H Bilbray, (Rep-D-Nevada)
1938 - Moisés da Costa Amaral, East Timorese leader (d. 1989)
1939 - 17th earl of Pembroke, English landowner/director (Emily)
1939 - Francis R Scobee, Wash, USAF/astronaut (STS 41C, 51L-Chal disaster)
1939 - James Fox, London England, actor (Greystoke)
1939 - Nancy Kwan, Hong Kong, actress (Flower Drum Song, World of Suzie Wong)
1939 - Richard Lowe Teitelbaum, composer
1939 - Tomasz Sikorski, composer
1939 - Livio Berruti, Italian athlete
1939 - James Fox, English actor
1940 - Carlos Diegues, actor (Xica)
1940 - Frank Lorenzo, airline executive (Continental, Texas Air, Eastern)
1940 - Joan Staley, playmate (Nov, 1958)
1940 - Mickey Newbury, rocker
1940 - Jan Janssen, Dutch cyclist
1941 - Jane Brody, writer/nutritionist
1941 - Jimmy Hoffa Jr, son of Jimmy Hoffa/Teamster union leader
1941 - Marc-Antonio Consoli, composer
1941 - Nora Ephron, NY, novelist/screenwriter/director (Michael, Heartburn)
1942 - Gary Kildall, creator of CP/M
1942 - James Topping, author of CP/M
1942 - Robert Kilroy-Silk, British politician and television presenter
1944 - Peter Mayhew, British-American actor
1945 - Peter Townshend, England, rock guitarist/vocalist/composer (The Who-Tommy)
1946 - Diedre Lenihan, Atlanta Ga, actress (Wendy-Needles & Pins)
1946 - Mary Bryan, LPGA golfer
1946 - Michele Placido, Foggia Italy, actor (La Lupa, Poliziotti)
1946 - Phillip Rudd, Melbourne, rock drummer (AC/DC-Rock 'n Roll Damnation)
1946 - André the Giant, French professional wrestler (d. 1993)
1946 - Claude Lelièvre, Belgian commissioner for children's rights
1947 - Jerry Hyman, Bkln, rock singer/trombonist (Blood Sweat & Tears)
1948 - Grace Jones, [Mendoza], Spanishtown Jamacia, singer/actress (Vamp)
1948 - Jean-Pierre Haignere, France, cosmonaut (Soyuz TM-17)
1948 - Tom Scott, LA, saxophonist/bandleader (Pat Sajak Show)
1949 - Dusty Hill, rocker (ZZ Top)
1951 - Joey Ramone, [Jeffrey Hyman], lead singer of the punk rock band The Ramones (Baby I Love You)
1951 - Dick Slater, American professional wrestler
1952 - Barbara Loomis, rocker (BT Express)
1952 - Bert van Marwijk, Dutch football manager
1953 - Henry Lascelles, English grandson of princess Mary
1953 - Shavarsh Karapetyan, Soviet Armenian finswimmer
1953 - Victoria Wood, British comic actress
1953 - Dawud M. Mu'Min, American convicted murderer (d. 1997)
1954 - Rick Cerone, Newark NJ, catcher (Yankees/Red Sox/Mets/Expos)
1954 - Phil Rudd, Australian drummer (AC/DC)
1955 - Ed Whitson, pitcher (NY Yankees, SD Padres)
1955 - Pierre J Thuot, Groton Conn, Lt Cmdr USN/astronaut (STS 36, 49, 62)
1956 - Althea Gwyn, WBL center (NY Stars)
1956 - Martyn Ware, rocker (Heaven 17-Electric Dreams)
1956 - Steve Ford, actor (Young & Restless)/son of Pres Gerald Ford
1957 - Bill Laimbeer, NBA forward (Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons)
1957 - Sophia Crawford, London England, actress (Power Rangers)
1959 - Nicole Brown Simpson, Frankford Germany, Mrs OJ Simpson (murdered)
1960 - Yazz, [Yasmin Evans], London, England, singer (Fine Time)
1961 - Lisa Rathgber, Hillsboro Ill, bowler (LPBT Rookie of Year 1980)
1961 - Lisa Wagner, bowler (3-time LPBT Player of Year, Bowler of Decade)
1961 - Gregory Poirier, American screenwriter and director
1962 - Iain Harvie, Scottish rock guitarist (Nothing Ever Happens)
1963 - Rebecca Bradley, LPGA golfer
1963 - Filippo Galli, Italian footballer
1964 - Michael Dean Standly, Abilene TX, PGA golfer (1993 Freeport-McMoRan)
1965 - Edward Odumbe, cricketer (Kenyan pace bowler 1996 World Cup)
1965 - Joshua Rifkind, actor (Marshall Chronicles)
1965 - Maile Flanagan, American actress
1966 - Keith Jennings, NFL tight end (Chic Bears)
1966 - Marc Bureau, Trois Rivieres, NHL center (Montreal Canadiens)
1966 - Polly Walker, British actress
1966 - Sophia Crawford, English actress and martial artist
1967 - John Friesz, NFL quarterback (Seattle Seahawks)
1967 - Turk Wendell, Pittsfield MA, pitcher (Chicago Cubs)
1967 - Massimo Taccon, Italian painter and sculptor
1968 - James Parrish, NFL outside linebacker (Pittsburgh Steelers)
1968 - Jeanne Basone, Brubank California, wrestler (Hollywood-GLOW)
1968 - Mark Janssens, Surrey, NHL center (Hartford Whalers)
1968 - Paul Justin, NFL quarterback (Indianapolis Colts)
1969 - Cecile Ulbrich Tucker, Warren Maine, rower (Olympics-96)
1969 - David Wharton, Warminster PA, US Olympic swimmer (Olympic-silver-88)
1969 - Kevin Scott, WLAF cornerback (Scotland Claymores)
1969 - Richard Dumas, NBA forward (Phila 76ers)
1970 - Choi Kyung-Ju, South Korean professional golfer
1971 - Darryl Morrison, NFL safety (Washington Redskins)
1971 - Lori Ann Mundt, Yorkton Saskatchawan, volleyball player (Olympics-96)
1971 - Psicosis, Mexican professional wrestler
1972 - Ronald Williams, CFL running back (Winnipeg Blue Bombers)
1972 - Willie Brown, NFL/WLAF linebacker (Seattle Seahawks. Rhein Fire)
1972 - Jenny Berggren, Swedish singer (Ace of Base)
1973 - Andreas Johansson, Hofors SWE, NHL forward (Pitts, NY Islanders)
1974 - Andrew Johns, Australian rugby league footballer
1975 - London Fletcher, American football player
1975 - Masanobu Ando, Japanese actor
1975 - Pretinha, Brazilian footballer
1976 - Kevin Garnett, NBA forward (Minnesota Timberwolves)
1977 - Manuel Almúnia, Spanish footballer
1977 - Brandon Inge, American baseball player
1978 - Marcus Bent, English footballer
1979 - Barbara Nedeljakova, Slovak actress
1979 - Diego Forlán, Uruguayan footballer
1979 - Andrea Pirlo, Italian footballer
1980 - Drew Fuller, American actor/model
1980 - Tony Hackworth, English footballer
1981 - Georges St. Pierre, Mixed Martial Arts Fighter
1981 - Luciano Figueroa, Argentine footballer
1981 - Klaas-Erik Zwering, Dutch swimmer
1981 - Nate Cole, American singer
1982 - Pål Steffen Andresen, Norwegian footballer
1982 - Kevin Amankwaah, English footballer
1983 - Jessica Fox, British actress
1984 - Marcedes Lewis, American football player
1986 - Eric Lloyd, American actor
1986 - Mario Chalmers, NCAA basketball player
1987 - David Edgar, Canadian football (soccer) player
1987 - Mariano Torres, Argentine footballer
1988 - Lily Cole, English model/actress
1991 - Jordan Pruitt, American singer
Posted: May 18, 2012 (05:00:11 PM) | Updated: May 18, 2012 (06:00:12 PM)
Iranian names:
Sanaz, Mahnaz, Elnaz, Behnaz, Shanaz, Farnaz, Sharnaz (I'm not making this stuff up), Sarvenaz, Tannaz (how long can this go on???) Nazanin, and of course Nazilla (I'm told that means "cute" in Parsi). Here's more (from Google):
Shabbat Shalom / Shabbat Ba'Cher Everybody!!!!!!
Afareen Praise; also means to create
afsAneh A fairy tale
afsar Crown
afshAn To sprinkle
afsoon Charm, spell, bewitchment
aghigh (A) Name of a stone
Ahou/Ahoo Deer
akhtar Star; also name of a flower
akram (A) Honourable; great
AlAleh A flower
AnAhitA Goddess of water
anusheh/anoosheh Happy, fortunate
ArA Ornament, decoration
Arezoo Wish
arghavAn Redish Purple
armaghAn Gift
ashraf (A) Nobler or Noblest
AsA Like, similar to
asal Honey
Assieh The name of Pharoah's wife who educated Moses
Atefeh (A) Affection
atifeh (A) ???
AtoosA Name of an Iranian princess
AvA Voice,call
Avizeh A pendant
AzAdeh Free
Azin Accessories (usually jewlery)
AzitA Name of an Iranian princess
Azar Fire, 9th month of the Iranian calendar
BahAr Spring (season)
BahArak Small Spring (season)
BahAreh Someone who brings the spring (or a sprint flower)
BahAmin/BahAmeen Spring
Banafsheh A flower (Violet)
BAnou Lady
BeetA/BitA Unique
BehnAz Best coquetry
Behrokh Best face
BehbahA Best price
Bolour Crystal
Bousseh Kiss
ChalipA Cross
DaryA Sea
DelArAm Quiet-hearted
Delbar Charming, Sweetheart, heart-ravisher
Delkash Fascinating, attractive
DeenA/DinA Dinah; also means judge
DonyA World
Dorri A sparkling star glittering like a gem
EhterAm (A) Respect
ElAheh (A) Goddess
ElhAm (A) Inspiration, revelation
ElnAz ???
Fakhri (A) Glory
Farah (A) Joy, hapiness, cheerfulness
FarahnAz Joy
Farangis A female character in Shahnameh
FaribA Charming, enticing
Farideh Unique, precious
Farkhondeh Happy, joyous
Farrin Glorified
FarzAneh Wise
FarAnak A character in Shahnameh, Fereidoun's mother
FarnAz Splendid coquetry, glorious coquetry
FAtemeh (A) The name of Mohammad's daughter
Fereshteh Angel
FilA Lover
Firouzeh/Feerouzeh Turquoise
FojAn/FozhAn A loud voice or sound
Forough Brightness
ForouzAn Shining
Forouzandeh Shining
GelAreh Eyes
Ghamzeh Coquetry
GhAssedak A flower (Dandelion)
GhazAl Gazelle
GhazAleh Gazelle
Ghodsi Holy, sacred, angel
Ghoncheh Bud of the flower
Gisou/Geesou Women's hair,ringlet,tress
GitA/GuitA A kind of song
Giti/Guiti World, universe
GolbahAr Spring flower
Goli Rose-colored, rosy
GolnAr Flower of the Pomegranate tree
GolnAz Cute like a flower
GolnessA ???
Golpari ???
Golshan A flower garden
GordiA A female character in Shahnameh
Habibeh (A) Beloved
HAideh (A) Repentent
HAleh (A) Halo
Hamideh (A) Praiseworthy
Hastee/Hasti Existance
Hediyeh Gift
HengAmeh Uproar, wonder, marvel causing admiration
HodA (A) ???
HomA Phoenix, A bird from fables (symbolizes good omen)
HomeirA (A) ???
Hormat (A) Honour
Houri Fairy
ImAn (A) Faith
IrAn Iran
IrAn-dokht Daughter of Iran
Jannat (A) Paradise
Jamileh (A) Excellent talents
JavAneh Sprout, young
KatAyoun A female character in Shahnameh
KhandAn Smiling
KhAtereh Memory
Khorsheed Sun
Khojassteh Royal
KimiyA Alchemy
KobrA (A) Major
Kowkab/Kokab (A) Star, celestial body
LAdan A flower
LAleh Tulip
LeylA/LailA/LeilA (A) Nocturnal
Leily/Layly/Laily Nocturnal, one who does anything by night
LidA ???
LilA The lilac tree
Lily/Lili A flower
Mahasti The moon's being
MAhdokht Daughter of the moon
MahlaghA/MahleghA (A) Face of the moon
Maheen/Mahin Greatest
MAhrokh Whose face is like the moon, beautiful
MahkAmeh ???
MahnAz The moon's glory
Mahnoosh ???
Mahsheed Moon, moonlight
MahsA Like the moon
MahtA Moon-like
MahtAb Moonlight
Mahvash Moon-like; a beauty
Malakeh Queen
Maliheh (A) Beautiful
MAnA Alike, similar; also name of a God
MandAna Name of a princess
MAnee/MAni A painter who later claimed to be a prophet
Manizheh A legendary female character in Shahnameh
MarjAn Coral
MarjAneh Coral
Marmar Marble
Maryam/Mariam A flower (Tuberose)
Marzieh (A) Satisfactory, agreeable
Masoumeh (A) Sinless, Innocent
MastAneh Drunken (More like joyful)
Mastoureh (A) Veiled, chaste
MehrAngiz To cause affection
MehrnAz The sun's glory
Mehrnoosh ???
Mehry Sun; also Affectionate, kind
MeshiA Butter made of sheep's milk
MinA Enamel,blue glass(lapis lazuli)
Minoo Paradise, heaven
MitrA Name of a God/Goddess
MozhgAn Eyelashes
Mozhdeh Good news
MonA Name of a God
Moneer/Monir (A) Shining
Moneereh/Monireh (A) Shining
MorvAreed Pearl
NAdereh (A) Rare
Naghmeh Melody, song, tune
NahAl A young plant
NAheed/NAhid A star, the planet Venus
Nargess A flower (Narcissus )
Naseem/Nasim (A) Breeze
NastarAn A flower much like a wild rose
Nasreen/Nasrin A flower (a wild rose)
NavA Tune
Nayyer Radiant
NAzAfarin Producing delight
NAzanin Sweetheart
NAzgol Cute flower
NAzhin Name of a tree
NAzy Cute
NAzillA Cute
Negeen/Negin The precious stone on a ring or other Jewlery
NegAr Sweetheart
NegAh Look
NedA Voice,call
NeshAt (A) Joy
Niloufar A flower (Water Lily)
Niki Goodness
Nikoo/Nikou Good, Beautiful
NiyooshA A listener
Noor/Nour Light
Noushin Sweet
NoushAfarin Creator of joy
Oldooz A Persian-Azerbaijani name meaning star
Omeed/Omid Hope
Oranous One of the 9 solar plannets
Orkideh Orchid
Padideh A phenomenon
Parand Silk
Parastoo A bird (Swallow)
Paree/Pari Fairy
Pareechehr Having a face like a fairy (beautiful)
Pareerou Having a face like a fairy (beautiful)
PareesA/ParisA Like a fairy
Pareevash Fairy-faced
PareeyA
Parto Ray of light
ParvAneh Butterfly
Parvin Name of a constellation
PegAh Dawn
PeymAneh Wine cup
Peyvand A joint, a connection
Pouneh/Pooneh A flower
Poupak A kind of bird
PourAn A successor
PourAn-dokht A female character in Shahnameh
Pouri A successor
RahA Free
RanA (A) Elegant, of elegant stature
RAmesh Rest; cheerfulness
RasA Expressive
RavAn Soul, spirit
RimA/ReemA ???
ReyhAneh/RayhAneh (A) A flower
RobAbeh (A) Name of an instrument
Roshanak Small light
RoudAbeh A character in ShahnAmeh (Rostam's mother)
RoxAnA/RoksAnA light (in farsi roshanAi)
Name of a Iranian princess
the reason Alexander The Great destroyed persepolis (so they say!)
RoyA (A) Dream, vision
SabA (A) Zephyr; a gentle breeze
Sadaf (A) Sea Shell
Saeedeh (A) Happy, prosperous,lucky
Sahar (A) Dawn
SahbA Wine
SAghar Wine cup
SalmA (A) Sweetheart
SAlomeh Salomeh
Saman Jasmin
SamilA ???
Samin/Sameen (A) Precious, expensive
SamirA ???
Samireh (A) Evening entertainments
Sanam (A) Idol
SAnAz A flower
SArA (A) Sarah; also pure, excellent
(applied to gold, ambergris, musk)
SarvenAz Name of a tall, slender tree; also a beautiful woman
SAyeh Shade, Shadow
SeemA/SimA Face
SeetA/SitA ???
Sepeedeh/Sepideh Dawn (the first appearance of light in the morning)
SetAreh Star
ShAdAn Happy, joyful
ShAdee/ShAdi Happiness
Shabnam Dew
ShaghAyegh (A) A flower (Poppy)
Shahin/Shaheen Royal
ShahlA A dark-eyed woman
ShAhzAdeh Princess
ShahnAz The king's loved/favorite one
ShahrbAnou Lady of the town (good)
ShahrnAz The town's loved/favorite one
ShahrzAd City-born
Shalizeh ???
Shams Sun
SharAreh Single spark
Sheefteh Enamoured, fascinated, charmed, captivated
Shervin ???
SheydA Lovesick
SheevA/ShivA Charming
Shideh/Sheedeh Bright, luminous; the sun
ShimA ???
Shirin/Shireen Sweet; pleasant, gentle; delicate
Shirin-bAnoo Sweet lady
Sholeh Flame
Shohreh (A) Famous
Shokoufeh Blossom
Shokouh Splendour; magnificence
ShoukA A kind of deer
Simin Silvery, made of silver
Sogand Oath, Pledge
SoheilA (A) Star
SorayA Name of a constellation
SoudAbeh A legendary female character in Shahnameh
SoulmAz A Persian-Azerbaijani name meaning never wilts
Souri/Suri Red Rose
Sussan/Soussan A flower, Lily of the valley
SouzAn Burning, flaming
TAhereh (A) Pure, chaste, clean
Tahmineh A female character in Shahnameh,Rostam's wife
TalA Gold
TalAyeh (A) Golden ray of sun; also advance-guard
TannAz (A) Coquettish
TArA Star
TarAneh Song
TarsA A worshipper of fire; also a Christian
Tayyebeh (A) Good deed
TeenA/TinA Clay
ToubA/ToobA (A) Name of a tree in paradise; also excellent, best
ToucA Name of a bird (Toucan)
TourAn Name of a place in Shahnameh
VandA Wish, desire
Vida/Veeda Found, evident; also little, few
YaldA Name of the longest night of the year
YAsaman Jasmin
YAss A flower, Jasmin
YegAneh Unique, single
YektA Unique, single
ZahrA (A) Boldness
Zari Brocaded Silk
Zarrin Golden
Zarrin-dokht Golden girl
ZeebA/ZibA Beautiful
zhAleh/JAleh Dew
Zhila/JillA ???
Zohreh The planet Venus
ZoyA ???
Daily Trust shared the following link and had this to...
Posted: May 18, 2012 (02:26:02 PM)
Daily Trust shared the following link and had this to say about it:Leading top scorer for the U-20 Women National Team, Franscesca Ordega has promised to break the hearts of Congo DR in Saturday’s decisive second leg of the 2012 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier.http://soccerpress.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=911%3Acongo-cant-beat-us-ordega&catid=45%3Afalconets&Itemid=178Leading top scorer...
Daily Trust shared the following link and had this to...
Posted: May 18, 2012 (12:50:14 PM)
Daily Trust shared the following link and had this to say about it:
Leading top scorer for the U-20 Women National Team, Franscesca Ordega has promised to break the hearts of Congo DR in Saturday’s decisive second leg of the 2012 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier.
Hope Solo may have only entered the spotlight in the...
Posted: May 18, 2012 (12:22:54 PM) | Updated: May 18, 2012 (12:59:23 PM)
Hope Solo may have only entered the spotlight in the past 10 months, but in that amount of time she has proved herself to be an idiot and a whore. Of course Vogue photo-shoots and practically softcore poses for other magazines is the best way to promote women's soccer as a credible sport. I know it won't get you on the cover of ESPN, but maybe keep your mouth shut and improve your game instead, kinda like what the Japanese girls did. Remember, they're the ones that actually won the World Cup, not you.
Another fun day in Munich and another evidence that this...
Posted: May 18, 2012 (12:07:03 PM) | Updated: May 18, 2012 (12:21:50 PM)
Another fun day in Munich and another evidence that this is a small small world -
1. Walked with Dami and Suger in Munich city center (Marienplatz) and ran into a woman i met a year ago in Frankfurt during the Women's World Cup and had had a 40 minutes conversation before we went our seprate way...We recognized each other immidiatly...
2. Walked the side streets and by accident arrived at the Chelsea Hotel. Saw them arrive to the hotel...Took pictures...Frank Lampard is one of them...That was cool..
3. Said goodbye to 2 great friends that went home Sugar M. Bischoff and Damaris Gernand - Thank you for introducing Geocash to me...
WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL SOCCER FINALIZES SETTLEMENT IN LAWSUIT: League and Borislow...
Posted: May 18, 2012 (07:07:40 AM)
WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL SOCCER FINALIZES SETTLEMENT IN LAWSUIT: League and Borislow Reach Agreement
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (May 18, 2012) – Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) and magicJack owner Dan Borislow announced today that all matters and claims giving rise to the lawsuit filed in Palm Beach County have been settled by a mutual confidential agreement outside of court.
The parties, separated by differing opinions on the interpretation of the bylaws and governance of the League, have both expressed their satisfaction that a resolution has been reached that allows both WPS and Mr. Borislow to move beyond the lawsuit that bound them in court.
“In retrospect, we wish certain things had happened differently but magicJack, like all WPS teams, invested a tremendous amount of resources in and contributed to the growth and development of the women’s soccer in this country, ” said T. Fitz Johnson, Atlanta Beat Owner and WPS Chairman of the Board. "Mr. Borislow was there with magicJack when
the League was in search of a sixth team, and helped ensure the League could play the 2011 season."
The confidential settlement puts an end to a lengthy legal battle between the League’s Board of Governors and Borislow.
“I am very proud to have been a part of a group of owners who were unified and resolute in their commitment to women’s soccer,” said Dan Borislow. “While many of my ideas happened to be different from some other peoples’ ideas, we all shared a common purpose of providing these talented players with a place to play. I can honestly say one of the finest moments of my life was watching the WPS players display their talent in the 2011 Women’s World Cup with magicJack
so finely represented. I continue to be in awe of our U.S. Women’s National Team, one of the finest to represent this country, and look forward to watching them compete in the Olympics.”
Good Luck to Brock Athletes in the next week. Former...
Posted: May 18, 2012 (05:27:03 AM) | Updated: May 18, 2012 (06:11:24 AM)
Good Luck to Brock Athletes in the next week. Former Brock women's wrestlers Jessica MacDonald, Tonya Verbeek and Michelle Fazzari will be leaving Tuesday to compete at the World Cup in Japan.
Donnalee Byrne
With reference to all the areas in our country...
Posted: May 18, 2012 (05:16:02 AM) | Updated: May 18, 2012 (10:19:05 AM)
Donnalee Byrne
With reference to all the areas in our country where the current government claims not to have sufficient funds and have to either tax us more or NOT do what they are supposed to do...... check these numbers: ---- oh yes and keep in mind, people condemn me for threatening to stop paying taxes but shyte!!!!!! I think I am never ever paying taxes again!!!!!
Here follows the long list of the taxpayer’s money wasting while the poor are getting poorer every day! And the government still blames poverty on apartheid, while busy enriching themselves!:
R 2 million Refurbishing of her government house from the budget of the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development. Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane
R 570 000 Seven month stay at top hotel in Pretoria for Nonhlanhla Mkhize and her assistant who were seconded from the KZN Premier’s office to the Dept of Women, Children and People with Disabilities Former Minister of Women, Children & People with Disabilities, Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya
R 3.7 million A new ‘official residence’ for National police commissioner Bheki Cele, though several less costly official residences were available in Silverton. National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele – 15 Oct 2010
R 1.2 million Furnishing for National Commissioner's 'official residence' National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele – 15 Oct 2010
R 235 000 66 days at the 5-Star Table Bay Hotel by Minister Nathi Mthethwa and eight department officials – the Minister also stayed in the Presidential Suite for one night and four body guards in luxury rooms for four nights. Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa – 7 Oct 2009
R 2 million Prolonged stay at 5-star Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria while official residence was refurbished Minister of Communications, Roy Padayachie – see here – 22 Nov 10
R 32.4 million Over R70 million spent on the President’s 5 official residences over the last 5 years. Jacob Zuma has presided over a large portion of this expenditure since 2009, which totals a minimum of R32.4 million. This number excludes staff salaries for the 5 residences which would add millions more per year. Department of Public Works
3. Cargate - wasteful expenditure on luxury vehicles for politicians - R69 735 000
Cost Details Minister/ Department/ Entity responsible RDP Houses foregone
R 2.4 million BMW 750is (X2) at a cost of R1.1 million each plus R150 000 on extras, including items like ‘rear seat entertainment’ and a ‘sports leather steering wheel’ Dept of Communications, Minister Siphiwe Nyanda
R 1.7 million BMW 730d and Range Rover Sport TDV8 Dept of Education, Minister Angie Motshekga
R 11 million The Free State Provincial Cabinet purchased new Mercedes-Benzes for each member (11 in total) – 10 Mercedes-Benz S500s and 1 Mercendes-Benz S600 for Premier Ace Magashule Free State Provincial Cabinet
R 795 000 Mercedes-Benz S350 – with extras Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Minister Buyelwa Sonjica
R 1.4 million BMW X5 3.0d and BMW X5 Si 3.0 with R202 000 worth of extras Dept of Police, Minister Nathi Mthethwa
R 1.3 million Mercedes-Benz S250 (X2) with R150 000 worth of extras each Dept of Science and Technology, Minister Naledi Pandor
R 1 million Toyota Prada - R480 000 and BMW X5 - R550 000 North West province’s Moretele Mayor, Asnath Molekwa
R 1.1 million BMW 750i Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education
R 740 000 BMW X5 Bitou Mayor Lulama Mvimbi
R 795 000 Mercedes-Benz S350 Tina Joemat-Petterson, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
R 760 000 Mercedes-Benz E500 Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health
R 820 000 Range Rover HSE Phumulo Masualle, Eastern Cape MEC for Health
R 615 000 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Pemmy Majodina, Eastern Cape MEC for Public Works
R 770 000 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Mcebisi Jonas, Eastern Cape MEC for Finance
R 620 000 Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI Sibongile Manana, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety
R 580 000 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Dikeledi Mahlangu, Mpumalanga MEC for Health
R 700 000 Mercedes-Benz ML350 Mohlalefi Mokoena, Mpumalanga MEC for Traditional Affairs
R 845 000 BMW X5 Madala Masuku, Mpumalanga MEC for Human Settlements
R 730 000 BMW X5 Pinky Kekana, Limpopo MEC for Transport
R 880 000 BMW 740i Boitumelo Tshwene, North West MEC for Agriculture
R 900 000 BMW 735 Mahlakeng Mahlakeng, North West MEC for Public Works
R 900 000 Mercedes-Benz GL500 Desbo Sefanyetso, North West MEC for Housing
R 875 000 Mercedes-Benz GL500 Johannes Tselapedi, North West MEC for Education
R 795 000 Audi Q7 4.2 Grace Pampiri, North West MEC for Sports and Culture
R 890 000 BMW X6 Gordon Kegakilwe, North West MEC for Local Govt
R 1.5 million BMW 550is (X2) Thokozile Xasa, Deputy Minister of Tourism
R 720 000 BMW 550i Sedan Deputy Minster of Arts and Culture, Paul Matashile
R 1.6 million Mercedes Benz GL320 CDI – for Pretoria office and Audi Q7 4.2 TDI – for Cape Town office Deputy Minister of Communications, Dina Pule
R 670 000 Mercedes-Benz E350 Deputy minister of Public Enterprises Enoch Godongwana
R 900 000 BMW X5 4.8 – with extras Dept of Water and Environment Affairs Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi
R 1.2 million BMW 7 Series – with extras Minister in the Presidency, Trevor Manuel
R 575 000 BMW 530d Deputy Minister of Human Settlements
R 660 000 Volkswagen Touareg V8 4.2 Minister in the Presidency
R 750 000 Mercedes-Benz ML500 Deputy Minister Minister of Trade and Industry Ntuli
R 2.4 million Audi Q7 (X4) Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform
R 7 million Fleet of Mercedes-Benz cars including four E-class sedans Minister of Defence Lindiwe Sisulu – 2010
R 6 million Fleet of Mercedes-Benz ML 4x4s for traditional kings Eastern Cape Provincial Government
R 2 million Six Mercedes-Benz E-class cars for members of the Zulu Royal Family KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
R 850 000 Two Mitsubishi Pajero 4x4s for members of Eastern Cape House of Traditional Affairs Eastern Cape Provincial Government
R 1.1 million Three Toyota Fortuner 4x4s for executive members of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders Eastern Cape Provincial Government
R 1.2 million BMW 750i – with extras Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
R 1.4 million BMW X5 3.0d and a Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI Minister of Public Service and Administration Richard Baloyi
R 1.4 million Two BMW X5 3.0Ds Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa – 4 Aug 2009
R 1.6 million BMW 740i – with extras, and Mercedes-Benz ML500– with extras Deputy Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula
R 2.3 million Audi Q7 4.2 TDi Quattro Tiptronic, Mercedes Benz S320CDI, Two Volkswagen Toauregs (X2) Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sicelo Schiceka (and Deputy) – 30 Oct 2009
4. Partygate - wasteful expenditure on parties, conferences and other events - R160 870 000
Cost Details Minister/ Department/ Entity responsible RDP Houses foregone
R 10.6 million Inauguration party for Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Zweli Mkhize – May 2009
R 7 million Opening of the Free State legislature Dept of the Premier, the Free State Provincial Govt – June 2009
R 300 000 A ‘project launch’ celebration party Department of Rural Development and Land Reform
R 350 000 End-of-year function for 150 department officials Minister of Labour Mdladlana – Dec 2009
R 40 million National Police Day, involving the summoning of one out of every three police officers in the country to Bloemfontein. Minister has refused in parliamentary questions to confirm exact amount spent. R40m is a conservative estimate based both on figures made available to us by senior police officials. Minister of Police – Jan 2010
R 920 000 Ten SETAs threw parties to celebrate the tabling of their annual reports: BANKSETA - R 104 709 , CHIEFA - R 47 485 , FASSET - R 235 885 , FOODBEV - R 16 500 , INSETA - R 9 513 , MAPPP - R 22 681 , MQA - R 150 000 , MERSETA - R 242 251 , SERVICES SETA - R 31 000 , W&RSETA - R 58 072 , TOTAL - R 918 097 Minister of Labour – 2009
R 165 000 “Performance of Lady Salsa” - show to commemorate the establishment of bilateral relations between South Africa and Cuba. This included nearly R 20 000 of state funds spent on the bar and drinks vouchers, R 25 000 spent on the venue, and R 60 000 on purchasing tickets to the show for the 150 guests. Minister of Arts and Culture – July 2009
R 2.7 million Trips by Armscor executives to international arms exhibitions with their wives – staying at 5-star hotels and flying first class, while the SOE is in financial straits Armscor and Minister of Defence – 2009
R 2.6 million Several National Departments held unnecessary “budget vote parties”: Arts and Culture – R 223 281 , Basic Education – R 267 000 , Correctional Services – R 101 594 , Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs – R 67 768 , Energy: R 412 077 , Health (two parties) – R R65 639 , Home Affairs – R52 365 , Human Settlements – R 114 184 , International Relations – R 160 440 , Police – R 56 695 , Justice and Constitutional Development – R 24 323 , Public Service and Administration – R104 407 , Public Works – R84 240 , Science and Technology – R 33 000 , Social Development – R 180 026 , Sports & Recreation – R 105 000 , State Security – R 41 558 , Trade and Industry / Economic Development – R 43 000 , Transport – R 461 228 = R 2 597 825 Various Departments – June 2009
R 585 000 Women’s Day Celebration in Soweto which did not benefit commuters Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), Dept of Transport
R 350 000 End-of-year function for 150 department officials Jimmy Manyi, DG of Dept of Labour – Dec 2009
R 5.7 million ‘Golden handshake’ to music producer Lebo Morake to ‘walk away’ from World Cup opening and closing ceremony project City of Johannesburg – June 2010
R 300 000 Party to celebrate executive mayor Gwen Ramokgopa's State of the City address and a gala dinner at the Pretoria City Hall Tshwane Metro Council – March 2010
R 1.2 million Luncheon commemorating the re-opening of the Camden Coal Power Station, feeding 300 delegates (including President Zuma) Minister Barbara Hogan and Eskom CEO Brian Dames
R 83 million The National Youth Development Agency’s “anti-imperialism conference,” sponsored by The Presidency (R 29 million) and National Lotteries Board (R 40 million) along with smaller amounts from the DTI and Arts and Culture. NYDA, The Presidency and the Dept of Trade & Industry – 13 Dec 2010
R 2.5 million Party thrown by SASSA for Jacob Zuma using RDP funds Fezile Makiwane, head of SASSA – 17 May 2009
R 2.6 million The DPSA spent R54 million on 22 conferences during the period 1 January 2006 to 30 September 2009. Within the first few months of the Zuma administration, it had already spent R 2 576 000. Dept of Public Service and Administration
Ticketgate - wasteful expenditure on tickets to sports events and other entertainment - R196 975 000
Cost Details RDP Houses foregone
R 16.2 million World Cup Tickets: National Departments: International Relations (200 tickets) – R 10 297 500 , Science and Technology (12) – R 25 200 , Tourism (180) – R 1 127 129 , Trade and Industry (320) – R 4 738 960 , Total (712) – R 16 188 789
R 116.5 million World Cup Tickets: State Entities:
Airport Companies South Africa (170 tickets) – R 4 760 000
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (143) – R 1 400 000
CEF Group (1 224) – R 12 865 375
CSIR (20) – R 314 991
Development Bank of SA (300) – R 2 348 897
Denel (48) – R 256 000
Eskom (1 080) – R 12 273 518
GEMS (25) – R 65 400
IDC (2 734) – R 12 000 000
Mhlathuze Water Board (1 Hospitality box) – R 1 900 000
NERSA (2) – R 2 240
Onderstepoort Biological Products (12) – R 24 000
PetroSA (1000) – R 12 500 000
PRASA (4 570) – R 10 800 000
Road Accident Fund (600) – R 1 821 405
SAA (1 633) – R 22 500 000
SABC (2 190) – R 3 332 250
SAMSA (40) – R 2 226 989
SAPO (800) – R 800 000
Sentech (96) – R 1 067 325
Transnet (962) – R 13 344 209
Total (17 650) – R 116 512 597
R 12.3 million World Cup Tickets: Provinces
Eastern Cape – R 280 000
Free State – R 6.8 million
Gauteng – R 4 million
Mpumalanga – R 1.2 million
Total – R 12 280 000
R 20.7 million World Cup Tickets: Municipalities
Johannesburg – R 4.5 million (with paraphernalia)
Mangaung – R 15 million
Mbombela – R 730 000
Tshwane – R 500 000
Total – R 20 730 000
R 4.1 million World Cup Paraphernalia: National Departments
Arts & Culture – R 175,027
Cooperative Gov & Traditional Affairs – R 4,231
Defence & Military Veterans – R 22,900
Health – R 964,764
Justice & Constitutional Development – R 1,143,324
Mineral Resources – R 30,000
Police – R 386,725
Presidency – R 84,994
Public Enterprises – R 4,694
Public Works – R 166,747
Science & Technology – R 50,474
Social Development – R 11,000
Sports & Recreation – R 871,870
Transport – R 144,781
Total – R 4 061 531
R 21.3 million World Cup Paraphernalia: Public Entities
R 32 million Cost of 10% of the value of a major housing project for cancelling contract due to inadequate research prior to awarding the tender Department of Public Works
~ R 35 000 The Gauteng Commissioner of Correctional Services undertook a series of trips of little or no relevance to her mandate as Commissioner. The trips included hiring a Mercedes Benz at a cost of R2 000 per day and attending the Grahamstown Festival. Department of Correctional Services; Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
R 90 000 The North West Education Department spent about R90 000 to pamper their officials at a day spa North West Education MEC Johannes Tselapedi
R 3 million Sending a 200-strong delegation including councillors, a netball team, cultural ensemble, choir and soccer team to Lusaka to attend Zambia’s Independence Day celebrations. Mayor Zoleka Capa of OR Tambo Municipality
R 3.6 million VIP protection costing R 300 000 per month for ANC Youth League President Julius Malema from November 2009 to October 2010 South African Police Service
R 9.5 million Dedicated DoD VIP lounge at OR Tambo International Airport for use by Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, department officials and official guests. Department of Defence
R 3 million Statue of Shaka Zulu for Durban’s new King Shaka International Airport KZN Premier Zweli Mkhize
R 1.5 million Statue of an elephant that was removed because it resembled the emblem of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) eThekwini municipality
R 6.8 million 6333 traffic fines incurred by the SA diplomatic staff in London. Dept of International Relations & Cooperation
R 935 000 Paid to Queenstown education district chief education specialist Mzwandile Bula despite the latter failing to turn up to work for two years in a row Eastern Cape Education Department
R 14.9 million Rivoningo Magazine (a SAPS magazine) – 50 000 copies per quarter over 21 months, at an average cost of R37 per magazine. SAPS [see here] 15 Oct 10
R 160 000 Payment above and beyond the statutory salary of National Commissioner of Correctional Service, Tom Moyane Dept of Correctional Services [see 3 Oct 10 statement by Lennit Max]
R 11.7 million R11.7 million was spent on a “cancellation fee for reserved heads of state accommodation” for an “African Diaspora Summit”. Department of International Relations and Cooperation
R 155 000 Sponsorship of former Portfolio Committee Chair on Public Enterprises, Vytjie Mentor, on trip to China Transnet – 7 Dec 10
R 76 million Four Department of Transport Conferences – of which R 12 million was spent on “VIP shuttle services” alone Department of Transport – 10 Mar 2010
R 50 million Misappropriation of Parliamentary funds for personal expenditure on luxury homes and hotel stays Parliament – 2 Dec 2009
R 15.5 million The National Lottery, in probable contravention of the law, paid out a total of R15.5m to the Jazz Foundation of South Africa, even though the CEO of the Foundation - Mr Leabua (Oupa) Salemane - is also a member of the Lotto’s Arts and Culture Distributing Agency. Department of Trade and Industry, Minister Rob Davies
R 75 million For Presidential inauguration President Jacob Zuma – 29 April 2009
R 23.7 million For defending department against lawsuits emanating from individuals being denied services Dept of Home Affairs – 12 Oct 2010
R 20.6 million Charter flights booked by the Presidency for former President Mbeki. Revealed in DA parliamentary reply. Presidency
I can't wait to see my cousin, Shanieka Adams tomorrow with my princess cousin jaja. Thanks God that she save my neck. I gotta to luv her more than anything in this world. This friday I got to go DMV to get my new license since my old 1 is expire on my 25th birthday.
I was born in: Salt Lake City, UT
-My cellphone company is: Take all your money VERIZON
-My eye color is: hazel
-My shoe size is: 9
-My ring size is: 7
-My height is: 5'5"
-My best friend is: I don't need em'
-Xbox or ps3: PS3
-Spongebob is: a stoner sent to brainwash children
-My mom is: Charlene Berry
-Last YouTube video watched: Haystak-Next Time
- Do you have any siblings? 5
-Are your parents divorced? never married
-Are you taller than your mom? yup
-Do you play an instrument? haha None
-What did you do yesterday? went out to lunch with my boyfriend and went to the DMV
[ I Believe In... ] -Love at first sight: YES
-Luck: Yes
-Fate: NO
-Yourself? OF COURSE
-Aliens: IN SPACE OR MEXICO? HAHA
-Heaven: YES! -Hell: YES
-God: YES
-Horoscopes:YES
-Soul mates: No
-Ghosts: YES
-Gay Marriage: NO IT'S JUST WRONG!!
-War: THATS AS BAD AS GAY MARRIAGE
-Orbs: YES
-Magic: ITS FUN LOL
[ This or That ]
-Hugs or Kisses: KISSES
-Hot or cold: COLD THERES MANY WAYS TO WARM UP HAHA
-Summer or winter: SUMMER
-Autumn or Spring: SPRING
-Chocolate or vanilla: VANILLA
-Night or Day: NIGHT
-Oranges or Apples: ORANGES
-Curly or Straight hair: STRAIGHT
-McDonalds or Burger King: MCDONALDS
-Coke or Pepsi: PEPSI
-Wal-Mart or Target: TARGET ITS LESS CROWDED
-Manicure or Pedicure: BOTH HAHA
[ Here's What I Think About ]
-Gay Marriage: i THINK ITS WRONG! VERY WRONG
-Abortion: SOMETIMES YOU DON'T HAVE A CHOICE, BUT ITS VERY SAD
-Sex: WHO DOESN'T LIKE IT LOL.
-My family: ARE THE BEST IN THE WHOLE WORLD
-The future: IS A MYSTERY.
[ Last time I ]
-Hugged someone: TODAY MY BOYFRIEND
-Last time you ate: JUST NOW CHINEESE PANDA EXPRESS
-Cried in front of someone: UMMM....THE OTHER DAY
- Went to a movie theater: UMM... CAN'T MEMBER
-Got my nails done: TOO LONG AGO WANT TO GET THEM DONE AGAIN
-Went to a wedding: WHEN MY AUNT RACHAEL GOT MARRIED
-Broke a bone: UHHH... WHEN I WAS IN 2ND GRADE
-Texted: JUST A MIN AGO
[ MISC ]
-The last movie I saw: CAN'T MEMBER
-People call me: ANGIE
-My zodiac sign is: GEMINI
-The first person i talked to today was: MY OL MAN WHEN I WOKE UP!
-First time you had a crush: HAHA GOODNESS UMM.. IDK
-People that make you happy: MY OL MAN MY MOMMA AND THE REST OF MY FAMILY
-Last time I cried: WHY IS THIS ASKING ME AGAIN STUPID QUESTION
-My friends are: DON'T NEED EM'
-My computer is: HP LAPTOP
-My School: UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX ONLINE
-I lose all respect for people who: DISRESPECT MY MOMMA!!
-The movie I cried at was: DEAR JOHN
-Your hair color is: DARK BROWN
-TV show you watch: GENERAL HOSPITAL
-Favorite web site: FACEBOOK.COM
-Your dream vacation: HAWAII, JAMAICA
-My favorite celebrity is: JASON HAYSTAK MAK MILLION WINFREY!!
-Do you want children: SOMEDAY
-Ever been in love: I AM RIGHT NOW. RYAN JOHNSON
-Who's your best friend: WHY IS THIS THING ASKING THE SAME QUESTION OVER AND OVER?/
-One thing that makes you feel great is: GETTING THINGS DONE AND MY BOYFRIEND
-One person that you wish you could see right now: MY MOMMA
-Last person I got mad at: RYAN AND TYLER LOL
[ My Favorites ] -Candy: REESES
-Singer: HAYSTAK
-Clothing store: NO FEAR
-TV show: GENERAL HOSPITAL
-Movie: DEAR JOHN
-Website: FACEBOOK.COM
-Animal: PANGUIN
-Theme park: SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN
-Holiday: MY BIRTHDAY (THEN ITS ALL ABOUT ME HAHA)
-Day of the week: SATURDAY I GUESS
-Food: PIZZA AND TACO BELL LOL
-Restaurant: OLD CHICAGOS
-Comedian: KEVIN HART
-Did you answer all these truthfully? YES
I cried myself to sleep last night, just about my current life situation. I was literally hysterical, I just burst into tears and fell to the floor. It was bad.
Today, I got up and just decided to suck it up and continue living my life of seclusion as best I can, and to be patient. Well, I had an alright day. No one was home to bother me. I thought my sister had gone to the beach, because she left yesterday and never came back. My brother was off with a friend, I guess. So I had the place to myself for the first time in two weeks.
I was in my room, comfortable, feeling okay, and I heard someone come in. I thought it was my mom with her new puppy. But then my door swung open, it was my sister, "OMG!" she squealed with delight, "I got my permit today!"
I managed to bring a smile to the surface and told her it was cool. The state has changed the look of the IDs and she was able to get a little heart by her name. But inside, my heart sunk and I felt like someone had just brutally stabbed me. It is taking all I have not to burst into tears right now. I don't want them to walk in on me crying.
I am 19. Three years older than her. I do not have my license, not even a permit. I feel like the biggest loser and piece of crap in this world.
See, the thing is, she has this awesome stepmom who takes off of work and takes her places to get things she needs. All I have is two parents. One is a crackhead who doesn't have a vehicle. Another is a single mom who has to work every single day she can. There is nobody who can help me go up to the social security office to obtain my social security card and also the DMV to take my test for my permit.
So, I have had no way to get it and learn to drive. Right now I feel so numb inside, like I could literally just die.
My Morning Went Like This: wake up, mood=contempt
Get dressed, eat, go on line to find the school book that is supposed to be here, its not, maybe Feb 7th.
mood=annoyed.
Call the DMV and get the # for personal property tax bill because i don't remember receiving one in December, cannot talk to a Real person.
mood = frustrated and annoyed
Finally talk to a person get put back to the main menu.
mood= exhausted
Find out i have to tax a ton of stuff.
mood=angry.
IT HAS ONLY BEEN 2 HOURS and this is what I have to deal with. Thanks World... Thanks.
i HATE the west coast...I MISS THE EAST COAST AND I MISS MY CITY! i miss the food, i miss the people, i miss the culture, but most of all i miss the women! independent, beautiful, charming, classy, intelligent women, now dont take this the wrong way ladies you can be from anywhere in the world and be all of those things but on the east coast those arent just good attributes they are the keys to survival, atleast where im from it is. its been awhile but im coming home to see you DC...stand by DMV
Ok a review of life n the big shitty, mailman compromises my world by not bringin the mail, insurance, dmv,ebt, dr appt, loss of disability n ssi,then some idiot wit a 8dollar a hr. job decides he has authority to remove the lock on my bedroom door cause hes king of my universe,n today my dog gets hurt cause my nieghbor is mad at his mother so he kicks my dog, who is still layin under the bed injured, AND I HAVE A DISABILITY , WELL INSURANCE IS PAID,SSI REINSTATED,RECERTIFICATION FOR EBT,NEW TEMPORARY STICKER, GASTAPO FIXED ALL THINGS IN MY HOME (no charge) N I DIDNT KILL THEY LIL BASTARD NEXT DOOR (yet) All this n I wasnt wearin my superman jammies or my kryptonite ring ,IM A SURVIVOUR ,NOT A VICTIM
I'M AN INDEPENDENT, but I'm a little sick of all of the Pro-Obama posts that have hardly any evidence to them and then when people refute it they are attacked. I don't agree with all of this necessarily, but I just thought I'd even the playing field.
Let's get this straight. Obama:
1. Got Osama bin laden: Military largely planned that without much from Obama.
2. Umemployment rate 8.5%: Unemployment was 5% at his inauguration (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
3. 1.6 million jobs with "no GOP help": Most of those were part-time or temporary jobs recreated several times to inflate numbers (cite: Census jobs and Bureau of Labor Statistics)
4. 22 months of job and economic growth "with no help":The economy has been floundering and job growth really isn't occurring, not to mention that his months with GDP growth were lower on average than Bush's (US GDP - Real Growth)
5. Ended war in Iraq: I'm not giving my opinion on the war's initiation, but you should stay until the job is done. And now, we have almost no foothold in the Middle East. Iraq is strategically positioned to allow easy access to all of the Middle East and Caucasus countries. Not to mention, we're now in Afghanistan, which has since time immemorial been an incredibly dangerous and fatal place to fight.
6. DADT repeal: good, but what about his promises to legalize same-sex marriage?
7. Not one tax hike in 3 years: are you kidding? There have been over 20 substantial tax increases with Obama in office (US News & World Report, Americans for Tax Reform)
8. Brought out the racism in the GOP: Is there some racism from some members of the GOP, but this is a faulty generalization to say that it applies to the whole party. And what about the racism and hate in the Democratic Party?
9. Still carries 80% of the black vote: Why does this especially matter?
10. Same wife for 19 years with no extra-marital affairs: I'm glad he's been a good spouse and father, but again, same from 9.
11. Saved auto industry and 1.5 million jobs: You're kidding right? GM and Chrysler were having problems, but Ford and most of the other car companies were fine (Cato Institute)
12. Assisted in ousting Khaddafi: Ghadaffi was at least not actively hurting the US. Right now, all that has happened is that the middle east is in complete turmoil. That was the same situation in Iran by which the theocracy came to power.
13. Only active president to receive Nobel Peace Prize while in office: He received it barely after being elected; he hadn't had a chance to do anything while in office.
14. Mortgage modification to prevent home ownes from losing their home: The entire housing crisis was pretty much guaranteed to happen after Carter forced banks to offer extremely-risky loans to extremely-risky people. Furthermore, Obama's policies have to date largely failed. This isn't all his fault, as the market was a bubble and is going through a lot of internal problems. But he definitely hasn't done much that has actually helped it. (CNN Money and My family is in the housing industry)
15. "STILL fighting for middle class families":That's why the middle class and small business are facing the largest burden from the majority of his policies. The rich pay a lot too, and it is neither the middle class nor the upper class that receive the benefits from them. Seems like a system of legalized (although not justified) plunder. (Tax Code and IRS)
16. Reform Affordable Healthcare: So you want your healthcare run by the DMV? That sounds really inefficient to me. Not to mention, look at Canada, England, and several other states with socialized healthcare. It doesn't work. I'm not saying that the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries don't need reform, but what he did wasn't reform...it was socialization.
KICK OBAMA OUT - 2012. Repost to support!
Spent almost two hours in DMV to be told that I need proof of U.S. citizen! WTF is wrong with this world! Asked if my military I.D. is enough or maybe the Vet plates I have on my truck......nope! That means that since I was 16 I've been driving as a non U.S. citizen?????? On the card the gave me! They have people who walk in with a green card and a Visa and get a new I.D. I was born and raised and went to WAR for my country and they want proof! #$%^ PROOF!
I just found the fastest dmv in the world! However the location will not be disclosed cuz that would be real stupid of me... In my Steven A Smith voice
I hate thursdays!!!! took the kids to get frozen yougert in Edmonds!!! fun time got to take a new pic 4 my ID that was fun!!! the DMV is on top of things now I took my # wen't to the bathroom they already called my # hahaah the world is changin!!!
This is an everyman. This is the guy in front of you in line at the DMV, getting new plates for his pickup. If you happened to run across Danny Woodhead somewhere out in the real world, where, at 5-foot-8, he actually stands only one inch shorter than the average 25-year-old American male, you wouldn't give him a second glance. Especially if he were wearing the ensemble he's wearing in the Patriots' locker room after one recent practice: a floppy blue sweatshirt, a red Patriots skull cap pulled low over his head, a sprig of a chin-beard that looks like a caterpillar in need of a trim, and a wary, heavy-lidded expression that says, Hey, I'm a Division II nobody from a railroad town in Nebraska. Let's keep it that way. Talking isn't what I do. Please -- go talk to Brady.
It's only on a football field where Danny Woodhead weekly stands out as the most unlikely of highlighters, etched against a panorama of enlarged NFL humanoids. Where he regularly ducks beneath the swat of defensive linemen, a foot taller and 100 pounds heavier, to churn out a few more yards. Where blitzers don't even see him until he blocks them to the ground. Where he skirts out of the backfield, outruns a linebacker, jukes a cornerback, and gains another 10 yards.
Where, as he did on Monday night on his 50-yard shovel-pass, backbreaking scamper against the Jets, you just know New York's defenders were thinking, "This troll couldn't possibly move this fast." Or when, against the Colts a few weeks ago, a few minutes after skittering for a 36-yard touchdown, he made the tackle on the ensuing kickoff, playing special teams, flattening Brandon James the way a bowling ball on amphetamines might flatten a chipmunk on Quaaludes.
Admit it: you don't just love Danny Woodhead because he's the underdog, the little guy who grew up in a Midwestern town best known for its railroad freight yard (and the nearby Museum of the Fur Trade); was then snubbed by home state University of Nebraska despite being named the state's high school player of the year; attended a college named Chadron State with a stadium capacity of 3,000; and then went undrafted despite winning Division II's Heisman two years in a row; and was then waived by the Jets three months ago, despite, in training camp the year before, running for 158 yards and two touchdowns in an exhibition game.
No, you love him because he plays football like a grunt from the mercenary NFL of the 1940s. Balls out. Gimme your best shot. Two go in, one comes out. And it's usually Woodhead who comes out.
This year, plowing, cutting, catching and sprinting, he's averaging 5.4 yards a rush and 12 yards a reception, with four touchdowns thrown in. Like so many of Bill Belichick's no-name pickups, Woodhead is providing the no-name mortar to the big name Brady-Welker-Branch bricks in another season of Patriot overachieving supremacy. And his teammates are enjoying the show as much as we are.
"It's cool to watch him go out there, play at full speed, break tackles -- and make all these big people miss," says rookie tight end Rob Gronkowski, who, like Woodhead, has blossomed under Bill Belichick's find-a-player-to-fit-the-scheme formula. "Everyone likes watching him play. He's so quick, finds the holes. Does what he's told to do, does it right, and does it consistently."
Woodhead does it all consistently enough, with at least one spectacular head-shaking play per game, to have just been awarded a contract through 2012 that (with incentives that no one now doubts he'll meet) is worth more than $3 million -- which isn't small change for a small guy who, three months ago, with a pink slip from the Jets in hand, was driving back home with his wife to Nebraska in his '08 Tahoe. Without a job.
So is he now going to upgrade the ride?
"Nope -- no way," Woodhead says, his eyes low-lidded, his face routinely expressionless. Every now and then, his joy at being in dreamland comes through, and a smile creases his little-kid face, the grin like an explosion. You might have glimpsed it on the sideline against the Jets (four catches, 104 yards) when a teammate came by to slap his shoulder pad. You get the feeling that his high school buddies see this grin a lot, back home in North Platte, where he's just Danny Woodhead.
But trust me: We won't see the unguarded glee too much in the camera-lit near future, as Woodhead goes from anomaly to spotlight. Surrounded by media in this plush locker room (not just a locker room, but the Patriots' locker room, where the first thing rookies are shown on an indoctrination tour is the Patriot emblem, the way a rookie Egyptian pharaoh might be shown King Tut's mummy) Woodhead's face is intentionally impassive, as if to deflect any and all attention.
As if somewhere deep down he doesn't entirely trust all of this attention. As if, having nurtured his college craft playing against teams like the Colorado School of Mines Orediggers and the Washburn-Topeka Ichabods, the sudden spotlight, the sudden impulse of take-myself-too-seriously, might prove to be a Samson haircut.
"Why get a different car?," Woodhead says. "I'm tellin' you man, I'm going to be the same person I've always been."
So the sudden money means nothing?
"Unh-unh. Not at all," he says. "That's not what I'm playing for. You know what I'm sayin'? It's my job. I'm older now. And I'm married, and I need a job. The money is not something I think about. It's not something I ever want to think about. That's not what I'm about. That's not who I am."
*****
So who is he? Home-schooled until high school. One of five children of a phys-ed teacher/football coach and a stay-at-home mom in North Platte, Neb., a freight-train town that calls itself Rail City, USA. A kid whose idea of the good life outside of football is spending time with his wife, and talking to his parents and his four siblings just about every day, and getting home whenever he can for a round of golf or video games with his brothers.
"We're all pretty tight as a family," says Woodhead's mother, Annette. "We don't even look at Danny as a football player. He's our kid. Football is his job, but we look at him the way we always did -- as our son. We've told all our children their whole lives: 'Your sports do not define who you are.' That's a whole other ballgame. In sports, you can be loved today, and not tomorrow. You'd better have something more solid. So when the journey is over ... Danny will be OK.
"He's who he is, and who he was three years ago. He's a little boy playing a game he loves. I think that's why people have fallen in love with him: he's real. I think he has a good head on his shoulders. His dad's his hero. He loved growing up with a dad who's a teacher. He loves that his dad loves what he does, which is loving the classroom, and loving his kids."
"We have relationships with one another," says Mark Woodhead, the father who coached him in middle school and would regularly drive 14 hours to see Danny play, whether it be against Mesa State College or Abilene Christian. "You know, the way you develop a relationship is spending time with your kids. You didn't care if your kids are athletes. You want them to enjoy what they were doing, whether it was playing the piano or football."
As a senior at North Platte High, where Woodhead would set every record the state could come up with, Iowa, Wisconsin and Colorado invited him to their camps. But the Big Boys lay too far away, and scholarship money was a pipe dream. Nebraska? Sorry, kid: You can walk on ... as a kick returner. Truth is, despite your speed, despite your size, despite these insane numbers, you're too small.
Woodhead's brother was a junior wide receiver at Chadron State, a school named for a French fur-trapper, in the Nebraska Panhandle. Student size: 3,000. Stadium capacity? About the same, except in Danny's years, when the overflow added 1,000 more or so. Freshman year, in his first game he gained more than 300 yards. Second year, word began to travel: Who is this kid? After the third year, when he'd averaged more than 200 yards per game, he won the Harlon Hill Trophy, the Division II Heisman. By the end of his fourth year, when he won the trophy again, he'd set the alltime yardage record for the NCAA in any division.
He and his brothers twisted the football off the top of one of his Harlon Hill trophies and used the base as a stool for three-way video game tournaments. Which more or less sums up Danny Woodhead's regard for glitz.
On NFL draft weekend, Danny was happy to get a call from the Jets after the final round: Come on in, as an undrafted free agent. But he tore an ACL in his knee before the first exhibition game and sat out the year. He came back in 2009, found a place on the practice squad and got activated for a few regular-season games. He came back in 2010 -- and was waived.
"I've coached football for 28 years," says his father today, remembering the Jets' decision. "The NFL is a mystery. It's a business."
The Jets had one slot left, and two running backs on the bubble. The journeyman Woodhead, who despite weighing a solid 200 pounds, with a sprinter's speed, had played college ball against Fort Lewis, Nebraska-Kearney and Adams State. The other candidate was a running back the Jets had traded up to snag in the fourth round, a guy named Joe McKnight, who had rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a senior for USC. He was 6-feet tall. Case closed. The Jets kept McKnight, who, as Jets fans now know all too well, has turned into a forgettable bust. He failed a rookie conditioning test. At last reckoning, he'd rushed seven times for 31 yards this year.
The Woodhead kid? The Pats signed him a few weeks later. Cynics have said that Belichick picked him up to gain informational WikiLeaks insight for the Patriots' game in Week 2 against the Jets. The truth is, he flew into Boston a day before the Jets game, without having talked to anyone on the team. It was just a typical Belichick move. After trading Laurence Maroney, Belichick needed a backup third back behind Kevin Faulk and the undrafted BenJarvus Green-Ellis. When Faulk went down with a season-ending injury, the kid from Rail City stepped up -- and began to step out
"Well, I always thought that if I could get a chance, I really thought I could play at this level," Woodhead admits now, reluctant to praise himself. "I was just hoping for an opportunity. My size? Does it work against you? Maybe, maybe not. I'm not worried about whether it worked against me or for me. It maybe could have ... not going to a bigger school. But I wouldn't trade my four years in college for anything. I loved it. I met people that I'll be friends with the rest of my life. That's more important than football. They treat me like Danny, and always will. They know I'm not any different because I play in the NFL. They know it's not going to change me."
So how has he gone from a too small also-ran to a versatile almost-star? Playing against defenders twice his size? He lowers the eyelids a little more.
"Honestly, you can't do it alone," he says. "You can't do it without those other 10 guys. That's my strength. I have bigger guys on my side, too. You gotta think about that. The other people on the field. I might make a play one time, but there're 10 other guys who are helping me. It's not about one person. It's about a team, and what they can do. It so happens that maybe I had a touchdown or something like that, so I was the one who people saw, but there're 10 other people out there."
And if you continue on this path? Become an actual superstar?
"It's not going to change me," he says. "That's the truth. This is a team game. And that's what awesome about it, having everyone work together, toward a goal."
The quotes sound cliched, don't they? Scripted, robotic. Not a single word of resentment? Not an iota of ego?
"He says all the right things," says Mark Woodhead, the father, the man who flew in to see his kid seize the Colts game, the man who knows that the kid is all right. "But it has nothing to do with what he's been told. He just knows.
"I'm very proud. But you know what? I'm proud because he's a good kid. He's a citizen. What he's doing for the Patriots? Icing on the cake. I guarantee you that in North Platte, we have not erected a shrine for what he's done. He wouldn't want us to.
"Danny is one of my kids. His best friends are his two brothers. He's just another guy. We have five kids. They look for role models, like any kid. And if you have one who just loves sports, then all the more power to him."
Danny doesn't have kids yet. So when I ask him, "How do you want your kids to think of you?" he takes a second to answer. But when he does, the words have weight.
"I don't think I'm going to want them to look at me as a football player," he says. "I'll want them to look at me as their dad. This is my job. Not who I am. I don't look at my dad as a teacher or coach. I look at him as my dad. And the kind of man he is.
"I'm hoping that's something I'll be able to do. Think of me as the type of man I'm going to be. Or will be. Or was."
Tired of everything not given up i got to change my self before i can change the people around me and then that's when we all not just me can change the world; bout to change it up get my money wrk hard and GTF outta the D.M.V stamp it
' She felt sick for months with nausea then she watched her feet swell & her skin stretch; she struggled to climb stairs, she got breathless quick; she suffered many sleepless nights. She then went through excruciating pain to bring me into this world. Then, she became my nurse, my chef, my maid, my chauffeur, my biggest fan, my teacher, & my best friend. She's struggled for me, cried over me, hoped the best for me & prayed for me. I don't know what I would do without her. Most of us take our mom for granted. Re-post if you love your mom whether she is still on this earth or not.........I love my mom 2 death.... #but im mad she woke me up to drive her to da dmv. ♥
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Ok, so I'm a little sick of all of the Pro-Obama posts that have hardly any evidence to them and then when people refute it they are attacked. I don't agree with all of this necessarily, but I just thought I'd even the playing field.
Let's get this straight. Obama:
1. Got Osama bin laden: Military largely planned that without much from Obama.
2. Umemployment rate 8.5%: Unemployment was 5% at his inauguration (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
3. 1.6 million jobs with "no GOP help": Most of those were part-time or temporary jobs recreated several times to inflate numbers (cite: Census jobs and Bureau of Labor Statistics)
4. 22 months of job and economic growth "with no help":The economy has been floundering and job growth really isn't occurring, not to mention that his months with GDP growth were lower on average than Bush's (US GDP - Real Growth)
5. Ended war in Iraq: I'm not giving my opinion on the war's initiation, but you should stay until the job is done. And now, we have almost no foothold in the Middle East. Iraq is strategically positioned to allow easy access to all of the Middle East and Caucasus countries. Not to mention, we're now in Afghanistan, which has since time immemorial been an incredibly dangerous and fatal place to fight.
6. DADT repeal: good, but what about his promises to legalize same-sex marriage?
7. Not one tax hike in 3 years: are you kidding? There have been over 20 substantial tax increases with Obama in office (US News & World Report, Americans for Tax Reform)
8. Brought out the racism in the GOP: Is there some racism from some members of the GOP, but this is a faulty generalization to say that it applies to the whole party. And what about the racism and hate in the Democratic Party?
9. Still carries 80% of the black vote: Why does this especially matter?
10. Same wife for 19 years with no extra-marital affairs: I'm glad he's been a good spouse and father, but again, same from 9.
11. Saved auto industry and 1.5 million jobs: You're kidding right? GM and Chrysler were having problems, but Ford and most of the other car companies were fine (Cato Institute)
12. Assisted in ousting Khaddafi: Ghadaffi was at least not actively hurting the US. Right now, all that has happened is that the middle east is in complete turmoil. That was the same situation in Iran by which the theocracy came to power.
13. Only active president to receive Nobel Peace Prize while in office: He received it barely after being elected; he hadn't had a chance to do anything while in office.
14. Mortgage modification to prevent home ownes from losing their home: The entire housing crisis was pretty much guaranteed to happen after Carter forced banks to offer extremely-risky loans to extremely-risky people. Furthermore, Obama's policies have to date largely failed. This isn't all his fault, as the market was a bubble and is going through a lot of internal problems. But he definitely hasn't done much that has actually helped it. (CNN Money and My family is in the housing industry)
15. "STILL fighting for middle class families":That's why the middle class and small business are facing the largest burden from the majority of his policies. The rich pay a lot too, and it is neither the middle class nor the upper class that receive the benefits from them. Seems like a system of legalized (although not justified) plunder. (Tax Code and IRS)
16. Reform Affordable Healthcare: So you want your healthcare run by the DMV? That sounds really inefficient to me. Not to mention, look at Canada, England, and several other states with socialized healthcare. It doesn't work. I'm not saying that the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries don't need reform, but what he did wasn't reform...it was socialization.
KICK OBAMA OUT - 2012. Repost to support!
Today at the DMV I met a guy and we had a really amazing conversation. I feel the need to relay our topic and describe it a little bit for the benefit of everyone.
Continuous realization of a worthy idea:
When you accept the fact that you want something from this life, you should by all means be able to have it. Right? Well, mostly. If one day you wake up and think, "I want to be famous and/or have a bunch of money to buy everything I want" then why aren't you famous and rich? I'll tell you why. It's one thing to want something, we all want lots of things. If you wake up every day with that thought in your head, then that's being continuous right? Therefore, by the law of attraction, in a given time you'll be all over the internet with $$$ in your pocket for whatever you like and media in your face, right? WELL, wrong. That's only half of it. First off, the continuous realization MEANS that if you want something, and you truly want it, you'll get it. Beneath your consciousness in the now lies the levels of sub and unconsciousness. Do you actually want it to the core? Most likely someone who wakes up with that thought one day doesn't actually want to be, thus it was just a fabricated realization provoked by sudden desires or realizations of the desires by means of a fantasy which would provide them.
Now it gets more interesting...
When you DO truly want something from this life...take me for example, what I know I want from this life is music. I want to tour the world with my band(s) and play amazing shows and blow minds. When you know you want something the way I do, down to your core, within your soul, then all you're missing is the worthiness! I'm not talking about any form of religion. I'm not saying you need to be worthy as a christian would say you must be worthy to receive blessings of the lord and get into heaven, fuck that. Burn in righteous fire, mongrels.
What I mean, and what this statement means is that if you're as driven and as passionate about getting what you want then you only need to ask yourself one question. Or rather, you only need to have an honest answer for one of a few: How does my desire benefit the planet? How does what I want send positive vibes into the world? What am I doing that makes the lives of others more joyful?
I mean the list goes on, you get the idea...
Anyway I personally have a question for all of you who read this that is totally 100% related to the subject and would appreciate your honest answers:
Which color is better...red, or purple? I'm at a loss.
Look, NJ DMV lady, I know you have a thankless job and you have to deal with losers and idiots all day, but is it necessary to use such a condescending tone and look of disgust when I ask you if there's a fee for my car inspection, or what counts as an "ID point"? I don't live in your world! How am I supposed to know all your rules!?
I know who I am.. A talented tattoo artist, Wiz Khalifa head old ink my whole body I don't give a mutha fuck!! A DMV tattoo celebrity, a mother, a good friend and lover<3 The backbone of my fam(ily) and a shoulder to lean on.. A ignorant bitch with the biggest heart in the world and no1 can walk in my shoes!!!#AskAboutMe
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Person A: so, you're in a relationship ?
Person B: yes, I officially signed off ?
Person A: signed off from what ?
Person B: from the hottest single habesha in DMV .
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