Yusuf (Joseph)

52. “(Yusuf said): “That, so that he (the ‘Aziz) may know that I have not betrayed him in secret, and that Allah does not guide the device of the treacherous.””

There are two views concerning this holy verse. Some commentators claim that it is a continuation of the speech of Zulaykha, the wife of ‘Aziz. Others attribute these words to Yusuf (as).

However, when we explore the verse in depth, the latter view seems more likely to be correct, for what treason can be greater than sending an innocent man to prison for several years?

If these were the words of Zulaykha, it implies that her confession was made to remind Yusuf that she had not betrayed him in his absence and had not accused him for whatever had transpired. However, she did betray him and leveled untrue accusations against him in his presence.

If, on the other hand, these are the words of Yusuf, that he sent back the messenger of the king asking him to investigate the status of these Egyptian women, it was due to the fact that he wanted the king or the ‘Aziz to know that he had never betrayed the latter in his absence concerning his wife; for Allah does not guide traitors when they engage in their double dealing.

The verse says:

“(Yusuf said): “That, so that he (the ‘Aziz) may know that I have not betrayed him in secret, and that Allah does not guide the device of the treacherous.””

Explanations

1. A sublime person does not seek vengeance rather he searches for the truth and seeks to protect honor and respect.

2. The sign of true belief is abstaining from betraying others secretly.

3. Having evil intentions towards other people’s spouses is considered as being treacherous to their husbands themselves.

4. A traitor does not achieve his objectives and his end is not easy. Of course, once we are pure and truthful Allah does not allow the wicked to damage our reputation.

5. Yusuf (as) endeavored to draw the king’s attention to the fact that Allah’s Will and Divine Providence always play a decisive role in occurrences and events.