A long time ago, in the land we now know as Egypt, there lived a man whose life was filled with great trials: Joseph, a young man of striking beauty, purity, and unshakable faith. He grew up in the home of his father, Prophet Jacob. But his brothers, jealous of his beauty and their father’s love for him, plotted against him. One day, they threw him into a deep well and told their father that a wolf had devoured him.


A passing caravan found Joseph and sold him in Egypt for a small price. He was bought by a high-ranking official, known in the Quran as the “Aziz of Egypt.” The Aziz brought Joseph to his home, and his wife, Zuleikha, soon became deeply attracted to him. Joseph’s beauty shone like light in the palace, but his heart remained devoted to God, and his eyes turned away from all impurity.


Years passed, and Zuleikha’s love for Joseph only grew stronger. One day, when the Aziz was away, she made her move. She called Joseph to her private chamber, adorned herself, and spoke enticing words, trying to seduce him. But Joseph, whose faith was like a shield against temptation, replied: “I seek refuge in God! He has honored me in this house. How could I betray Him?” Still, Zuleikha would not give up. When Joseph tried to flee, she grabbed his shirt from behind and tore it—just as the door opened and the Aziz entered.


To hide her guilt, Zuleikha accused Joseph, saying, “What should be the punishment for someone who intended evil toward your wife? Nothing but prison or severe punishment!” Joseph calmly said, “She is the one who tried to seduce me.” A wise man from Zuleikha’s family suggested a sign: “If his shirt is torn from the front, he is guilty; but if it is torn from the back, she is lying.” When the shirt was found torn from the back, the truth was clear. The Aziz turned to Zuleikha and said, “This is part of women’s cunning; indeed, your plot is great.” He asked Joseph to keep the matter secret.


But rumors spread throughout the city, and other women mocked Zuleikha. To defend herself, she invited them to a banquet, gave each a knife, and then called Joseph into the room. When they saw him, they were so stunned by his beauty that they accidentally cut their hands, exclaiming, “God forbid! This is no mere human—he is a noble angel!” Zuleikha said, “This is the man you blamed me for loving.”


Still, Joseph refused her advances and prayed: “My Lord, prison is dearer to me than what they call me to.” His prayer was answered, and he was thrown into prison for many years. Even there, Joseph remained pure and faithful. God gave him the gift of interpreting dreams, and soon his name became known among the prisoners. Years later, this very gift lifted him from the darkness of prison to a position of great power in Egypt. Yet through it all, Joseph’s heart stayed devoted to God, resisting every temptation.


The story of Joseph and Zuleikha is a tale of faith, patience, and victory of purity over desire—a timeless lesson shining from the depths of history to guide hearts seeking truth and virtue.