Interpretation Through Reflection

(Yusuf (Joseph)) is told. It describes how he was placed in charge of Egypt’s land resources. During a time of famine, people were provided with grain through his special arrangements. At that time, his brothers came to Egypt from Canaan to collect grain. After receiving their share, they began their return journey. Then an incident occurred: officials of the royal court found a royal item in the grain loaded on the camel of Prophet Joseph’s younger brother, Benjamin. As a result, Benjamin was accused of theft and taken into custody, then handed over to Prophet Joseph. The usual interpretation of these Quranic verses is that Prophet Joseph recognized his brother Benjamin and wanted to keep him with him. But since he didn’t want to reveal his identity, he came up with a plan: when the brothers were being given their grain, he ordered that a royal drinking cup (siqayah) be secretly placed in Benjamin’s luggage. Then, as the group was about to leave with their grain, it is said—God forbid—that Prophet Joseph had the caravan stopped and their belongings searched. As planned, the royal cup was found in Benjamin’s bag. Then, again—God forbid—Joseph declared him a thief and kept him there, telling the other brothers to return home. This interpretation clearly casts doubt on the character of a prophet. But when these Quranic verses are studied more closely, it becomes clear that there is another, more accurate interpretation. In this second explanation, Prophet Joseph is shown to be completely free of blame.