Zulaikha:
Zuleikha, also written as Zulekha or Zulaykha, is a captivating character in religious narratives, particularly in the story of Yusuf (Joseph) in Egypt. Known for her exceptional beauty and unwavering pride, her story unfolds as she becomes the wife of Aziz, known as Potiphar in the Bible, upon Joseph's arrival in Egypt.
Its origins:
According to the “Dictionary of Women’s Personalities in the Qur’an” by Imad Al-Hilali, Zuleikha is the daughter of the King of Morocco, Hamous. Her mother was the sister of King Rayan bin Al-Walid, ruler of Egypt. Zuleikha was married to Aziz, a minister in Egypt who was nicknamed Al-Aziz. Her beauty and pride were unparalleled, making her a prominent figure in ancient Egyptian society. Various pronunciations and alternative names are associated with it in historical texts, such as “Zalkha”, “Rael”, “Fakka” or “Rael bint Rael”.
Zulaikha in Islamic sources:
When Joseph arrived in Egypt, his brothers threw him into a well. A passing caravan discovered him and decided to sell him as merchandise. In the end, Aziz bought it and presented it to his wife Zulekha. Aziz ordered her to honor Yusuf and make him comfortable in their home.
Joseph's temptation and loyalty
When the young prophet Joseph was brought to Potiphar's house, he was treated not as a mere slave, but with respect and kindness. Potiphar recognized Joseph's intelligence, wisdom, and insight, so he entrusted him to his wife Zuleikha to ask him to treat him well. Potiphar hoped that Joseph would benefit them and perhaps become their son. Surah Joseph, verse 21, highlights Potiphar's recognition of God's absolute authority and wisdom, even though most people do not realize it.
Joseph grew up in the house of Potiphar's dear friend for eleven years, and turned into a young man of great beauty, eloquence, courage, and knowledge. And every day, Zuleikha's fascination with Joseph deepened. Consumed by desire, she tried to seduce him, thinking he might give in to her advances. But Joseph, being a prophet and one of God's faithful servants, resisted her temptations.
Despite Zuleikha's persistent efforts, Yusuf remained steadfast in his devotion to God and rejected her advances. His integrity and moral character have clearly shone through this difficult time. In a desperate attempt to prove her false accusations, Zulekha tore Yousef's shirt from behind and falsely accused him of wrongdoing.
When Potiphar saw Joseph's torn shirt and realized the truth, he knew that his wife Zelekha had deceived him. Surah Joseph, verse 28, depicts Potiphar's confession of her deception and his famous words expressing the enormity of her betrayal.
This episode in Joseph's life is a powerful testimony to his unwavering faith and moral strength, demonstrating his ability to resist temptation even in the face of adversity. It highlights the importance of maintaining moral integrity and remaining faithful to God, regardless of the challenges we face.
Joseph's Temptation by the Women of Egypt
Zuleikha's anger flared when her deceit was exposed, but instead of seeking forgiveness for her actions, she attempted to justify herself. She organized a gathering for the noble women of Egypt, who had been gossiping about her infatuation with Joseph. The women openly discussed her obsession, saying, "The wife of Aziz is seeking to seduce her slave-boy; he has impassioned her deeply. We see her in manifest error." Upon hearing their accusations, Zuleikha decided to confront them.
In a calculated move, Zuleikha invited these women to her house and prepared a banquet for them. She gave each of them a knife and instructed them to cut fruits while she brought Joseph before them. As they beheld his beauty, the women became so entranced that they accidentally cut their own hands, exclaiming, "Perfect is Allah! This is not a man; this is none other than a noble angel."
Zuleikha, attempting to vindicate herself, pointed to Joseph, saying, "This is the one you blamed me for. I sought to seduce him, but he firmly refused. If he does not do what I order him, he shall be imprisoned, and he shall certainly be among the humiliated." Surah Yusuf, verses 30-32.
This incident showcases the extent of Joseph's attractiveness and how even noble women were captivated by his beauty. It further illustrates Zuleikha's attempt to shift the blame onto Joseph, despite his steadfastness and moral integrity in resisting her advances.
Joseph's Imprisonment and Zuleikha's Confession
When the Prophet Joseph steadfastly refused to commit the sin, Zuleikha, consumed by her desire, attempted to imprison him to force him to yield to her wishes. However, Joseph remained firm in his resolve. He said, "My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. And if You do not avert from me their plan, I might incline toward them and [thus] be of the ignorant." (Quran, Surah Yusuf, 12:33)
Joseph spent ten years in prison, enduring the separation from his family and the hardship of imprisonment. Meanwhile, Zuleikha suffered greatly from the pain of separation and her unrequited love for him. She spent her days in tears, yearning for him, which weakened her eyesight and caused her to age prematurely, robbing her of her former beauty.
Eventually, when Joseph interpreted the king of Egypt's dream, Zuleikha's innocence became apparent. She confessed, "What is the recompense for one who intended evil for your wife but that he be imprisoned or a painful punishment?" (Quran, Surah Yusuf, 12:25) Similarly, the noble women of Egypt confessed to Joseph's innocence, stating, "The wife of al-Aziz attempted to seduce her slave-boy; he inclined to her, and she spoke of him to her husband. The women said, 'The wife of al-Aziz is seeking to seduce her slave-boy; he has impassioned her deeply. We see her in manifest error.'" (Quran, Surah Yusuf, 12:25)
Upon these confessions and realizing Joseph's virtuous character, the king of Egypt released him from prison and appointed him as a high-ranking official in the kingdom. This occurred after the death of Zuleikha's husband, Potiphar, who had been deeply affected by his wife's betrayal and regretted his decision to imprison Joseph.