Why is Joseph's father (Jacob) worried about this dream?
Note how much power Satan has in this story. Satan also will hate Joseph because of his gifts. He will seduce Joseph's brothers to do evil. As in the story of the Old Testament's "First Murder," the brothers act out of envy.
The first suggestion is murder. One of the more sensible brothers has another suggestion, which is the one that is carried out. What is that decision?
Jacob expresses fear of Joseph's fate. And the boys' response, because of what they intend to do, makes their act even more heinous. They lie to their father--before and after they act. And their father is obviously a lot smarter than they are.
What happens to Joseph? How does he end up in Egypt? What is Joseph's job in Egypt?
What does Zuleikha try to do to Joseph? How does Joseph react?
It is important to know how she tore his shirt. The people start talking about the Prince's wife. What do they say?
When Zuleikha invites these gossiping women to her house, she gives them knives and then parades Joseph out before them. How do the women react?
Note that in this version of the story it is the women who imprison Joseph.
Who are the two young men in prison with Joseph? Know about the two dreams and what each means.
The king has a dream. What is that dream? what does the dream mean?
How are women portrayed in this story? Did you notice the recurrence of the word, "cunning"?
Another thing to note is that the king's wife admits that she has done wrong.
How is it that Joseph meets up with his brothers again?
He recognizes them but they do not recognize him. He sends the brothers away with one request. What is that request?
When they return with that request, how does their father react?
Why does he want the boys to enter through two different gates?
What kind of oath does he make his sons take?
How is it that this oath is broken? What are the circumstances?
It's pretty amazing, that though the brothers have (on the surface) gotten their way in getting rid of their brother, Joseph, they remain envious:
"And he turned away from them, crying: 'Alas for Joseph!' His eyes went white with grief and he was oppressed with silent sorrow.
"His sons exclaimed: 'In God's name, will you not cease to think of Joseph until you ruin your health and die?'" (879).
Jacob also talks about the sin of despair. Despair is related to the sin of Pride. Despair means that you lack hope and that you lack faith. As Jacob says, "'Do not despair of God's spirit; none but unbelievers despair of God's spirit'" (879).
In the end, everyone is happy, in part because the brothers have done the right thing in asking for forgiveness. The Koran reminds its readers that God is merciful.
