Zulaikha in Islamic Tradition
Etymology
- Arabic: زليخاء (Zulaikha), pronounced as Zalīkhāʾ.
- Turkish: Züleyha.
- Root Meaning: The name is of Arabic origin but its roots and exact meaning remain ambiguous. It is often associated with beauty and allure because of the role Zulaikha plays in the story of Joseph (Yūsuf in Arabic).
Qur’anic Account
Zulaikha, referred to more accurately as Zalīkhāʾ (زليخاء), is a prominent figure in Islamic tradition. She is depicted as the wife of Potiphar (Qit̤fīr) and is known for her infatuation with Prophet Joseph (Yūsuf). Their story is highlighted in Surah Yusuf, the 12th chapter of the Qur’an, particularly verses 23–25. The narrative is a test of Joseph’s piety and virtue:
<p>“And she in whose house he was, conceived a passion for him, and she shut the doors and said, ‘Come hither.’ He said, ‘God keep me! Verily my lord hath given me a good home: verily the injurious shall not prosper.’ But she longed for him; and he had longed for her had he not seen a token from his Lord (the apparition of his father, who said, ‘Hereafter shall the names of thy brethren, engraved on precious stones, shine on the breast of the High Priest. Shall thine be blotted out?’). Thus we averted evil and defilement from him; verily he was one of our sincere servants.” (Qur’an 12:23-25 - Mr. Rodwell’s translation and explanations in parentheses)</p>
Scholarly Interpretations
The story of Zulaikha and Joseph is deeply analyzed by various Islamic scholars, including:
- Al-Baizawi: He identifies her as “Rāʿīl” in his commentary.
- Ibn Kathir: He explores the moral and theological implications of the narrative.
Literature and Cultural Impact
Persian Literature
The narrative has greatly influenced Islamic and Persian literature. The story of Yūsuf wa Zulaikhaʾ has been immortalized in poetry by:
- ʿAbdu ʾr-Raḥmān Jāmī: His poem has elevated Joseph to an Adonis-like figure in Eastern traditions, emphasizing themes of divine love and human integrity.
Books for Further Study
- “Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir
- “Qur’anic Stories: God, Revelation and the Audience” by Luzara El-Amin
- “And Muhammad Is His Messenger: The Veneration of the Prophet in Islamic Piety” by Annemarie Schimmel
Takeaways
- Moral Integrity: The narrative of Joseph and Zulaikha highlights the importance of virtue and moral integrity in the face of temptation.
- Divine Guidance: It underscores the theme of divine guidance and support for those who remain steadfast in their faith.
- Cultural Significance: The story’s adaptation into various forms of literature and art illustrates its enduring impact across cultures and epochs.
Conclusion
The story of Zulaikha and Joseph is not just a tale of unrequited love but a profound exploration of moral strength and divine intervention. Through this narrative, Islamic tradition teaches the importance of maintaining integrity and seeking divine assistance in the journey of life.
