🕊️ Who Was Zulaikha? What Do We Know Islamically?

 

✅ Her Identity in the Qur’an:

The wife of Al-Aziz (the Egyptian minister who bought Prophet Yusuf عليه السلام) is never referred to by the name “Zulaikha” in the Qur’an nor in authentic Ahadith.

🔹 Qur’an only refers to her as:
"وَرَاوَدَتْهُ الَّتِي هُوَ فِي بَيْتِهَا عَن نَّفْسِهِ"
"And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him..."
(Surah Yusuf 12:23)

Her name “Zulaikha” comes from later historical and cultural traditions, found in Isra’iliyyat (narratives from Jewish and Christian sources, or folklore) and some Tafsir literature — which are not authentic unless they match Qur'an and Hadith.

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❗️Was She Guilty of a Sinful Act?

Yes, undeniably so, according to the clear Qur’anic verses:

• She attempted to seduce Prophet Yusuf عليه السلام.

• When he refused, she lied and blamed him.

• He was imprisoned wrongfully due to that slander.

🔹 "She said, 'What then is the recompense of one who intended evil for your wife — except that he be imprisoned or a painful punishment?'"
(Surah Yusuf 12:25)

✅ Later in the Surah, when truth was revealed, she confessed her wrongdoing:

"I sought to seduce him, but he was of the truthful."
(Surah Yusuf 12:51)

But there’s no mention anywhere in the Qur’an that she repented, embraced Islam, or later married Prophet Yusuf عليه السلام.

🧾 What About the Story of Her Becoming Young Again and Marrying Prophet Yusuf?

This part — where she:

• Becomes old,

• Regains her youth through du'a or miracle,

• Accepts Islam,

• Marries Prophet Yusuf عليه السلام —

❌ has no basis in the Qur’an or authentic Hadith.

It is found in:

• Isra’iliyyat (narratives taken from Jewish/Christian traditions),

• Some weak or fabricated historical stories,

• Sufi literature and poetry (used metaphorically or symbolically).

🟥 Islamic scholars like Ibn Kathir, while narrating the story in Tafsir Ibn Kathir, clearly say:

“There is no authentic chain to support this claim.”

Hence, believing this as fact is incorrect.

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🔍 Was She a Non-Muslim?

Yes — the people of Egypt during that time were idol-worshippers and polytheists, including the Aziz and his wife. The Qur’an doesn’t mention her embracing Islam, and without authentic evidence, we cannot assume her as a believer.

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📢 Conclusion (For Dawah & Clarity):

Dear brothers and sisters,
Let’s stick to Qur’an and Sahih Hadith when learning about Prophets and their stories. The wife of Aziz (commonly known as Zulaikha):

• Tried to seduce a Prophet of Allah — a major sin.

• Lied, blamed, and caused him unjust imprisonment.

• Confessed her sin — but no evidence of her repentance or marriage.

• Was part of a non-Muslim nation — no mention of her Islam.

🧠 So the glorified love story that circulates in some cultures has no Islamic authenticity — it is historically romanticized, not religiously factual.

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🕋 Abdullah’s Message: A Gentle but Firm Reminder

"Before you fall in love with fictional repentance and poetic tales — fall in love with the Qur’an, where truth is preserved and purified."

If someone glorifies Zulaikha, remind them:

Yusuf عليه السلام was honored not because of romance — but because of his taqwa, patience, and firm stand against sin.
That’s the true lesson of Surah Yusuf.

🌸 “This Was No Love, But Trial Dressed in Skin”

This was no love, but trial dressed in skin,
A lustful glance, a test both fierce and deep.
Yet he, the Prophet, would not fall to sin —
He chose the prison cell, his soul to keep.

They paint her soft with love that seeks return,
A flame revived, a name they raise in lore.
But where does revelation make hearts yearn
To wed a woman stained by lies before?

No verse proclaims her faith, no hadith sings
Of marriage crowned or purity regained.
Just silence — like the shadow guilt still brings,
A tale that false traditions have profaned.

O Yusuf’s strength was not in tales they weave,
But in his taqwa — purest hearts believe.