Qur’anic Symmetry
by Yunus Brevik
Having spent my childhood years as a Christian, I was familiar with the story of the Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him). My biblical understanding allowed me to see Yusuf’s story as one short chapter out of the pages of history. However, not until becoming Muslim did I notice the profound beauty of this story. For starters, Allah presents Yusuf’s story not as a history but rather as a means to strengthen our hearts and give us guidance. As Allah says, “Thus we relate to you, Muhammad, stories of the apostles to strengthen your heart.” (Qur’an 11:20)
It was only recently, though, that I was able to see this Surah in a whole new light. As we know, the Qur’an is miraculous. The literary excellence of this book is incredible. Surah Yusuf, amidst all its beauty, is also  symmetrically connected from beginning to end. At the beginning of this Surah we read about Yusuf’s dream and at the end we find the interpretation of Yusuf’s dream. After Yusuf’s dream comes the plot against Yusuf by his brothers. Right before the interpretation of Yusuf’s dream we read about how Yusuf’s brothers learn their lesson. The next events are the minister’s wife and the Egyptian ladies’ attempts to seduce Yusuf. Before we read about Yusuf’s brothers learning their lesson we read about the confession of the Egyptian ladies followed by the confession of the minister’s wife. After the attempts to seduce Yusuf we learn of his imprisonment and before we read about their confession we find Yusuf’s release from prison. And finally, in between all these other events, we read about the King’s dream and the interpretation of his dream.
Subhan’Allah! This is clearly one of many ways to highlight the divine nature of our book. May Allah bless us with the desire to read His book and grant us the ability to witness its overwhelming beauty. |