How to Tell a Beautiful Story: The Tale of Joseph in the Qur’an

In introducing the Surah (Chapter) of Joseph, the Qur’an says, “We will relate to you the most beautiful story.” What follows is a tale with suspense, drama and complex characters. The motifs of dreams, shirts and hidden objects woven throughout the narrative point to the theme of the illusory nature of the world. This is a story that requires the engagement of the imagination to understand deeper meanings, which is appropriate, as it is only by employing the faithful imagination that a believer can see himself as he truly is.