The Trials of Yusuf(A.S): Overcoming Temptation and Desire

The Inspiring Story of Yusuf (A.S): A Model of Piety and Self-Control

Imam Sa’adi mentions some of the difficult circumstances Yusuf faced at the time when he was being called to do zina:

Firstly; Allah has placed in man’s nature an inclination towards a woman, just like the inclination of a thirsty person towards water and that of a hungry person towards food…

Yusuf (at the time) was a young man, and the sexual desire of a young man is much stronger.

He was a bachelor.

He was a slave of the Azeez’s wife and was bought for a few dirhams. And a slave has no control over his affairs.

He was a stranger in the land; a stranger in a strange land can fulfil desires, which he is not able to fulfil in his own land and in the presence of his family and those who know him well.

The wife of the Azeez was a woman of high status and beauty; so one of these two (affairs) calls one to agree with her request.

The wife of the Azeez was not inaccessible.

She sought after Yusuf; she desired him and was infatuated with him. 

Many, many men become filled with vanity/pride when a woman (merely) waves or winks at them!

Yusuf was living in her house.

He was under her authority and would have feared being harmed for refusing to obey her in what she was calling him to.

Yusuf was safe from being exposed; because she sought after him and locked the doors.

She also appeared in her best adornment and said to Yusuf: Come on forward (to my body)!

She also threatened Yusuf with imprisonment and belittlement.

She sought the assistance of the rest of the women and Yusuf sought the assistance of Allah against them!

[Source: al-Asbaab wal A’maal Allatee Yudaa-afu Bihaa Ath-Thawaab by Imam Sa’adi (pp. 55-58)]

#SubhanAllah