At any rate...

At any rate, the story of Hadrat Yusuf is the best of stories for the following reasons: A) It is the most relevant to our experience. B) It deals with the struggle against one’s innermost self which is the greatest of struggles. C) The hero of the story is Hadrat Yusuf, a youth who possesses all human virtues in himself (patience, faith, piety, modesty, wisdom, trustfulness, forgiveness and kindness). D) All persons of the story have a happy ending.

For example Yusuf attains a high political position, the brothers repent, his father regains his lost sight, the famine stricken country is saved; complains and envies are converted into the full gratification of love.

There are a number of opposites juxtaposed in this story: Departure and reunion, sorrow and joy, famine and plenty, loyalty and disloyalty, proprietor and tenant; palace and hovel, poverty and needlessness or wealth, servitude and domination; blindness and sight, chastity and making false accusations. In conclusion, these points illustrate that the Qur’an, as far as telling stories and historical narratives, has utilized the best manner to educate man.

Not only the Divine stories, but all the things of Allah are also the best /ahsan/, because: 1 – He is the Best Creator. 2 – He has sent down the Best of Books. 3 – He has produced the best of features. 4 – He has the best of religions. 5 – He provides the best of rewards. 6 – And finally, having such a background, He has demanded the best of actions from man.

Thus, ignorance is mentioned in the Qur’an signified by three forms: A- The disagreeable ignorance, like what the verse says: “But verily many among mankind are heedless of Our Signs.” [^1] B- The bearable type of ignorance and unawareness which has been referred to here: “Verily those who accuse chaste believing women unaware (of the evil) are cursed in this world and the Hereafter…” [^2] Meaning: Those who accuse pure and innocent women, who are unaware of fornication or adultery, are damned in this world and the next.