Seduction plays an important thematic role in the story of Joseph. As a form of temptation, it presents a problem for the spiritual growth and righteousness of faith, and represents many of the dangers religion can protect from. In the context of both the Hebrew Bible and the Koran, seduction of Joseph works to demonstrate the emerging belief system of the young man, along with its most important facets. Coming into contact with a direct threat to his spiritual beliefs, Joseph is able to persevere, due to a combination of personal conviction and divine assistance.
However, the story itself is framed and described differently in the two sources, highlighting their varied interpretations and focus. For the Koran, the moral challenge of staying true to one’s morals is the central theme of the passages. Joseph, receiving affection from his master’s wife, remains loyal and considers adultery to be wrong. While a degree of attraction is present in their relationship to each other, Joseph remains steadfast in his denial of the woman. Helping him in this endeavor is his belief in God and the image of Jacob, which appeared before him at the time of need. Thanks to remembering Jacob, Joseph is able to resist temptation. In the Hebrew Bible, in comparison, God’s influence plays a lesser role during the confrontation itself. Joseph reasons with the master’s wife, and cites both his belief in God and loyalty to his master as grounds for refusal (39:9). Only after the man is wrongly thrown in prison does God come into prominence, helping Joseph gain favor. The Hebrew Bible paints Joseph as capable of maintaining his belief system by his own will, while the Koran places emphasis on the aid of the divine as a means of support.
Works Cited
Holy Bible. New International Version, Zondervan Publishing House, 1984.