Tafsir Sura Yusuf Ep 6

Sunday August 30, 2020

This episode explores the tafsir of the third verse of Sura Yusuf and discuss the nature of it as "the most beautiful story". It looks at the monomyth in storytelling, also called "the hero's journey", and how it applies to the story of Yusuf (upon him be peace) as well as our own lives.

The Chiasm of the Story of Yusuf (upon him be peace):
1. Yusuf's dream --- 12. Dream fulfilled
2. Brother's plot --- 11. Yusuf's plot
3. Attempted seduction --- 10. Confession of Seduction
4. His effect on her friends --- 9. Confession of friends
5. Prison --- 8. Yusuf's release
6. The King's dream --- 7. Interpretation of the dream

The monomyth was popularized by the professor of literature Joseph Campbell. His work focused on comparative mythology and comparative religion. In 1949 he published a book entitled "The Hero With A Thousand Faces". In it he describes the 'monomyth', which is common template found in folklore and stories across multiple cultures. The grand narrative in the monomyth consists of stages, and these patterns tend to be repeated in stories and myths across cultures.

Generally, each monomyth can be divided into three acts:
  a) Departure (also separation)—this is the hero in the ordinary world who receives the call to go on    
      an adventure. He is reluctant but is helped by a mentor.
  b) Initiation—this is the journey into an unknown or special world where he faces trials, either alone 
      or with help. The hero eventually reaches ‘the innermost cave,’ or central crisis of the adventure, 
      where he must undergo ‘the ordeal’/obstacle/enemy and then gaining his reward.
  c) Return—here he returns to the ordinary world with the treasure he gained which can now be 
      used for the benefit of other. He is transformed by the adventure.