A Study of the Interpretive Traditions of the Two Sects on the Question of the Marriage of Yusuf and Zulaykhā

In the holy Quran no mention is made of the marriage of Yusuf and Zulaykhā، but in the compendiums of narrations and exegeses of the two sects there are fourteen narrations about it of which eight are mentioned in exegeses and six in books of traditions. Of course، the exegeses compared to books of narrations are much older. A survey of these narrations shows first that they have been reported in different ways. A study of the chain of evidence and the texts of these narrationsshows، moreover، that their evidence is weak and their content is also problematic. These narrations in respect of the chain of evidence are either morsal (lacking the mention of the first transmitter)، marfu'' (attributed)، maqtu'' (disconnected; with an interrupted isnad) or havebeen reported by less reliable narrators. In the texts of these narrations there are also many differences. Moreover، there are certain points in them which cannot agree with the indisputable instructions of the holy Quran. On the other hand، a look at the Scriptures shows that some part of the content of these narrations has been taken from the Scriptures which after some changes and additions have found their way in the compendiums of narrations and exegeses. One of these is that the names of the two sons of Yusuf are taken from the Torah but unlike the Torah they are ascribed to Asnat rather than to Zulaykhā. Considering the number and inclusiveness of the narrations reported by Wahab Ibn Munabih compared to other narrations، it is likely that the roots of these narrations return to him، and the narrators after him each in his own way has added some parts to them. The result is that some Muslims on this issue have referred to the people of the Book، i. e. the Jews and Christians and have been influenced by their narrations. Therefore، the validity of the narrations is suspected though the likelihood of the marriage considering it is the common points of so many narrations is not rejected.