Sexual Modesty of Prophets in the QuranA Comparative Study and Assessment of the Views of the Exegetes of the Two Branches of Faith

One of the most challenging and controversial issues about the infallibles (a) is the spurious argument surrounding their sexual morality, which has been raised based on the literal meaning of some verses or some narrations. The present article has analyzed various outcomes that have been presented in response to the specious arguments concerning sexual wholesomeness of the infallibles such as Prophet Yusuf (a), Suleiman (a) and the Holy Prophet of Islam, peace be upon him and his family. According to the present study, the misgiving concerning Prophet Yusuf's sexual inclination towards Zulaykha, and that of the Holy Prophet (s) towards Zainab bint Jahsh runs counter to the purport of the Quranic verses. As for the narrations concerning polygamy involving Prophet Suleiman or the Holy Prophet (s), they have been either misinterpreted or, otherwise, their marriages were only for rational purposes in accordance with the prevalent custom. Hence, other justifications such as not doing what was more preferred and spontaneous feeling of the Prophet (s) for Zainab and the intrusive thoughts without practical action and other answers about Prophet Yusuf's feeling for Zulaikha are unjustified.