Inquiring of Joseph: Getting to Know a Biblical Character Through the Qur'an

The account of Joseph that is found in Genesis 37-50 is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. Its classic rags-to-riches plot explores themes that have intrigued people throughout history: murder, betrayal, sibling rivalry, greed, natural disaster, and mistaken identity. In Inquiring of Joseph, John Kaltner shows there's more than one way to tell this story--and both are worth reading. Inquiring of Joseph puts the biblical Joseph in conversation with his Qur'anic self. The Islamic text is a clear parallel to the biblical story in the events of Joseph's life, but there are some important differences between them that result in two distinct versions of the tale. This interface allows for a new understanding of the familiar biblical tradition as aspects that are often missed become more prominent and puzzling elements are seen in a new light. Chapters are "Introduction," "Joseph the Sign (Qur'an 12:1-20; Genesis 37)," "Joseph the Servant (Qur'an 12:21-34; Genesis 39:1-19)," "Joseph the Truthful One (Qur'an 12:35-53; Genesis 39:20-41:36)," "Joseph the Intelligent Custodian (Qur'an 12:54-68; Genesis 41:37-43:15)," "Joseph the Possessor of Knowledge (Qur'an 12:69-86; Genesis 43:16-44:34)," and "Joseph the Brother (Qur'an 12:87-101; Genesis 45:1-28)."