These Children Are the Result of Joseph and the Beautiful Zuleikha’s Love: How Many Children Did the Beloved of Egypt Have?

According to Saed News’ social affairs service, many people are interested in learning more about the story of Joseph and Zuleikha, the wives of Prophet Joseph, the names of their children, and the number of children they had. Below is reliable information about Joseph’s wives and his children.

Who Was Zuleikha?

Zuleikha was the wife of Potiphar (known as “the Aziz of Egypt”) whose story with Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him) is mentioned in the Quran. Some sources also refer to her as Zalyaḥa. (Dailami, A‘lam al-Din, 1408 AH, p. 429)

The Story of Zuleikha and Joseph

The story of Joseph and Zuleikha is narrated in parts of both the Quran and the Torah. According to the Quran, after Joseph was thrown into the well and rescued, he was sold as a slave to the Aziz of Egypt and his wife. As Joseph grew up, Zuleikha attempted to seduce him, but Joseph fled “by seeing the proof of his Lord.” Zuleikha caught him and tore his shirt. When confronted by the Aziz, both accused each other of wrongdoing. A relative of Zuleikha testified that if Joseph’s shirt was torn from the back, he was truthful, and the accusation was lifted. Eventually, Zuleikha admitted her fault and Joseph’s honesty. (Surah Yusuf)

Some commentators note that Zuleikha’s request led to Joseph being imprisoned. (Tabarsi, Majma‘ al-Bayan, Vol. 5, p. 354) After interpreting the Pharaoh’s dream and advising Egypt on the upcoming famine, Joseph attained a high position and became the Aziz of Egypt.

Marriage of Joseph and Zuleikha

Zuleikha was a beautiful, wealthy, and initially idol-worshipping woman who could not bear children with her first husband, Potiphar. (Sheikh Saduq, ‘Uyūn Akhbār al-Ridha, Vol. 2, p. 45) According to some sources, after repenting and turning to monotheism in old age, she was made young again through Joseph’s prayer and married him. (Fayz Kashani, Tafsir al-Safi, Vol. 3, p. 52)

Did Zuleikha Have Children with Joseph?

It is reported that Zuleikha bore two children with Joseph after her repentance and marriage to him. (Qurtubi, Al-Jami‘ li Ahkam al-Quran, Vol. 9, p. 214)

Names of Joseph and Zuleikha’s Children

Classical Islamic sources do not explicitly name their children. However, historical reports mention two sons: Ephraim (ancestor of Joshua, son of Nun) and Manasseh, father of Moses’ companion Khidr. (Muṭahhar ibn Tahir al-Maqdisi, Al-Bid’ wa al-Tarikh, Vol. 3, p. 69)

Joseph and Asenath’s Children

Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, was given to Joseph as a wife by the Pharaoh. (Genesis 41:45) According to Muslim historian Al-Mas‘udi, Joseph had two sons with Asenath: Ephraim and Manasseh. (Al-Mas‘udi, Athbat al-Wasiyya, 1384 AH, p. 49)

Joseph’s Daughter

In the Genesis, Menasseh or Manasseh is listed as one of Joseph’s sons. However, in the TV series Prophet Joseph, Menasseh is depicted as Joseph’s first child and a daughter, born in Egypt before Joseph’s brothers arrived.

Quranic Meaning of Joseph’s Daughter’s Name

The name Menasseh in Hebrew means “forgetful.”

• Menasseh / Menseh: A staff or walking stick. (Muntahi al-Arab, Nazim al-Atibba)

• Menasseh / Menseh: Old or ancient from anything. (Muntahi al-Arab, Nazim al-Atibba)