Yusha ibn Nun
Definition
Yusha ibn Nun — Joshua son of Nun — appears in the Qisas al-Anbiya' in two distinct roles: first as the young companion who accompanied Musa on the journey to find al-Khidr (referred to in the Quran as the fata, the 'young man'), and then as Musa's appointed successor who led the Children of Israel into the Holy Land after forty years of desert wandering. Ibn Kathir's treatment of Yusha emphasizes the principle that great prophetic leadership is preceded by humble service — the fata who served Musa without question became the nabi who completed what Musa had begun. His title as fata before his prophethood is, for Ibn Kathir, not incidental but instructive.
As understood in the classical tradition of Ibn Kathir and the scholars of his school.
How the scholars use Yusha ibn Nun.
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"The young man questioned Harith about his work, and Harith replied that he conceals calamities and attracts benefits. The young man was so moved by Harith's words that he fainted and remained unconscious for two days. Upon awakening, Harith gave him new garments, which the young man wore before leaving. The young man then visited al-Ma'mun, admonishing him to fear Allah. Al-Ma'mun, moved by his words, ordered his execution."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 19: The Book of Commanding Good and Forbidding Evil
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"Al-Ma'mun, moved by his words, ordered his execution. As the young man was taken away, Harith hid, and strangers buried the young man. Harith mourned him in a mosque, where he dreamt of the young man surrounded by beautiful maidens. The young man told Harith that he was among those who conceal their states and obey their Lord."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 19: The Book of Commanding Good and Forbidding Evil
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"In a narration it is said that during the time of ignorance, a man came to Mecca and stayed with Abbas ibn al-Muttalib. One day, as the sun rose high in the sky, he observed a young man approach the Kaaba, look up at the sky, and then stand facing the Kaaba. Soon a boy joined him, standing to his right, and a woman stood behind them. The young man bowed, and the others followed his actions. The man asked Abbas about this, and Abbas explained that the young man was Muhammad ibn Abdullah, his nephew. The boy was Ali ibn al-Muttalib, and the woman was Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Muhammad's wife. Abbas shared that Muhammad had been commanded by the Lord of the"
— Ibn Kathir, Volume 3 — The Sīrah: From the First Revelation to Badr
Appears in
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