The story of Yusuf and Zulaikha in Surah Yusuf represents a profoundly human and educational model that goes beyond a mere narrative to offer a comprehensive vision for developing psychological and moral awareness in individuals. This aligns clearly with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which place humans at the center of development. The story does not present a fleeting emotional situation; rather, it illustrates the mechanisms of unhealthy attachment, the importance of controlling desire, and the role of values in shaping balanced behavior that contributes to forming righteous individuals and stable societies.
From a psychological perspective, Zulaikha’s impulsive behavior at the beginning of the story can be understood as a case of compulsive attachment or emotional obsession, where the other person becomes a means to fill an internal void rather than a complete human partner. This type of behavior reflects low self-awareness and can lead to psychological and social imbalance, which contradicts the Good Health and Well-Being Goal of the SDGs, emphasizing the importance of emotional balance and mental health.
In contrast, Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) provides an exemplary model of strong identity and self-regulation. He faced the pressure of desire with conscious will and chose to uphold ethical values despite the high personal cost. This demonstrates the concept of self-empowerment and building a character capable of making ethical decisions, aligning with the Quality Education Goal, which focuses not only on knowledge transfer but also on fostering self-aware individuals capable of critical thinking, self-control, and responsibility.
The story also shows that mistakes do not mean permanent failure; rather, they can become a starting point for growth, as seen in Zulaikha’s eventual acknowledgment of the truth. Admitting mistakes and taking responsibility are fundamental for psychological and social reconstruction and reinforce values of justice, accountability, and integrity, intersecting with the Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Goal within the SDGs.
Through this perspective, the story emphasizes that true love is not based on possession or control, but on respect, awareness, and psychological independence. Conscious ethical behavior forms the foundation of healthy human relationships, cohesive societies, and sustainable development that begins with the individual and extends to the family and society.
Thus, the story of Yusuf and Zulaikha provides a contemporary educational lesson, affirming that true development cannot be achieved without raising awareness, regulating behavior, and instilling ethical values as essential pillars for building individuals and society.
Al-Mustaqbal University
The First University in Iraq