12:52 “This is so that he may know that I did not betray him in his absence.” The person referred to here is precisely the one mentioned earlier. Nothing therefore warrants breaking the continuity of the passage and supplying an unstated “he said” for which there is no evidence.

If it is asked: “What, then, does she mean by saying, ‘So that he may know that I did not betray him in his absence’?”

The answer is: This completes her apology; she coupled her apology with her confession. She meant: “This statement of mine, and my acknowledgment of his innocence, is so that he may know that I did not betray him by lying about him in his absence. Although I initially betrayed him to his face, he now knows that I did not betray him in his absence.” She then offered an apology for herself by saying, “And I do not absolve myself.” She went on to explain why she did not absolve herself: the soul constantly urges one towards evil.

Consider how remarkable this woman’s conduct was. She acknowledged the truth and spoke in her beloved’s defense, then offered an apology for herself. She then mentioned what had driven her to act as she did, and concluded by expressing hope for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy, acknowledging that unless He has mercy on His servant, that servant remains vulnerable to evil.

Compare this with the supposition that these are Joseph’s words, peace be upon him, considering both the wording and the meaning. Reflect on the difference between the two interpretations. It should not be considered unlikely that the woman would say this while following a polytheistic religion. Her people acknowledged the Lord, glorified and exalted be He, and His right, even though they associated others with Him. Nor should you forget what her husband said to her at the outset:

12:29 “And seek forgiveness for your sin; you have indeed been among those at fault.”

[Surah Joseph (12): Verse 101]

“My Lord, You have granted me a share of sovereignty and taught me the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and the earth, You are my Protector in this world and the Hereafter. Let me die a Muslim and join me with the righteous.” (101)

This supplication combines the acknowledgment of Allah’s oneness, submission to the Lord, an expression of utter need for Him, the renunciation of allegiance to anyone besides Him, glorified be He, and the recognition that dying as a Muslim is the highest aspiration