Learning from Prophet Joseph: How the State Protects Its People from Crisis
Uncertain economic conditions, climate crises, and escalating wars have left society anxious about the threat of economic crises. History proves that such crises can utterly disrupt the fabric of life.
This threat can be mitigated by understanding past events, as economic crises have recurred throughout history. Humanity has faced them repeatedly, including in the life of Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him).
According to traditional sources from various religious traditions, Prophet Joseph’s life took a dramatic turn when he interpreted a king’s dream.
It is said that a king in the Middle East dreamt of seven fat cows being devoured by seven lean cows. Then, there were seven plump ears of grain and seven withered ones. The king was greatly perplexed by this dream and immediately summoned all his wise men to decipher its meaning.
Some interpreted it as a harbinger of misfortune. Others dismissed it as mere fantasy not to be taken seriously. However, Joseph offered a different view. He believed the dream pertained to economic dynamics.
He predicted a period of prosperity followed by hardship. There would come a time of great happiness when crops would flourish and livestock would thrive. But afterwards, the people would face suffering, with drought leading to a food crisis. If they endured it, happiness would return.
To the king, Joseph’s interpretation seemed the most logical, as it could apply to his own kingdom. Consequently, Joseph, who had been imprisoned, was freed and appointed as the royal treasurer—a position akin to a modern finance minister.
Joseph’s appointment as royal treasurer stemmed from his recognised capacity to manage finances. One traditional Islamic source describes him as “a person skilled in safeguarding and knowledgeable.”
Throughout his life, Joseph was known as steadfast, intelligent, and an excellent communicator. He never betrayed those who entrusted him with responsibilities. Moreover, he was adept at foreseeing future situations.
One example is his advice to the king to prepare the people for the crisis. He urged the populace to cultivate crops as usual for seven consecutive years. When harvesting, they should leave some on the stalks to allow regrowth.
Why did Joseph recommend this? Because he foresaw seven years of hardship ahead, with widespread drought. The stored produce from the previous seven years would thus save the people.
“Then after that will come seven hard years which will devour what you have stored up for them, except a little of what you have preserved,” states Surah Yusuf, verses 46 to 49.
Only then would the people enjoy happiness again, as a time of prosperity would follow.
In the contemporary context, Joseph’s journey offers valuable lessons. First, the state must select competent and trustworthy individuals to manage large sums of money. Second, the national treasurer must prepare and plan policies to address economic crises.
For instance, the treasurer could ensure domestic food production meets demand through subsidies and protections for farmers, thereby securing national food needs. Alternatively, the treasurer could regulate the economy to keep it running and support grassroots communities.
If these measures are in place, society will be somewhat protected when a crisis strikes. People will not face starvation or hardship, even as the storm of crisis hits.
Additionally, Prophet Joseph implies the importance of efficiency, or thriftiness. This is reflected in his words: “whatever you harvest, leave it on the stalks except a little for your consumption.”
Ultimately, Joseph’s opinion, backed by clear planning, yielded results. The kingdom’s economy was saved despite the crisis. The people faced difficulties but emerged from the eye of the economic storm.