Egyptian Scholar Claims Discovery of Prophet Yusuf’s Coffin

In 2018, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo reintroduced the treasures of Yuya and Tuya for the first time since their discovery in 1905, displaying the full collection in a move that fascinated enthusiasts of Egyptian antiquities. But who were Yuya and Tuya? And why did their belongings attract such attention?

The collection replaced the artefacts of Tutankhamun, which had been transferred to the Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids. Immediately, Yuya and Tuya became the focus of speculation, especially after a theory emerged that Yuya could be none other than Prophet Yusuf (Joseph, peace be upon him), whose story is told in the Qur’an in Surah Yusuf.

A Tomb Unlike Any Other

In 1905, American excavator Theodore Davis discovered a tomb in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, located between two grand royal tombs. Archaeologists were puzzled: unlike typical Pharaohs’ graves, this tomb lacked the familiar wall paintings and inscriptions. The question arose — who was Yuya, the official buried in such an unusual setting among kings?

Research by Gaston Maspero and other Egyptologists revealed Yuya to be an influential statesman of Egypt’s 18th dynasty. He was the father-in-law of Pharaoh Thutmose IV, grandfather of the monotheistic Pharaoh Akhenaten, and a high-ranking royal advisor. Yet scholars agreed that Yuya did not appear ethnically Egyptian: his tall stature and non-Egyptian facial features stood out.

The Theory of Dr. Ahmed Osman

In 1987, Egyptian archaeologist Ahmed Osman proposed a startling theory: Yuya was in fact Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him). He presented six key pieces of evidence:

1. Unfamiliar Name: Yuya’s name was written in multiple ways (Yuya, Yuyu, Yaia, Yu Ai), suggesting Egyptians were unfamiliar with it — consistent with a foreign figure.
2. Royal Gifts: The Torah records that when Yusuf interpreted Pharaoh’s dream of the seven cows, the king rewarded him with treasures: a golden ring, a rare war chariot, and royal honours. Remarkably, Yuya’s tomb contained such items, except for the stolen ring.
3. Non-Egyptian Features: Anatomical studies confirm that Yuya’s features were non-Egyptian, unlike his wife Tuya’s. Prophet Yusuf, too, was not Egyptian and was famed for his exceptional beauty.
4. Uncorrupted Mummy: Yuya’s body showed minimal decay — unique among mummies. Islam teaches that the earth does not consume the bodies of prophets, and that they remain alive in their graves in worship, as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said. Even Yuya’s blonde hair is still visible today.
5. Absence of Pagan Inscriptions: Unlike other royal tombs filled with hieroglyphs and idol images, Yuya’s tomb was bare — consistent with a monotheist who rejected Egyptian idolatry. Prophet Yusuf was a Muslim who worshipped Allah alone, not the false gods of Egypt.
6. Royal Burial: Unlike other viziers, Yuya was buried in a royal necropolis, a status fitting for the Qur’anic “Aziz of Egypt”, whose position rivalled that of kings.

A Divisive Claim

Despite these claims, many Egyptologists reject Osman’s theory. Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s most prominent archaeologist and former Minister of Antiquities, dismissed it as unfounded speculation, noting that Yuya’s title “Father of the Pharaoh” was not unique, and that the evidence is circumstantial rather than conclusive.

Still, the debate continues, capturing both scholarly and public imagination, especially among those who reflect on the Qur’anic narrative of Prophet Yusuf.

A Related Prophetic Tradition

Islamic sources recount that Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) carried the coffin of Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) during the Exodus from Egypt. According to a narration in Sahih Ibn Hibban, Musa asked an elderly woman to guide him to Yusuf’s grave. When he promised her Paradise in return, she directed him to the coffin hidden in the Nile. By Allah’s command, the waters receded, revealing a marble casket. Musa then exhumed it and carried it with him to the Holy Land — fulfilling Allah’s command.

This narration reflects the reverence with which Prophet Yusuf’s resting place has always been regarded, and continues to inspire those who connect Egypt’s ancient history with divine revelation.

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