Not being able to redefine Islam in the modern world is a big mistake whose price we are paying. Throughout the world it is believed that Muslims are backward, unfit for the modern world and their relevance has come to an end. Redefining Islam is not anything unique. I will give you examples of redefinition. Take for example Prophet Yusuf. Prophet Yusuf was born into a family of prophets. Many people were born into his family. He was taught about tawhid, or oneness of God, since childhood. He himself was a prophet. He was born in Canaan, a place between Palestine and Syria. Then due to some circumstances, he reached Egypt. Egypt was ruled by the family of Hyksos kings 3,500 years ago. They were all polytheists.

Prophet Yusuf received guidance through Prophets Ibrahim and Yaqub. He himself was a prophet and believed in the one God. In Egypt, he got an offer from the king for a post in the agricultural department. (12:54-55) These days the food department is rather insignificant. But in the agricultural period of the past, the sphere of agriculture was primary. The king's kingship depended on agriculture. In that period, a post in the agricultural department or food ministry was equivalent to being the Prime Minister. Prophet Yusuf was given the post of Prime Minister. If Prophet Yusuf had said that I have to fight with the king since I believe in tawhid, and I cannot make compromises with shirk or polytheism, everything would have been jeopardized. Prophet Yusuf redefined the guidance he had received from his family. He was taught that tawhid is the truth, while shirk is wrong.

Prophet Yusuf redefined this guidance for his particular situation. Only then he could avail a great opportunity. He could avail the opportunity to become the Prime Minister of a country when he didn’t challenge the political authority. Prophet Yusuf redefined his knowledge. He accepted the polytheistic king and took up a position he was offered under him. This was a case of redefinition.